If you’re considering a career in home health care, you may be wondering if you need to get certified. The answer is that while certification is not required in all states, it can be beneficial in terms of job prospects and earnings potential. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of becoming a hha certificate.
1. Better Job Prospects
While certification is not required for all positions, many employers prefer to hire certified home health aides. This is because certification demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job effectively. In addition, some states may only grant licenses to certified aides. As a result, becoming certified can give you a leg up on the competition when applying for jobs.
2. Higher Earnings Potential
Certified home health aides typically earn more than those who are not certified. In fact, the median hourly wage for certified aides was $13.72 in 2019, compared to $11.98 for non-certified aides, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, many employers offer raises and other incentives to encourage employees to become certified.
3. Increased Job satisfaction
In addition to higher wages, becoming certified can also lead to increased job satisfaction. This is because certification shows that you are dedicated to your career and takes pride in providing quality care. In addition, many certification programs offer continuing education opportunities that can help you keep up with the latest trends in home health care. As a result, you’ll be able to provide your patients with the best possible care, which can lead to increased job satisfaction.
4. Greater Opportunities for Advancement
Becoming a certified home health aide can also open doors to new opportunities for advancement within your career. For example, many employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees who wish to further their education in the field of home health care. In addition, some certification programs offer additional levels of certification that can lead to higher-level positions such as supervisor or manager roles.
5. Improved Patient Care
Last but not least, one of the most important benefits of becoming a certified home health aide is the positive impact it can have on patient care. When you receive training and education through a certification program, you’ll be better equipped to provide high-quality care that meets the unique needs of each patient. As a result, patients will be more likely to experience improved outcomes and greater satisfaction with their care.
6. Increased Job Opportunities
One of the main benefits of becoming a certified home health aide is that it can open up more job opportunities. In some states, certification is required in order to work as an HHA. Even in states where certification is not required, many employers prefer to hire certified HHAs over those without certification.
In addition to increasing your chances of landing a job as an HHA, becoming certified can also lead to promotions and raises down the road. Many employers offer HHAs the opportunity to advance to positions with more responsibility, such as supervisor or case manager, but they will often require certification for these roles.
As you can see, there are many benefits associated with becoming a certified home health aide. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in this growing field, consider getting started with a certification program today!