Personal Care Aides

High School

Many home care providers require only a high school diploma for entry-level positions. In high school take classes in family and consumer science, health, psychology, business, speech, English, and computer science. Since a growing percentage of people in the United States do not speak English or speak English only as a second language it’s a good idea to learn a foreign language such as Spanish or Mandarin. If you plan to work with the deaf or hard of hearing, you should become proficient in American Sign Language.

Postsecondary Education

Most social service agencies and home care firms provide short on-the-job training to new hires. Trainees learn how to bathe, dress, and feed clients; help clients to safely walk up and down stairs, get up from bed, or get in and out of cars; prepare meals for clients with specific dietary needs; assist clients who are disabled; and work with depressed or combative clients. Employers may also require aides to complete first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.

Some states require job applicants to complete formal education or training programs at vocational schools, community colleges, and care providers.