Home Health Care Aide, SCERT

Short-Term Certificate: (SCERT-HHA)

About the Program

The Home Health Care Aide Short-Term certificate is designed to provide students with in-depth instruction and will prepare students for employment in the home health care industry. Home Health Care Aides (HHA) provide personal and homemaking services to ill, convalescing, elderly, and disabled persons and, if needed, to their families. Home Health Care Aides may provide services in a variety of environments including rehabilitation centers, long-term care centers and hospice; however, most assignments are usually in the patients’ home. Graduates will learn to care for clients in a holistic, respectful and professional manner. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to properly follow directions/care plans, respect client privacy, as well as provide emotional comfort and support to diverse clients and their families. Graduates will be able to assist in client observation, ambulation, transfer, transport, personal grooming and hygiene in a safe and effective manner.

College Certificate Goals

• To prepare students to gain employment in a health care setting as a Home Health Care Aide
• To teach students the basic principles of safety as it relates to patient care in the home
• To teach students to comprehend, apply and integrate principles of home health care
• Prepare the student to be field ready with the tools necessary to be successful
• Learn to care for clients in a holistic, respectful and professional manner

College Certificate Outcomes

• Identify the role and scope of practice of the Home Health Care Aide as part of the holistic health care team
• Be able to immediately recognize any safety or medical emergency issues concerning a patient
• Demonstrate effective, efficient and culturally sensitive communication skills
• Adhere to HIPPA regulations at all times
• Understand the special needs of specific client populations including the elderly, physically and emotionally challenged, very young patients or those dealing with end of life concerns
• Explore concerns and feelings regarding end of life issues including death and dying and respecting client/family values
• Identify and understand the reporting process for any ethical concerns
• Identify the role of the Home Health Care Aide in the maintenance of a clean, safe and healthy environment

Admission Requirements

Students are required to do the following:

• Fulfill all WCCCD admission requirements
• Fulfill course placement requirements based on the ACCUPLACER^® assessment
• Complete a WCCCD Program Application and submit to the Campus Academic Officer