Home Care Aide Certification — Washington State
Entry-level caregiving certification with specialty training included
The Stardig HCA Program prepares students to earn their Washington State Home Care Aide (HCA) license — one of the most in-demand caregiving credentials in the state. This program is perfect for individuals entering healthcare for the first time and is one of the most affordable paths to a rewarding career in care.
What sets our HCA program apart: Dementia Specialty Training and Mental Health Specialty Training are both included in the tuition — no extra cost, no separate enrollment. Both are required by WA State for HCA licensure.
Two Specialty Trainings — No Extra Cost
Washington State requires Dementia and Mental Health specialty training for HCA licensure. Both are built into our program — no need to enroll or pay separately.
🧠 Dementia Specialty Training
Caregivers working with individuals living with dementia need a specialized, person-centered skill set. This 8-hour training gives you the knowledge and strategies to provide compassionate, safe dementia care.
- Understanding Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
- Stages of dementia and how care needs change over time
- Communication strategies for individuals with cognitive impairment
- Behavioral and psychological symptoms — prevention and response
- Person-centered care, dignity, and quality of life
- Supporting families and care partners
💚 Mental Health Specialty Training
This 8-hour course equips caregivers with the tools to support individuals living with mental health conditions, using trauma-informed, de-escalation-focused approaches.
- Overview of common mental health diagnoses
- Trauma-informed care principles and practices
- Communication and de-escalation techniques
- Recognizing and responding to behavioral health crises
- Supporting mental wellness in residential settings
- Ethics and boundaries in mental health caregiving
HCA Program Curriculum
The HCA curriculum covers all WA State requirements for Home Care Aide certification, plus our included specialty trainings.
Home Care Aide Core Skills
- Personal care and activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Meal preparation, nutrition support, and feeding assistance
- Medication reminders and management assistance
- Infection control and universal precautions
- Mobility assistance and fall prevention
- Light housekeeping and home environment safety
- Body mechanics and safe handling techniques
Professional Practice
- Client rights and dignity in care
- Communication with clients, families, and supervisors
- Documentation and reporting requirements
- Ethics, professional boundaries, and conduct
- HIPAA and client confidentiality
- Emergency response and basic first aid
- Cultural competence and person-centered care
Dementia Specialty (Included)
- Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
- Stages of cognitive decline and care adaptation
- Communication strategies with memory-impaired clients
- Managing behavioral symptoms with compassion
- Person-centered approaches and dignity-focused care
Mental Health Specialty (Included)
- Common mental health conditions and diagnoses
- Trauma-informed care principles
- De-escalation and crisis response techniques
- Supporting behavioral health in home care settings
- WA State HCA exam preparation and readiness
Program Hour Breakdown
Here's how the HCA program hours are distributed across classroom, lab, and specialty training.
HCA Program — Hour Breakdown
Meets WA State DOH RequirementsTuition & Program Costs
All costs required to complete the program listed below. Dementia and Mental Health specialty training are included.
HCA Training Program
Home Care Aide — Washington State License
* Nurse Delegation and Diabetes Delegation are not included. These are available as separate courses via our Caregiver Training courses.
Payment Information
Cash, check, money order, and major credit/debit cards.
Payment plan options may be available. Contact us before enrolling to discuss.
This program is on the Eligible Training Provider List. WorkSource and WIA funding may apply for qualifying students.
Stardig CNA School does not currently participate in Federal Financial Aid (Title IV) programs.
Admissions Requirements
Education
- High School Diploma or GED, or
- Pass a graded entrance exam administered by Stardig
- Program instruction is conducted in English
Background Check
- Prior criminal offenses may affect WA State HCA licensure eligibility
- Review DSHS background check requirements before applying
- Contact us with questions
Accessibility
- ADA accessible facility
- Reasonable accommodations provided upon request
- Disability disclosure is voluntary and confidential
Non-Discrimination
- We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability
- Applications welcome from all backgrounds
Class Schedule
Class Times
Location
Career Opportunities for HCA Graduates
Home Care Aide
Assist clients in their homes with ADLs, medication reminders, and personal care.
Assisted Living Caregiver
Support residents with personal care in a team-oriented residential setting.
Adult Family Home Caregiver
Provide personalized care in small, licensed residential homes.
Memory Care Aide
Specialize in dementia care — your included specialty training prepares you for this role.
Respite Care Provider
Offer temporary relief for primary caregivers — flexible and high demand.
Hospice Aide
Provide compassionate end-of-life support focused on comfort and dignity.
🌉 Already an HCA? Ready to Go Further?
Your HCA license is the direct pathway to CNA certification. Stardig's HCA–CNA Bridge Program lets you advance in as little as 3 weeks — building on the skills you already have. Higher pay, more employment options, and a recognized clinical credential.