Home Care Aide
There are several pathways to become trained and certified as a Home Care Aide. Once certified, you can work in a variety of settings, including home care, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities.
Training Requirements
Complete 75 hours of training
Certification: Department of Health
- Next Steps
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- Complete 75 Home Care Aide training:
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5 hours of Orientation and Safety training before starting work.
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70 hours of Basic Training within 120 days of being hired.
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- Apply for Certification with the Department of Health within 14 days of being hired in a caregiver job.
- Information on scheduling your exam will be provided after your application is processed by the Department of Health.
- Pass knowledge and skills exams.
- The Department of Health will issue your certification.
- Complete 75 Home Care Aide training:
Pathways to Training
Training as you work
Some employers provide or register you with an approved training program that allows you to work while you train.
Training before you work
You can complete training before applying, giving you more job options and flexibility.
Find a Training Class
I thoroughly enjoy helping people. Have been doing it since high school. It is wonderful to be able to make friends with your clients that last a lifetime.
Paid family caregiver
Paid family caregivers must complete specific training designed to build confidence and support their caregiving journey.
Training Requirements
35 hours of training
Certification: None
- Next steps
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Most paid family caregiver are required to complete 35 hours of training. After you apply with Consumer Direct WA, you’ll get details on how to sign up for your required paid training.
- 5 hour Orientation & Safety Training as part of your hiring tasks.
- After you're approved to work with CDWA, you'll get instructions on how to sign up for the 30-hour basic training from SEIU775 Benefits Group.
- For more details on training requirements or possible exceptions check out this chart.
Nursing assistant certified
As a Nursing Assistant you could work in home care, in adult family homes, in assisted living facilities, in skilled nursing facilities, or in medical settings.
Training Requirements
Minimum 108 hours of training
Certification: Department of Health
- Next Step
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- Complete an approved nursing assistant training program.
- Apply to take your nursing assistant exams - both skills and knowledge tests.
- Apply for nursing assistant certification with the Department of Health.
Visit the Washington Department of Health website to view current certification requirements.
Pathway to Training
Nursing Assistant Training Programs
Explore approved training programs that prepare individuals to become certified Nursing Assistants in Washington State. Programs are available across the state and vary in format and schedule.
Already have your Home Care Aide certification? You may be eligible to skip parts of the nursing assistant training program by taking the home care aide to nursing assistant bridge pathway.
Speak with a Navigator or more information or visit Washington State Board of Nursing webpage on Types of Nursing Assistant Training Programs.