When many folks are preparing for retirement, a 60 year old home care aide earned her certification. Maria Franks had been working without a license for over twenty years when the opportunity to receive here license came along. The two hour comprehensive test was offered by Direct Care Alliance and costs $140. Group and company discounts are also offered. In order to be eligible to take the test, applicants must have earned 120 hours of nursing courses or the equivalent of two years full-time work.
Yet, training and certification requirements are not standardized as are most other medical professions. Without a license, however, even the most experienced home care aides cannot find employment in a professional facility such as a hospital. At present, thirty-five states regulate home care aides, albeit setting varying requirements. Without proper certification, those who work as home care aides generally do so through the private sector and often are unable to pay them a fair wage. It’s not uncommon for these unlicensed care givers to work long hours and receive below minimum wage. Unlicensed home care aides are ineligible to work through Medicare, which subsidizes licensed home health care nurses.
