Top 10 Home Health Nurse Certifications

Certifications for a home health nurse are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the nurse has the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to provide quality care. Certifications also show that nurses have met certain standards of excellence, indicating that they are well-equipped to provide safe and effective patient care. Additionally, certifications can help a nurse stand out from other applicants when looking for employment. Many employers may prefer hiring nurses who have certifications over those without them. Finally, certifications can increase a nurse’s earning potential by proving their expertise in a particular area of nursing.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Home Health Nurses, and explains how they can benefit a home health nurse's career.

What are Home Health Nurse Certifications?

Home health nurse certification is an important credential for nurses who work in home health care. It is a way to demonstrate that a nurse has the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality care for patients in their homes. Home health nurses are typically responsible for providing medical care to patients who are unable to access traditional medical services due to physical or mental disabilities, chronic illnesses, or other medical conditions.

The certification process involves completing an approved course of study, passing a written exam and meeting certain standards of practice. By obtaining this certification, nurses can demonstrate that they have the necessary qualifications and experience to provide competent and compassionate home health care. This can help them gain access to better job opportunities, as well as increase their earning potential.

In addition, having home health nurse certification can help build trust between the nurse and patient. Patients who receive quality home health care from certified professionals will likely be more satisfied with the services they receive because they know that their caregivers have met certain standards of practice and maintain ongoing education about the latest medical advancements. This can also lead to better patient outcomes since certified home health nurses are more likely to accurately diagnose issues and provide effective treatments.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stay up to date on the most recent home health nurse certification requirements and best practices. This can be done by attending continuing education courses, participating in webinars, and staying abreast of changes to the regulations and guidelines governing home health nursing.

Related: What does a Home Health Nurse do?

Top 10 Home Health Nurse Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Home Health Nurses today.

1. Home Health Nurse Certification (HHNC)

Home Health Nurse Certification (HHNC) is a certification program designed to recognize the specialized knowledge and skills of nurses who provide home health care. It is offered through the Home Care Association of America (HCAA).

To become certified, nurses must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The eligibility requirements include:

- Having at least one year of full-time experience as a registered nurse in home health care within the past three years

- Possessing current licensure as a registered nurse in the state where you practice

- Completing 10 hours of continuing education related to home health care within the last two years.

The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and covers topics such as patient assessment, nursing interventions, safety and infection control, documentation, communication, and legal/ethical issues. It takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost of the exam is $225 for HCAA members and $275 for non-members.

Once certified, nurses must renew their certification every three years by completing 30 hours of continuing education related to home health care during that period. The renewal fee is $150 for HCAA members and $200 for non-members.

2. Certified Home Health Nurse (CHHN)

A Certified Home Health Nurse (CHHN) is a registered nurse who has achieved specialized certification in the field of home health care. This certification is designed to recognize nurses who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in providing home health care services, such as wound care, medication management, patient education, and more.

To become certified as a CHHN, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a current RN license in the state where you practice, at least two years of experience working as an RN in home health care, and completing a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education related to home health nursing within the last three years.

The cost for taking the CHHN exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$400 to take the exam. The exam itself takes about two hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.

Once you have passed the CHHN exam, your certification is valid for five years. After this time period has elapsed, you will need to renew your certification by completing additional continuing education credits or retaking the CHHN exam.

3. Certified Home Care Nursing (CHCN)

Certified Home Care Nursing (CHCN) is a certification program designed to provide nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge to care for patients in their homes. The CHCN program is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It is a three-year certification that requires passing a comprehensive exam.

To obtain CHCN certification, nurses must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having an active RN license, at least two years of experience in home health care nursing, and completion of an accredited home health care nursing program or equivalent training. Once these requirements are met, the nurse can apply to take the CHCN exam.

The cost of taking the CHCN exam varies depending on where you take it and what type of test you choose. For example, if you take it online through ANCC, it will cost $395 for the entire exam. If you take it in person at a testing center, it will cost $495 for the entire exam.

Overall, obtaining CHCN certification can be a long process but well worth it for those who wish to specialize in home health care nursing and provide quality patient care.

4. Advanced Home Health Nursing Certification (AHHC)

Advanced Home Health Nursing Certification (AHHC) is a certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in home health nursing. The certification is valid for five years and can be renewed through continuing education activities.

In order to become certified, nurses must have at least two years of full-time experience as a registered nurse in home health nursing or one year of full-time experience as a registered nurse in home health nursing plus an additional year of experience in another specialty area. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as patient assessment, care planning, clinical management, and professional practice.

The cost for the AHHC certification exam is $295 for ANCC members and $395 for non-members. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. After passing the exam, nurses receive their Advanced Home Health Nursing Certification credential within four to six weeks.

5. Gerontological Home Health Nursing Certification (GHHC)

Gerontological Home Health Nursing Certification (GHHC) is a certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It is designed to recognize nurses who have specialized knowledge and experience in providing gerontological home health care.

The GHHC certification requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of clinical practice in gerontological home health nursing, as well as 30 hours of continuing education in gerontology within the last three years. The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions and takes three hours to complete.

To get certified, you must first apply online through the ANCC website. There is an application fee of $295 for members and $345 for non-members. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to register for the exam. The cost of the exam is $265 for members and $315 for non-members.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your GHHC certification, which is valid for five years. You can renew your certification by completing 45 contact hours of continuing education in gerontology every three years and paying a renewal fee of $175 for members and $225 for non-members.

6. Pediatric Home Health Nursing Certification (PHHC)

Pediatric Home Health Nursing Certification (PHHC) is a certification offered by the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC). It is designed to recognize nurses who specialize in providing home health care services to children with acute and chronic illnesses. The certification demonstrates the nurse’s knowledge and expertise in caring for pediatric patients in the home setting.

To be eligible for PHHC, applicants must have at least two years of experience as a registered nurse, one year of which must be in home health care. Applicants must also complete an approved course on pediatric home health nursing.

The certification process typically takes between three and six months to complete, depending on the applicant’s availability and how quickly they can complete the required coursework. To get certified, applicants must submit an application form and fee, pass a written exam, and provide documentation of their experience and education.

The cost of PHHC varies depending on the applicant’s state of residence. Generally, it costs between $200-$400 to apply for certification.

7. Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification (WOCNCB)

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification (WOCNCB) is a certification program offered by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN). This certification program is designed to recognize nurses who have demonstrated expertise in providing care for patients with wounds, ostomies, and continence disorders. The certification process includes a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as wound assessment, wound management, ostomy management, and continence care.

The WOCNCB certification process takes approximately six months to complete. To become certified, candidates must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having an active nursing license in good standing and at least two years of clinical experience in wound, ostomy or continence nursing. Candidates must then submit an application to the WOCN which includes a fee of $450 USD. Once approved, applicants will be sent an examination packet which they must complete within six months of receipt.

Once the exam is successfully completed, applicants will receive their WOCNCB certification within four weeks of passing the exam. The cost of the exam is $400 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Additionally, there are annual renewal fees associated with maintaining your WOCNCB certification which range from $50-$100 USD depending on your membership status with the WOCN.

8. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Home Health Care Certification (APRN-HHC)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Home Health Care Certification (APRN-HHC) is a certification granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to nurses who have met the rigorous standards of practice and education required for advanced practice in home health care. The APRN-HHC credential recognizes nurses who possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide comprehensive home health care services.

To be eligible for the APRN-HHC certification, applicants must hold an active license as a registered nurse in their state of residence or practice and have completed a minimum of 500 hours of clinical practice in home health care within the past three years. Applicants must also have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education related to home health care within the past three years.

The application process for APRN-HHC certification includes submitting an online application and fee, providing proof of licensure and educational qualifications, completing a criminal background check, and passing an exam administered by ANCC. The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions covering topics such as patient assessment, clinical management, pharmacology, documentation/reporting, legal/ethical considerations, and professional issues.

The cost for taking the exam is $395 USD. It typically takes 6-8 weeks to receive results after taking the exam. Upon successful completion of all requirements and passing the exam, applicants will receive their APRN-HHC certification from ANCC. This certification is valid for five years before renewal is required.

9. Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Certification (HPCNC)

Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Certification (HPCNC) is a certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved a level of expertise in providing care for patients with life-limiting illnesses. The certification requires nurses to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in hospice and palliative care nursing practice.

To obtain HPCNC certification, nurses must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being an RN with an active license in the United States or its territories, having at least two years of experience as an RN within the last five years, and holding a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited nursing program. Nurses must also complete 30 hours of continuing education related to hospice and palliative care within the last three years.

Once all eligibility requirements are met, nurses can apply for the HPCNC exam through ANCC's website. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as pain management, symptom management, communication skills, ethical considerations, and end-of-life care. The exam takes three hours to complete and costs $295 for ANCC members or $395 for non-members. Once the exam is passed, nurses will receive their HPCNC certification which is valid for five years.

10. Clinical Nurse Leader in Home Health Care Certification (CNL-HHC).

The Clinical Nurse Leader in Home Health Care Certification (CNL-HHC) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of nurses who provide care to home health patients. This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The CNL-HHC certification demonstrates that a nurse has achieved advanced levels of expertise in home health care. It requires specialized knowledge and skills in areas such as patient assessment, care coordination, medication management, and health promotion. In addition, the CNL-HHC certification also recognizes a nurse’s ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare providers.

In order to obtain the CNL-HHC certification, nurses must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being currently licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States or its territories; having at least two years of experience working in home health care; and completing an approved training program or equivalent education.

Once eligible, nurses can apply for the CNL-HHC exam through the ANCC website. The exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. A passing score on the exam is required for certification.

The cost of taking the CNL-HHC exam varies depending on when it is taken and whether or not additional materials are purchased. The cost ranges from $385-$485 USD for members of ANCC and $520-$620 USD for nonmembers. Once certified, nurses must renew their credential every five years by submitting proof of continuing education credits or retaking the examination.

Do You Really Need a Home Health Nurse Certificate?

A home health nurse certificate is an important credential for anyone who wants to work as a home health nurse. It provides evidence that the individual has completed an approved program of study and meets the professional standards required to provide quality care in a patient's home.

The decision to pursue a home health nurse certificate depends on the individual's level of experience and education, as well as their career goals. For those just starting out in the field, this certification can be essential in order to obtain employment. It also allows nurses to demonstrate their commitment to providing quality care and can give them an advantage over other applicants when applying for jobs.

For experienced nurses, obtaining a home health nurse certificate may not be necessary if they already have the skills and knowledge needed for the job. However, it can still be beneficial if they want to specialize or expand their knowledge base. Additionally, some employers may require nurses with a certain level of certification before they are eligible for certain positions or higher pay grades.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a home health nurse certificate depends on your current level of experience and education, as well as your career goals. If you are just starting out in the field or want to specialize or increase your earning potential, then obtaining this credential could be very beneficial.

Related: Home Health Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Home Health Nurse Certifications

1. What is a home health nurse certification?

Answer: Home health nurse certifications are credentials that recognize a nurse's expertise in providing home care to patients with acute and chronic medical conditions. These certifications demonstrate a nurse's commitment to providing high-quality care and may help them secure higher-paying positions.

2. What certifications are available for home health nurses?

Answer: There are several specialty certifications available for home health nurses, including the Home Health Nurse Certification (HHCN) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the Certified Home Health Nurse (CHHN) from the National Board for Certification of Home Health Nurses (NBCHHN).

3. How long does it take to become certified as a home health nurse?

Answer: The time frame to become certified depends on the type of certification chosen and any relevant experience or education prerequisites required. Generally, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all requirements and obtain certification.

4. Is there an exam required for home health nurse certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exact format of the exam varies by organization, but typically includes multiple-choice questions related to patient assessment and management, nursing interventions, documentation, communication, and other topics related to providing quality home healthcare services.

5. Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining a home health nurse certification?

Answer: Yes, most organizations require certified home health nurses to complete continuing education credits in order to maintain their credential. The specific number of credits required varies depending on the organization; however, most require at least 20 hours per year or 40 hours every two years.