Home Health Aide (HHA)

The mission of the Palm Beach Career (PBC) – School of Allied Health Sciences Home Health Aide (HHA) program is to provide quality education and practical training to people desiring a new entry-level healthcare profession. Our HHA program forms the basis for continuing educational and career opportunities into the CNA program or Patient Care Technician program.

Home Health Aides are members of the healthcare team that provides care to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). An HHA performs assigned tasks, such as vital signs and provides or assists with routine personal care, such as bathing patients and helping with toileting. Also, a home health aide assists clients with personal care, including tasks related to hygiene, mobility, and meals. Additionally, an HHA provide home care through tasks such as laundry and cleaning.

For the convenience of our students, the Home Health Aide program is offered during the day, evenings, and during weekend hours. The program consists of classroom theory hours that involve lecture and lab sessions with specific clinical applications, and clinical hours at nursing facilities completed under the supervision of an instructor.

Due to the global pandemic, the Home Health Aide program at Palm Beach Career (PBC) – School of Allied Health Sciences is also being offered through a hybrid modality, with lectures and training held online and in-person.

To obtain a Home Health Aide diploma from PBCC, students must pass all coursework with a “C” average (75%). To become a Home Health Aide, students must take the Florida state board exam, demonstrating competence in all 21 skills as well as passing a written competency examination.

The median salary for a Certified Nurse Assistant in Florida is $ 29,691 plus $ 3,750 overtime per year. On average a HHA will make around $ 12.00/hour to $18.00/hour, depending on your location.

Currently, we do not offer financial aid through FASFA. However, you can contact your local Florida Works, and if you qualify, they may assist you with paying for some of our courses.

We do accept payment plans. If you are interested in a payment plan, please contact us for more information.

Please see student handbook or call us for more information regarding tuition and fee.

We require a deposit to secure your spot plus the application & registration fees. At the time of registration, you will be required to fill out a registration packet as well as place your deposit. The remaining balance is due on or before the first day of class. You can register online or in person.

The dress code:

1. Solid color blue scrub uniform (top and bottom), face mask, & sneaker
2. Only religious head dressing is allowed during class.

*Schedule and or program subject to change without notice.

The program provides graduates with the theoretical instruction and familiarity with the practical skills they will use in their caregiving careers. Graduates will be trained to qualify for entry-level caregiving positions in a variety of settings, including clients’ homes and larger care communities. Upon completion of this course, graduates will be trained to:

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of a personal care assistant adhere to federal and state regulations for direct care and provide assistance to clients in a variety of settings, such as private homes or residential facilities.
• Practice infection prevention, follow proper safety procedures and provide in-home cleaning support.
• Communicate effectively with clients and coworkers, practice good listening skills and properly record information.
• Provide nutritional support, describe various feeding tubes and exercise safe food preparation and storage.
• Understand how to move and transfer clients and assist patients with feeding, dressing and grooming.
• Properly make beds, provide bed baths, provide oral, hand and foot care, provide perineal care and support the client.
• Understand healthcare regulations for assisting with medications. Provide non-medical assistance for medications, such as utilizing the medication schedule as provided by the medical provider.

The program trains students with the necessary skills to perform many caregiver duties. Students learn to assist clients with personal care, including tasks related to hygiene, mobility, and meals. Additionally, students learn to provide home care through tasks such as laundry and cleaning. Students will also learn about the roles of various people in the healthcare process and the credentials required for those roles. Students learn how to adhere to ethical and legal guidelines for performing nonmedical tasks.

To be admitted to the Nursing Assistant Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 17 years of age.
• Have signed permission from a parent or guardian if less than 18 years old.
• Submit a signed enrollment agreement.
• Complete a Personal Interview with the program Director.

• Online application
• Application and registration fees

• DAY CLASSES – 4 weekends:
  • Monday – Friday: 10 am – 2 pm
• EVENING CLASSES – 5 weekends:
  • Monday – Thursday: 5 pm – 9 pm
• WEEKEND CLASSES – 7 weekends:
  • Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm
• ONLINE CLASSES
  • Please call for more information.