Florida Department of Education
		Curriculum Framework 

The standards and benchmarks for this program were updated for the 2026-27 academic year.

Program Title: 	Home Health Aide 
Program Type: 	Career Preparatory
Career Cluster: 	Health Science

Secondary – Career Preparatory	
Program Number	8417190	
CIP Number	0317040401	
Grade Level	9-12	
Program Length	2.5 credits	
Teacher Certification	Refer to the Program Structure section. 	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	31-1011 -- Home Health Aides
31-9099 -- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose 

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

This program is designed to prepare students for employment as home attendants or home health aides (SOC 31-1011).

The content includes, but is not limited to, instruction in those supportive services that are required to provide and maintain bodily and emotional comfort and to assist the patient toward independent living in a safe environment, as stated in Rules of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, Division of Health, Chapter 10D-68 - Minimum Standards for Home Health Agencies.  Clinical experiences, where the student may practice, demonstrate and perform the procedures associated with bedside client care, are an appropriate part of this program.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.
Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction totaling 2.5 credits. The two credit Health Science Core (Health Science Anatomy & Physiology 8417100 and Health Science Foundations 8417110) is required as a prerequisite for all programs. Secondary students completing the two required courses will not have to repeat the core in postsecondary.  

To teach the courses listed below, instructors must hold at least one of the teacher certifications indicated for that course.

The following table illustrates the secondary program structure:

Course Number	Course Title	Teacher Certification	Length	SOC Code	Level	Graduation Requirement	
8417100
OR
2000350
OR
2000360	Health Science Anatomy & Physiology
           OR
Anatomy and Physiology 
           OR
Anatomy and Physiology Honors	ANY HEALTH OCCUP G
(See DOE approved list)	1 credit	31-9099	3	EQ	
8417110	Health Science Foundations		1 credit	31-9099	3	CT	
8417191	Home Health Aide 3 	REG NURSE 7 G
PRAC NURSE @7%7%G (Must be a Registered Nurse)	.5 credit	31-1011	2	CT	
(Graduation Requirement Codes: CT= Career & Technical Education, EQ= Equally Rigorous Science, EC= Economics, MA= Mathematics, 
PL= Personal Financial Literacy)

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Career Exploration & Planning 	
10.0	Explain career opportunities aligned with the regional economy and personal aspirations.	
10.01	Describe regional occupations that are high-demand, high-growth, high-wage and/or high-skill.	
10.02	Describe careers aligned with his or her interests, skills and values based on career assessment, experiential learning, career informational interviews, research and/or reflection.	
11.0	Explain postsecondary pathways aligned with his or her career aspirations.	
11.01	Compare and contrast postsecondary pathways, including education, employment, entrepreneurship and enlistment (the “Four Es”). 	
11.02	Compare and contrast regional postsecondary training provider options, including apprenticeships, technical colleges, state colleges, universities and industry-recognized certification providers. 	
11.03	Define postsecondary credentialing and stacking options, including industry-recognized certifications, apprenticeship certificates of completion, career certificates, licenses and associate or baccalaureate degrees. 	
11.04	Compare postsecondary training data for training programs of interest, such as total costs, average student loan debt, and median earnings and job placement rates after program completion.	
12.0	Develop a personalized career and academic plan.	
12.01	Prioritize an occupation, credential and postsecondary training provider for plan formation.	
12.02	Self-assess progress toward meeting graduation requirements and skill-development goals.	
12.03	Develop and complete a chronological checklist of steps and deadlines prior to postsecondary training or national service application that includes any required documentation to gather, writing prompts and examinations.	
12.04	Identify a variety of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, savings, work, work-study programs, private loans and federal loans.	
12.05	Develop a postsecondary training budget that is inclusive of living and school expenses.	
Job Attainment	
13.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
13.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
13.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
13.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
14.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
14.01	Develop a resume.	
14.02	Write a cover letter.	
14.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
14.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
15.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
15.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
15.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
15.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

Health Science Core 
01.0	Analyze and interpret an overview of the human body, including organization and chemical process.
02.0	Apply correct medical terminology relating to body structure and function within a real-world application.
03.0	Evaluate cells and tissues microscopically and macroscopically and relate their specialized functions.
04.0	Analyze the integumentary system in relation to health and disease.
05.0	Analyze the skeletal system in relation to health and disease.
06.0	Analyze the muscular system in relation to health and disease.
07.0	Analyze the nervous system in relation to health and disease.
08.0	Analyze the endocrine system in relation to health and disease.
09.0	Analyze the cardiovascular/circulatory system in relation to health and disease.
10.0	Analyze the lymphatic and immune systems in relation to health and disease.
11.0	Analyze the respiratory system in relation to health and disease.
12.0	Analyze the digestive system in relation to health and disease.
13.0	Analyze the urinary system in relation to health and disease.
14.0	Analyze both the male and female reproductive systems in relation to health and disease.
15.0	Identify and explain factors relating to genetics and disease.
16.0	Evaluate and apply the principles of disease transmission and control to real-world scenarios.
17.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
18.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
19.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
20.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
21.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
22.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
23.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
24.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
25.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
26.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
27.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 

Home Health Aide 3
28.0	Use verbal and written communications specific to the Home Health Aide.
29.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities specific to the Home Health Aide.
30.0	Perform physical comfort and safety functions specific to the Home Health Aide.
31.0	Provide personal patient care.
32.0	Perform patient care procedures.
33.0	Apply principles of nutrition.
34.0	Provide care for geriatric patients.
35.0	Apply the principles of infection control specific to the Home Health Aide.
36.0	Provide bio-psycho-social support.
37.0	Prioritize and perform functions following the patient care plan.
38.0	Assist with rehabilitative activities.
39.0	Perform home health-care services.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards
Health Science Core

The first two courses in this program are referred to as the Health Science Core and consist of the courses Health Science Anatomy & Physiology (8417100) and Health Science Foundations (8417110). To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the standards and benchmarks for the health science core have been placed in a separate document. To access this document, visit this link:
https://www.fldoe.org/file/20894/health-sci-core-secondary-2627.rtf

The two credit core is required as a prerequisite for all secondary programs except for Practical Nursing and Pharmacy Technician.  Secondary students completing the two required courses will not have to repeat the core in postsecondary.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified courses for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.  

Course Title: 	Health Science Anatomy & Physiology 
Course Number: 	8417100
Course Credit: 	1

Course Description:

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental quality, and safety procedures will be an integral part of this course. Students will interact with materials and primary sources of data or with secondary sources of data to observe and understand the natural world. Students will develop an understanding of measurement error, and develop the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the data and resulting conclusions. Equipment and supplies will be provided to enhance these hands-on experiences for students. A minimum of 20% of classroom time will be dedicated to laboratory experiences.

This course is part of the secondary Health Core consisting of an overview of the human body, both structurally and functionally with emphasis on the pathophysiology and transmission of disease.  Medical terminology is an integral part of the course.

The course Anatomy and Physiology (2000350) or Anatomy and Physiology Honors (2000360) may be substituted for the course Health Science Anatomy & Physiology (8417100).   

The course Health Science Anatomy & Physiology (8417100) is designated as an equally rigorous (EQ) science credit.

Course Title: 	Health Science Foundations 
Course Number: 	8417110
Course Credit: 	1

Course Description:
This course is part of the Secondary Health Core designed to provide the student with an in-depth knowledge of the health care system and associated occupations. Emphasis is placed on communication and interpersonal skills, use of technology, ethics and the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students may shadow professionals throughout the course.  

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Course Title: 	Home Health Aide 3 
Course Number: 	8417191
Course Credit: 	.5

Course Description:

This course prepares students to be employed as Home Health Aides. Content includes but is not limited to patient care and safety, geriatric patient care, nutrition principles, rehabilitation services, as well as supervised management functions. 

CTE Standards and Benchmarks	
28.0	Use verbal and written communications specific to the Home Health Aide. The student will be able to:	
28.01	Obtain specified data from the patient and family.  	
28.02	Utilize verbal and written information to assist with the patient's care plan. 	
29.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities specific to the Home Health Aide. The student will be able to:	
29.01	Demonstrate legal and ethical behavior within the role and scope of home health aide responsibilities.	
29.02	Follow policies and procedures concerning care as directed by the employer affecting the health, safety, and well-being of patients in the home setting. 	
29.03	Recognize and report signs of abuse, physical, verbal, and substance.	
29.04	Follow legal guidelines in documentation.	
29.05	Exhibit behavior supporting and promoting residents' rights.	
29.06	Recognize and follow the scope of practice and role limitations for a home health aide. 	
30.0	Perform physical comfort and safety functions specific to Home Health Aide. The student will be able to:	
30.01	Maintain a clean and safe home environment for the patient.	
30.02	Adjust bed and/or side rails.	
30.03	Transfer patient with mechanical lift using proper body mechanics and patient safety measures.	
30.04	Demonstrate proper turning and positioning according to the care plan.	
30.05	Implement fall prevention measures as directed, i.e., clutter-free pathways, locked wheelchair, etc.	
30.06	Apply supportive comfort devices as directed (e.g., footboard, over-bed cradle, alternating pressure mattress). 	
30.07	Demonstrate and assist the patient in dangling. 	
30.08	Assist patient in ambulation, including the use of a crutch, cane, or walker. 	
30.09	Demonstrate the proper wheelchair safety technique and assist the patient as needed with use.	
30.10	Assist patient with care and use of prosthetic/orthotic devices.	
30.11	Describe emergency evacuation procedures with adaptations to the home setting. 	
30.12	Implement appropriate regulatory and accrediting agency patient safety guidelines.	
31.0	Provide personal patient care. The student will be able to:	
31.01	Perform bed bath; observe and report changes in a patient.	
31.02	Perform back rub. 	
31.03	Demonstrate procedures for safety in the bathroom including the use of adaptive shower equipment such as shower chairs, long handled bath sponge, grab bars, extended shower hose, rubber mat in tub or shower, and rubber-based rug outside the shower.	
31.04	Assist with shower or tub bath, including use of specialty tubs.	
31.05	Assist patient with sink, tub, shower, shower cap, or bed shampoo.	
31.06	Demonstrate the use of a safety and/or electric razor to shave the patient.	
31.07	Demonstrate how to groom patient, including hair, skin, foot, and nail care.	
31.08	Assist with and/or administer oral hygiene, including denture care.	
31.09	Assist patient with toileting, using various types of restorative and rehabilitative equipment.	
31.10	Assist patient to dress.	
31.11	Assist patient with meals.	
32.0	Perform patient care procedures. The student will be able to:	
32.01	Make an unoccupied and occupied bed.	
32.02	Provide passive range-of-motion exercises.	
32.03	Apply anti-embolic hose and sequential compression devices.	
32.04	Understand and demonstrate proper collection of urine, strained, timed urine, and/or routine urine specimen.	
32.05	Observe skin while bathing for allergic reaction to a catheter or any leaking. 	
32.06	Monitor fluid intake and output (I&O), including encouraging and restricting fluids. 	
32.07	Observe, record, and report the patient's emesis. 	
32.08	Assist with ostomy care and alert the nurse of any unusual observations while performing skin care.	
32.09	Collect stool specimen and alert nurse of unusual odors, colors, or characteristics.	
32.10	Care for patients receiving oxygen therapy, making sure the patient receives the correct flow of oxygen.	
33.0	Apply principles of nutrition. The student will be able to:	
33.01	Identify nutrients and food groups. 	
33.02	Identify and implement regional, cultural, and religious food guidelines/preferences.	
33.03	Describe special diets. 	
33.04	List factors that must be considered when purchasing food.	
33.05	Follow the prescribed basic food plan. 	
33.06	List factors that must be considered when storing food.	
33.07	Identify methods of maintaining fluid balance, including encouraging and restricting fluids. 	
33.08	Identify methods of food preparation.	
33.09	Discuss the preparation and serving of trays in the home.	
34.0	Provide care for geriatric patients. The student will be able to:	
34.01	Identify safety principles as related to the elderly. 	
34.02	Describe general characteristics, particular needs, and problems of the elderly.	
34.03	Identify attitudes and living habits that promote positive mental and physical health for the elderly. 	
34.04	Distinguish between fact and fallacy about the aging process.	
34.05	Identify community resources and services available to the elderly and their caregiver.	
34.06	Apply reality orientation techniques and validation therapy. 	
34.07	Provide and involve patients in diversional activities.	
34.08	Identify common alterations in elderly patient behavior or health status and follow up within the home health aide's scope of performance.	
34.09	Provide care for patients with special needs (e.g., impaired hearing, impaired vision, immobility, impaired body functions). 	
35.0	Apply the principles of infection control specific to the Home Health Aide. The student will be able to:	
35.01	Provide care for patients with infectious diseases in the home.	
35.02	Follow isolation procedures with food tray, personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies/equipment, and other materials in the home.	
35.03	Utilize standard precautions in all home care.	
35.04	Discuss transmission-based precautions. 	
36.0	Provide bio-psycho-social support. The student will be able to:	
36.01	Discuss family roles and their significance to health. 	
36.02	Respond to patient and family emotional needs. 	
37.0	Prioritize and perform functions following the patient care plan. The student will be able to:	
37.01	Organize patient-care assignments.	
37.02	Complete assignments accurately and in a timely manner per the care plan.	
38.0	Assist with rehabilitative activities. The student will be able to:	
38.01	List the purposes of restorative (rehabilitation) programs.	
38.02	Assist patient with specified restorative (rehabilitation) needs.	
38.03	Assist patients/residents to reach the optimum level of independence. 	
39.0	Perform home health-care services. The student will be able to:	
39.01	Establish and follow a collaborative care plan with the patient and family.	
39.02	Perform patient-related cleaning tasks and laundry per care plan.	
39.03	Identify methods for medication storage.	
39.04	Assist patient with taking self-administered prescribed medication in the home, and identify possible side effects and emergency procedures for adverse reactions in accordance with 59A-8.0095, F.A.C.  	
39.05	Demonstrate how to utilize equipment and supplies in the home.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Please refer to 42CFR§484 for the clinical requirements for the Home Health Aide program.  

Clinical courses require contact hours in the clinical setting in order to complete the health science program.  Hospitals, nursing homes, and other clinical facilities with clinical affiliation agreements limit the number of students that can rotate and/or be on site at one time.  Most facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, limit the number of students to 15.  Due to these industry limitations, it is recommended that the student ratio be 15:1 (student/teacher) based on the clinical facilities that students attend to for clinical training.

Florida Standards for English Language Development (ELD)
English language learners communicate for social and instructional purposes within the school setting. ELD.K12.ELL.SI.1

English Language Development (ELD) Standards Special Notes:
Teachers are required to provide listening, speaking, reading and writing instruction that allows English language learners (ELL) to communicate for social and instructional purposes within the school setting.   For the given level of English language proficiency and with visual, graphic, or interactive support, students will interact with grade level words, expressions, sentences and discourse to process or produce language necessary for academic success. The ELD standard should specify a relevant content area concept or topic of study chosen by curriculum developers and teachers which maximizes an ELL’s need for communication and social skills. For additional information on the development and implementation of the ELD standards, please contact the Bureau of Student Achievement through Language Acquisition at sala@fldoe.org .

Special Notes

Following the completion of the Health Science Core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio. 

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

Section 59A-8.0095 Home Health Aide, Administrative Rules, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services contain much valuable information for program planning.  These rules require that if the Home Health Aide receives training through a vocational school where professional standards have been established in accordance with the State Board of Education, a certificate of successful completion shall be on file with the employer.

Students who have completed this program and the secondary program Nursing Assistant have met competencies for and may be known as Patient Care Assistants.  This program may be taken simultaneously with Nursing Assistant.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Cooperative Training – OJT

On-the-job training is appropriate but not required for this program.  Whenever offered, the rules, guidelines, and requirements specified in the OJT framework apply. 

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

In addition to accommodations, some secondary students with disabilities (students with an IEP served in Exceptional Student Education (ESE)) will need modifications to meet their needs.  Modifications change the outcomes or what the student is expected to learn, e.g., modifying the curriculum of a secondary career and technical education course.  Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.

Some secondary students with disabilities (ESE) may need additional time (i.e., longer than the regular school year), to master the student performance standards associated with a regular course or a modified course.  If needed, a student may enroll in the same career and technical course more than once.  Documentation should be included in the IEP that clearly indicates that it is anticipated that the student may need an additional year to complete a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course.  The student should work on different competencies and new applications of competencies each year toward completion of the CTE course.  After achieving the competencies identified for the year, the student earns credit for the course.  It is important to ensure that credits earned by students are reported accurately.  The district’s information system must be designed to accept multiple credits for the same course number for eligible students with disabilities.