Celebrating National Caregivers Day: Empowering Washington’s Future Caregivers

Two more Washington schools are now offering the High School Home Care Aide course, an innovative step toward preparing students for meaningful careers in health care. This collaborative effort between the Department of Social and Health Services and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction aims to equip students with essential caregiving skills while they earn credits toward graduation. Toppenish High School and Crossroads High School in Granite Falls have joined New Market Skills Center in Tumwater, Garfield High School and Interagency High School in the Seattle School District, Selah High School, Tri-Tech Skills Center in Kennewick, and Everett High School. Through this program, students gain practical skills and valuable experience to jumpstart their careers in the rapidly growing health care field.

Building a Foundation for Success

Designed with academic rigor and real-world application in mind, the Home Care Aide course integrates medical terminology and life sciences into its curriculum. Students engage in hands-on caregiving scenarios to demonstrate technical skills while building a foundation in health science. The 90-hour course aligns with National Health Science Standards from the National Consortium for Health Science Education and meets DSHS requirements for Home Care Aides.

“We are happy to have added the HCA training to our Professional Medical Careers program,” says Jaimee Dobson, who manages Professional Medical Careers for New Market Skills Center. “It has allowed us to diversify our medical field pathways offered to our students. The training not only enhances student employability but also promotes a culture of compassion and support within our school community.”

Opening Doors to Career Opportunities

High school students who complete the Home Care Aide Training earn credits toward graduation while preparing to take their HCA certification exams, available in English and 12 other languages. With this credential, students can secure vital positions in health care, offering opportunities for career growth with employers statewide.

Danielle DeLuca, Career and Technical Education Program Facilitator for Everett Public Schools, highlights the program’s impact: “The HCA program allows students to start their journey into health care during high school. This amazing opportunity allows them to develop skills and knowledge to earn the HCA certificate, which they can build on as they continue their education. The HCA program provides them a clear pathway, direction, and focus as they graduate from high school.”

Creating a Pipeline for Compassionate Care

The High School Home Care Aide program not only addresses the workforce demands of Washington’s health care industry but also fosters a culture of compassion and service among young learners. By integrating technical education with personal growth, the program ensures students are well-prepared to contribute to their communities while exploring further opportunities in the health care field.

For more information about the High School Home Care Aide training program, visit dshs.wa.gov/hshcatraining or contact DSHS Workforce Development High School Liaison Carly Seagren at carly.seagren@dshs.wa.gov or (360) 584-3271.