What Type of Training Is Required to Become a Home Health Aide?
If you’re searching for “what type of training is associated with being a home health aide,” you’re likely exploring a career in home care—or looking for the right caregiver for a loved one.
Home health aides (HHAs) play a critical role in helping seniors and individuals with disabilities stay safe and independent at home. Because the job involves personal care and health-related tasks, specific training and certification are required, especially in Pennsylvania.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what that training includes.
In Pennsylvania, HHAs typically complete a state-approved training program through a school, home care agency, or vocational center. These programs include:
- Classroom instruction (basic health knowledge)
- Hands-on skills training
- Supervised practical experience
Most programs total at least 75 hours, aligning with federal requirements.
A quality program teaches the essential skills needed to care for clients safely and professionally, including:
✔ Personal Care
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Mobility assistance
✔ Safety & Infection Control
- Handwashing
- Proper glove use
- Preventing falls
- Safe transfers and lifting techniques
✔ Basic Health Knowledge
- Vital signs
- Nutrition & meal preparation
- Understanding common chronic conditions
✔ Communication Skills
- Working with clients of different backgrounds
- Handling difficult situations
- Reporting changes to supervisors or nurses
✔ Emergency Procedures
- When and how to call for help
- Recognizing urgent health changes
- Basic first-aid principles
To stay certified, home health aides must complete ongoing training every year. This continuing education often covers:
- Updated safety procedures
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s care
- CPR or first aid refresher
- New caregiving best practices
Moravia Health invests heavily in continuing education to ensure every aide provides safe, compassionate, high-quality care.
Because HHAs work directly in clients’ homes, the state requires:
- Criminal background checks
- Child abuse clearances (when applicable)
- Health screenings or TB tests
These ensure families receive care from trustworthy, qualified professionals.
Many home health aides choose to add extra credentials, such as:
- CPR/First Aid certification
- Medication aide training (depending on employer)
- Specialized dementia or Alzheimer’s care training
- Home care assistant certification
These advanced skills can improve job opportunities and client outcomes.
Moravia Health’s caregivers receive:
- Comprehensive onboarding
- Ongoing in-house training
- Support from RN supervisors
- Regular skill evaluations
- Access to continuing education resources
This ensures that every aide is prepared not just to do the job—but to deliver the respectful, compassionate care Philadelphia families deserve.
Contact Moravia Health – Philadelphia
📞 Call Today: (215) 770-3333
🌐 www.moraviahealth.com
🏥 Trusted home care across Philadelphia and surrounding counties.