The Home Health Aide (HHA) job outlook looks positive, but you’ll have to pass the HHA exam before you can start working in the field. If you are looking for ways to improve your chances of success, here are a few tips:
1. Find an HHA Agency
To get started in your new career, you’ll need to find a home health aide agency. These agencies are often funded by Medicaid / Medicare, so they’ll have the resources to pay for your training and certification.
You’ll want to make sure that they are accredited by the state and have a curriculum approved by your state. This will help ensure that you’ll be able to pass your training and certification exams.
2. Ask About Their Free Training Programs
Many companies offer free training programs for new home health aides. These programs are designed to prepare you to take your state’s exam.
A good quality training program should include a comprehensive review of the job skills and topics that you need to know for your HHA certification. They may also have study guides and the HHA test practice that can help you prepare for the exam.
- Check Their Calendar to Determine When You’ll Need To Prepare
It’s crucial to plan your time well in advance so you don’t miss any deadlines or end up missing the exam. This can make or break your chance of passing the HHA exam.
4. Map Out Your Study Schedule
Whether you have an hour each day or several hours each week, it’s important to have a study schedule. It should be a routine that you follow, and it should also have reminders to stay on track.
- Don’t Sign a Commitment Letter Without Reading It
You’ll need to sign a commitment letter before you can begin your free training program, so be sure that it explains what you’ll be expected to do. It should also state that you must agree to work for the company for a certain period of time.
6. Know Your Competencies
You should be able to perform all of the skills and tasks that you’ve learned in your training, including basic safety procedures, hygiene, taking blood pressures, transferring patients to and from beds, and more. It’s also vital to be familiar with patient care responsibilities and the laws and regulations that apply to your work, especially if you plan on providing long-term care.
If you’re unsure of what you need to do, it’s a good idea to ask your supervisor or other professional for guidance. You can also use Peterson’s Home Health Aide/CNA Exam Prep Course to learn more about your responsibilities and what you need to know to pass the test.
7. Get Certified
After passing the HHA exam, you’ll be able to prove your knowledge of the job and your skills by contacting a registry. This will allow you to record your HHA/CNA credentials and can be used as proof on your resume.
