Career roadmap
How to Become a Home Health Aide
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a home health aide, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a home health aide: (1) meet basic requirements, (2) complete home health aide training, (3) pass the competency evaluation, (4) get hired by an agency, (5) grow your career. Most people need about 2–6 weeks. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a home health aide
Meet basic requirements
Most agencies want applicants 18 or older with a high school diploma, a driver’s license and a clean background check.
Complete home health aide training
Finish a state-approved program of at least 75 hours, including supervised hands-on practice.
Pass the competency evaluation
Demonstrate skills such as transfers, bathing and taking vital signs.
Get hired by an agency
Home health, hospice and private-duty agencies hire year-round, often with paid orientation.
Grow your career
Add CNA, medication aide or dementia care credentials, or train as an LPN or RN.
Education and training requirements
Most aides have a high school diploma. Aides employed by Medicare- or Medicaid-certified home health agencies must complete at least 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised practical training, and pass a competency evaluation. Personal care aide rules vary by state.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | 2–6 weeks |
Certifications and licenses
- Home health aide certificate: Completion of a state-approved program of at least 75 hours plus a competency evaluation.
- CPR and first aid: Often required by agencies before you see clients.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): A state credential that broadens job options and usually raises pay.
- Dementia care training: Specialized training for clients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Skills to build now
Start with personal care and hygiene assistance, safe transfers and fall prevention, and vital signs measurement, and practice compassion and patience and dependability. Learning the home health aide vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Home Health Aide: Provide personal care in clients’ homes.
- Certified Nursing Assistant or Medication Aide: Add credentials and take on more complex clients and settings.
- Care Coordinator or Scheduler: Match aides with clients and manage schedules for an agency.
- LPN, RN or Agency Owner: Continue into nursing or open a home care business.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Home Health Aide training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
How long does it take to become a home health aide?
Many programs take two to six weeks. Federal rules require at least 75 hours of training for aides at certified agencies.
How long does it take to become a home health aide?
Most people need about 2–6 weeks of training. Most aides have a high school diploma. Aides employed by Medicare- or Medicaid-certified home health agencies must complete at least 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised practical training, and pass a competency evaluation. Personal care aide rules vary by state.
Do you need a degree to be a home health aide?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
What certifications are available for home health aides?
Common credentials include Home health aide certificate, CPR and first aid, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Dementia care training. Aides who work for Medicare- or Medicaid-certified home health agencies must complete at least 75 hours of training and pass a competency evaluation. Some states require more hours or list aides on a state registry.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 31-1120 (Home health and personal care aides).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Home health and personal care aides (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.