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CNA HHA Training

Posted by jonathankoenig | January 22, 2011 | Uncategorized

A certified nurse aide, or a CNA, helps a nurse while performing daily medical tasks in a medical environment. A home health aide or an HHA, is essentially the same thing though, they work in the home of the patient instead of a hospital or clinic. There are slightly different requirements for each one. Requirements will vary from state to state although, the most basic of requirements are set out by federal laws and must be met in every state regardless of their own state laws. Becoming a CNA or HHA requires a number of study hours spent in a classroom, a number of hours spent through hands on training and the passing of a state nursing exam. The CNA/ HHA training program has to be approved by the state’s health department or nurse registry in order to be valid. Testing is done through an approved administration site as well. There is currently a great need for CNA’s and HHA’s throughout the country due to nurse shortages. Entering into one of these great careers is simple, beneficial and can be very entertaining as well. Taking the time to get both your CNA and HHA certification will provide you with the choice to work either in a hospital or home setting.

In order to begin your career as a CNA or HHA, you should have a clear background record and be ready to prove it by giving a fingerprint test at the local FBI station. After which, you can apply with any of the approved training programs. You do not need to have a diploma or GED as according to law however, some schools will still ask when you are enrolled. Furthermore, age requirements will vary with each state and school as well. You should also expect to take a health exam and be up to date on all required health shots/records. The training program for the CNA certification requires a federal minimum of 75 hours in studies. In addition to this, your state will likely require extra hours. This includes both class and hands on training which, are both required for certification. For an HHA, you would simply need to attend an additional 40 hours or more of studying depending on your state requirements.

Course studies typically provided during training for a CNA/HHA position include patient care and nurse assistant basics. They will cover a range of subjects from patient hygiene to patient privacy and even working under a registered nurse supervisor.

Once you have finished your training courses, you will be allowed to attempt the CNA state exam for your certification. Many exams are offered through the Red Cross though, you will have to check with your local nurse register to get a current list of approved testing sites in your area. The exam is typically from 60 to 75 multiple choice questions related to what you learned in your training and has both a written and physical demonstration portion that must be passed in order to earn certification. Upon passing the exam, you may receive a certificate in some states otherwise, you will simply be placed on the nurse register aide. You may need to apply for admission to the register.

The average CNA salary in the United States is reported to be between $19,000 and $27,000 a year. Having the additional HHA credentials however, can increase this pay even more. The average HHA is told to make between $24k and $29k a year. Both positions have very positive outlooks and are expected to increase by more than 30% over the next 5 years according to national labor records.

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