Mississippi Home Health Aide Programs

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

How to Become a Home Health Aide in Mississippi - Home Health Aide Programs in Mississippi

Home health aides provide in home care for those who are not able to care for some of their own needs such as the elderly or sick patients. These professionals care for patients by coming to their home and helping them with their personal hygiene such as bathing or getting dressed. They also do light housekeeping and cooking. Sometimes these aides will provide transportation to doctor�s appointments and grocery store trips. Many of their patients do not have anyone else to take care of them, so they also provide companionship. Interpersonal skills and compassion are important parts of this job.

To become a home health aide in the state of Mississippi, one usually has to complete training in a nurse�s aide training program. Those interested in this position should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers require the home health aide to become a certified nurse�s assistant before they will consider hiring. The CNA requirements are that the applicant must have at least 75 hours of training in approved coursework. This includes infectious disease control, patient and personal safety as well as daily living assisting needs. Home economics is an important feature in this job as well.

This type of training program can be found in Mississippi at community college for the most part. A few of these colleges offering a certified nurse�s assistant program for those interested in becoming a home health aide in Mississippi include Meridian Community College in Meridian, Hinds Community College in Jackson and Pearl River Community College in Hattiesburg. While obtaining a certified nursing assistant certificate is not a requirement in Mississippi, most agencies will prefer this in order to obtain a job. A physical examination and a recent tuberculosis test are required in the state.

As the baby boomer generation continues to move into retirement years, they are becoming increasingly dependent on the needs of professionals like home health aide. The job outlook is good for this profession, and there is expected to be an increase in about 20% of jobs for this field over the next ten years. Compassion is an important attribute one should have before entering in this field. Oftentimes home health aides become very closely bonded with their patients. The amount of time that they spend taking care of their needs is an important factor. The companionship is an important ingredient to a home health aide�s position.

• Mississippi Department of Health