How to Become a Licensed Elderly Care Provider in the State of Florida

Home Health Aides (HHA) and Nursing Assistants (NA) are needed to assist people entering their senior years. HHAs and NAs are the certifications that must be obtained to become an Elderly Care Provider in the state of Florida. These care providers offer personal care and companionship for the elderly, and also ensure their safety.

Instructions

Home Health Aides

• 1

  Register for the Home Health Aide (HHA) Training Program in the state of Florida. Both Seminole State College and Lindsey Hopkins Technical Education Center are Florida-based options for certification. Seminole State requires a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) prerequisite in order to apply to the Home Health Aide program. Certified HHA programs teach students to administer emotional and physical comfort to patients while helping them to maintain independence. Programs cover communication, ethics, nutrition, development and personal care. Aides are taught to administer emergency care, including CPR and first aid.

• 2

  Complete seventy-five hours of classroom and hands-on training (lecture and clinical practicum) and pass the competency exam. Full certification in Florida requires a minimum of 75 hours of supervised training. Your school or program of choice will mandate this supervised training and will administer a competency exam that must be passed for successful completion of the program.

• 3

  Complete two hours of HIV/AIDS training and complete and receive a valid CPR certification. CPR and HIV/AIDS training can be secured through community college, accredited universities and adult education programs.

• 4

  Pass the licensing examination. You may register for the exam through the Florida Center for Health Information and Policy or the Florida Department of Health. Upon registration, you will be supplied with a test date and location.

Elderly Care Certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant

• 5

  Register for a Nursing Assistant program in Florida. A complete list of programs is available on the Florida State Board of Nursing website.

• 6

  Complete classroom hours, assignments and exams as outlined by your program of choice. Regardless of the educational program you select through the Florida State Board of Nursing, you will be required to complete a minimum of 75 hours of supervised training. Most of the programs last between 6 and 12 weeks, plus practicum hours and a final exam.

• 7

  Complete the CPR certification which will be provided by your Florida educational program of choice. You may also obtain a CPR certification on your own through an adult education program in your county in Florida.

• 8

  Pass the licensing examination. You can select and register for the exam through the Florida Center for Health Information and Policy. Upon doing so, you will be supplied with a test date and location.

• 9

  Keep copies of your certifications and a detailed resume on hand for prospective employers, including home health agencies, nursing homes, hospitals and private residences.