If you’re an unpaid family caregiver, the only thing standing between you and earning money for the care you provide may be caregiver training and, in some cases, a certification. 

Some programs that pay family caregivers in PA—eg: Medical Assistance (Medicaid) waiver programs and RubyWell—require you to take federally approved training to qualify for payment. And if someday you want to apply your skills and experience to caring for others outside of your family, training and certification may allow you to be paid for providing that care professionally. 

This guide explains the various caregiver careers that exist and the hourly wage for each. Then it walks you through training and (if applicable) certification requirements for each role.

Note: we’re using the word “caregiver” as an umbrella term that includes:

• Direct Care Workers
• Personal Care Aides
• Home Health Aides
• Certified Nursing Assistants
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Registered Nurses

Steps to Become a Trained, Certified Paid Caregiver

The first thing you need to do on the journey to becoming a paid caregiver is to determine what kind of training and/or certification may be required by the payment program or employer you plan to engage with. 

From there, each path to certification looks slightly different. But generally speaking, there are requirements for initial training and testing; and sometimes background checks, annual training, and licensure.

Step 1: Understanding Caregiver Career Options

Direct Care Workers (DCW)

Direct care workers typically work with people who have mental, physical, and/or mobility issues. They have a wide range of responsibilities focused on assisting clients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and providing personal care. They may provide in-home care or work in assisted living facilities or healthcare institutions. Often, physicians supervise Direct Care Workers to ensure that the care they provide is in line with the client’s treatment plan.

How Much Does a Direct Care Worker Get Paid?

The average hourly wage for Direct Care Workers in PA in 2024 is $13.60.

What Are the Duties of a Direct Care Worker?

The key duties of a Direct Care Worker include:

• Assisting with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting
• Helping with mobility and transfers (e.g. moving a client from a bed to a wheelchair)
• Preparing meals and assisting with feeding
• Performing light housekeeping tasks
• Monitoring clients' physical, mental and emotional conditions and reporting changes
• Providing companionship and emotional support
• Administering medications and treatments as prescribed
• Running errands and shopping for groceries/household items
• Accompanying clients to medical appointments
• Maintaining a clean, safe environment for clients

Who is Eligible to be a Direct Care Worker?

Direct Care Workers in PA typically must meet these requirements:

• They’re legally able to work in the U.S.
• They’ve earned a high school diploma or GED
• They’re at least 18 years old
• They have a valid driver's license
• They can pass a criminal background check
• They’re physical ability to assist clients with mobility and daily tasks

Personal Care Aide (PCA)

A Personal Care Aide is a healthcare professional who provides assistance with daily living activities to people who are unable to fully care for themselves due to illness, disability, or advanced age, but don’t require significant medical care. They typically work in clients' homes or assisted living facilities. Personal Care Aides may have more autonomy in their day-to-day tasks, as they aren’t typically supervised by a physician. 

How Much Does a Personal Care Aide Get Paid?

The average hourly wage for Personal Care Aides in PA in 2024 is $13.28.

What Are the Duties of a Personal Care Aide?

Key duties of a Personal Care Aide include:

• Assisting with personal care activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting
• Helping with mobility and transfers (e.g. moving a client from a bed to a wheelchair)
• Performing light housekeeping tasks such as laundry, cleaning, and meal preparation
• Providing companionship and emotional support
• Monitoring client's condition and reporting changes to supervisors or family members
• Assisting with medications as directed
• Helping with exercises or physical therapy routines
• Accompanying client to medical appointments
• Running errands and grocery shopping

Who is Eligible to be a Personal Care Aide?

Personal Care Aides in PA typically must meet these requirements:

• They’re legally able to work in the U.S.
• They’ve earned a high school diploma or GED
• They’re at least 18 years old
• They can pass a criminal background check
• They’re physical ability to assist clients with mobility and daily tasks
• They have a valid driver's license (often required)
• Certification in CPR and first aid may be preferred

Home Health Aides (HHA)

A Home Health Aide provides essential support and care to people in their homes,  hospice facilities, or assisted living facilities. They provide more specialized care than Direct Care Workers or Personal Care Aides, including some medical tasks like checking vital signs, administering medications, providing basic wound care, and monitoring health conditions. They’re supervised by other healthcare professionals and follow specific care plans prescribed by doctors or nurses.

How Much Does a Home Health Aide Get Paid?

The average hourly wage for Home Health Aides in PA in 2024 is $14.77.

What Are the Duties of a Home Health Aide?

Key duties of a Home Health Aide include:

• Assisting with personal care activities (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting)
• Helping with mobility and transfers
• Performing light housekeeping tasks
• Preparing meals and assisting with feeding
• Providing companionship and emotional support
• Monitoring client's condition and reporting changes
• Assisting with medications as directed
• Helping with prescribed exercises or physical therapy routines
• Cleaning and changing simple wound dressings
• Monitoring wounds for signs of infection or changes
• Helping patients follow wound care instructions

Who is Eligible to be a Home Health Aide?

Home Health Aides in PA typically must meet these requirements:

• They’re legally able to work in the U.S.
• They’ve earned a high school diploma or GED (not always mandatory)
• They’re at least 18 years old
• They can pass a criminal background check, child abuse clearance, and tuberculosis (TB) screening

Note: RubyWell has launched a pilot in PA to evaluate our program that pays family caregivers. This program connects family caregivers with access to Home Health Aide training so they may be hired and paid by our partner home health agencies to care for their aging family members.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)

A certified nursing assistant provides basic care and assists patients with daily living activities under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). They typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and assisted living centers, caring for multiple patients. But they can also work in home healthcare. They can perform more advanced medical tasks than Home Health Aides. 

How Much Does a Certified Nursing Assistant Get Paid?

The average hourly wage for CNAs in PA in 2024 is $14.70.

What Are the Duties of a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Key duties of a CNA include:

• Assisting patients with daily living activities
• Taking vital signs and monitoring patient condition
• Providing wound care and catheter maintenance
• Helping with mobility and transfers
• Providing personal hygiene care
• Serving meals and assisting with feeding
• Changing bed linens and ensuring a clean environment

Who is Eligible to be a Certified Nursing Assistant?

CNAs in PA typically must meet these requirements:

• They’re legally allowed to work in the U.S.
• They’re at least 16 years old. Some employers may only hire CNAs who are at least 18 years old.
• They can demonstrate basic math and reading competency (usually at an 8th-grade level or higher).
• They’re able to pass a criminal background check 
• They’re able pass a physical examination
• They’re able to pass tuberculosis (TB) screening
• They have up-to-date immunization records
• They’re be able to lift at least 40 pounds

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)  

LPNs provide direct patient care to help meet their patients' fundamental needs. This includes monitoring a patient’s condition and reporting any changes in condition to the patient’s doctors. They also perform basic nursing tasks like checking vital signs. Typically, LPNs are supervised by registered nurses (RNs) or doctors. 

How Much Does a Licensed Practical Nurse Get Paid?

The average hourly wage for LPNs in PA in 2024 is $28.27

What Are the Duties of a Licensed Practical Nurse?

Key duties of an LPN include:

• Providing basic nursing care
• Monitoring patients and recording vital signs
• Administering medications and injections
• Changing dressings and inserting catheters
• Assisting with tests and procedures
• Supervising CNAs and other staff

Who is Eligible to be a LPN in PA?

LPNs must meet these requirements:

• They’re legally allowed to work in the U.S.
• They’re at least 18 years old
• They’re in good physical and mental health
• They have a clean professional record without disciplinary actions
• They’re able to pass a criminal background check
• They’ve completed a state-approved practical nursing program (typically a 1-year program)
• They’ve passed the NCLEX-PN exam

Registered Nurses (RN)

Like LPNs, RNs provide direct patient care to help meet their patients' fundamental needs. This includes monitoring a patient’s condition and reporting any changes in condition to the patient’s doctors. They also perform basic nursing tasks like checking vital signs. However, RNs can work independently, without the supervision of doctors. RNs require more extensive training and have greater autonomy and broader responsibilities compared to LPNs. 

How Much Does a Registered Nurse Get Paid?

The average hourly wage for RNs in PA in 2024 is $39.80.

What Are the Duties of a Registered Nurse?

Key duties of an RN include:

• Assessing patient health and developing care plans
• Administering medications and treatments
• Operating medical equipment
• Performing diagnostic tests and analyzing results
• Educating patients on health management
• Supervising LPNs and other healthcare staff
• Developing care plans

Who is Eligible to be a RN in PA?

RNs must meet these requirements:

• They’re legally allowed to work in the U.S.
• They’re at least 18 years old
• They’re in good physical and mental health
• They have a clean professional record without disciplinary actions
• They’re able to pass a criminal background check
• They’ve completed an approved nursing education program resulting in a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree in nursin
• They’ve passed the NCLEX-RN exam

For the most up-to-date information on LPN and RN eligibility, check with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing or a state-approved nursing program.

Step 2: Caregiver Training and Certification 

Caregiver training requirements vary based on the kind of caregiving job you’re pursuing. Here’s what you can expect in terms of the time and effort required to complete the training and/or certification process for each role.

Direct Care Workers (DCW) training and certification

While certification is not mandatory for DCWs, some employers may prefer or require DCWs to hold certifications in CPR and First Aid. Specific training requirements are outlined in Pennsylvania code.

Initial training requirements for DCWs

DCWs working in Personal Care Homes (PCH) or Assisted Living Residences (ALR) are required to take a 6-hour online training program and competency test before providing unsupervised resident care. 

Within 40 scheduled working hours, you must also complete an orientation covering topics such as resident rights, emergency medical plans, and mandatory reporting of abuse and neglect.

Annual training requirements for DCWs

You must complete at least 12 hours of annual training related to your job duties.

Additional steps/information needed to become a DCW

The Pennsylvania Homecare Association offers free online classes for people wishing to become a direct care worker. 

This free training platform has been available to the public since 2010 and hosts over 89 video courses covering a diverse range of topics crucial for providing quality care to older adults in their homes, including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, aging-related physical changes, elder abuse prevention, safety protocols, medication management, and end-of-life care.

Specific training requirements may vary depending on the employer and the particular care setting. Many employers also provide on-the-job training to teach the necessary skills for the role.

Your employer may also require you to: 

• Submit an application
• Pass state and federal background checks 
• Provide health screenings including a recent physical and TB test

Personal Care Aide (PCA) training and certification

While certification is not always mandatory for PCAs in PA, you may choose to pursue voluntary certifications to enhance your knowledge and qualifications, such as CPR, first aid, dementia practitioner certifications.

Initial training requirements for PCAs

You must complete 12 hours of training to be hired as a PCA in PA. However, PA home care agencies or registries may have additional training requirements or assessments for PCAs.

Annual Training Requirements for PCAs

PCAs are required to complete 12 hours annual training in PA. 

Additional steps/information needed to become a PCA

Your employer may require you to: 

• Submit an application
• Pass state and federal background checks 
• Provide health screenings including a recent physical and TB test

Home Health Aides (HHA) training and certification

PA has mandated training requirements for HHAs but no certification requirements. However, Medicare has specific training and certification rules for home health aides in any state. Since many home health agencies submit patient claims to Medicare for reimbursement, they need to staff those shifts with Medicare-certified home health aides. 

Initial Training Requirements for HHAs

HHAs are required to complete 75 hours of training through an approved Home Health Aide Training Program (HHATP) to practice in PA. You can complete the first 59 hours of training online. The final 16 hours of practical training are taught in person by a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) under the supervision of an RN. This hands-on experience allows you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real caregiving setting. Be sure to keep documentation that shows they've met these training requirements.

Annual Training Requirements for HHAs

HHAs are required to complete 12 hours annual training in PA. 

Additional information relevant to certified HHAs in PA

RubyWell has launched a pilot in PA to evaluate our program that pays family caregivers. This program connects family caregivers with access to an approved Home Health Aide Training Program (HHATP), so they may be hired and paid by our partner home health agencies.

If you care for an aging family member whose income and assets are too high to qualify for Medicaid, and they need assistance from a person or medical equipment (wheelchair, walker, cane, etc.) to leave their home, you may be eligible for this pilot. Learn more and take a short quiz to find out if RubyWell can help you get trained, certified, and paid to provide care to your loved one in PA. 

Even if you’re not eligible for RubyWell, you can access free home health aide training through free online classes offered by the Pennsylvania Homecare Association. This free training platform has been available to the public since 2010 and hosts over 89 video courses covering a diverse range of topics crucial for providing quality care to older adults in their homes, including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, aging-related physical changes, elder abuse prevention, safety protocols, medication management, and end-of-life care.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) training and certification

PA has mandated training and certification requirements for CNAs. 

Initial Training Requirements for CNAs

CNAs are required to complete a minimum of 80 hours of training. However, most CNA training programs recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Education offer 120 hours. CNAs usually complete the training program in 6-15 weeks. Some accelerated programs offer 4-week CNA courses.

A minimum of 37.5 hours must be in-person clinical training under the direct supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). The remaining hours can be a combination of classroom instruction (in person or online) and supervised training.

Certification Requirements for CNAs

After completing the training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam to become certified. The exam consists of two parts:

• A written (or oral) exam with 70 multiple choice questions
• A clinical skills evaluation where you must perform 5 randomly selected skills in 25 minutes or less

The exam must be taken at a certified testing center, such as the American Red Cross. Once you pass the exam, you’re automatically added to the Pennsylvania nurse aide registry.

Annual Training Requirements for CNAs

CNAs are required to complete 8-12 hours of continuing education per year to become re-certified.

For the most up-to-date and specific information on CNA training requirements, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the PA State Board of Nursing.

Additional steps/information needed to become a CNA

You must also:

• Pass a criminal background check and register fingerprints
• Pass a physical examination
• Complete a tuberculosis (TB) test
• Have up-to-date immunization records

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) training and certifcation

PA has mandated training and certification requirements for LPNs. 

Initial Training Requirements for LPNs

LPNs are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent. You must complete a state-approved practical nursing program that’s at least 1,500 hours in length. And you must complete the program in no less than 12 months.

State-approved LPN programs have been approved by the State Board of Nursing. They include a c​​ombination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experience. Some schools offer both face-to-face and hybrid (combination of online and in-person) options. A minimum of 37.5 hours of clinical training are taught in person, under the supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). You must maintain a minimum grade (often 2.5 or higher) in each nursing and supporting course.

Certification Requirements for LPNs

After completing LPN the training program, you must take these steps for licensure:

• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). You’ll take this test on a computer at a testing center. 
• Submit an application to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
• Pay the initial licensing fee ($95 for in-state educated LPNs, $115 for out-of-state educated LPNs)

Annual Training Requirements for CNAs

You’re required to complete 3 hours of continuing education and 2 hours of continuing education for child abuse recognition and reporting, every two years to renew your LPN license. The renewal fee is $76.

For the most up-to-date and specific information on LPN training requirements, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the PA State Board of Nursing.

Additional steps/information needed to become a LPN

You must also pass a criminal background check.

Once you meet all requirements above, the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing will issue your LPN license.

Registered Nurses (RN) training and certification

PA has mandated training and certification requirements for RNs. 

Initial Training Requirements for RNs

RNs are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent. And they must complete a state-approved nursing education program resulting in a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree in nursing.

An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is usually a 2-year program.

A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is usually a 4-year program.

State-approved RN programs have been approved by the State Board of Nursing. They include a c​​ombination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experience. Some schools offer both face-to-face and hybrid (combination of online and in-person) options. You must maintain a minimum grade (often 2.5 or higher) in each nursing and supporting course.

Certification Requirements for RNs

After completing the RN education program, you must take these steps for licensure:

• Pass either the National Council of State Boards - Registered Nursing Exam (NCLEX-RN) or the State Board Test Pool Exam (SBTPE)
• Submit an application for licensure to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
• Pay the initial licensing fee ($95 for in-state educated RNs, $115 for out-of-state educated RNs)

Annual Training Requirements for RNs

You’re required to complete: 

• 30 hours of continuing education to renew your license every two years. Of those 30 hours, 2 hours must be Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting. The renewal fee is $122.

For the most up-to-date and specific information on LPN training requirements, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the PA State Board of Nursing.

Additional steps/information needed to become a RN

You must also pass a criminal background check.

Once you meet all requirements above, the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing will issue your RN license.

Why Family Caregivers Should Consider Training and (when applicable) Certification

If you’re juggling work and caregiving, it can be hard to imagine how you’d find the time to squeeze in hours of training. But online learning allows you to complete courses at your own pace, and on your own schedule. 

One hour of your focus after you crawl into bed for the night or before the person you care for wakes up in the morning could get you through the 59 hours of online home health aide training in two months. In fact, most people complete it within six weeks. To help keep you on track, here are benefits to consider while you’re going through the training:

Skill building

Even people who have been caring for a loved one for years say they learn valuable skills and insights from training. So training will make your job as a caregiver easier. 

Income generation

When caregiver training and/or certification can lead to payment, either through RubyWell or a Medicaid waiver program, the financial benefit can be significant. Especially if you’ve had to leave work to provide care. This infusion of income can help cover expenses like household bills, caregiving costs, or occasional respite care. 

Better health outcomes

Once you're fully trained, certified, and paid as your family member’s home health aide, the person you care for may need fewer hospital services. Research shows that paid family caregivers reduce hospital readmission rates and improve clinical outcomes for the loved ones they care for.

Source: What is the Marginal Benefit of Payment-Induced Family Care? 2016

Cost savings

By getting trained and certified, you could see significant savings on your loved one's medical costs. A study showed that aging spouses of family caregivers who participated in a health education program had lower overall health care costs.

Source: The Impact of a Caregiver Health Education Program on Health Care Costs, 2006 

As you can see, caregiver training and certification not only empowers you to provide better care to your family member, it also helps you take better care of yourself. 

Essential Skills for Caregivers

No matter which caregiving path you take, and how much training you receive, you’ll need to continue to draw on the same core skills you’ve relied on as a family caregiver. 

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Compassion and Empathy

Connecting on a personal level with the person you care for and acknowledging their experiences and emotions fosters a sense of trust. The care experience is more positive for both of you when you approach your work with compassion and empathy. 

Patience

Remaining calm and composed in challenging situations is especially valuable when you care for someone who has Alzheimer's or dementia. Patience helps you manage your own stress and prevents caregiver burnout, which means you can continue to provide your best care.

Attention to Detail

Caregiving often involves monitoring health conditions, administering medications, and following specific care plans. Attention to detail ensures that you’re providing the care your loved one needs and helps you catch and address new health issues early. 

Physical Stamina

Assisting an older adult with mobility, personal care, and other daily activities can be physically demanding. You’ll need strength and stamina to provide care without compromising your own health and wellbeing and to respond swiftly to emergencies.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is vital for understanding the needs of the person you care for, coordinating with healthcare professionals, and providing emotional support. 

Starting the Training Process

The knowledge and employment opportunity that caregiver training and/or certification can provide could help you save and earn money for the work you’re already doing as a family caregiver. For the best outcome, follow these steps when assessing any program that helps family caregivers get trained, certified, and paid:

1. Make sure you fully understand the training or certification requirements for the program. 
2. Secure confirmation from the program that you and the person you care for are eligible to participate.
3. Understand any costs or payments associated with training and certification.

Once you find a program that fits your family’s circumstances, keep your eyes on the prize as you make your way through the training. The sooner you get certified, the sooner you’ll get paid for delivering your very best care to your loved one.

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