training requirements for North Carolina
Regulatory Bodies
State: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) North Carolina Board of Nursing Federal: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Caregiving roles in North Carolina
Number of hours to meet the requirement for initial onboarding training
Number of hours to meet the requirement for annual training
Nurse Aides (NA)
Medication Aides (MA)
Personal Care Aides (PCA)
Home Health Aides (HHA)
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)
NA — 75 hrs
MA — 24 hrs
PCA — No specific training requirements
HHA — 75 hrs
LPN — Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
NA — 12 hrs
MA — 12 hrs
PCA — No specific training requirements
HHA — 12 hrs
LPN — 15 hrs
State Specific Training Requirements
In North Carolina, there is no specific requirement for the number of hours of annual training that PCAs must complete. However, they are required to maintain their competency and skills through continuing education and must complete the required hours specified by their employing agency or organization. These requirements may vary depending on the type of agency or organization and the population served.
Topics covered in annual NA training include: Infection control; Resident rights; Communication and interpersonal skills; Safety and emergency procedures; Promoting residents’ independence; Personal care skills; Mental health and social service needs.
Topics covered in annual MA training include: Safe administration of medication; Common medication errors and how to prevent them; Documentation and record-keeping; Side effects and adverse reactions; Legal and ethical issues
Topics covered in annual HHA training include: Infection control; Safety and emergency procedures; Personal care skills; Communication and interpersonal skills; Mental health and social service needs; Observation, reporting and documentation.
It is important to note that the specific designations and requirements for home and health care workers in North Carolina may vary depending on the type of services being provided, the setting in which those services are provided, and other factors. Some home and health care agencies may require additional training or certifications beyond the minimum state requirements, depending on the specific services they provide and the needs of their clients.
Therefore, it’s important for home and health care providers and agencies to check with their employer or a North Carolina-approved training program to determine any additional training requirements that may apply to their job.”