How to Become a Home Health Aide in Arkansas

In most states, including Arkansas, the home health aide profession crosses over with CNA, LPN, or other nursing positions.

Learning how to become a Home Health Aide in Arkansas will become your stepping stone for future healthcare workers.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Home Health Aide in Arkansas

Home health aide agencies have strict protocols to follow.

The State of Arkansas has established licensing requirements for them.

For instance, they typically have to undergo regular inspections and comply with all safety rules.

They also will have to build their facilities to code to make sure the premises are approved for caretaking use.

You must follow the safety rules, but you don’t have to worry about agency licensing as an individual home health aide though.

All you need to do is start applying for jobs and show that you’re able to handle this kind of work.

It doesn’t mean your employers won’t have expectations, however.

The minimum requirement for an HHA worker is that you have graduated high school.

If you have no diploma yet, then you will need to obtain an equivalent to that.

What’s more, you’ll have to consent to a background check and prove you’re a person of good character to work with clients.

You don’t need much experience or training to become an HHA.

However, it’s ideal to have at least one CNA certificate.

Most states, including Arkansas, hire someone of this training level instead of hiring general caretakers (HHAs).

Still, you would benefit from taking on clients and helping them with daily living.

Any experience you gain, such as bathing, dressing, eating, cooking, or housekeeping will benefit your HHA career.

Your experience at this level will prepare you for as far as you want to take your medical career if that’s what you have the desire to do with your life.

5 Home Health Aide Schools in Arkansas

When seeking schools that teach you home health aide skills, you may want to consider workforce-based training.

That allows you to work on the job and gets you hired more quickly.

On the other hand, you can benefit from comprehensive training offered by a technical school or university.

1. Black River Technical College

The Associate of Applied Science Degree offered at Black River Technical College will take you beyond your home health aide position.

It provides you with the opportunity to secure a long-lasting nursing or another healthcare career.

You could also pursue a specialty, such as respiratory emphasis.

Enrollment in the Health Professions certificate program could also broaden your understanding of medical care.

What will help you the most, however, is the time you spend preparing to serve patients.

You’ll have a chance to find out what it’s like to build relationships with people receiving care too.

That’s important if you ever want to become a home health aide or a home health nurse.

2. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University provides more than just home healthcare training.

You can follow the health learning track of your choice, such as Nursing, Clinical Laboratory Science, or Health Studies.

Nursing Administration is another one you could consider if you need a change from working with patients all day.

Some of your training will provide you with experience in caring for clients in their own homes, and you can eventually start a new HHC agency.

3. Arkansas Northeastern College

Arkansas Northeastern College offers a range of health training solutions from technical certificates to associate degrees.

One that might interest you as a current HHA worker is the Practical Nursing program.

The Practical Nursing program prepares you for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) role.

You may want to think about taking this step if you work in home health or as a CNA already.

It’s even possible to hold a home care position as an LPN.

4. University of Arkansas Community College Batesville (UACCB)

UACCB provides education at all levels, from CNA to RN.

That means you could ideally work through all the channels of nursing while learning all in one place.

Your UACCB training will benefit you whether you continue to serve people in their homes or not.

Other opportunities after going to school here include positions in hospitals and nursing homes or private practices and clinics.

5. Seark College

Seark is one of few AR colleges that actually has a Home Health Aide concentration.

This commingled with the Nursing Assistant program prepares you for work as a CNA.

Your CNA training could potentially put you in a home care position as a licensed person.

In this case, you’d be responsible for more vital sign readings and testing than you would as an HHA worker responsible for cleaning, dressing, bathing, and other everyday duties.

Home Health Aide Schools in Arkansas – Summary Table

Salary

Arkansas Home Care Aide salaries range from $22,007-$30,702.

Average yearly earnings total about $25,411 for the state.

Keep in mind this is probably for people who haven’t earned a CNA certificate yet.

If you do earn your CNA, you could raise your income to about $30292-$34,032 per year or more.

So many variables affect how much you make.

For instance, what you would earn in Benton, Conway or Fayetteville will differ from what money you earn in Hartman.

Regional Salary in Arkansas