CNA – HHA: What’s the Difference?

The responsibilities of a CNA (certified nursing assistant) and an HHA (home health aide) are alike. However, there are slight variations in the two occupations and their education requirements. It is essential to know the dissimilarities to get the right preparation to meet job objectives.

Job Descriptions

CNA/HHA: both must assist patients to bathe, groom themselves, go to the toilet, eat and move around. They also change bed linens and may do light cleaning and other household tasks.

CNAs may carry out some medically associated everyday jobs, for example measuring vitals, cleaning catheters and changing dressings under the supervision of an RN or LPN, and they are most frequently found in hospitals, long term care services and hospices. Some CNAs work in private homes.

HHAs may do odd jobs, light cooking, laundry and do other cleaning and household tasks, but do not carry out medical care.

Qualifications

Usually CNA/HHA applicants must pass a criminal background check and supply evidence of immunization and a negative TB test, but requirements differ from state to state. Applicants may also require a GED or high school diploma.

CNA/HHA has negligible recertification requirements in most states. In Michigan, for instance, if a certified nursing assistant has worked eight hours over a two-year period he or she can be recertified. CNA/HHA workers may need to take further education courses in order to be recertified. Get in touch with your state-licensing agency for detailed requirements regarding recertification.

Warning

It is imperative that you get in touch with state licensing agencies to find out exact requirements since programs differ. A number of states do not call for home health aides to be certified, for instance, while others include HHA training in their CNA programs. Not all certifications may be transferred from state to state.

Earnings

For the most part HHAs made between $7.06 and $10.90 per hour, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Generally CNAs made between $7.78 and $14.99 per hour.
 
Home Health Aide Training

HHAs generally get on-the-job training or they take a short course at a local community college or vocational school. First aid, CPR, good body mechanics and other methods to guarantee the protection of the aide and the patients, such as patient transfers are generally covered in the training. Facility rules, procedures and detailed requirements for individual patients would be covered in on-the-job training.

Certified Nurse Aide Training

Students must do a state-approved training course at a local community college, trade school, hospital or nursing home to become a CNA. These students are also taught how to measure vitals in addition to caring for dressings, catheters and other equipment, as well as the skills learned by home health aides. The training comprises classroom and organized practical clinical training. The student must do a state certification assessment once the assignments are done.