Launch Your Career
in Healthcare
New Mexico's only Spanish-Language Home Health Aide Training Program Begin a rewarding career, provide essential care for our community, and build a secure future for your family. Our Home Health Aide (HHA) program is a comprehensive, Spanish-language training designed specifically for immigrants to enter and excel in one of New Mexico's fastest-growing industries.
A Career with Purpose and Opportunity
New Mexico, like the rest of the country, has a growing need for skilled, compassionate caregivers for older adults. This is more than a job; it's a chance to provide dignified care, build meaningful relationships, and earn a stable income in a professional field. Our program is your first step on this respected career path.
What You Will Learn and Achieve
Our curriculum, developed in partnership with Central New Mexico (CNM) Community College, exceeds the NM Department of Health's training requirements. Upon graduation from our 15-week entry-level course, you will earn three industry-recognized certificates:
Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
Provides essential daily living assistance to clients in their homes.
Home Health Aide
(HHA)
Provides essential daily living assistance to clients in their homes.
First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
(CPR)
Emergency response certification for medical situations.
We also offer an advanced course for graduates:
Connecting Harvest to Health (H2H) – Elderly Food & Nutrition Training
This innovative course provides specialized training in food and nutrition required for working with elders in the field. You will learn about nutrition and practice hands-on skills.
The Encuentro Advantage: From Student to Leader
We provide more than just a certification. Our model is designed to ensure your success with paid experience, leadership opportunities, and a direct connection to jobs.
Paid Skill-Building Practicum
Our HHA Internship Program places graduates in a paid practicum. This year, we placed 21 graduates who provided 2,270 hours of subsidized in-home care to low-income older adults.
21 graduates
2,270 hours
A Leadership Pipeline
We believe in the power of our graduates. 75% of our HHA program staff is led by HHA graduates—Latinx immigrant women leaders who reflect the community they serve.
75% staff are graduates
Wraparound Support
Like all Encuentro students, you will have access to our full suite of support services, including resource navigation, digital access, and onsite childcare.
The HHA program gave me the language, tools, and training I needed to provide the quality care that my client deserves. I learned proper body mechanics, caregiver rights, and professional standards. Now, I'm ready to formalize my caregiving business.
For Families: Find a Trusted, Skilled Caregiver
Are you or a loved one seeking to hire a well-trained, compassionate caregiver? Through EnCasa Care Connections, we connect community members with graduates of our HHA program. In the last year, 90 community members contacted EnCasa, leading to 35 of our graduates being hired directly to care for older adults.
90 community members contacted EnCasa
35 graduates hired
Our Impact and the Future of Care
Our community-centered solution is a replicable model that is making a lasting impact.
This Year's Impact
This year alone, we hosted 3 15-week HHA courses and prepared 61 graduates to enter the healthcare workforce.
3 courses
61 graduates
Home Health Training Center
Spring 2026
Now, with funding from the New Mexico Legislature and national foundations, Encuentro is launching the construction of the state's first Home Health Training Center in Spring 2026. This new facility will support our plans to replicate our successful model with partner organizations across New Mexico.
Student Projects
See the incredible work and progress of our HHA students as they develop their skills and share their experiences through these video presentations.
How to Enroll
Ready to begin your new career? Getting started is simple.
1
Contact Us
Reach out to our team to express your interest.
2
Attend an Orientation
Learn more about the program requirements and schedule.
3
Start Your Training
Join our next cohort and begin your journey.