Becoming part of the healthcare industry can seem daunting, especially since most healthcare roles have lengthy educational requirements. However, there are healthcare roles — such as becoming a CNA or an HHA — that can allow interested individuals to train for a relatively short period, get their feet in the door, and build a solid healthcare career.
In this article, we discuss two healthcare roles that are in high demand, CNA and HHA, and tackle the main differences and similarities between these roles so you can decide which role best suits your interests and preferences.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Definition and job responsibilities
A CNA is a healthcare professional who directly works with patients and provides personal care and emotional support. Because CNAs work directly with patients and assist them with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, grooming, feeding, and turning/repositioning, they are well-positioned to report their observations and patient concerns or questions to other healthcare professionals, which can help improve patient care outcomes. They also take patients’ vital signs, collect specimens, and assist nurses with certain tasks or procedures.
CNAs report directly to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and doctors. Typically, CNAs can work directly with patients of different ages. However, in certain states, a specific kind of CNA only works with elderly or geriatric patients, and they’re called Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs). To become a GNA, CNAs must pass the Geriatric Nursing Assistant Examination.
Home Health Aide (HHA): Definition and job responsibilities
Similar to CNAs, HHAs are healthcare professionals who assist patients with essential care needs that they can’t do on their own, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding. HHAs also typically help patients with other basic tasks, such as running errands, laundry, and light housekeeping.
HHAs report to other HHAs, RNs, and patients’ family members. HHAs help geriatric patients and those with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
What is the difference between a CNA and an HHA?
CNAs and HHAs share many similarities in terms of the kind of assistance they provide patients, but they also have many differences.
| Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) | Home Health Aides (HHAs) | |
| Education | To become a CNA, you must enroll in a state-approved training program that can take about four to 12 weeks to complete. | To become an HHA, you must enroll in a state-approved and accredited institution. |
| Certification | To get certified as a CNA, you must pass a state certification exam that typically includes both written and hands-on competency sections. After passing the exam, you’ll be a certified CNA and will be listed on your state’s nurse aide registry. Depending on the state, CNAs would need to renew their certifications every two years. | Aside from getting your HHA certification from the National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), some community colleges, nonprofit organizations, and home health agencies offer HHA certification. To get certified, you’d need to pass the written and practical HHA exam and get listed on the HHA registry. Depending on the state, HHAs would need to renew their certifications every two or three years. |
| Work environment | CNAs work in various healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, hospices, and home care facilities. | Typically, HHAs work in patients’ homes, but they can also work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and group homes. |
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