Classroom to Caregiver (HHA) – Training Program

The HomeCare Hands HHA Certification Program is designed to provide new home health aides (HHAs) with the skills and competencies needed to meet the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation for Home Health Aide Services (42 CFR § 484.80).

This blended training program combines online learning and in-person instruction and includes:

59 hours of online classes through the CareAcademy platform.
17+ hours of in-person training.
Required onboarding/orientation.
End-of-program knowledge exam.
Hands-on skills competency evaluation.
Before You Register

This training program is available to approved applicants only. New applicants must first complete the Classroom to Caregiver (HHA) – Application & Orientation process before registering for an HHA training cohort. Applicants must complete all applicable pre-program requirements, including required screening and documentation, and receive clearance from HCH EDU before registering for a training cohort. Completion of the Application & Orientation process does not guarantee admission into the HHA Training Program or employment with HomeCare Hands.

Program Requirements

By enrolling in this Program, the Student agrees to meet the following requirements:

Skills & Experience

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Strong desire to provide personal care with compassion, patience, and empathy.
• Willingness to take direction and the ability to work independently.
• Strong time-management, decision-making, and listening skills.

Commitment to Education

• Attend and actively participate in required in-person training sessions.
• Maintain access to a mobile device or computer to complete online classes.
• Complete required online coursework.
• Successfully complete the end-of-program knowledge exam.
• Demonstrate competency through a hands-on skills competency evaluation.
• Complete required program feedback and evaluation activities.

Pre-Program Application & Orientation

Before beginning the HHA Training Program, new applicants must complete the Classroom to Caregiver (HHA) – Application & Orientation process.

During this process, applicants will:

Learn about the HHA training and employment pathway.
Review program requirements, expectations, and the train-to-work model.
Complete required application and onboarding documentation.
Complete authorization for the required background screening (CORI).
Submit required identification and employment documentation.
Learn about available HHA training cohorts and next steps.

Applicants who wish to proceed must successfully complete all applicable pre-program requirements and receive clearance from HCH EDU before registering for an HHA training cohort.

Online Classes

The online curriculum is organized into six instructional modules, with approximately 9–10 hours of CareAcademy coursework assigned within each module. Depending on the cohort schedule, multiple modules may be covered during a single in-person training session.

CareAcademy classes include video and text-based instruction, interactive activities, knowledge checks, assessments, and final tests.

Participants must complete assigned online coursework according to the schedule and instructions provided by HCH EDU.

In-Person Classroom & Skills Training

In-person training sessions are scheduled throughout the program and align with topics covered in the CareAcademy online curriculum.

Depending on the cohort schedule, content from multiple curriculum modules may be combined into a single in-person training session.

In-person sessions may include:

• Instructor-led education.
• Discussion and group activities.
• Demonstration.
• Role-playing.
• Worksheets and learning activities.
• Hands-on skills practice.
• Review and application of online course content.

Participants must complete the required foundational didactic instruction before participating in applicable hands-on skills training.

Attendance & Participation

Regular attendance and active participation are essential components of the program.

Participants are expected to:

• Attend all scheduled in-person training sessions.
• Arrive on time and remain for the full scheduled session.
• Clock in and out as instructed.
• Actively participate in classroom and hands-on activities.
• Complete assigned online coursework according to program expectations.
• Notify the instructor promptly regarding anticipated absences or tardiness.

Missed classes, incomplete coursework, repeated absences, or insufficient participation may delay progression through the program. Participants may be required to attend corresponding material during a future cohort or complete another approved make-up arrangement.

Assessment & Competency Evaluation

End-of-Program Knowledge Exam

Participants must successfully complete an end-of-program knowledge examination covering the required HHA subject areas.

Participants must achieve a score of at least 80% to pass and are permitted up to three attempts.

Hands-On Skills Competency Evaluation

Participants must also demonstrate satisfactory competency in required Home Health Aide skills under appropriate instructor supervision.

Successful completion of both the knowledge examination and required skills competency evaluations is part of the educational and competency requirements of the HHA certification pathway.

Train-to-Work & Employment Pathway

The Classroom to Caregiver Program is an employment-based train-to-work pathway, rather than a traditional tuition-based HHA course.

The program is provided without a traditional course fee to eligible participants as part of the HomeCare Hands training and employment pathway.

Depending on prior experience and completion of applicable onboarding requirements, eligible participants may be able to begin working in an approved caregiver role while continuing to complete the HHA training and certification pathway.

HomeCare Hands does not guarantee any specific number of work hours, shifts, clients, or assignments.

Certification

Completion of the online coursework, classroom training, knowledge examination, and required hands-on skills competency evaluations represents completion of the educational and competency components of the program.

Formal HomeCare Hands HHA Certification is awarded only after successful completion of all program and employment requirements, including 2,000 hours of employment with HomeCare Hands following completion of the required educational and competency components.

Participants who do not complete the required employment commitment will not receive the formal HomeCare Hands HHA Certification.

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Following successful completion of the required educational and competency components, a participant may be required to complete On-the-Job Training (OJT) for up to two weeks.

The exact duration of OJT will be determined based on the participant's demonstrated performance, proficiency, and competency in required skills.

Uniform & Preparation Requirements

Students are expected to arrive appropriately dressed and prepared for all scheduled training sessions.

Scrub pants are required. Scrub tops are preferred, although an appropriate plain-colored shirt may be permitted. Footwear must be closed-toe, closed-heel, work-appropriate, and suitable for hands-on caregiving activities.

Students are expected to maintain professional hygiene and grooming and follow all additional uniform, safety, and preparation requirements provided by HCH EDU.

Location & Parking

Training is held at:

HomeCare Hands / HCH EDU
807 Worcester Street
Springfield (Indian Orchard), MA 01151

Please enter through Door #807 at the center of the building.

Free parking is available. We ask that students avoid parking directly against the building when possible to preserve accessible spaces for elderly and disabled visitors.

Fees & Work Commitment

No Traditional Course Fee

The HomeCare Hands HHA Certification Program is provided without a traditional course fee to eligible participants who participate in the HomeCare Hands train-to-work pathway.

Participants pursuing formal HomeCare Hands HHA Certification are required to complete 2,000 hours of employment with HomeCare Hands following completion of the required educational and competency components.

Formal HomeCare Hands HHA Certification is awarded only after the required employment commitment and all other applicable program requirements have been successfully completed.

Registration Eligibility

Registration for HHA training cohorts is restricted to applicants who have completed the required Application & Orientation process and have received clearance from HCH EDU.

New applicants should begin with Classroom to Caregiver (HHA) – Application & Orientation.