How to Change Careers to Home Healthcare

You’re not happy in your current position, and the idea of working in home healthcare appeals to you. So, how do you make the switch? Follow these steps to change careers to home healthcare.

 

Steps to Change Careers to Home Healthcare

 

Volunteer or Job Shadow

Before you make any major decisions, it’s important to know if you’ll truly enjoy home healthcare. Real-life experience is one of the best ways to find out. You could offer to assist an elderly neighbor or volunteer at a local nursing home. Or if you know someone who already works in the medical field, ask if you could job shadow them for a day. This will give you a much better idea of what the job involves.

 

Pursue an HHA Certificate

To work as a home health aide, you must earn an HHA certificate. Certification programs vary by state, but most require 75 to 180 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction plus an exam. You can find HHA programs online, at community colleges or even at local hospitals. However, before you pull out your wallet, be aware many non-for-profits and healthcare staffing agencies offer HHA training for FREE!

 

Consider Transferrable Skills

You know you want to work in home healthcare, and you’ve started your training. Now, it’s time to begin thinking about your job search. Fortunately, you probably already have many of the qualities that make a great HHA. Pull out a piece of paper and brainstorm. For example, if you worked as a warehouse associate, you’re dependable and you know how to manage stress. On the other hand, if you have retail experience, then you’ve had lots of opportunities to perfect your people skills.

 

Rework Your Resume

Next, you’ll want to match your resume to your new hoped-for position. Focus on transferrable skills as well as related experiences. For instance, if you regularly volunteer at a nearby assisted living facility, that’s something you’ll want to mention.

 

Start Your Job Search

Finally, you’re ready to launch your job search. Set up alerts on job boards, look for “Help Wanted” signs, and contact local home healthcare agencies. Also, keep in mind, many companies will hire you as a caregiver before you’ve completed your HHA certification. (Usually, caregivers and homemakers don’t need certification.) This means you could be earning money AND finishing your training at the same time!

 

Would You Like to Change Careers to Home Healthcare?

Anodyne Services is urgently hiring caregivers and HHAs for positions throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Start earning a paycheck as a caregiver, and we’ll provide you with FREE HHA training. Anodyne also offers sign-on bonuses, paid travel time, health insurance, and more. Browse all our available openings and discover your next career move today!