Business insurance

/ BLOG

The Ultimate Guide to Caregiver Certification Programs in California

Jul 22, 2022 · 4 minutes to read

A senior woman with walker and carer in garden at home.

As more people decide to age in their own homes, the demand for professional caregivers is growing. Aspiring caregivers in California may find excellent employment opportunities around the state and in other parts of the country.

Before you can apply for these types of jobs, you will need to complete a caregiver program and get a caregiver certification in California. The required training and exams help prepare you for a career as a home care aide, home health aide, or certified nursing assistant. It also helps protect your patients by ensuring that you are able to meet their safety and wellbeing needs.

Who is considered a professional caregiver in CA?

California recognizes different types of professional caregivers, including:

  • Home care aides (HCA) – Offers non-medical assistance, such as preparing meals or providing companionship.
  • Home health aides (HHA) – Provides some medical assistance, including physical therapy, monitoring vital signs, and wound care.
  • Certified nursing assistants (CNA) – May provide much of the same care as an HHA but can also administer prescription medications.

Recommended reading: The Differences Between a CNA and HHA

The instruction for each type of caregiver is different. You will need to complete a recognized caregiver program that meets the minimum state or federal requirements to work in any of these roles.

Who can receive a caregiver certification in CA?

To enter a caregiver program and receive a caregiver certification in CA, you must first meet the basic enrollment requirements. These vary depending on where you are completing the training and the type of program you choose.

Basic requirements for many caregiver programs include:

  • Reaching a minimum age – typically 16-18 years old
  • Having a high school diploma, GED, or passing competency exams
  • Meeting minimum health standards (such as passing a physical and having a Tuberculosis skin test)
  • Passing a criminal background check and drug test

It’s wise to contact the school, training center, or organization that is providing training to learn what requirements you will need to meet before enrolling.

How do I get a caregiver certification in California?

You will need to complete a training program to become a certified HCA, HHA, or CNA in California. Each program has a minimum number of training hours:

  • HCAs must complete 5 hours of initial training and 5 hours of continuing education training each year.
  • HHAs must complete 120 hours of initial training and 24 hours of continuing education training each year.
  • CNAs must complete 150 hours of initial training and 48 hours of continuing education training each year.

Depending on the program you pursue, you will receive both classroom instruction and hands-on training. For example, HHAs must complete at least 20 hours of clinical training (where they provide direct patient care under supervision) as part of their 120 hours of total training.

Once you have completed your caregiver program, you may need to pass a competency exam. This will test your knowledge and skills related to performing the work of a professional caregiver.

Finding a caregiver program in California

There are many ways to receive caregiver training in California:

  • Vocational or technical schools
  • Continuing education programs
  • Community colleges and universities
  • Home health agencies

Free caregiver training may be available, particularly through home health agencies. You will likely be required to work for them for a set number of years in exchange for them training you.

Helping those in need

A caregiver program could be the start of a stable and rewarding career. There are many ways to get your caregiver certification in California so you can start changing the lives of patients in the Golden State.

Thinking about caregiver insurance? Insurance for home health aides and professional caregivers could help protect you while you work—learn more.

*This information is a general guide only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Always check with your local licensing board when getting or renewing your caregiver license to ensure you are meeting their current licensing requirements.

Get Free Online Quotes and get coverage instantly

The coverage you need for your business.

Business insurance is divided into different policies. We offer 4 types so it's easy to design the coverage that fits your business.

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

Let's find

The coverage you need for your business

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

bizinsurance makes purchasing Business Insurance...SIMPLE!
Andrea W.
1701380391
Great quality of Service ,faster and convenience way to pay at most. Thank you for your Service to my Healthcare Facility .
Quick and easy!!!!
Terry
1701319042
Great service! Easy process and very informative representative. Andrea was great and very patience with our process. I would recommend using them!!
Terrance R.
1700848536
Always and easy process. Thanks!
Gerald S.
1700244544
Renewal was quick and easy online
Angelita K.
1699752900
I had a great experience working with Andrea from BizInsure. She was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and responsive throughout the entire process. She guided me through the different options available and helped me find the perfect home care professional liability insurance policy that suited my needs. Her professionalism and expertise made the entire experience smooth and hassle-free. I highly recommend working with Andrea and BizInsure for all your insurance needs.
Juliette S.
1699032636
Easy to submit an application and to get quotes
Simone S.
1698775217
I had the most pleasant prompt and professional experience of my life with Bizinsure. Everything was completed in record time, at an unbelievable cost…and my certificate of Insurance was promptly emailed to me. Most of all it was effective immediately. No hassle no back & forth, just great service highly recommend to all small businesses.
Marcia S.
1698407456
Excellent
advanced U.
1697824466
Great service. Very professional and cordial. Thanks
Jeremiah U.
1697064641
BizInure has been a great company for our insurance needs. I wish customers services was 24/7, that would make it a five stars
Novilette L. J.
1696828014
Easy to navigate what you need. Always notify ahead of renewal!
Athena T.
1696646371
This is the best company I have ever worked with. They are professional and get you exactly what you need. I highly recommend them!
Jim P.
1696451803
this is really easy
Riaz R.
1696428004
Andrea was very useful and professional. I will be recommending Biznsure to my friends that need business insurance. Keep up the good work. I wish the agency also offers auto insurance and whenever you do I will be one of the first to sign up as sign of my appreciation.Mike Okonkwo.
Mike O
1696282284
Kalab was excellent. Great, great Agent. Every step was organized and well planned. I WILL recommend your firm to anyone. Thank you...
Easy to renew Policy
Plain S.
1695644756
Great total experience. The agent was professional, knowledgeable,and a pleasure to work with. The fastest business insurance purchase I've ever experience. I highly recommend Bizinsure.
Tony W.
1695492357
Communication was excellent and the process was easy.
Jessie R.
1695153508
I have been using Bizinsure for several years and find the ease of renewing as well as generating additional insured certificates to be easy and useful, especially as a sole prop. thank you
Michelle C.
1695060008
Kaleb tailored the right coverage to our business. Customer service was good and gave great understanding of coverage. Thank you from Goleda's Gentle Homecare LLC
Aneesah M.
1695056651
A GOOD COMPANY FOR HEALTH CARE INC
Supreme A.
1694871640
Easiest & fastest online quote and purchasing experience out there. Inside of 10 minutes I had a quote, payment draft, and policy in force... and at the most competitive GL rates I found.
Rusty H.
1694699044
very quick and prompt service.
Sally Jo W.
1694180429
caleb was great in helping me navigate thecorrect liabilty insurance for my company
Lindsay Erin P.
1694135867
Friendly fast service I recommend you to all vendors
Terry R.
1694133043
Great
Kemi S.
1694119021
Great Customer service and easy renewal process!!!! I would refer this company to anyone.
Chris H.
1694038325
Great company easy to work with, Andrew was very helpful,you can call him any time he is ready to listen and help
Olu A.
1693959486
Good customer service indeed
BASSI T.
1693944217
js_loader
Google Rating
4.6
Based on 214 reviews
×
js_loader