Understand training requirements for District of Columbia

Caregiving roles in District of Columbia

  • Home Health Aides (HHAs)
  • Personal Care Aides (PCAs)
  • Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) can also function as HHAs with additional training

Number of hours to meet the requirement for initial onboarding training

  • Home Health Aides (HHAs) / Personal Care Aides (PCAs): Must complete 125 hours of topic-specific initial training, including 40 hours of practical training and a final competency examination. This training must be completed through a licensed educational institution, which includes private degree-granting educational institutions, private non-degree-granting post-secondary schools, public vocational or trade schools, public universities or colleges, or health care facilities licensed as training facilities.
  • CNA to HHA Bridge: CNAs must complete 12 hours of initial training before providing services as HHAs.

 

Number of hours to meet the requirement for annual training

  • Home Health Aides (HHAs) / Personal Care Aides (PCAs): Must complete 24 hours of approved training every 2 years as part of the biennial renewal cycle.
  • CNA to HHA Bridge: Must complete 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years as part of the biennial renewal cycle.
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Caregivers can get the following training through CareAcademy

  • Continuing education for Home Health Aides (HHAs) and Personal Care Aides (PCAs)
  • Continuing education for CNA to HHA Bridge
  • CareAcademy offers courses to meet DC's requirements for ongoing training, but initial training for HHAs must be completed at accredited institutions.

What do you need to know about caregiver training requirements?

In Washington, DC, home health aides and personal care aides must meet specific initial raining hours, as well as ongoing continuing education requirements for renewal. CareAcademy offers approved continuing education courses for these workers, but initial training must be completed through accredited educational institutions.

Important to know:
First Aid: No First Aid certification is required in DC. However, caregivers must possess basic safety skills, such as recognizing emergencies and being knowledgeable about emergency procedures.
Important to know

Licensing authorities

Home Health Aides (HHAs) / Personal Care Aides (PCAs)

Department of Health (aide), Department of Aging & Community Living (private-pay agency), Department of Health Care Finance (public-pay agency)

CNA to HHA Bridge

Department of Health (aide), Department of Aging & Community Living (private-pay agency), Department of Health Care Finance (public-pay agency)

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