How much can a caregiver make? What is the average personal care aide salary?

The demand for Personal Care Aides is expected to increase by 22% through 2032. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average Personal Care Aide salary is $30,180, making now a great time to enter this growing profession.

What is a caregiver?

A caregiver is an individual who provides care and assistance to someone who is in need of physical, emotional, or practical support due to illness, disability, age, or other circumstances. Caregivers can take on various roles and responsibilities, and they may care for a family member, friend, or client in a professional capacity. Caregiving can encompass a wide range of activities and tasks.

What is a personal care aide?

A personal care aide, also known as a personal care assistant (PCA) or caregiver, is a healthcare professional who provides essential non-medical assistance and support to individuals who have difficulty performing daily activities on their own. These individuals may include the elderly, disabled, or those recovering from illness or surgery. Personal care aides typically work in a variety of settings, including private homes, assisted living facilities, and group homes.

Personal care aides do not provide medical services or treatments, as that falls under the purview of licensed healthcare professionals, such as nurses or therapists. Instead, their role is focused on enhancing the quality of life and independence of their clients by assisting with daily tasks and offering companionship.

What is the difference between a personal care aide, a home health aide, and a certified nursing assistant?

A personal care aide (PCA), home health aide (HHA), and certified nursing assistant (CNA) are all healthcare professionals who provide essential care and support to individuals who require assistance with daily activities. While there is some overlap in their roles and responsibilities, there are key differences among them:

Personal care aide (PCA):

• PCA is the most general term and may encompass a wide range of caregivers who assist individuals with basic daily tasks, often in a home or community setting.
• PCAs typically provide non-medical assistance, such as helping with personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and companionship.
• They may not have formal healthcare training or certification, but they usually receive on-the-job training or instruction from their employers.

Home health aide (HHA):

• HHAs are specifically trained to work with individuals who require assistance due to illness, injury, disability, or advanced age, often in a home setting.
• They provide personal care and may also assist with monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and following a care plan created by a registered nurse or therapist.
• HHAs often have a formal certification or training program and may need to meet state-specific requirements for licensure or certification.

Certified nursing assistant (CNA):

• CNAs are healthcare professionals who work in various settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, and home care.
• They receive formal training and certification, typically through state-approved programs. This training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
• CNAs provide a higher level of care compared to PCAs or HHAs. They assist with medical tasks such as taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, dressing wounds, and providing basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.

The main differences among these roles are the level of training and the scope of care provided. PCAs offer non-medical assistance, HHAs provide a mix of personal and basic medical care, while CNAs offer a more extensive range of healthcare services under the guidance of licensed nurses. The specific responsibilities and requirements for these roles can vary by state and employer, so it's essential to check local regulations and job descriptions for precise details.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

No. This course does not prepare you for a nationally recognized certification. Certification for the PCA is at the state level, and it is up to you to review any state requirements needed for certification.

Can I test-out of medical terminology content if I have previous knowledge of medical terminology?

Yes. This course includes two, optional, Test-Out Exam features that will allow you to test out of content and graded assessments if your score demonstrates the level of mastery required (80%). It does not count toward your overall score in this course if you do not achieve the minimum score required for mastery. Please note: Third party funded students may not be eligible.

When can I start this course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

Am I guaranteed a job?

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

Can I get financial assistance?

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."