Home Health Aide

Our Home Health Aide course at College of the Desert (COD) builds on your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and prepares you to provide compassionate, professional care for clients in their homes. Upon successful completion, you'll earn a Certified Home Health Aide Certificate, approved by the Department of Public Health.

 

If you still have questions after reading through the materials below, please feel free to contact the Health Science/Nursing Office at (760) 773-2578 or nursinginfo@collegeofthedesert.edu 

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The Home Health Aide Program (HS-066) is a short, 2-unit class offered during winter and summer intersessions. This program is for students who already have a CNA certificate and want to learn how to care for people in their homes. You can take this class after finishing COD’s CNA program, or if you already have an active CNA license, you can apply and be enrolled as long as you finish all requirements before the first day of the course.

November 3rd - 14th, 2025

  • Must be 16 years or older
  • Current COD student
  • Valid Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
  • Must meet health, background, and technical standards before the first day of the program
  • Complete the application and attend orientation

All requirements will be reviewed during orientation, and deadlines will be issued. Valid requirements must be completed by the first day of class to participate in clinical rotations.

  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
  • Proof of required immunization (COVID-19 and Flu)
  • TB Screening (2-step PPD, or TB Gold, or Chest X-Ray Report if history of positive TB results)
  • Physical Exam meeting ADA technical standards (Must be completed on COD Form)
  • Malpractice Insurance (automatically added to your student account when registered for the program)
    Valid Social Security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  • Valid Government ID/DL
  • Clear background check and negative drug screening

DO NOT SUBMIT FOR SCREENING EARLY. INSTRUCTION WILL BE GIVEN DURING ORIENTATION.

Background check and drug screening must be completed within 30 days before the first class meeting. Students must clear both screenings, no exceptions.

A Live Scan will be completed during the first class meeting for registered students.

January 5th, 2026 - January 15th, 2026

Please note that the costs are estimated. Depending on insurance coverage and financial assistance, costs may vary. The total cost of the program is estimated at $593.00. Click here for a detailed list of associated costs.

This program is approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

CA Dept. of Public Health

PO BOX 997416, MS 3301

Sacramento, CA 95899-7377