Home Care Aide
HCA Certification
Everything you need to know about becoming a certified Home Care Aide in Washington State through Wellspring Home Health Training Academy.
What is a Home Care Aide?
A Home Care Aide (HCA) is a certified caregiver who provides personal care and assistance to elderly, disabled, or chronically ill individuals in their homes, adult family homes, assisted living facilities, or other long-term care settings.
In Washington State, all long-term care workers are required to complete a DSHS-approved 75-hour training program and pass the state HCA competency exam before working independently. This requirement is governed by WAC 388-112A.
The demand for certified HCAs is growing rapidly — with a projected 17% growth in home health aide jobs from 2024–2034 nationally, and significant shortages in Pierce, Thurston, and King Counties in Washington State.
Start Your HCA TrainingWhere HCAs Work
🏛️ DSHS Contract Provider
Wellspring Home Health Center, LLC holds a Professional Service Contract with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for provider training services, effective April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2029.
WA State HCA Training Requirements
Washington State requires 75 hours of DSHS-approved training under WAC 388-112A. All training must be completed within 120 days of starting work.
Orientation & Safety
Required before starting work. Covers care setting orientation, workplace safety, emergency procedures, and infection control basics.
Core Basic Training
Comprehensive caregiver knowledge: personal care, vital signs, infection control, mobility, documentation, resident rights, and professional communication.
Population-Specific Training
Hands-on skills lab practice at our Lakewood facility, tailored to specific client populations including elderly, disabled, and those with chronic conditions.
Total: 75 Hours
Complete all 75 hours within 120 days of starting work (state requirement). Wellspring offers rolling enrollment with 8–10 cohorts per year.
Hands-On Skills Lab
16 hours of in-person, lab-based skills practice at our Lakewood facility. Students must pass the skills competency checklist before receiving the core basic certificate.
Hands-On Skills Practice
16 Hours · Lab-Based · In-Person at Lakewood Facility
Students demonstrate competency using hospital beds, training mannequins, wheelchairs, gait belts, Hoyer lift demos, vital signs equipment, and simulated supplies. Skills align with the DSHS/Prometric skills checklist.
DSHS/Prometric Skills Checklist
All skills must be demonstrated to pass the competency assessment
Required to Complete
Students must pass the skills competency checklist before receiving the core basic certificate. This lab is mandatory and must be completed in person at our Lakewood facility.
When to Schedule
The Hands-On Skills Lab is completed after finishing the Core Basic Training course. Once you complete the online/live course portion, you will be contacted to schedule your in-person skills lab session at our Lakewood facility.
Location: Wellspring Home Health Training Academy · Lakewood, WA. Questions? Call (907) 414-3347
DSHS-Approved Training Offered
As a DSHS contract provider, Wellspring offers all required training types for long-term care workers in Washington State.
Core Basic Training
75-hour foundational HCA training program. Required for all new long-term care workers.
Dementia Specialty Training
Level 1 specialty training for caregivers working with clients who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Mental Health Specialty Training
Level 1 specialty training for caregivers working with clients who have mental health conditions.
Nurse Delegation Training
Core Basic and Diabetes-focused nurse delegation training for HCAs and NACs.
Continuing Education
Annual continuing education requirements for certified HCAs to maintain their certification.
Orientation & Safety
Required orientation training before starting work in a long-term care setting.
Admission Requirements
Per WAC 490-105-140, all applicants must meet the following requirements to be admitted to the HCA training program:
Must be 18 years of age or older
Age requirement per Washington State regulations
High School Diploma or GED
Or equivalent credential required for admission
Proficient in English reading and writing
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English
Valid government-issued photo ID
Driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID
Background check required
DSHS background check required for HCA certification; certain convictions may affect eligibility
Physical ability to perform caregiving tasks
Must be able to lift, transfer, and assist clients with ADLs
Entrance assessment
May be required as part of the admission process
After Completing Training
Receive Certificate of Completion
Wellspring issues your official Certificate of Completion and DSHS Training Certificate upon successfully finishing all 75 hours.
Apply for HCA Certification
Apply for your Washington State HCA certification through the Department of Health. All financial obligations must be met before certificate issuance.
Pass State Competency Exam
Complete the Washington State HCA competency exam (skills + written). Retake fees: $100 skills, $50 written.
Begin Your Career
Start working as a certified HCA. Wellspring provides job placement guidance and referrals to local home care agencies.
⚠️ Important Notice
Wellspring provides job placement guidance but does not guarantee employment. The school is licensed under Chapter 28C.10 RCW but is not currently accredited and does not offer federal financial aid.
HCA Career Outlook
Strong demand for certified HCAs in Pierce, Thurston, and King Counties — and growing nationally.
17%
Job Growth 2024–2034
National projection (BLS)
$23+
Average Hourly Wage
Tacoma / Pierce County
75
Training Hours
To get certified in WA
120
Days to Complete
State deadline from hire date
Start Your HCA Career Today
Join Wellspring Home Health Training Academy — DSHS-approved, locally based in Lakewood, WA, with flexible online, hybrid, and in-person options.