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

Career Certificate Program	
Program Number	H170604	
CIP Number	0351260200	
Grade Level	30, 31	
Program Length	165 hours	
Teacher Certification	Refer to the Program Structure section.	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	
Basic Skills Level	N/A	

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 a home attendant, or home health aide or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations.

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 ‑ Minimum Standards for Home Health Agencies.  Additional content areas to be included are: legal and ethical responsibilities; communication skills; basic human needs; a safe, clean, and healthy home environment; the developmental process; nutritional needs; emergency care; personal care; special care and rehabilitation needs of the client; household management; record‑keeping; pet facilitated therapy; and employability skills.

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 consisting of 2 occupational completion points.

This program is comprised of courses which have been assigned course numbers in the SCNS (Statewide Course Numbering System) in accordance with Section 1007.24 (1), F.S.  Career and Technical credit shall be awarded to the student on a transcript in accordance with Section 1001.44(3) (b), F.S.

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 postsecondary program structure:

OCP	Course Number	Course Title	Teacher Certification	Length	
A 	HSC0003	Basic Healthcare Worker	REG NURSE 7 G
PRAC NURSE @7  %7%G (Must be a Registered Nurse)	90 hours	
B	HCP0330	Home Health Aide		75 hours	

Regulated Programs

Basic infection control, first aid, cardio‑ pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) heart saver level, vital signs, home‑care skills, and client care skills are integral parts of this program.  Clinical experiences, where the student may practice, demonstrate and perform the procedures associated with bedside client care, are an appropriate part of this program.

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

Section 59A-8.0095 Home Health Aide, Administrative Rules, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services contains 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.

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.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	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:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood-borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Use verbal and written communications specific to the Home Health Aide.
13.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities specific to the Home Health Aide.
14.0	Perform physical comfort and safety functions specific to the Home Health Aide.
15.0	Provide personal patient care.
16.0	Perform patient care procedures.
17.0	Apply principles of nutrition.
18.0	Provide care for geriatric patients.
19.0	Apply the principles of infection control specific to the Home Health Aide.
20.0	Provide bio-psycho-social support.
21.0	Prioritize and perform functions following the patient care plan.
22.0	Assist with rehabilitative activities.
23.0	Perform home health-care services.
24.0	

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Home Health Aide  
Career Certificate Program Number: 	H170404

The Basic Health Care Worker (HSC0003) is referred to as the Health Science Core and is the first OCP in the majority of the Career Certificate Program health science programs. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.

Course Number:  HSC0003
Occupational Completion Point:  A 
Basic Healthcare Worker – 90 Hours	
 
To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) and benchmarks have been placed in a separate document. To access this document, visit this link: 
https://www.fldoe.org/file/20894/health-sci-core-psav-cc-2627.rtf

Course Number: HCP0330
Occupational Completion Point: B 
Home Health Aide – 75 Hours	
12.0	Use verbal and written communications specific to the Home Health Aide. The student will be able to:	
12.01	Obtain specified data from the patient and family.  	
12.02	Utilize verbal and written information to assist with the patient's care plan. 	
13.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities specific to the Home Health Aide. The student will be able to:	
13.01	Demonstrate legal and ethical behavior within the role and scope of home health aide responsibilities.	
13.02	Follow policies and procedures concerning care as directed by the employer affecting the health, safety, and well-being of patients in the home setting. 	
13.03	Recognize and report signs of abuse, physical, verbal, and substance.	
13.04	Follow legal guidelines in documentation.	
13.05	Exhibit behavior supporting and promoting residents' rights.	
13.06	Recognize and follow the scope of practice and role limitations for a home health aide. 	
14.0	Perform physical comfort and safety functions specific to the Home Health Aide. The student will be able to:	
14.01	Maintain a clean and safe home environment for the patient.	
14.02	Adjust bed and/or side rails.	
14.03	Transfer patient with mechanical lift using proper body mechanics and patient safety measures.	
14.04	Demonstrate proper turning and positioning according to the care plan.	
14.05	Implement fall prevention measures as directed, i.e., clutter-free pathways, locked wheelchair, etc.	
14.06	Apply supportive comfort devices as directed (e.g., footboard, over-bed cradle, alternating pressure mattress). 	
14.07	Demonstrate and assist the patient in dangling. 	
14.08	Assist patient in ambulation, including the use of a crutch, cane, or walker. 	
14.09	Demonstrate the proper wheelchair safety technique and assist the patient as needed with use.	
14.10	Assist patient with care and use of prosthetic/orthotic devices.	
14.11	Describe emergency evacuation procedures with adaptations to the home setting. 	
14.12	Implement appropriate regulatory and accrediting agency patient safety guidelines.	
15.0	Provide personal patient care. The student will be able to:	
15.01	Perform bed bath; observe and report changes in a patient.	
15.02	Perform a back rub. 	
15.03	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.	
15.04	Assist with shower or tub bath, including use of specialty tubs.	
15.05	Assist patient with sink, tub, shower, shower cap, or bed shampoo.	
15.06	Demonstrate the use of a safety and/or electric razor to shave the patient.	
15.07	Demonstrate how to groom a patient, including hair, skin, foot, and nail care.	
15.08	Assist with and/or administer oral hygiene, including denture care.	
15.09	Assist patient with toileting, using various types of restorative and rehabilitative equipment.	
15.10	Assist the patient to dress.	
15.11	Assist patient with meals.	
16.0	Perform patient care procedures. The student will be able to:	
16.01	Make an unoccupied and occupied bed.	
16.02	Provide passive range-of-motion exercises.	
16.03	Apply anti-embolic hose and sequential compression devices.	
16.04	Understand and demonstrate proper collection of urine, strained, timed urine, and/or routine urine specimen.	
16.05	Observe skin while bathing for allergic reaction to a catheter or any leaking. 	
16.06	Monitor fluid intake and output (I&O), including encouraging and restricting fluids. 	
16.07	Observe, record, and report the patient's emesis. 	
16.08	Assist with ostomy care and alert the nurse of any unusual observations while performing skin care.	
16.09	Collect stool specimen and alert nurse of unusual odors, colors, or characteristics.	
16.10	Care for patients receiving oxygen therapy, making sure the patient receives the correct flow of oxygen.	
17.0	Apply principles of nutrition. The student will be able to:	
17.01	Identify nutrients and food groups. 	
17.02	Identify and implement regional, cultural, and religious food guidelines/preferences.	
17.03	Describe special diets. 	
17.04	List factors that must be considered when purchasing food.	
17.05	Follow the prescribed basic food plan. 	
17.06	List factors that must be considered when storing food.	
17.07	Identify methods of maintaining fluid balance, including encouraging and restricting fluids. 	
17.08	Identify methods of food preparation.	
17.09	Discuss the preparation and serving of trays in the home.	
18.0	Provide care for geriatric patients. The student will be able to:	
18.01	Identify safety principles as related to the elderly. 	
18.02	Describe general characteristics, particular needs, and problems of the elderly.	
18.03	Identify attitudes and living habits that promote positive mental and physical health for the elderly. 	
18.04	Distinguish between fact and fallacy about the aging process.	
18.05	Identify community resources and services available to the elderly and their caregiver.	
18.06	Apply reality orientation techniques and validation therapy. 	
18.07	Provide and involve patients in diversional activities.	
18.08	Identify common alterations in elderly patient behavior or health status and follow up within the home health aide's scope of performance.	
18.09	Provide care for patients with special needs (e.g., impaired hearing, impaired vision, immobility, impaired body functions). 	
19.0	Apply the principles of infection control specific to the Home Health Aide. The student will be able to:	
19.01	Provide care for patients with infectious diseases in the home.	
19.02	Follow isolation procedures with food tray, personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies/equipment, and other materials in the home.	
19.03	Utilize standard precautions in all home care.	
19.04	Discuss transmission-based precautions. 	
20.0	Provide bio-psycho-social support. The student will be able to:	
20.01	Discuss family roles and their significance to health. 	
20.02	Respond to patient and family emotional needs. 	
21.0	Prioritize and perform functions following the patient care plan. The student will be able to:	
21.01	Organize patient-care assignments.	
21.02	Complete assignments accurately and in a timely manner per the care plan.	
22.0	Assist with rehabilitative activities. The student will be able to:	
22.01	List the purposes of restorative (rehabilitation) programs.	
22.02	Assist patient with specified restorative (rehabilitation) needs.	
22.03	Assist patients/residents to reach the optimum level of independence. 	
23.0	Perform home health-care services. The student will be able to:	
23.01	Establish and follow a collaborative care plan with the patient and family.	
23.02	Perform patient-related cleaning tasks and laundry per care plan.	
23.03	Identify methods for medication storage.	
23.04	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.  	
23.05	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.

Special Notes

Reinforcement of basic skills in English, mathematics, and science appropriate for the job preparatory programs occurs through vocational classroom instruction and applied laboratory procedures or practice.

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.

The Core should be taken first in the program. Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

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 to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. 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.

Note: Postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.