How To Become a Home Health Nurse: Salary & Career Paths for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Thinking about a career where you can make a real difference in people's lives, right in the comfort of their own homes? Then, becoming a home health nurse might be the perfect path for you. This rewarding field offers a unique blend of medical expertise and compassionate care, allowing you to build meaningful connections with patients and their families.

Understanding the journey to becoming a home health nurse is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you determine if this career aligns with your passion and professional goals. Secondly, it provides a clear roadmap of the steps you need to take to achieve your aspirations. Finally, it highlights the vital role home health nurses play in the healthcare system, empowering individuals to maintain their independence and well-being while receiving the medical support they need.

Key Things to Know About Becoming a Home Health Nurse

An ADN program generally takes two years to complete at a community college or vocational school.
Licenses typically need to be renewed every two years, but some states may have different schedules.
Between 2021 and 2040, the home healthcare industry is expected to see a 45.7% increase in employment.
Some accelerated BSN programs are available for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, they can take 12 to 18 months.
Registered nurses earned a median annual income of $86,070.

What does a home health nurse do?
How do I become a home health nurse?
How is home health nursing different from hospital nursing?
What additional training is required for wound care or hospice care in home settings?
How long does it take to complete the education required for this career?
What courses are included in nursing programs for home health care?
What advanced certifications can accelerate career growth in home health nursing?
Is an accelerated BSN program right for a home health nursing career?
What career advancement opportunities exist for home health nurses?
What skills does a home health nurse need?
What continuing education is required to maintain licensure as a home health nurse?
How much does a home health nurse make?
What is the projected job growth for home health nurses?
Other Things You Should Know About How To Become a Home Health Nurse

What does a home health nurse do?

A home health nurse provides skilled nursing care to patients in the comfort of their own homes. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including assessing patients' conditions, developing and implementing individualized care plans in collaboration with physicians, administering medications and treatments, monitoring vital signs, managing wounds, and educating patients and their families on disease management and healthy living. Beyond direct medical care, they often serve as a vital link between the patient, their family, and other healthcare providers, coordinating services and ensuring continuity of care.

Home health nurses require strong clinical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a compassionate approach to meet the diverse needs of their patients in their familiar home environment. Registered nurses earned a median annual income of $86,070. This means that half of all registered nurses in the U.S. made more than this amount, while the other half made less. Looking at the extremes, the lowest-earning 10 percent of registered nurses received less than $63,720 annually, and the highest-earning 10 percent received more than $132,680.

How do I become a home health nurse?

Becoming a home health nurse involves several key steps to ensure you have the necessary education, licensure, and experience to provide quality care in patients' homes. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Obtain the Required Education: You'll need to become a registered nurse (RN) by earning either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. While an ADN can qualify you for some home health positions, employers often prefer a BSN, and this can open up more career opportunities. In some instances, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license may be sufficient for certain home health roles, but these often require supervision by an RN. These programs typically take one to two years to complete. There are also online programs that can be an option for aspiring home health nurses, like nurse practitioner programs online or BSN programs online.
Pass the NCLEX Examination: After graduating from your nursing program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). ADN or BSN graduates will take the NCLEX-RN, while LPN/LVN graduates will take the NCLEX-PN. Passing this exam is mandatory to become a licensed nurse.
Obtain Your Nursing License: Once you've passed the NCLEX, you'll need to apply for a nursing license in your specific state or region. Licensing requirements vary, so it's essential to check with your local nursing board.
Gain Clinical Experience: Most home health agencies prefer or require nurses to have one to two years of clinical experience as a registered nurse. Experience in medical-surgical nursing, cardiac nursing, critical care, or other relevant areas can be particularly valuable as it equips you with essential assessment and patient care skills. Working in hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes can provide this necessary experience. Speaking of cardiac nursing, you can check out cardiac nurse salary here.
Apply for Home Health Nurse Positions: Once you have your license and some clinical experience, you can start applying for home health nurse positions at home health agencies, visiting nurse services, or healthcare organizations that offer in-home care. You can also approach a nurse recruiter, inquire about job openings, and ask to be connected to potential employers. How much do nurse recruiters make? Check out our article on this topic.
Consider Additional Certifications (Optional but Beneficial): While not always required, certain certifications can enhance your qualifications and marketability as a home health nurse. These might include certifications in gerontology, pediatrics, wound care, or infusion therapy, depending on your area of interest and the needs of your patient population. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) previously offered a Home Health Nursing Certification (RN-BC), though it has been retired; however, nurses who hold this certification may still be able to renew it.
Pursue Continuing Education: Maintaining your nursing license typically requires ongoing continuing education to stay updated on the latest best practices and advancements in healthcare. While specific home health certifications may not be mandatory, seeking continuing education related to home care can be beneficial.

How is home health nursing different from hospital nursing?

While both focus on patient care, home health nursing and hospital nursing differ significantly in their environments, the scope of practice, and the nature of the nurse-patient relationship. In a hospital setting, nurses work within a highly structured and resource-rich environment, often managing multiple patients with acute and complex conditions. They have immediate access to a wide range of medical equipment, specialists, and support staff. The care provided in hospitals is typically episodic and focused on stabilizing the patient's condition and preparing them for discharge.

In contrast, home health nurses deliver care to individuals in their own homes, often managing chronic illnesses, providing rehabilitation support, or assisting with long-term care needs. They work more independently, relying on their assessment skills and problem-solving abilities with potentially limited immediate resources. The focus shifts towards promoting the patient's independence, managing their health in a familiar setting, and educating both the patient and their family. This often leads to a more personal and longitudinal relationship between the home health nurse and the patient, allowing for a deeper understanding of the patient's lifestyle, support system, and individual needs.

What additional training is required for wound care or hospice care in home settings?

For home health nurses wishing to specialize in wound care or hospice care, additional training and often certification are recommended or required to provide optimal care in the home setting.

Wound Care

While basic wound care is part of the standard nursing curriculum, specialized knowledge is crucial for managing complex wounds, pressure ulcers, surgical sites, and vascular ulcers commonly seen in home health. Additional training options include:

Wound Care Certification Courses: Numerous organizations offer comprehensive courses that cover advanced wound assessment, treatment modalities, dressing selection, debridement techniques, and prevention strategies. These courses may be online, in-person, or in a hybrid format.
Professional Certifications: Several certifications demonstrate expertise in wound care. The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) offers certifications like Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN®). The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO) also offers the Wound Care Certified (WCC®) credential. Eligibility for these certifications typically requires a certain amount of clinical experience in wound care and passing a certification exam.
Specialized Training Programs: Some healthcare systems or educational institutions may offer their own specialized wound care training programs or fellowships.

Hospice Care

Hospice nursing focuses on providing comfort care, managing symptoms, and offering emotional and spiritual support to patients with terminal illnesses and their families in their homes. Additional training in this area includes:

Hospice and Palliative Care Certification: The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) is the primary organization offering certifications in this specialty. For registered nurses, the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) credential signifies advanced knowledge and skills in end-of-life care. There are also certifications for advanced practice nurses (ACHPN®), pediatric nurses (CHPPN®), and licensed practical/vocational nurses (CHPLN® - though initial certification is discontinued, renewals are available). Eligibility usually involves specific hours of hospice experience and passing an examination.
Specialized Hospice Training Programs: Many hospice agencies provide in-house training on their specific protocols, philosophies of care, and symptom management techniques.
Continuing Education: Workshops, seminars, and online courses focusing on pain management, grief and bereavement support, communication skills in end-of-life care, and ethical considerations are valuable for hospice nurses. Organizations like the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) offer a variety of educational resources.

How long does it take to complete the education required for this career?

The length of time it takes to complete the education required to become a home health nurse depends primarily on the type of nursing degree you pursue:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): These programs typically take one to two years to complete. There are also fast track lpn programs online that are available.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): An ADN program generally takes two years to complete at a community college or vocational school. This qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A BSN program usually takes four years to complete at a college or university. Some accelerated BSN programs are available for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, they can take 12 to 18 months.

Keep in mind that after completing your nursing education, whether it is easiest rn to bsn program online or no, you'll also need time to study for and pass the NCLEX examination and then apply for your nursing license, which can add a few weeks to a couple of months to the overall timeline. Additionally, many home health agencies prefer or require one to two years of clinical experience as a registered nurse before hiring, specifically for home health roles.

What courses are included in nursing programs for home health care?

Nursing programs, whether ADN or BSN to nurse practitioner programs, lay a foundational groundwork for all areas of nursing practice, including home health care. While there isn't typically a specific "home health care" course, several core nursing courses provide essential knowledge and skills directly applicable to this field. Here are some key areas and the types of courses that contribute to a nurse's preparedness for home health:

Foundational Nursing Knowledge:

Fundamentals of Nursing: This course introduces basic nursing skills, including patient assessment (vital signs, physical exams), hygiene care, mobility assistance, medication administration (oral, topical), and documentation – all crucial in a home setting.
Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the structure and function of the human body is fundamental to recognizing normal and abnormal findings, which is vital for independent assessment in a patient's home.
Pathophysiology: This course explores the mechanisms of disease, helping nurses understand the conditions they will be managing in home health, such as diabetes, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Pharmacology: Knowledge of medications, their actions, side effects, and routes of administration is essential for safely managing patient medications at home. If pharmacology is a field that truly interests you, you may want to considering becoming a pharmacy technician. What do you need to be a pharmacy tech? Check out our article on the topic.

Skills for Diverse Patient Populations:

Geriatric Nursing: Many home health patients are older adults with unique healthcare needs. This course focuses on the aging process, common health issues in older adults, and strategies for providing age-appropriate care.
Adult Health/Medical-Surgical Nursing: These courses cover the care of adults with a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses, providing the core knowledge needed to manage the diverse conditions seen in home health. If adult-gerontoloy is something you see yourself specializing in, you can become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) in the future. You can choose between becoming a family nurse practitioner or FNP vs AGNP.
Community Health Nursing: This course introduces concepts of population health, health promotion, disease prevention, and working with individuals and families in their community settings, directly relevant to the home health environment.
Mental Health Nursing: Understanding mental health conditions and therapeutic communication is important as home health nurses often encounter patients with co-existing mental health issues or provide support for families under stress.

Specialized Skills and Concepts:

Nutrition: Knowledge of basic nutrition and dietary modifications is important for educating patients on managing their health conditions at home.
Therapeutic Communication: Building rapport and effectively communicating with patients and their families is paramount in the intimate setting of their home.
Ethics and Legal Issues in Nursing: Understanding ethical principles and legal considerations relevant to home care, such as patient rights, privacy, and informed consent, is crucial for practice in this setting.
Leadership and Management: While more emphasized in BSN programs or RN to BSN online no clinicals, basic leadership and management concepts help coordinate care and work independently in patients' homes.

What advanced certifications can accelerate career growth in home health nursing?

Pursuing advanced certifications and degree options extends clinical expertise and creates opportunities for leadership roles in home health care. Specialized programs provide practical strategies for managing complex patient scenarios and navigating evolving healthcare regulations. For example, targeted initiatives like obtaining the shortest DNP program online streamline the path to advanced practice and empower nurses with evidence‐based decision-making skills. These certifications not only enhance clinical competence but also improve the capacity to mentor peers, optimize interdisciplinary collaboration, and drive improvements in patient outcomes.

Is an accelerated BSN program right for a home health nursing career?

Accelerated BSN programs are designed to fast‐track your entry into nursing with an intensive curriculum that bridges academic theory and practical skills. These programs often emphasize clinical decision-making and patient management in diverse settings, preparing you for the unique challenges of home health care. Many accelerated pathways offer clinical rotations that simulate real-world home health scenarios, equipping you with essential skills such as autonomy in patient care, effective communication in remote environments, and swift critical thinking in unpredictable home settings. For professionals seeking a faster route to leadership roles or aiming to update their qualifications, exploring accelerated BSN nursing may offer a strategic advantage.

What career advancement opportunities exist for home health nurses?

Home health nurses looking to progress can explore pathways that advance both clinical and leadership capabilities. Strategic career development may involve pursuing specialized certifications, targeted training programs, and leadership courses designed to bridge direct patient care with management roles. Utilizing resources such as affordable LPN to RN online programs can facilitate the transition to higher-responsibility positions. In parallel, engaging with professional networks and seeking mentorship within the home health community can provide insights into emerging trends, innovative care models, and opportunities that align with evolving industry demands.

What skills does a home health nurse need?

As a home health nurse, you'll need a robust set of skills to provide quality care in patients' homes. These skills encompass clinical expertise, strong interpersonal abilities, and personal attributes that allow you to thrive in a less structured environment. Here's a breakdown of essential skills:

Clinical Skills:

Proficient Assessment Skills: You must be adept at conducting thorough physical, psychological, and social assessments in diverse home environments. This includes accurately taking vital signs, performing focused physical exams, and identifying subtle changes in a patient's condition that might indicate a problem.
Medication Management: Safe and accurate administration of various medications (oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, as allowed by local regulations and your scope of practice) and comprehensive patient and family education on medication regimens, potential side effects, and proper storage are critical.
Wound Care Expertise: Many home health patients require wound care, so skills in assessing, cleaning, dressing, and managing different types of wounds, including pressure ulcers, surgical incisions, and diabetic ulcers, are essential. Knowledge of appropriate dressing selection and infection prevention is also key.
Technical Skills: You'll need to be competent in using common home medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, glucometers, oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, feeding pumps, and catheters.
Disease-Specific Knowledge: A strong understanding of prevalent chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and infectious diseases like tuberculosis, will enable you to provide effective care and education.
Pain Management: Assessing and managing different types of pain using pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches is crucial for patient comfort.
Emergency Preparedness: Being able to recognize and respond appropriately to medical emergencies that may arise in the home, knowing when and how to access emergency services in your local area, and possessing basic life support (BLS) skills are vital.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills:

Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication with patients, their families, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team (e.g., physical therapists, social workers) is paramount. This includes active listening, providing understandable explanations, and culturally sensitive interactions.
Therapeutic Relationship Building: Establishing trust and rapport with patients and their families in their personal space is essential for effective care delivery.
Patient and Family Education: Tailoring education to the patient's and family's health literacy, cultural background, and available resources regarding their condition, treatment plan, medication management, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle practices is a significant part of your role.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team and coordinating care to ensure the patient's needs are met holistically is crucial.
Conflict Resolution: Addressing any disagreements or concerns that may arise with patients or their families in a calm and professional manner is important.

Personal and Professional Skills:

Independence and Autonomy: Home health nurses often work independently with less direct supervision, requiring strong self-motivation, excellent time management skills, and the ability to make sound clinical judgments.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Each home environment presents unique challenges and resource limitations. You need to be resourceful and adaptable in modifying care plans and finding solutions to ensure patient well-being.
Organizational Skills: Managing multiple patient schedules, maintaining accurate and timely documentation, and ensuring adequate supplies for each visit require strong organizational abilities.
Compassion and Empathy: Providing care to individuals in their homes often involves witnessing vulnerabilities and requires genuine empathy and a caring approach.
Time Management and Efficiency: Effectively planning and managing your travel time between patient homes, especially considering traffic conditions in the area, and prioritizing patient needs are crucial for a productive workday.
Basic Computer Literacy: Familiarity with electronic documentation systems or basic computer skills for communication and accessing resources may be required, depending on the healthcare agency.

What continuing education is required to maintain licensure as a home health nurse?

The continuing education requirements for maintaining a nursing license in the United States vary significantly from state to state. There isn't a single federal requirement for all home health nurses. Instead, each State Board of Nursing sets its mandates for the number of contact hours, the frequency of renewal, and sometimes specific topics that must be covered. However, it is still possible for students to enroll in graduate programs such as the fastest DNP programs or master’s in nursing.

Number of Contact Hours: Most states require a specific number of continuing education (CE) or continuing nursing education (CNE) contact hours to be completed within a renewal period (typically every two years). This can range from 0 hours in some states to 30 or more in others.
Renewal Frequency: Licenses typically need to be renewed every two years, but some states may have different schedules.
Approved Providers: States usually have a list of approved providers or accreditations (like the American Nurses Credentialing Center - ANCC) that ensure the quality and relevance of the CE courses. Courses from non-approved providers might not be accepted.
Documentation: Nurses are typically responsible for keeping records of their completed CEUs for a certain period (e.g., four years in California) in case of an audit by the State Board of Nursing.

How much does a home health nurse make?

The salary of a home health nurse varies depending on factors such as education, experience, location, and certifications. On average, home health nurses earn $58,448.63 annually in the United States, with entry-level positions starting around $47,000 per year and more experienced nurses earning up to $95,951 annually in states like California, which offers the highest pay for this profession. Hourly wages range from $19.61 to $46.13, with a median hourly rate of $28.10.

Registered Nurses (RNs) tend to earn higher salaries compared to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) due to their advanced qualifications and ability to perform more complex medical procedures. For example, the median annual salary for RNs working in home health is approximately $73,300, while LPNs earn around $47,480. Additional certifications in areas like mental health or pediatric care can further increase earning potential.

What is the projected job growth for home health nurses?

The projected job growth for home health care is substantial, driven by increasing demand for senior care and the preference for receiving medical services at home. Between 2021 and 2040, the home healthcare industry is expected to see a 45.7% increase in employment, rising from 1.5 million jobs in 2021 to 2.2 million jobs by 2040. This represents the largest growth among senior care industries, surpassing sectors like skilled nursing and services for the elderly with disabilities. Additionally, the industry will need to fill over 5 million job openings during this period, accounting for both new positions and replacements due to retirements or career changes.

What home health nurses have to say about their careers

"Becoming a home health nurse has given me the rare opportunity to form meaningful, one-on-one connections with my patients in the comfort of their own homes. The flexibility and independence of this role allow me to provide truly personalized care while maintaining a healthy work-life balance." — Rachel

"As a home health nurse, I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference compassionate care can make outside of a hospital setting. It’s incredibly rewarding to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life where they feel safest." — David

"What drew me to home health nursing was the chance to work autonomously and adapt my care to each unique household situation. Every day brings new challenges, but the gratitude I receive and the deep trust I build with families make it all worth it." — Elena

Other Things You Should Know About How To Become a Home Health Nurse

Can you become a home health nurse with an online nursing degree?

Yes, you can become a home health nurse with an online nursing degree, provided the program is accredited and meets state requirements for licensure. Many online nursing programs offer flexibility for students to complete coursework remotely while fulfilling clinical requirements in person. To qualify as a home health nurse, you must first earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), both of which are available through online programs. After completing the degree, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) or the NCLEX-PN for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), depending on your career path

Why is critical thinking vital for autonomous home health nurses?

Critical thinking is vital for autonomous home health nurses because it enables them to make accurate, timely decisions in complex and unpredictable situations. Unlike hospital environments, home health nurses often work independently without immediate access to a broader medical team or advanced diagnostic tools. This autonomy requires them to assess patient conditions thoroughly, identify problems quickly, and implement appropriate interventions based on their observations and clinical expertise

What factors are driving demand for home health nurses?

The demand for home health nurses is being driven by several key factors, reflecting changes in demographics, healthcare preferences, and systemic shifts in care delivery. One of the primary drivers is the aging population, with a growing number of elderly individuals requiring chronic disease management and personalized care. By 2050, the population aged 65 and older is expected to double globally, significantly increasing the need for cost-effective healthcare solutions that home health services provide.

Can hospital nurses transition easily to home health?

Hospital nurses can transition to home health nursing, but the process requires adjustments to new environments, expectations, and responsibilities. While both roles share the core mission of patient-centered care, home health nursing demands greater autonomy and adaptability. Unlike hospital settings, where nurses work within multidisciplinary teams and have access to extensive resources, home health nurses operate independently in less predictable environments. This shift can be challenging for those accustomed to structured protocols and immediate support from colleagues.