Forging a career path as a doctor or nurse means obtaining specific training and certifications to legally perform your work. But if you’re a professional caregiver, it’s not so black and white. Training requirements for caregivers vary by state, facility type and employer, and there are several different types of certifications.
“About half of the states in the U.S. have mandated specific topics and hours for caregiver training to protect both the caregiver and the senior,” explains Julie Northcutt, founder and CEO of Caregiverlist, a resource hub for both family and professional caregivers which also offers an online, entry-level caregiver course that meets every state’s basic certification requirements.
Even if your state or employer doesn’t require any formal training, obtaining a caregiver certification online can still help improve the skills and quality of your caregiving, your credibility to potential employers and your income potential, Northcutt says — and it’s flexible since you can go at your own pace. Here’s what she and other experts say you need to know to pinpoint the best certification option.
The case for getting certified
There are plenty of reasons for senior caregivers to pursue formal training and obtain certifications. A few of the most compelling:
It may be required
Some states and employers require professional senior caregivers to have certifications, and it’s expected that more states will pass legislation requiring it — so it may be impossible to enter the field without it, Northcutt says. She notes that at least 25 states have specific caregiver training requirements in settings such as:
- In-home senior care.
- Medicaid community care.
- Veteran’s aid and attendance home care.
- Long-term care insurance home care.
- Residential assisted living communities.
Northcutt adds that some states, such as Florida, require additional training for those working with Alzheimer’s or dementia patients.
You’ll have your choice of more job opportunities
Even if you’re not required to obtain certification for your job, having formal training on your resume can provide an advantage in the job application and hiring process, says Andrea Devoti, executive vice president of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice. Plus, the more training you receive, the more types of positions you’ll be able to qualify for, and advanced certifications can also help you command a higher wage.
You’ll feel even more competent
Completing caregiver training can help you become more confident in your abilities and prepared for medical emergencies or behavioral problems. Some online caregiver certifications cover topics such as managing your own stress, effective communication, handling medication, sanitation, nutrition and dealing with patients who have cognitive issues. The more advanced the certification program, the more knowledge and preparation you’ll obtain.
You’ll gain legal knowledge
Not only will certification help you learn job-related skills but it will help you to be more informed on relevant state and federal laws. That way, you won’t inadvertently violate them.
“Because seniors may also be experiencing constantly changing medical conditions, caregiver training enables caregivers to know how to protect themselves and the seniors they are caring for while also being equipped with skills to implement for safety and privacy requirements,” Northcutt says. “It’s important to receive training on the specifics of what can and can’t be shared with others and in what format in order to not violate HIPAA.” Caregiver training also provides valuable information on recognizing and avoiding elder abuse.
Types of online certifications
Your options for caregiver certification online are numerous, and they can vary significantly in time commitment and price. The type of training you need depends on where you live and the type of environment you want to work in, says Devoti as rules vary by states and employer.
Keep in mind that many basic caregiver certifications and home health aide programs can be completed fully online. And if you obtain online-only caregiver certification, you may enjoy added benefits, such as increased flexibility and no commute. However, you can’t become a Certified Nursing Aide without hands-on clinical training, Northcutt says, so only some of the coursework can be done online.
Here are some of your caregiver certification options, in order from entry-level to more advanced:
Certified caregiver training
These courses don’t include formal medical training. Instead, they’re intended for those who want to strengthen their basic skills for caregiving for seniors. Even family caregivers can take these courses. A few that fit this description:
- Caregiverlist’s Caregiver Training University. Fully online and self-paced, this course it starts at $59. It’s customized to meet basic requirements of any state, with most being eight hours, Northcutt says. Caregiverlist’s training is endorsed by the Professional Association of Caregivers.
- Relias Academy’s Duties of a Caregiver. This online course, which forms the foundational training program for beginning work as a caregiver, costs $15.
- In the Know. You can obtain non-medical caregiver certification through this eight-hour program for $34.
- The American Caregiver Association’s National Caregiver Course. The American Caregiver Association is the Official National Certifying and Accrediting body for caregiver and assisted living manager (ALM) certification in the U.S. Their program, which aims to help caregivers fine tune their knowledge as well as acquire new skills and techniques, will run you $100.
Home health aide training
If you plan to work in a home setting with seniors who have more extensive medical or care needs, you may need to obtain certification as home health aide. Many caregiver agencies require this of employees, and some states require this certification for professional caregivers in home settings. This certification is more formal than basic caregiver training, and depending on your state, it may require up to 120 hours of classroom training and 40 to 60 clinical hours.
In certain areas, online-only training is possible, but other states require some hands-on work. Costs typically range from $300 to $800, though it can vary. You can obtain it through the National Association of Home Care and Hospice or through community college programs.
Certified nurse assistant (CNA) qualification
By obtaining certification as a certified nurse assistant, you can do similar work as a home health aide, though you’re no longer limited to a home setting. This certification equips you with more hands-on skills and gives you the opportunity of being able to work directly with nursing staff in hospitals or facilities, Northcutt says. You can find courses through the Red Cross, community colleges and vocational schools.
This certification program typically costs thousands of dollars, but Northcutt says employers often reimburse caregivers for this training.
“Contact your local hospital or nursing home if you are considering becoming a CNA to find out if they will reimburse you for the training if you work for them or if they will pay for the CNA training when you become an employee for them,” Northcutt suggests.
She notes that CNA certification requires a minimum of 75 hours of training, though some states mandate 120 hours.
All registered nurses become CNAs first as part of their education, Northcutt says, so this certification can also be a valuable stepping stone if you might want to eventually become a nurse.
Specialty certifications
If you plan to work with a specific population, you can obtain a specialty certificate after your basic certification or home health aide certification through additional hours of studying and testing.
“These are a good way to demonstrate one’s competence in providing care in areas such as cardiac care, memory care or dementia care,” Devoti says. They teach caregivers specifics, so they’re not only better equipped at what to watch for but also how to provide the best care for patients, she explains.
How to decide which program is right for you
Consider these three pro-tips while researching individual trainings:
- Double-check who’s running the program. “Make sure the course is being given by a reputable training source such as a technical high school, community college, known training company or through an employer,” Devoti recommends.
- Check for accreditation. Before you sign up, check to see if the organization is accredited. Look them up with the Better Business Bureau or search for reviews from previous students.
- Talk to others in the field. If you’re on the fence about a program, consider calling a local senior care agency or caregiver organization to ask if they know about the training program.
While obtaining online caregiver certification isn’t always required, it might be a boon for your career. Honing your skills can give you a competitive edge in the hiring process, potentially increase your wage and help you become equipped with the skills necessary to handle any caregiving situation.
