Career Diploma in
Home Health Aide (Certified)

Outdoor safety hazards; Assessing the environment for safety hazards; Avoiding slips, trips and falls; Walking surfaces and stairs.

Universal precaution methods; Protective equipment and clothing; Types of bloodborne pathogen exposure.

Dementia symptoms; Aggressive response behavior; Behaviors indicating pain; Caregiver/Patient communication.

Health care ergonomics; High-risk patient care activities; Environmental risks; Mechanical aids for lifting/moving patients.

Common home health aide tasks; Communicating with insurance companies and health professionals; Tasks and responsibilities of other providers.

Verbal, written and non-verbal communication; Observation skills and reporting patient changes; Effectively dealing with patients, families and other health providers; The effects of pain and medication on communication.

Aging population statistics and trends; Goals, feelings, and concerns of the elderly; Physical and cognitive changes related to aging; Transport safety; Exercise, sleep and medication.

Children’s specific needs; Family relations; Stages of child development; Developmental disabilities; Child abuse; Newborn and infant care.

Dealing with feelings about dying and death; Stages of grief; Palliative care; DNRs, living wills, legal issues; Aid techniques for end-of-life patients.

Hand washing techniques and importance; Transmittable disease isolation techniques; Medical waste/supply procedures; Household duties; Safety hazards.

“My Plate” food guidelines; Food allergies and nutritional restrictions; Shopping for food; Safely storing and preparing food; Therapeutic diets; Safety factors when feeding.

Body mechanic basics; Assessing daily activity level; Posture, support and alignment of patients.

Formation and healing of decubitus ulcers; Basic skin care; Effects of radiation and chemotherapy; Oral hygiene; Hair care and bathing; Toileting and bedpans.

Types and purposes of rehabilitation programs; Range of Motion (ROM) exercises; Proper use of wheelchairs, mechanical lifts, canes, crutches and walkers; Safely transporting a patient; Speech language therapy; Occupational therapy.

Checking and reporting vital signs; Recognizing patient pain; Fluid balance; Collecting specimens for laboratory testing.

Medication storage; Oxygen therapy; Blood sugar testing; Cast care; Care around IVs, catheters and ostomies.

Common diseases in home health patients; Causes, signs and symptoms, and treatment of common diseases; Home health aides role in dealing with common diseases.

First aid and CPR; Poisoning, burns, and shock procedures; Preparing for emergency situations.