Curriculum for a Home Health Aide

Home health aides are often certified nursing assistants, though in most states they don't have to be certified unless they receive reimbursement for their services from Medicaid or Medicare. They provide health care services to patients in their own homes, helping with things like personal hygiene, ambulation and meals. They may also perform light housekeeping services.

Length of Program

• To become a certified nursing assistant, federal regulations require a training program that is at least 75 hours. Some schools offer longer programs. If home health aides get on-the-job training from employers, the length of training may be shorter.

Subjects Covered

• Home health aides need to study the same subjects certified nursing assistants study, such as basic anatomy and physiology, the normal aging process, basic nutrition, body mechanics and ethics. They learn to monitor vital signs, assist patients with personal care, transfer patients from bed to wheelchair and safely assist patients with ambulation. They also learn to document the care they provide in patients' records.

Clinical Work Experience

• The curriculum usually includes some clinical work experience. Home health aides practice caring for actual patients under the supervision of registered nurses, certified nursing assistants or experienced home health aides.