What You Need to Know About Becoming a Home Health Aide in NYC

Home Health Aide is a fast-growing career in New York City and across North America. Becoming an HHA is easier than becoming a nurse. Home Health Aides can also unlock other health care employment opportunities through experience and education.

A Home Health Aide takes care of people who need assistance living in their own homes. HHAs typically work with seniors for those with disabilities. They help their clients like bathing, making food, running errands, and other daily tasks.

Being able to handle bodily functions and illness is definitely a must. Having compassion and patients are other key traits of a good Home Health Aide.

Most HAAs in NYC are getting $10 or more per hour and receive benefits like health insurance. You can expect to work a variety of shift work ranging from mornings and evenings throughout the week and on weekends.

If you are looking for an entry-level employment opportunity in the healthcare field and you like working with different types of people, becoming a Home Health Aide might be your next best move.

Reasons to be an HHA in New York

Fun fact: New York employs the most home health aides in the US! One of the most lucrative reasons to become an HHA is because there’s not much training or educational prerequisites to get certified.

When you become a Home Health Aide in NYC, you’re opening up the doors to opportunity, stability, and prosperity. You can jumpstart a career in the healthcare industry with some time and continuing education.

When it comes to job security, you’re golden. The state of NY hires just under 20 HHAs out of every 1000 people.

In some states, you don’t even need a high school diploma to become a home health aide. In New York, a Home Health Aide takes home around $25,000 annually. 

According to the New York State Department of Labor, there will be over 10,000 job openings for HHAs annually from 2014-2024.

NYC’s Newest Category of Home Health Aide

In 2016 the state of New York created a new area of Home Health aide. It’s called the Advanced Home Health Aide (AHHA). An Advanced Home Health Aide is trained and monitored by an RN (Registered Nurse). They are able to take on tasks that are typically performed by an LPN or RN. 

The aim of this new category is to get care into the homes of New York residents who need it. Advanced Home Health Aides are allowed to administer medications like pills, insulin, and drops. You will receive training and be monitored by an RN, which is a great way to receive hands-on education and experience.

Home Health Aide Requirements

Before applying for HHA training you should meet the requirements set out by the state of New York. While it is up to you to do your due diligence, here are some of the basic requirements that need to be met.

• Must be able to understand and carry out directions
• You have to be able to read and write with a minimum of an eighth-grade reading level
• Must be 18 or older and should be mentally stable, emotionally competent, and mature
• Shouldn’t’ be addicted or reliant on alcohol or other substances like narcotics and stimulants.

Simple Steps to Become a Home Health Aide in NYC

It’s relatively simple to become an HHA in New York. First, understand the training requirements outlined by the state of New York. 

Next, review the contents of the HHA training. There’s going to be an exam, so make sure you study! Once you pass the HHA Competency Exam, you can get your certificate.

If you want to stand out against other HHAs when searching for employment, gain more skills. Having additional certificates like your CPR, or taking lessons that further your medical knowledge is a huge plus.

Always continue learning and educating yourself. Being a Home Health Aid is a great first step in working in the healthcare industry. Transitioning to a Medical Assistant or working your way to becoming an NLP.

Free Training

There are schools and institutions that offer free HHA training that meet both Federal and state rules. Any HHA training you are considering in NYC must be in accordance with Part 484 of Title 42 of Federal regulations, and the New York Code Rules and Regulations section 700.2.

Good news for you, there are several schools that offer free HHA training that meets the requirements. Why? Because in order for the New York State Department to approve a home health aide training program, it must be free.

That’s right folks! Insider information: Home Health Aide training in NYC is tuition-free!

However, if you’re taking an HHA program that the State of New York Education Department approves, you might have to pay a tuition fee.

The best place to look for free HHA training is at home health agencies. Because there is an extreme shortage of HHAs working, and they need employees, they are happy to train you.

Medicare-certified home health agencies cannot hire home health aides that aren’t certified. So, it’s in their best interest to enhance your education.

In Summary

So, why should you become a home health aide in NYC? Job stability, medical career advancement, and improving the lives of those who are in need are only a few reasons that come to mind.

If you’ve got a passion for helping others, a willingness to learn, and you meet the requirements set out by the state of New York, there’s really nothing holding you back from a rewarding profession.

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