Career Paths for Home Health Aides: What Comes After HHA?

Home health aides (HHAs) are the heart of compassionate, personalized care. Whether you’re assisting with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, or offering companionship, your role makes a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.

But if you’re ready to grow in your career, you’re not alone. Many HHAs ask the same question at some point: “What comes after HHA?”

The good news is that home health care is often just the beginning of a rewarding career in patient care. With experience, training, and a little planning, you can take the next step toward higher-paying, higher-skill roles in the healthcare field. In this article, we’ll explore the most common career paths for home health aides, how to build your home health care aide resume, and how to create a plan for long-term success.

What Are Some Career Paths for Home Health Aides?

As an HHA, you’ve already laid the groundwork for a meaningful healthcare career. You might be wondering: “What comes after HHA?” It’s a common question, and the answer depends on your goals.

• If you love one-on-one care and home settings: Consider becoming an LPN or RN with a home health focus.
• If you’re drawn to the fast pace of hospitals: CNA, PCT, or MA roles may offer a better fit.
• If you’re looking for long-term growth: Think about working toward a CNA position and building up to RN or even BSN.

No matter your destination, your experience as a home health aide is a powerful foundation to build on. Employers value your real-world patient care experience, especially in settings that require empathy, independence, and adaptability. Your direct patient care experience, compassion, and communication skills are all valuable assets, especially in these next-step roles:

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

If you’re looking for the next step up in hands-on patient care, becoming a CNA is a logical move. CNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and more. They assist patients with hygiene, mobility, nutrition, and vital signs – similar to HHA tasks, but in a more clinical setting.

• Typical training time: 4–16 weeks
• Certification required: Yes (state-approved program + exam)
• Median salary: $39,430/year

2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed Practical Nurses provide more advanced clinical care under the supervision of RNs and physicians. Becoming an LPN involves a longer training period, but the rewards are significant: higher pay, more responsibility, and greater job flexibility.

• Typical training time: 1 year
• Certification required: Yes (NCLEX-PN exam after a state-approved program)
• Median salary: $62,340/year

LPNs are employed in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies.

3. Registered Nurse (RN)

For HHAs with long-term goals in patient care, becoming a Registered Nurse is a top-tier goal. RNs can work in nearly any healthcare setting, manage complex patient care, specialize in areas like oncology or pediatrics, and even pursue advanced practice roles down the line.

• Typical training time: 4 years
• Certification required: Yes (NCLEX-RN exam)
• Median salary: $93,600/year

4. Medical Assistant (MA)

If you’re interested in working in a doctor’s office or clinic setting, becoming a medical assistant might be a good fit. MAs do both clinical and administrative tasks, such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, scheduling appointments, and managing electronic health records. In general, this role can be less physically demanding than HHA work.

• Typical training time: 1–2 years (may be optional)
• Certification required: Depends on the state
• Median salary: $44,200/year

This role combines your existing care experience with new skills in medical office procedures.

5. Rehabilitation Aide/Technician

If you enjoy helping patients regain strength and mobility, a career as a rehabilitation aide or rehab technician could be a perfect fit. Rehab aides support physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other rehab professionals by preparing treatment areas, assisting with exercises, and helping patients move safely. This role blends your hands-on care experience with a more structured, therapy-focused environment – often in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or skilled nursing facilities.

• Typical training time: On-the-job training or short certification courses (some employers may require a high school diploma only)
• Certification required: None, but many employers prefer CPR/BLS certification
• Median salary: $34,520/year

Each of these roles builds on the skills you’ve already developed as a home health aide. With the right training and support, you can turn your hands-on experience into a long-term, fulfilling career in patient care.

How to Create a Home Health Aide Career Roadmap

No matter which path you choose, the best thing you can do is start with a clear healthcare career roadmap. To get started:

1. Set a Goal: Think about where you want to be in two to five years. What does your ideal job look like?

2. Identify Skills Gaps: What certifications, degrees, or clinical hours do you need to reach your next level?

3. Look for Opportunities: If you’re working as an HHA, ask to shadow nurses or medical staff.

4. Explore Part-Time Programs: Many schools offer flexible evening and weekend classes to accommodate working professionals.

5. Talk to Your Employer: Some home health agencies offer tuition assistance or partnerships with local training programs.

By strategically planning and leveraging your current experience, you can build a strong foundation for advancement in the healthcare field. Take advantage of educational opportunities and professional networking to define and achieve your ideal career in patient care.

Tips for Building a Home Health Care Aide Career

As you move forward, these career-building strategies can help you stand out as a top candidate:

1. Update Your Home Health Care Aide Resume With Transferable Skills

In your home health care aide resume, be sure to highlight the clinical and soft skills you’ve developed as an HHA:

• Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Transferring patients
• Monitoring vital signs
• Communication with patients/families and other healthcare professionals
• Documentation and reporting
• Time management and independence

Use action verbs like assisted, monitored, documented, and coordinated. Be sure to tailor your home health care aide resume for each job you apply for, rather than using a generic healthcare resume.

2. Earn Certifications to Boost Your Credentials

Adding a CPR certification, phlebotomy license, or EKG technician certificate to your home health care aide resume shows initiative and opens more doors. Many community colleges and workforce development programs offer these at low cost. Your current employer may even offer tuition assistance for these programs.

Find & Apply to Top Nursing Jobs Today

Create your account to get started!

Job Seeker Sign In

Sign in with Google

Sign in with LinkedIn

Sign in with Apple

Or, use your email address:

Next

We Value Your Privacy

3. Network With Other Healthcare Professionals

Whether you’re working in a home setting or attending classes, talk to nurses, instructors, and hiring managers. Ask how they got started. Join local or online healthcare forums and Facebook groups for advice and support. Some of the most valuable insights come from people who’ve already walked the path you’re hoping to take.

4. Explore Financial Aid and Scholarships

Don’t let cost hold you back. Many HHAs qualify for grants, employer tuition reimbursement, or workforce development funding. The U.S. Department of Labor, state healthcare workforce programs, and community colleges often have funding and reimbursement programs specifically for healthcare training.

Define Your Own Career Path for Home Health Aides

Being a home health aide is an important and meaningful job, but it doesn’t have to be your final destination. Whether you see yourself as a CNA, LPN, RN, or another clinical role, there are plenty of career paths for home health aides to explore. Your experience matters. Your compassion makes a difference. And your future is in your hands.

When you’re ready to take the next step, iHire is here to support you with tools, advice, and job opportunities to grow your home health care aide career. Check out the iHire Resource Center for more healthcare job tips!