How to become a Caregiver
A caregiver plays a vital role in someone's life, helping them to maintain their independence instead of moving into a care facility or nursing home. Certain skills, such as being compassionate, are vital for being a caretaker. Other skills could include general home maintenance, cooking and cleaning.
While there are no formal education requirements to be a caregiver, you can consider:
- Talking with someone currently in the field to gain insight into the role and local requirements
- Seeking out basic first aid classes. Some caregivers will be required to know CPR and first aid.
- Apply for caregiver jobs. Many caregiver employers train employees after they are hired. You may complete training after gaining employment as a caregiver.
What skills help Caregivers find jobs?
- ADLs
- Alzheimer's care
- Assisted living
- Bilingual
- CPR
- Care plans
- Caregiving
- Ceridian
- Childcare
- Communication skills
- Computer literacy
- Computer skills
Career progression for Caregiver
Education levels for Caregivers
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 76.6% |
| Associate's degree | 11.5% |
| Bachelor's degree | 9.7% |
| Master's degree | 1.5% |
| Middle school education | 0.6% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.2% |
Expected salary by experience
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | $21,500 |
| 4 - 8 | $22,700 |
| 8 - 12 | $23,500 |
| 12 - 16 | $24,200 |
| 16 - 20 | $24,300 |
| 20 - 24 | $24,500 |
Common qualifications for Caregivers
Explore popular schools to earn these qualifications
Common questions about career advices for a Caregiver
How can I find help for my family member in our home?
You can post a job online or work with a staffing agency or government agency to find a home health aide or caregiver.
How to become a certified caregiver?
Those aspiring to become certified caregivers will need to enroll in a caregiver training program recognized by the state's department of health. This training includes housekeeping, home safety, personal hygiene and medical care. Caregivers will need to take an examination after the completion of the training and pass in order to become certified.
Do caregivers need a license?
Generally, a non-medical caregiver does not require a license, whereas a medical caregiver requires a license. However, it may vary from state to state.
