Minnesota Home Health Aide Programs

New graduates celebrate with their families at their nursing commencement ceremony.

How to Become a Home Health Aide in Minnesota and Home Health Aide Programs in Minnesota

The home health aide is perhaps the fastest growing allied health profession in the United States today. The Minneapolis Department of Health has some of the clearest requirements for home health aides in the nation. Unlike some other states, however, it is not difficult to get into the profession and you will not be subject to invasive scrutiny. One good thing to know about how to become a home health aide in Minnesota is the fact that home health aide programs in Minnesota are widely available -- this is fairly unusual and makes Minnesota a great place to start one's career.

As of the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, home health aides are expected to experience phenomenal 70% growth in terms of the number of professionals hired. That's more than twice as much as emergency medical technicians and cardiovascular technicians, two other significantly expanding medical roles. Minnesota holds tight to this trend, with thousands of home health aides expected to be hired within the state between now and 2020. There is a slightly higher expectation for formal training for home health aides in Minnesota than in other states; the average home health aide in Minnesota will have some community college.

Most home health aides in Minnesota will work either within patients' homes or in an assisted living environment. While some basic skills can be acquired on the job, those who would like to see more professional growth can pursue formal training in acute care which can provide them with the ability to give some medications and other basic treatments. Home health aides should also expect to know about the use and maintenance of assistive mobility devices and other durable medical equipment that older Minnesota residents might use in their day to day lives. Further skills training might allow professionals to move into hospital or other healthcare settings.

Unfortunately, home health aides do not usually see a high rate of compensation at the beginning of their careers. Their starting salaries tend to be among the lowest in the allied health professions, beginning as low as $15,000 to $18,000. The median salary for home health aides around the country is $20,000, significantly lower than comparable medical professions. However, becoming a home health aide gives one the experience and knowledge necessary to move up through further education or training. Likewise, becoming a Minnesota home health aide is a relatively fast way to begin a medical career for younger professionals who are set on getting immediate field experience.

• Minnesota Department of Public Health