How to become a certified home health aide in Washington, D.C.

To become a certified home health aide in Washington, D.C., there are a few steps that need to be taken. First, individuals must complete a state-approved training program that includes at least 75 hours of instruction, including both classroom and clinical training. These programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, and other healthcare training institutions.

After completing the training program, individuals must pass a competency exam that tests their knowledge and skills in areas such as patient care, infection control, and communication. This exam is typically administered by the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) or a similar organization.

Once individuals have passed the competency exam, they can apply for certification with the D.C. Department of Health. This involves submitting an application, providing proof of completion of the training program and passing the competency exam, and paying a fee.

Certified home health aides in Washington, D.C. must also complete continuing education requirements to maintain their certification. This includes completing at least 12 hours of continuing education every year, which can be done through online courses, workshops, or other training programs.