Five new schools join DSHS High School Home Care Aide Training Program
In 2024, five new high schools across Washington state began offering the High School Home Care Aide course, a collaboration between the Department of Social and Health Services and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. These schools include New Market Skills Center in Tumwater, Garfield High School and Interagency High School (Seattle School District), Selah High School, and Tri-Tech Skills Center in Kennewick.
The course was designed to prepare students for employment as a Home Care Aide while earning credit toward high school graduation. Using the academic foundation of medical terminology and knowledge of the life sciences, students demonstrate technical skills in real-life caregiving situations. For high school programs, the 90-hour course covers the core foundational knowledge and skills for Health Science, aligned with National Health Science Standards from the National Consortium for Health Science Education, as well as DSHS requirements.
“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.”
High School students who participate in the Home Care Aide Training earn high school credits and prepare and take their HCA certification exams (available in English and 12 other languages). With their HCA credentials, they can work in a vital position featuring career growth potential in the expanding health care field with employers across Washington state.
“The HCA program allows students to start their journey into healthcare during high school,” says Danielle DeLuca, Career and Technical Education Program Facilitator for Everett Public Schools. “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.”
For more information on 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 call (360) 584–3271.