If you want to work as a Home Health Aide (HHA) in Alaska, you could start working as soon as a place hires you.
Most schools in the state offer the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, not the HHA one.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Home Health Aide in Alaska
For most states, you don’t need a license to perform general caretaking duties.
Therefore, it’s possible to get hired almost as soon as you apply for an HHA position.
You should finish high school first or acquire an equivalent to an H.S. diploma though.
You do, however, have to make sure your classes meet Alaska state standards when becoming a CNA (certified nursing assistant).
You can inquire about CNA licenses at the Alaska Department of Commerce website or visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website.
The NCSBN offers NNAAP certification for CNAs and Home Health Aid (HHA) workers.
It consists of a written and oral section.
After successfully completing both exam sections, students will submit a nurse aide registry form per Alaska state requirements.
You also need to work at least 24 paid hours in a home health agency within two years to keep your NA (nursing assistant) certificate.
Other qualifying employers include hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, and mental health centers.
5 Home Health Aide Schools in Alaska
When seeking HHA or CNA education, make sure the school meets state standards.
You can find this out the fastest by contacting employers directly or reading through job postings.
Former students and career centers can also refer you to an eligible school.
1. Caregiver Training Academy (CTA)
CTA doesn’t have a website listed on Google Maps.
For more information, call them at 907-258-0535.
A Maps reviewer says that the class schedule varies, so you must call to find out when the next session(s) are.
CTA would work for you if you want to start training as soon as possible.
You’re not likely to wait long to start classes.
2. Alaska CNA Program
The Alaska CNA program takes only six weeks, so you might as well take it.
It puts you ahead of HHA workers, in that you would take patient temperature, heart, and blood pressure readings.
Your CNA course will also make you more careful about possible infections.
Sometimes, you may have to also answer calls and schedule appointments, especially in a smaller facility.
The Alaska CNA program includes two weeks of working in a clinical setting.
It also calls for one week in a lab.
After this, you’re pretty much ready for hire and, hopefully, you have already worked as an HHA beforehand.
3. Alaska Job Corps
Alaska Job Corps offers a workforce-based HHA program and/or employment search assistance.
You can learn how to help patients take care of themselves in their own homes.
You’ll practice assisting clients with bathing, cooking, dressing, and more while in training.
Alaska Job Corps also has a CNA training program.
If you’re already working as an HHA, it’s something worth looking into.
4. Alaska Technical Center
Alaska Technical Center provides support for a variety of health careers.
You can take the Personal Care Attendant or CNA courses, which provide similar training as for HHAs.
It’s one way to get hired fast, and you probably would start working while still in classes.
It’s possible to find full-time jobs working in either people’s homes or at a facility upon course completion.
This training center also provides required CPR and emergency response certification tracks.
5. Care Academy
If you prefer online training, you can participate in the Care Academy program.
Make sure this schooling fits your career goals.
It does say on its website that they offer “state-approved” training.
If you’re not sure, you can always verify it.
This online training portal offers video training.
You can even view courses on your smartphone.
Ask them how to meet your state’s hands-on clinical requirements if you decide to become a CNA.
HHAs probably can start working even while in training.
Home Health Aide Schools in Alaska – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Alaska
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Caregiver Training Academy (CTA) | Anchorage, AK |
| Alaska Technical Center | 843 4th St, Kotzebue, AK 99752 |
| ALASKA CNA | 1565 Bragaw St #104 Anchorage, AK 99503 |
| Alaska Job Corps | 800 Lynn Martin Dr, Palmer, AK 99645 |
| CareAcademy |
Salary
The average home healthcare aid salary ranges from about $31,676-$54,62.
You could make an average of $41,530.
You will, however, make more money as a CNA instead of being an unlicensed HHA employee.
Earning multiple certifications and continuing on to acquire an LPN or RN would put you in higher salary brackets.
If you can’t find jobs near you, look in Anchorage, Holmer, Soldotna, and Juneau.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Home Health Aides in Alaska
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $30,644 |
| Juneau | $30,372 |
| Fairbanks | $30,518 |
| Sitka | $29,958 |
| Ketchikan | $29,958 |
| Kenai | $30,231 |
| Kodiak | $30,231 |
| Bethel | $30,231 |
| Wasilla | $30,231 |
| Palmer | $30,231 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 3,870 | $37,800 | $18.18 | $43,830 | $27,200 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 540 | $39,060 | $18.78 | $48,970 | $32,720 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a Home Health Aide and a CNA?
A Home Health Aide usually concentrates on one patient at a time.
They may have multiple clients they assist in a day though.
Otherwise, they would work all day for just a single person.
On the other hand, CNAs usually have to care for multiple patients on their shift in the wing they work in.
Can you become a nurse in Alaska as an HHA?
Yes, you can.
You could start out as an HHA and train to become a CNA, LPN (licensed practical nurse), or an RN (registered nurse).
How much does Alaska HHA training cost?
It may cost you about as much money as a CNA training program would.
That’s something to consider.
If you do your classroom portion online, you may only have to pay less than $2,000.
The semester-long training may cost you $5,000 or more.
How do I gain HHA experience?
You perhaps may need to volunteer for someone you know.
That person could give you a reference.
Otherwise, perhaps intern at a local nursing home or another caretaking facility.
Then, use those references to apply to an HHA agency.
What’s better, becoming a CNA or an HHA?
Most training in AK gears healthcare workers toward earning a CNA.
The CNA involves a bit more technical education, such as how to use a heart monitor or blood pressure machine.
Either position allows you to work almost immediately though.
You probably want to start looking for an HHA position as soon as possible before becoming a CNA.
