Florida HHA Requirements
Florida HHA Fast Facts
Annual Salary
$28,415
Employment
~ 65,000
Training
40 / 75 hours
Key Takeaways
How to Become a HHA in Florida
As the aging population continues to grow, the demand for home health aides (HHAs) in Florida has increased dramatically in recent years. In order to work as a HHA in Florida, you must be licensed by the Florida Department of Health. In this article, we will discuss how to become a HHA in Florida, including the costs, requirements, and process of obtaining a HHA license.
Florida HHA FAQ
How much does it cost to become a HHA in Florida?
Becoming a HHA in Florida requires completing a state-approved training program, passing a competency exam, and obtaining a HHA license from the Florida Department of Health. The cost of becoming a HHA in Florida can vary based on a number of factors, including the cost of training, application fees, and background checks.
For 2024 the cost of training to become a HHA can be anywhere from $400 to $1,200, depending on the training program. Some programs may also require additional fees for books and supplies!
In addition to training costs, there may also be application fees and background check fees for Florida HHA’s. The application fee for a HHA license in Florida is $55. You will also need to undergo a Level 2 background check, which includes fingerprinting and a criminal history check, which can cost around $80 but has known be be more.
Overall, the cost of becoming a HHA in Florida can range from around $500 to $1,400, depending on the training program and other fees/expenses.
Now, this is important…
Some employers may cover the cost of training and background checks for their employees, so it is worth checking with potential employers to see if they offer any assistance.
How do I get my HHA license in Florida?
To obtain a HHA license in Florida, you must meet the eligibility requirements, complete a state-approved training program, and pass a competency exam.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get your HHA license in Florida:
Be a Florida HHA in just weeks!
Do you need a high school diploma to be a HHA in Florida?
Yes, you need a high school diploma or equivalent to become a HHA in Florida.
Having a high school diploma or equivalent is important because it demonstrates that you have the basic skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality care to patients.
If you don’t have a high school diploma or equivalent, there are a number of options available to you to obtain this credential. You can earn a GED by passing a series of tests that measure your knowledge in areas such as math, reading, and writing. Many adult education programs and community colleges in Florida offer GED preparation courses.
Different ways to get your Florida home health aide certification
Working at a Florida Home Health Agency
To work for a home health agency administering Medicare or Medicaid, a home health aide must have no less than 75 hours of training or successfully complete a competency examination offered by the home health agency.
The home health aide needs to successfully complete 40 hours of training and also pass a competency test performed by a health agency working to obtain licensure to offer services in a licensed environment. Additional training may be required by such agencies.
Some home health agencies may employ certified nursing assistants as home health aides.
Graduates of an accredited school of nursing and other individuals who are waiting for their state board test to work as a nurse in Florida may be employed as home health aids if they have a license or be a registered nurse or have a license and become a registered nurse in Florida.
A home healthcare agency might also require different certifications or licenses, beyond the minimum for home health aides.
Working at a Florida Nurse Registry
As a home health aide at a Florida nurse registry, a home care aide will need to provide documentation proving the completion of at least 40 hours of home health aide training.
Training can be from any of these:
Home health aide certification in Florida
Home health aide certificate in Florida is quite easy.
Some local public and private career schools provide home-health aide class instruction, either at your local vocational technical school or a private career school. To find a course in your area, check with your local public or private career schools to find a class. Nonpublic educational institutions in Florida are licensed by the Florida Department of Education and Commission for Independent Education serving public postsecondary schools.
Here you can find information on the Florida Department of Education’s website regarding the listing of adult education public schools: Florida Division of Career and Adult Education
MORE RESOURCES?
This is one of the best resources we’ve seen from all the states!
The Florida Commission for Independent Education’s licensed nonpublic postsecondary schools and colleges has a very easy search feature to give you a listing of HHA classes to get your home health aide certification in Florida.
Home health aide certification ONLINE in Florida
Are you interested in being in a position to make a substantial impact on the lives of others as a home health aide? Complete an online HHA course and become certified as a Florida home health aide automatically, without commencing high school or a GED course. Most certificate courses do not require a high school diploma or a GED to join.
See these great resources we think are the best: Florida HHA Online Courses
Additional HHA Training?
All health aides (and caregivers in general) in Florida who are employed by home health care agencies and nursing registries must successfully complete an HIV/AIDS course that provides them with training regarding preventing transmission of HIV. They are also required to take and maintain CPR certificates.
Search for FREE HHA Training in Florida
Best kept secret? Free HHA training is available in Florida! The demand is great for home health aides and agencies are offering free training classes; below is an example – be working and making money as a HHA in just weeks!
Florida HHA Training Requirements
There are different training requirements depending on who you work for – a Home Health Agency or a Nurse Registry.
You’ll need at least one of the following:
- 40 hour HHA certificate (work at nurse registry)
- 75 hour HHA certificate (work for home health agency)
- diploma (Florida HHA online?) in home health aide
Florida HHA Training Resources
- You can get your home health aide training in Florida at public vocational technical schools and private career education schools.
- Private schools must be licensed by the Department of Education: a guide to licensed private education schools in Florida.
- Southern Technical Institute offers home health aide training in Orlando, Florida as well as Tampa Bay; and online.
- Beeline Medical Training has a couple of locations in Florida and is highly rated.
- There are many great Florida HHA online courses you can look into; some are very affordable.
The Home Health Aide Competency Test Florida
Home health aides are required to fulfill the competency requirements after training. In other words: you need to pass a HHA test.
Your training program will administer the exam.
Please see more here: Home Health Aide Competency Test.
Profile of a Florida HHA
Florida HHA Resources
- Get started as a home health aide in 4 weeks.
- Learn how to pass the Florida HHA test.
- NEW: No Content food stamp recipients (also called SNAP) can get free HHA training!
- How Much Does a Home Health Aide Make in Florida?
P.S. And don’t rule out Florida HHA online training; some are very good.
Here’s the federal code Florida adheres to Section 484.80; and their own administrative code (Chapter 59).
FREE
Florida
Complete HHA Guide
Download, for FREE of course, this all new guide on how to become a home health aide in Florida. Tips and resources you can view or print for later use – all yours.