Occupation AtlasHome Health Aides
O*NET · 31-1121.00
Home Health Aides
Monitor the health status of an individual with disabilities or illness, and address their health-related needs, such as changing bandages, dressing wounds, or administering medication. Work is performed under the direction of offsite or intermittent onsite licensed nursing staff. Provide assistance with routine healthcare tasks or activities of daily living, such as feeding, bathing, toileting, or ambulation. May also help with tasks such as preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and doing laundry depending on the patient's abilities.
Also called Care Worker · Caregiver · CHHA · CHHA (Certified Home Health Aide) · CMA · CMA (Certified Medical Aide) · CNA · CNA (Certified Nurses Aide)
29 more
Companion · Day Support Professional (DSP) · Digital Health Caregiver · Direct Care Professional · Direct Care Worker · Direct Support Professional (DSP) · DSP · Health Care Assistant · Home Attendant · Home Care Aide · Home Care Attendant · Home Care Giver · Home Care Provider · Home Health Attendant · Home Health Care Provider · Home Health Preventative Aide · Home Health Provider · Home Help Aide · Home Hospice Aide · Home Provider · Hospice Aide · In Home Caregiver · RA · RCA · Resident Care Aide · Resident Care Associate (RCA) · Resident Care Provider · Residential Aide · Residential Assistant (RA)
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SRCSocial · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social6.33
- R Realistic4.23
- C Conventional3.51
- I Investigative3.18
- E Enterprising1.77
- A Artistic1.48
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (28%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (85%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (71%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Service OrientationImportance 4.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23
- CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- WritingbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- NegotiationImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- RepairingImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- SciencebasicImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- ProgrammingImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.0Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
12 core · 3 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Plan, purchase, prepare, or serve meals to patients or other family members, according to prescribed diets.Importance 4.6
- Care for patients by changing bed linens, washing and ironing laundry, cleaning, or assisting with their personal care.Importance 4.6
- Maintain records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems to report and discuss observations with supervisor or case manager.Importance 4.5
- Bathe patients.Importance 4.5
- Provide patients with help moving in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs, or automobiles and with dressing and grooming.Importance 4.4
- Check patients' pulse, temperature, and respiration.Importance 4.3
- Entertain, converse with, or read aloud to patients to keep them mentally healthy and alert.Importance 4.2
- Provide patients and families with emotional support and instruction in areas such as caring for infants, preparing healthy meals, living independently, or adapting to disability or illness.Importance 4.1
- Direct patients in simple prescribed exercises or in the use of braces or artificial limbs.Importance 3.8
- Accompany clients to doctors' offices or on other trips outside the home, providing transportation, assistance, and companionship.Importance 3.7
- Administer prescribed oral medications, under the written direction of physician or as directed by home care nurse or aide, and ensure patients take their medicine.Importance 3.5
- Perform a variety of duties as requested by client, such as obtaining household supplies or running errands.Importance 3.4
Show the other 3
- Change dressings.Importance 3.4
- Care for children with disabilities or who have sick parents or parents with disabilities.Importance 3.4
- Massage patients or apply preparations or treatments, such as liniment, alcohol rubs, or heat-lamp stimulation.Importance 3.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- PsychologyImportance 4.2Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.8Level 5.7
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- English LanguageImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 3.5Level 2.8
- Foreign LanguageImportance 3.2Level 2.9
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
Show all 33
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- TransportationImportance 3.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- MathematicsImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Sales and MarketingImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- AdministrativeImportance 2.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- BiologyImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- ChemistryImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Food ProductionImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- MechanicalImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- PhysicsImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- GeographyImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- History and ArcheologyImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Fine ArtsImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- DesignImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.7Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.6
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
Show all 52
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Time SharingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Trunk StrengthImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- StaminaImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- Static StrengthImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- OriginalityImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- VisualizationImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Explosive StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Response OrientationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Rate ControlImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.8Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.4Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Make the final decision about a company's 5-year plan
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 4.1Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.1Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
Show all 41
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.0Level 5.7
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.9Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Check the status of a patient in critical medical care
- Processing InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.0Level 2.6
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.7Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
19 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (14)
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
- Python
- Salesforce software
- SAP software
- UNIX
Other tools (5)
- AIGHD OASIS
- FaceTime
- Mi-Co software
- Microsoft Exchange
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Bartenders
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Personnel Resources +0.5, Repairing −0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Occupational Therapy Aides
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +0.9, Management of Financial Resources −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Personal Care Aides
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources −0.7, Operation and Control +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Physical Therapist Aides
Average difference 0.2 points · Technology Design +0.9, Management of Financial Resources −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Counter and Rental Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies −0.7, Social Perceptiveness −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Animal Control Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Service Orientation −1.0, Social Perceptiveness −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Psychiatric Aides
Average difference 0.2 points · Speaking +0.9, Monitoring +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Nursing Assistants
Average difference 0.3 points · Negotiation −0.9, Persuasion −0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.