Home Health Aide (HHA) Training Program

• The Home Health Aide (HHA) program at Mission Career College prepares students to provide safe, compassionate care to clients in their homes. HHA training focuses on one-on-one patient support, daily living assistance, home safety, and effective communication with clients and families.
• This program is designed as a career-expanding credential, most commonly taken after completing Nurse Assistant (CNA) training. HHA certification allows caregivers to work in licensed home health agencies, hospice programs, and community-based care settings where in-home services are required.

Home-based care is one of the fastest-growing areas of healthcare, and employers increasingly seek caregivers who are trained specifically for in-home settings.

Students choose MCC’s HHA program because it offers:
• A short, state-approved pathway into home health and hospice work
• Training that builds directly on CNA and caregiving experience
• Expanded job options beyond facility-based roles
• Flexible schedules designed for working adults and caregivers
• Supportive instruction focused on real-world skills

For many students, HHA provides a more flexible alternative to facility work while maintaining steady employment in healthcare.

The Home Health Aide program follows California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requirements.

Students who already hold current CNA certification may complete the 40-hour CDPH-approved HHA training, which qualifies them for HHA roles in licensed home health and hospice agencies. The HHA program builds on CNA competencies rather than repeating them.

Students without CNA certification are encouraged to enroll in a CNA or CNA + HHA pathway, which provides the appropriate foundation required by employers and state guidelines.

Admissions advisors can help determine the correct pathway based on your background and goals.

HHA training focuses on practical, hands-on skills needed for safe and effective care in the home environment.

Topics include:
• Assisting with personal care in a home setting
• Supporting activities of daily living
• Home safety and fall prevention
• Infection control in non-clinical environments
• Nutrition support, meal preparation, and food safety
• Basic housekeeping and environmental care
• Communication with clients, families, and care teams
• Understanding patient rights, dignity, and cultural sensitivity

Instruction emphasizes clear demonstrations, supervised practice, and real-world caregiving scenarios.

The Home Health Aide program consists of 40 instructional hours and is offered in short, focused formats designed to minimize time away from work and family.

Day Program – All Campuses
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
40 hours over 5 days

Evening Program – Riverside & Victorville Campuses
Tuesday–Thursday, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
40 hours over 10 days

Multiple start dates are offered throughout the year. Admissions can provide current schedules and campus availability.

Graduates of the HHA program are prepared for entry-level home-based caregiving roles, including:

• Home Health Aide
• Hospice Aide
• Certified Home Health Aide (with agency placement)
• In-home caregiver with licensed agencies
• Private duty or community-based care roles

Home health and personal care aide roles continue to show strong demand across the Inland Empire and High Desert regions, with hundreds of job postings available at any given time. Many agencies prefer or require CNA + HHA credentials for placement.

To enroll in the Home Health Aide program, applicants must meet program and regulatory requirements.

Requirements typically include:
• Completion of the admissions application
• Current CNA certification (for the 40-hour HHA pathway)
• Valid government-issued photo ID and Social Security card
• Physical exam and TB clearance
• CPR certification for Healthcare Providers
• Live Scan fingerprint background check

Admissions advisors will guide you through each requirement and confirm eligibility.

Starting at Mission Career College is straightforward, and our admissions team will support you through every step.

First, check your eligibility by speaking with an admissions advisor, who will help confirm whether the HHA program or a CNA + HHA pathway is the best fit for you.

Next, submit an application online or in person. You may Request Information, and an admissions advisor will reach out to help complete the enrollment paperwork and review program details.

Before classes begin, you’ll complete required health and background clearances, including a physical exam, TB test, CPR certification, Live Scan fingerprinting, and submission of ID documents. MCC will provide guidance and instructions for each step.

During enrollment, you’ll review tuition and payment options. Students may pay upfront, enroll in a payment plan, or use eligible workforce or third-party funding. A registration fee or deposit may be required to secure your seat.

Once all requirements are complete, you’ll attend a short orientation, receive your schedule, meet your instructor, and begin training.

Do I need to be a CNA to take the HHA program?

For the 40-hour HHA program, students must hold current CNA certification. Students without CNA certification are encouraged to enroll in a CNA or CNA + HHA pathway.

How long is the HHA program?

The HHA program consists of 40 instructional hours and can be completed in as little as one to two weeks, depending on the schedule.

Where can I work after completing HHA training?

Graduates may work in licensed home health agencies, hospice programs, and other community-based care settings that provide in-home services.

Is HHA a good alternative to facility-based CNA work?

For some students, yes. HHA roles often involve one-on-one care and more flexible schedules compared to facility settings.

Can HHA help with future healthcare goals?

Yes. HHA experience complements CNA training and can support long-term goals such as LVN or RN programs while you gain hands-on patient care experience.