Becoming a home health aide can be one of the most fulfilling career decisions you will ever make. It is satisfying to help someone in need while making money at it! Here are five reasons why working as a home health aide and getting a hha certificate may be for you:
1. There is a great demand for home health aides.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that home health aide jobs will grow by 41 percent from 2016 to 2026. That’s much faster than the average for all occupations. So if you are looking for a stable and in-demand career, becoming a home health aide is a great choice.
There are many reasons for this demand – the aging population, increasing rates of chronic illness, and the growth of the gig economy all play a role. But whatever the reason, one thing is clear: this is not a field with few jobs.
2. You will be in demand.
According to the BLS, home health aides “help people who require short-term medical and personal care services due to illness or injury” in their homes. These skills are needed for aging seniors and those with temporary injuries or disabilities, chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), and cancer.
In other words, home health aides are needed in every stage of life – and that’s not likely to change any time soon.
3. You can make a real difference.
A home health aide is more than just a nurse or caregiver. In many ways, you are the eyes and ears of the doctor, reporting on the patient’s condition and updating caregivers on any changes. This is an important job that can make a real difference in someone’s life.
There are essentially two paths you can take when it comes to education: You can work for a home health agency that will train you on the job or attend an in-person training program at your local community college or technical school. If possible, consider the latter option since the coursework is more comprehensive and may lead to more job opportunities.
4. You can work flexible hours.
One of the best things about being a home health aide is that you can often choose your hours. This is great for people with other commitments, such as children or a job, or those who want more flexibility in their lives.
Of course, this depends on the individual agency and your specific job, but most home health aides have a good deal of flexibility in terms of hours.
5 . You can learn on the job.
Many home health aide jobs allow you to train while you work, meaning that your learning curve is longer, but your income will likely be higher right from the start. Of course, this may not always be true – indeed, some employers want new hires with previous training or education – but it’s worth asking about during the interview process. In conclusion, working as a home health aide is an incredibly fulfilling and valuable career choice. And if you’re looking for people to hire, it may be the smartest – and most compassionate – thing that you can do.
