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Healthcare

How to become a Hospice Aide

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
2–8 weeks
Typical pay
$32k–$40k
Starting from
No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

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The route

  1. Complete a home health or CNA aide course

    75+ hours federally for Medicare-certified agencies; many agencies run it free.

    Course that covers thisHome Health Aide Certification (US) Practice TestsUdemy · around $24.99
  2. Pass the competency evaluation

    Skills check plus a written test, then you are on the state registry.

    State home health aide certification

  3. Take hospice-specific training

    Comfort care, family support, and what actively dying looks like.

  4. Decide whether this work suits you

    Said plainly: every patient you care for dies. Agencies expect you to try it before committing.

  5. Destination

    Hospice Aide

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