If you want to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, You can learn the key differences between a CNA and HHA to find the right path. You might have come across the terms Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Home Health Aide (HHA) and mistakenly assumed both roles are the same. Although there is some overlap in their responsibilities, the two professions are significantly different.
What is a Home Health Aide or HHA?
A home health aide is a professional caregiver who assists elderly or disabled individuals who require help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and taking medication.
What are the Differences Between A CNA and HHA?
In this blog, we’ll discuss the fundamental differences between a CNA and an HHA, including what each job entails, training requirements, job outlook, and other relevant considerations to help you make an informed decision.
1. Responsibilities and Job Environment:
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, hospice centers, and rehabilitation centers. They work under the supervision of registered nurses, doctors, or licensed practical nurses and are chiefly responsible for providing basic care and assistance to patients. CNAs typically assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, taking vital signs, and helping patients move around the facilities.
Home Health Aides (HHAs), on the other hand, work in a home-based setting and assist patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication reminders, and light housekeeping tasks. They also help patients with limited mobility move around the house and provide emotional support to clients and their families.
2. Training and Certification:
To become a CNA, you must complete a state-approved training program that typically lasts 4-12 weeks. The training involves classroom instruction, hands-on clinical practice, and passing a competency exam. After completing the program, you must pass a state certification exam to obtain your CNA license.
HHAs, on the other hand, are not typically required to obtain certification or formal education. However, some states require that HHAs complete at least 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of practical training. HHAs who work for Medicare or Medicaid-certified agencies are also required to pass a competency exam.
3. Job Outlook and Opportunities:
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, employment opportunities for nursing assistants are projected to grow by 8% from 2019-2029, which is faster than the average for other occupations. The demand for home health aides is even higher, projected to grow by 34% in the same period due to the increasing aging population.
CNAs have many employment opportunities and can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. They can also advance their careers by obtaining additional certifications such as Geriatric nursing assistant or Medication Aide Certification.
In contrast, HHAs usually work for home care agencies, government institutions, and hospice care providers. They may also work for private individuals who require home-based care. Opportunities for career advancement are limited for HHAs, but there is potential to expand their skills by obtaining certifications such as Personal Care Aide.
4. Salary and Benefits:
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the median annual wage for nursing assistants is around $29,640 per year, while the median yearly salary for home health aides is around $25,280 annually. CNAs also have more benefits and employment perks, such as paid holidays, sick leave, insurance coverage, and retirement benefits.
Conclusion:
In summary, both CNAs and HHAs play a vital role in providing healthcare services to patients, although they have differences in training requirements, job roles, work environment, and career opportunities.
As you consider a healthcare career, it’s essential to weigh your skills, interests, and future goals to decide which job aligns with your aspirations. Whatever the decision, the healthcare industry needs dedicated professionals to help serve the growing population, so the demand for both CNAs and HHAs will remain high in the foreseeable future.
