High School Home Care Aide Training Program

School districts can offer the High School Home Care Aide Training Program as a CTE option for their students, giving them a chance to earn high school credit and explore a career in healthcare.

Bring a Career-Ready Opportunity to Your Students!

Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction developed this program for schools across the state. The course follows National Health Science Standards and gives students a strong start in healthcare careers. 

This 90-hour course gives students hands-on healthcare experience. It meets Washington’s rules for Home Care Aide training. Students learn the skills they need for certification. 
 

Why Offer This Program? 

Prepares Students for a High Demand Career
Healthcare is growing fast. Washington needs more certified Home Care Aides. 

Creates Pathways for All Students  
Students can use these skills in college, technical training, or the workforce. The program supports many career goals. 

Builds Strong Life Skills  
Students learn empathy, patience, resilience, and leadership. These skills help in any job. 
 

Opens Job Opportunities 

Students will be prepared to start paid work, including options for minors to be hired as caregivers. This experience can open doors to healthcare careers and other fields. 

Steps for Schools to Launch the Program: 

  • Hire an instructor who meets Washington state requirements. 
  • Get OSPI approval of the Career & Technical Education framework. 
  • Provide the necessary equipment & supplies for hands-on training. 
  • Apply to DSHS for approval and contract to deliver training. 
  • Download Training Program/ Instructor application (PDF | Word).

 

More Resources 

 

Take the Lead: Bring This Program to Your School 

Many schools across Washington already offer this class and see strong student interest.   
 

Program Partners:  

  • Everett High School 
  • Interagency High School (Seattle) 
  • Crossroads High School (Granite Falls) 
  • West Auburn High School 
  • Toppenish High School 
  • Selah High School 
  • Tri-Tech Skills Center (Kennewick) 
  • New Market Skills Center (Tumwater) 
  • Cascadia Tech Academy (Vancouver) 
  • Omak High School
  • West Sound Technical Skills Center (Bremerton) 

 

Contact us: 

We’re here to help you get started and build a career‑ready program that works for your school.

Carly Seagren, DSHS High School Liaison  
Highschoolhca@dshs.wa.gov  |   360.584.3271 

OSPI Career & Technical Education   
cte@k12.wa.us  |  360.725.6245 

Flyers to Download and Share

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Thumbnail of High School HCA flyer. For decoration use only.

High School Home Care Aide Training Program (PDF)

 

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Caregiving Pathway for Tribal Schools flyer (PDF)

 

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Hiring Minors as Paid Caregivers Brochure (PDF)