Career guide

How to become a Home Health Aide

Help older adults and people with disabilities live safely at home with personal care, light housekeeping and companionship.

Training time
Federal minimum 75 hours for Medicare-certified agencies; some states require more
Certification
Competency evaluation (written and skills); some states keep a registry
Median pay
$35,800 per year
BLS, May 2025 · home health & personal care aides
Where you'll work
Clients' homes, home health agencies, hospice
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What a Home Health Aide does

  • Help clients bathe, dress, eat and move safely
  • Check vital signs when trained to
  • Keep the home safe and clean
  • Report changes in a client's health to the nurse or family

Steps to get started

  1. Pick a state-approved or accredited program. Check your state's requirements first; they differ.
  2. Complete classroom (often online) and hands-on training.
  3. Pass the certification exam: Competency evaluation (written and skills); some states keep a registry.
  4. Apply for jobs. Many employers hire right out of training.

See requirements by state.

Where it can lead

Many home health aides go on to become CNAs, medication aides or nurses.

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Other short healthcare programs