ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

HOME HEALTH AIDE PROGRAMS
Home Health Aide programs are open to all persons who meet the following requirements.

• Applicants must present evidence of a high school diploma or GED.
• Applicants who do not have a high school diploma, high school certification or GED and are 18 years of age or older must demonstrate the ability to learn from the program of instruction. Applicants must pass the TABE Basic Skills Exit Requirements: Reading 70%, Math 70%, and Language 70%.
• Provide evidence of good physical and mental health (through evidence of a physical performed by a licensed healthcare provider).
• Provide evidence of meeting immunization requirements by providing a negative urine drug screening, evidence that the applicant is free of active tuberculosis, and has immunizations for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.
• Provide evidence of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Level 2 Background Check and Drug Screen.
• Provide proof of current certification by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross Affiliated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card with Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers.

HOME HEALTH PROGRAM

Program Description
This program is designed to prepare the student to enter the workforce as a home attendant or home health aide. The program content provides instruction in services that assist in maintaining maximum independence and safety in the home environment. The student will learn purposes and functions of long-term care facilities, communication, respecting resident rights, employability skills, legal and ethical responsibilities, infection control, emergencies and accident prevention, fire safety and disaster preparedness, promoting resident’s independence, organization, observation, and charting, and personal care needs.

Course Outline

Home Health Aide Program Outcome Competencies:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Home Health Aide’s legal and ethical responsibility including HIPAA.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
• Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
• Recognize and respond to emergency situations including BLS-CPR.
• Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
• Demonstrate basic computer skills.
• Demonstrate employability skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge of bloodborne diseases, including AIDS.
• Apply basic math and science skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical responsibilities of the Home Health Aide including identifying signs of domestic violence.
• Perform personal patient care procedures.
• Apply the principles of nutrition.
• Provide care for geriatric patients including active or passive range of motion.
• Apply the principles of infection control OSHA.
• Provide bio-psycho-social support.
• Perform supervised management functions, following the patient’s plan of care.
• Assist with rehabilitative activities.
• Perform home health services.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Upon satisfactory completion of this program, graduates will receive a certificate from Evolution Health Academy when they:

• Complete each required course / meet each course’s minimum standards in addition to obtaining an overall CGPA of 70% or higher and satisfy all financial obligations.
• At this time, special recognition awards will be issued to students in recognition of outstanding performance. 

LICENSURE FOR HOME HEALTH AIDE
There is no state licensing or certification of home health aides in Florida. The State of Florida does not have a state-administered test of home health aides. There is no state law that requires the licensing or certification of home health aides in Florida. To work for a Medicare or Medicaid home health agency, a home health aide must complete at least 75 hours of training and/or successfully complete a competency evaluation given by the home health agency.

To work in a licensed-only agency the home health aide must complete at least 40 hours of training or successfully complete a competency test given by the home health agency. Some home health agencies require additional training above these minimum hours. Some home health agencies may hire certified nursing assistants to work as home health aides. Individuals who have graduated from an accredited school of nursing and are waiting to take their state exam for licensure in Florida can work as a home health aide. Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who can show proof they are licensed in another state or in Florida can work as a home health aide.
 
Please note: these are the minimum requirements. A home health agency may have its own additional requirements beyond the minimum for home health aides.