CAREER GUIDE
From CNA to home health aide: what carries over
Plain-language summary of the federal rule. Educational only, not legal advice. Your state may add its own requirements.
The federal rule
Medicare-certified home health agencies follow 42 CFR 484.80 (opens in a new tab). It sets out who can work as a home health aide, what training covers, and how competency is checked.
How a CNA background fits
The rule lists more than one way to qualify. One of them is completing a state-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program. If you've done CNA training, that may count, but check the exact conditions in the rule and with your state before you rely on it.
Training after you're hired
The same rule requires aides at these agencies to complete at least 12 hours of in-service training every 12 months. Expect your employer to track this.
What to check with your state
- Whether your state has its own home care aide training hours or registry
- Whether your CNA registry status needs to be current
- Which training providers your state accepts