There are three different types of caregivers in Washington state. The three types of caregiver positions have quite a few similarities as well as some major differences. Check out this quick reference chart to compare the positions. Visit the specific Care Providers pages for a more in-depth look at each caregiver type.

 

 

  Home Care Aide Nursing Assistants Certified
Job Duties
Provide assistance with activities of daily living, including: personal hygiene, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring and mobility ✔ ✔ ✔
Provide assistance with instrumental activities of daily living, including: communication, transportation, meal prep, shopping, housework and managing medication ✔ ✔ ✔
Perform medical tasks such as taking blood pressure and pulses rates and setting up medical equipment     ✔
Employment
Can be employed by an agency ✔   ✔
Can be employed by an individual client ✔ ✔ ✔
Training
Requires 75 hours of training ✔ (unless caring for a family member) Required (unless caring for a family member) Requires at least 85 hours of training
Requires training from a pre-approved program (often at a community college, technical college or hospital)     ✔
Certification required through the Washington State Department of Health ✔ (unless caring for a family member) Required (unless caring for a family member) ✔
Work Settings
Client's Private Home ✔ ✔ ✔
Adult Family Home (Residential home with up to 6 clients) ✔ ✔ ✔
Assisted Living Facility (Facility with 7 or more residents) ✔ ✔ ✔
Nursing Home or Skilled Nursing Facility     ✔
Hospitals     ✔
Number of Clients Served
Can serve 1 or multiple clients ✔   ✔
Continuing Education
Required training translates well into earning credits for an associates or bachelor’s degree.     ✔