Where to get home care caregiver training
By Scott McKenzie, founder of Home Care Agency Blueprint · Updated
Caregiver training can come from several places. What matters is whether your state accepts the source for each topic, and whether you get a record you can keep. We do not rank, recommend or sell training providers.
Channels to check
In-house trainer
If your state allows in-house training for a topic, a qualified trainer on your team can teach it. Your state may set the trainer’s qualifications; keep them on file.
Community colleges and adult education
Local colleges and adult education programs may offer caregiver courses. Check that your state accepts the course for the topic you need.
CPR and first aid providers
If your state, a payer or your own policy requires CPR or first aid, common providers include the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. We name them as examples, not endorsements.
State-approved programs or vendors
Some states publish a list of approved training programs or vendors. If yours does, check it before you choose.
Online modules
Online training can be convenient, but only use it for a topic where your state accepts online training.
Program or payer training
If you serve Medicaid or waiver clients, the program may offer or require its own training. Check the program’s rules.
Questions to ask any training source
- Does my state accept this training for this topic?
- Who teaches it, and what are their qualifications?
- Is it in person, online or a mix, and does my state accept that format?
- What record does the caregiver get, and what record do I keep?
- Does it need renewing, and when?
Your own planning. Write the answers in the note on the matching matrix row.
We don’t rank providers
This site names no preferred vendors and takes no referral fees. Home Care Agency Blueprint, its publisher, sells courses and coaching to people starting home care agencies, and nothing on this site is a course for sale.
A planning aid, not proof of compliance. Nothing on this site can tell you that your caregivers’ training meets your state’s rules. It lists topic slots and habits and points you to the rules that apply, so you can check them for your own agency.
Your state sets the training rules. Your state licensing agency decides caregiver training and orientation rules for licensed home care: the topics, any required hours, who may train, how training may be delivered and when it renews. This site does not list state rules. homecarelicenseguide.com, also published by Home Care Agency Blueprint, helps you find your state’s licensing agency. Not legal advice. State training rules vary; check your state.
What to do next
Frequently asked questions
Which CPR course should my caregivers take?
We do not recommend courses. If CPR is required by your state, a payer or your policy, check which courses they accept.
Can a caregiver’s earlier training count?
Possibly. Your state decides whether training from another employer, school or state counts. Keep the record either way.
Want to talk through your options?
A free 15-minute clarity call with Home Care Agency Blueprint. It helps people start home care agencies, so expect that perspective. You do not need your training plan finished first.
Book a free 15-minute clarity call