家庭医疗助理

所需教育

• Home Health Aides usually need at least a high school diploma or GED; however, entry-level workers can begin at age 16 in some states, and thus don’t need a diploma or GED yet
• A college degree isn’t required, but each state has its own requirements for HHA workers to meet
• Note, that federal law requires that “Medicare-certified home health agencies employ home health aides who are trained and evaluated through training programs approved by their states.”

1. Federal law also requires HHA training programs to consist of “at least 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical or clinical training and 12 hours of continuing education per each 12-month period”

• HHAs who work for non-Medicare-certified agencies (or who are employed privately by a person or family) may have less formal requirements, but it depends on the state and employer

1. Agencies offering medical services have stricter requirements

• Some states may require more than the federal-mandated 75 hours of training (for Medicare-certified agency work)

1. For example, California requires 120 hours—the minimum level recommended by the Institute of Medicine—for HHA state certification. 
   Those who already have an active Certified Nursing Assistant certificate would only need to complete a 40-hour hour
2. Check out PHI’s HHA Training Requirements by State list to learn more
3. Programs may need to be accredited by the Joint Commission or the Community Health Accreditation Program. Check your specific state’s or desired employer’s requirements!

• In addition, workers may need to pass a criminal background check
• HHA training programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and sometimes through licensed home healthcare agencies. 
  Instructors may include registered nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists, and social workers
• Programs include both classroom instruction and practical hands-on training. Common course topics include:

1. Basic caregiving skills
2. Common medical conditions
3. First aid and CPR
4. 感染控制
5. Nutrition and meal preparation
6. Patient rights and ethics
7. Personal hygiene care
8. Safe transfer techniques and basic mobility assistance

• Training can last from a few weeks to many months. Some states require HHAs to pass a competency exam to become certified
• In addition to formal training, on-the-job training is common to learn about unique clients needs
• Optional certifications include:

1. 美国伤口管理委员会 -认证伤口护理助理
2. American Council on Exercise - Functional Training Specialty Certification
3. Board of Medical Specialty Coding and Compliance - Home Care Coding Specialist
4. 国家能力测试中心 - 国家认证病人护理技师    
5. 阿尔茨海默氏症护理国家认证委员会 -阿尔茨海默氏症护理员认证
6. National Council of State Boards of Nursing - Medication Aide Certification    
7. National Healthcareer Association - Patient Care Technician/Assistant
8. Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America - Assistive Technology Professional

HHA training programs are available at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, and licensed home healthcare agencies.

• 查看您计划工作所在州的确切培训和认证/执照要求。
• Consider tuition costs, discounts, scholarships, and course delivery options (on-campus, online, or hybrid program).
• 寻找声誉卓著、州认证考试通过率高的认证课程。
• Review the available options for hands-on training in local settings.
• Check out online reviews from previous students, and browse online forums to ask questions and get advice. If the program is offered by a for-profit school, look it up on the Better Business Bureau’s site to see if there’ve been any major complaints
• 考虑课程的持续时间和课时安排的灵活性，尤其是在兼顾其他任务的情况下。

• Volunteer at community centers, nursing homes, disabled veterans centers, special needs camps, or healthcare settings to gain exposure and pick up practical skills
• Engage in a good exercise program to build strength and stamina
• Take classes in high school related to anatomy, physiology, biology, health sciences, nutrition, home economics, and first aid
• Join health-related clubs in school to learn and network
• Earn good grades so you can get accepted into a suitable HHA training program
• Participate in school activities where you can hone your soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, project management, and time management
• Consider learning a second language such as Spanish
• Knock out your first aid and CPR courses  
• Think about the format you want to take classes in. Some topics are fine for online study, but others need to be learned in person
• Research the HHA certification requirements for your state. Keep in mind that you may have to pass a criminal background check
• Request an informational interview with a working Home Health Aide to learn about their duties
• 查看有关该职业领域的在线文章和视频、您可以在其中工作的各种环境以及您可能希望获得的额外认证！
• 保存一份可作为未来工作推荐人的联系人名单（附电话号码或电子邮件）。
• 保留简历的工作草稿，并随着经验的积累不断更新