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What is a Nursing Assistant?
Nursing assistants work alongside qualified nurses, performing tasks and activities as directed by their superiors. Nursing assistants are often responsible for the day to day care of patients, offering basic services and meeting their needs and reporting any changes or situations to nurses or other medical professionals when noted. Nursing assistants play an important role in hospitals and other care facilities, as they allow qualified professionals to deal with the most important problems without worrying about day to day care. The various tasks one may legally perform as a nursing assistant will vary based on regulations from state to state.
A nursing assistant can work in a variety of healthcare settings under the direct supervision of a qualified nurse or medical staff member. The work settings for a nursing assistant can include a nursing home, hospital, hospice, private residence, mental health facility, and nursing care facilities.
Career Summary
MEDIAN SALARY
TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT
1,443,150Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Nursing Assistant Training
Career Training Solutions (Fredericksburg, VA) also known as Eastern Virginia Career College aims to train and educate students to be the best professionals in the healthcare and medical industry. The college provides hands-on training that serves as a practice for students to enhance their skills and knowledge. Some of the popular programs from EVCC are Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance Specialist, Phlebotomy, and Practical Nurse programs. The college provides a 12-month program composed of high-quality theoretical courses, and laboratory and clinical experiences. Students are also required to take General Education courses to pass the program. EVCC’s nursing assistant degree program confers an associate’s degree for students that complete the course.
Acceptance Rate
63.89
Tuition
$31,479 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
5:1
Healthcare Training Institute (Union, NJ) is one of the leading higher learning institutes that offers vocational programs in the state. The school aims to incorporate modern technology and comprehensive training for students. Graduates of HTI programs are expected to be competent and professional healthcare providers. HTI offers both long-term and short-term programs for students depending on their career goals. The Certified Nursing Aide training aims to provide the student with basic knowledge and skills needed to care for residents of long-term care facilities and to prepare the nurses aide to assume the responsibilities of a trained caregiver.
Acceptance Rate
37.5
Tuition
$15,500 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton (Fenton, MO) operates as a private higher education institution that focuses on providing allied health and medical programs. The college provides training to students and professionals who aim to have a career in these particular fields. Some of the popular programs offered are Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Physical Therapist Assistant and Medical Billing and Coding. The institute grants diplomas, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s, and a master’s degree in Health Administration. Several programs are allowed to be taken online.
Acceptance Rate
100
Tuition
$30,466 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
30:1
Southeast Hospital College of Nursing & Health Sciences (Cape Girardeau, MO) is a private institution dedicated in providing training and education to individuals who aim to have a career in the healthcare industry. It grants associate degrees and other certificate courses in nursing, and other allied health disciplines. It also has a 10-week Nurse Extern Program to further enhance the knowledge and skills of the students. An Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program is offered to prepare students to be generalists in the progression of registered nursing. The nursing program offers different tracks allowing a more flexible delivery of education.
Acceptance Rate
50
Student to Faculty Ratio
4:1
Universal Beauty School (Sweetwater, FL) owns the Universal Career School which offers a variety of career programs for interested members of the community. The school is known for its cosmetology programs. Allied Health and Accountancy programs are also offered. It has an associate degree program in Nursing and a Home Health Aide (HHA) program. HHA is a 72-clock hour program providing theory and practical instructions to students. Clinical/lab experience services are also required to train students for necessary skills.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$39,400 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
ANHO (Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations) is a private, non-profit institution located in West Palm Beach Florida offering an Associate of Science Degree in Practical Nursing Program, an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing, and an LPN/Paramedic to ASN bridge program.
The Academy has been in operation since 1978 and has expanded its offerings of nursing education substantially since that time to include areas such as restorative and rehab nursing, phlebotomy, and electrocardiography; all important areas for home health care and nursing assistants. The current school campus features six classrooms with clinical experience for students at nursing homes, hospitals, and community health agencies throughout the West Palm Beach area.
All the Associate Degree programs require roughly 1800 credit hours for completion. The ratio of theory/classroom offers to clinical experience is about the same – approximately 1000 hours in the classroom and 800 hours of clinical and work.
Tuition and fees for the Associate of Science Degree in Practical Nursing are listed on the Academy website as $23,825 with the cost of the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing at $27,033. The bridge program for LPNs or paramedics to earn an Associates of Science in Nursing is listed at $19,354.
Most recent disclosure statements listed are for the 2009/2010 academic year and show no enrollments in either the practical nursing associate program or the nursing associate program.Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$39,300 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Being a socially diverse school instructing and training qualified healthcare professionals with multi-lingual skills and/or multi-ethnic understanding, Angeles College is the best place to develop your career!
This is an exciting time to embark on a healthcare career. According to statistics, this industry will yield 3.2 million new jobs by 2018. And currently large-sized community has a disproportionate patient-healthcare professional ratio. AC strives to meet this need and to help you achieve your personal and professional goals as quickly and convenient for you.
Since 2004, AC skilled graduates have entered the challenging and gratifying industry of healthcare. It adheres to the philosophy of “Patient-Centered Approach” by providing a new and refreshing approach to health care education. It gives importance to multicultural understanding while offering the most current and comprehensive instruction.
Throughout the years, the campus has expanded its locations as well as it curricula. There are 2 campuses; the main Los Angeles campus is located in the popular Koreatown-an exciting neighborhood. The other campus is at the growing city of Garden Grove, California.
Join its welcoming environment with small class sizes and experienced faculty. Take a pick from its variety of program with frequent start dates. Among its new programs are Associate of Science Degree in Medical Office Management, Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration, and Massage Therapy program.
For admission, you must meet minimum age requirement; take the entrance exam and comply the program’s enrollment prerequisites. Due to the differing nature, each program has its own certain requirements. Financial aid is available to those who are qualified.
With diverse, most up-to-date and excellent training in these fastest growing careers, at Angeles College you can be fully prepared to a successful healthcare career!
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$28,459 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Central Coast College (Salinas, CA) is a private career training school providing comprehensive programs to its students. Health, veterinary, and business are just some of the areas of study offered in the college. The courses are designed to train students with skills that are on-demand and essential to their chosen field. The college believes that high quality education will result in a qualified professional. Graduates of the certified nursing assistant program will be granted with diplomas after a year of training and be well-positioned to successfully pass the CNA examination.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$15,550 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
Interested in a career-focused college with a wide range of technical programs and a convenient campus near you? Then Institute of Technology is the perfect educational experience for you. We'll help you launch a new future of real opportunities.
Since 2004, we have been fulfilling our vision to be the premier provider of postsecondary education in the western U.S., measured by student satisfaction and focused educations that lead to valued careers. Our exciting list of career training programs includes education for the fields of allied health, network technology, computer technology, computerized accounting, web/graphic design, culinary arts, and more. Our class schedules are flexible, and our instructors provide classroom instruction balanced with ample hands-on training.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$31,935 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Canton City Schools Adult Community Education (Canton, OH) is a learning institution that focuses on assisting adult students to prepare for a college degree. The school offers career programs that will enhance students’ skills and knowledge. Other programs are for further training and career advancement. Programs are exclusively offered to individuals who are residing within Stark County and are older than 18.
Acceptance Rate
93.75
Tuition
$15,560 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
7:1
InfoTech Career College (Paramount, CA) is part of Health Care Career College. The college is focused on providing vocational health care training to students and working adults. Nurse Assistant degree programs are offered to students across several locations in CA. It is an eight-week program for interested students. The program is fit for students who want to pursue nursing and other allied health education.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$15,079 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Lex La - Ray Technical Center (Lexington, MO) is a public high school that provides career training for students. The curriculum is packed with classroom instructions and hands-on training. The center aims to develop the students technical skills. Practical nurses provide assistance to registered professional nurses and/or licensed physicians. A Certified Nursing Assistants is also offered as a post-secondary program. Students are required to have clinical training.
Acceptance Rate
56.25
Tuition
$13,782 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
3:1
Intellitec College - Grand Junction is a 2-year private institution that offers career oriented education for its students located in and around Grand Junction. Over the past several years Intellitec College - Grand Junction has awarded degrees to more than 828 students with a graduation rate of about 57%. Intellitec College - Grand Junction offers several programs to choose from. Listed below are the programs with more popularity among students:
- Automotive Technician
- Business Office Administrative & Accounting
- Cosmetologist
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Refrigeration & HVAC
- Remedial instructional courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Helping students find work after graduation
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,899 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
22:1
Career Quest operates as a 2-year private career school dedicated to offering a practical education for students located in and around San Antonio. Based on recent program completion reports gathered, over 220 students graduated with a graduation rate of around 60%. Career Quest offers several programs to choose from. The more popular enrolled programs are shown below:
- Medical Assistant
- Health Management and Clinical Assistant
- Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Business Administration
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
To help students and alumni succeed, Career Quest may provide support services like those listed below:
- Career path counseling
- Employment search assistance
This school has been accredited by the Council on Occupational Education since 2011. Please visit careerquestusa.com for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,875 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Stone Academy, originally founded as Yale Business College in 1864 as a technical business school, was purchased by Nathan B. Stone in 1907 and now seeks to provide students with an academic environment that helps them attain the skills necessary for outstanding contributions to the business and health fields.
Stone Academy serves three separate locations in Connecticut: Greater New Haven, Waterbury, and East Hartford. Stone Academy’s East Hartford location is the newest campus, built in 2005. Approximately 300 students attend Stone Academy. Stone Academy offers students guidance and counseling throughout their academic career, to help support and propel students forward successfully.
Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, Stone Academy offers both full-time and part-time classes for students, as well as daytime and evening classes, allowing students to remain active working adults. Stone Academy offers classes in the following programs:
- Medical Assistant
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Patient Care Associate – CAN
- Medical Office Professional
- Individualized Programs
The admission process starts with a personal interview by an Admissions Representative. High school transcripts, applicable test scores, and other information is requested during the interview process, along with any tuition fees. Though academic backgrounds are important, Stone Academy also takes into consideration motivation, past work experience, and a mature attitude.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$30,600 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$14,335 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$13,633 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said that healthcare and technical occupations are expected to add 2 million jobs from 2010 to 2020 and approx 998,000 jobs have already been added in the healthcare industry since June 2009. Expansion isn’t slowing its pace!
If you’re seeking for a professional and rewarding career in healthcare, Ultimate Medical Academy is a great place to start. UMA is located in Tampa and Clearwater, Florida; accredited by the ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) – the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as both a specialized and institutional accreditor.
UMA’s campus based diploma programs and healthcare degree offer convenient day, evening and weekend classes; while its flexible online learning platform allows students worldwide to access quality healthcare training – anywhere and anytime.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$27,900 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Stone Academy in East Hartford has been providing quality education with a career focus in Connecticut since 1864. The academy offers programs of two years and less, and even personalizes some of its course offerings depending on the needs of potential students.
Stone Academy has a rich history of providing career education for the Greater New Haven, Waterbury and Hartford communities for nearly 150 years. Originally founded as Yale Business College, the college has undergone several name changes. However, its mission has remained unwavering: to provide an academic environment where career-focused students may equip themselves with the “skills and attitudes” required to make a difference in the fields of business and allied health. The academy operates three campus locations: East Hartford, West Haven and Waterbury. Some programs are offered at all campuses, and some at specific ones. Programs include:
- Medical Assistant
- Patient Care Associate – CNA
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Medical Office Professional
In addition, students can also opt for personalized programs that pair them with teachers and enable them to acquire administrative skills that will stand them in good stead in any office setting.
One of the major benefits of acquiring an education at Stone Academy is that it allows them to get hands-on training at professional organizations in the communities they serve. For example, students of the Medical Assistant program get the opportunity to work in a variety of medical settings that include hospitals, clinics, private practices and laboratories. This gives them real-life experiences that few other institutions can offer to match.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$30,600 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$14,335 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program and Technical Center is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). It aims to empower students and open vast employment opportunities through quality education. ESGVROP/TC is situated at 1501 Del Norte Street, West Covina, CA 91790. High School students and adults, as well as international students are welcome to take courses from this school. They have the option to choose from any of the following programs: Business Management, Child Development, Emergency Medical Tech Basic, Green Facilities Management, Graphic Arts, Medical Assistant, Microcomputer Repair/Maintenance, Microsoft Office Specialist, Nurse Assistant Pre-Certification/Home Health Aide/Acute Care, Criminal Justice, Video Production and Digital Media, and Short-term Training. As a ROP, ESGVROP/TC offers hands-on training and career guidance for students designed to impart technical skills essential to starting or upgrading a career. Many of the courses engage students in internships within local business and industry sites and job preparation training is integrated in all the courses. Credits and grades earned from ROP classes may be applied to obtain a high school diploma. Moreover, students who are bound for college and completed an ROP course can gain initial credits applicable for transfer to community colleges and private institutions including Citrus College, Rio Hondo College, Mt. San Antonio College, Mt. Sierra College, Pacific Oaks, Westwood College, DeVry, and ITT Tech through established articulation agreements. Veteran Services at ESGVROP/TC provides educational opportunities for Veterans with courses tailored based on the current industry trends. Upon finishing the course, they are given supplementary job-readiness skills training and they are linked to prospective employers. Several resources are available for students intended to help them achieve their educational and career goals. These are Academic and Student Services, Student Council and the Career Services which provides career information and career planning programs, and job placement services.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$8,107 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Stone Academy, originally founded as Yale Business College in 1864 as a technical business school, was purchased by Nathan B. Stone in 1907 and now seeks to provide students with an academic environment that helps them attain the skills necessary for outstanding contributions to the business and health fields.
Stone Academy serves three separate locations in Connecticut: Greater New Haven, Waterbury, and East Hartford. Stone Academy’s East Hartford location is the newest campus, built in 2005. Approximately 300 students attend Stone Academy. Stone Academy offers students guidance and counseling throughout their academic career, to help support and propel students forward successfully.
Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, Stone Academy offers both full-time and part-time classes for students, as well as daytime and evening classes, allowing students to remain active working adults. Stone Academy offers classes in the following programs:
- Medical Assistant
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Patient Care Associate – CAN
- Medical Office Professional
- Individualized Programs
The admission process starts with a personal interview by an Admissions Representative. High school transcripts, applicable test scores, and other information is requested during the interview process, along with any tuition fees. Though academic backgrounds are important, Stone Academy also takes into consideration motivation, past work experience, and a mature attitude.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$30,600 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$14,335 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$28,500 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$21,500 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
How to Choose a College as a Nursing Assistant
Many colleges and universities offer nursing assistant courses online. With the technological advances of today, the quality of the nursing assistant program is more readily accepted than ever before. Both employers and students see the value in earning a quality online nursing assistant certificate program. The benefits of earning a nursing assistant certificate online include flexibility, independence, and autonomy of a self-paced program from a state-recognized, accredited college or university.
With dozens upon dozens of online learning opportunities for future nursing assistants, you will need to establish a framework for decision making to narrow down your college options. A decision tree to assist you in the process can look similar to the following:
- Establish a priority list – An example priority list of questions can be found on pages 3-4 of the MatchCollege Complete Guide to College Admissions Guide
- Request feedback – Ask counselors, teachers, family, school alumni, and friends for feedback on your priority list to elicit valuable input.
- Perform a self-assessment – By taking stock of your strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes you will more readily be able to winnow down school options leading to a nursing assistant certificate. From grades to work experience and from career goals to lifestyle objectives, a self-assessment will prove to be invaluable.
- Gather information – Gathering information from accredited colleges and universities will allow you to overlay their programs with your priorities. When you marry your priorities with the nursing assistant certificate programs available, decisions become much easier than without a priority list. Free services like MatchCollege will help you quickly get matched to a number of programs of interest to research schools offering on-site or online nursing assistant programs.
- Getting matched – Once you have received information from a handful of quality schools, you can then assess your likelihood of admissions. Knowing a school’s admissions policies, requirements, education parameters, work experience, cost, and program length is a must. Only then should you apply for admissions to a nursing assistant program.
- Financial aid – After your application for admissions is in queue, understanding your financial aid options is the next step in the process. Learn what options exist for grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans before committing to a nursing assistant program.
- Acceptance – Aligning your goals with the school’s offerings and overall cost will allow you to make a quality decision about a nursing assistant program. Once you accept a school’s offer of admissions, you will need to understand the timing, processes, and resources needed to begin matriculation.
Classes in an Online Nursing Assistant Program
While classes for online nursing assistant certificate programs will vary from school to school and state to state, we have created a list of typical classes to help you better understand the courses involved. A sample list of classes in an online nursing assistant course may include:
- Intro to Nursing Assisting
- Infection Control & Wellness
- Special Body Systems Care
- Patient Environment
- Home Healthcare
- Patient Safety & Controls
- Proper Patient Positioning & Transportation
- Patient Care Essentials
- Emergency Care
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Measuring Vital Signs
- The Long Term Care Patient
- Phlebotomy Lab & Injections
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Nursing Assistant Certificate?
A nursing assistant program will vary in length depending on the number of classes taken and the college or university requirements. Online nursing assistant certificates can last from 4-8 weeks of full-time matriculation while other programs may be closer to a year. While most accredited colleges and universities offer nursing assistant certificate programs, some schools offer transitional programs as a bridge to a Registered Nursing (RN) degree.
How Do I Become a Nursing Assistant?
In order to become a nursing assistant, students will need to have a high school diploma or GED plus qualified nursing instruction from an accredited, state-approved higher education institution. These institutions can be a college, university, community college, trade school, vocational school, technical college, career college, or hospital. The final step in the process after successful completion of the nursing assistant program is to pass an exam to earn a certificate of completion plus any state-required tests.
If you know where you would like to work after obtaining your nursing assistant certificate, make sure to connect with their human resources manager or hiring manager while you are in school. If the healthcare facility or hospital requires work experience plus a certificate of completion from a state-approved post-secondary institution, work towards meeting those requirements as soon as possible. Organizing tasks in this manner will help with the transition from school to work and allow you to more quickly make an impact in the lives of others.
What Does a Nursing Assistant Do?
According to a recent survey of current Nursing Assistants performed by the U.S. Department of Labor, a nursing assistant is busy with a number of different duties over the course of a day and work week. The common set of job responsibilities as provided by current nursing assistants include:
- Communication with Supervisors & Peers Ongoing, daily communication with other nursing assistants and supervisors within a healthcare setting is mission critical. Communication may be face-to-face, over the telephone, written on a chart, or through email correspondence.
- Assisting & Caring for Patients Caring for patients is at the heart of what a nursing assistant provides any healthcare facility. Job duties for a nursing assistant working in any healthcare organization may include: answering the phone, repositioning patients, answering call signals, providing physical support of daily activities, understanding patient allergies and dietary restrictions, measuring nutritional needs, and reporting any issues to related medical professionals.
- Obtaining Information In order to obtain quality information from others, a nursing assistant must ask great questions. By asking quality questions, you will be able to better identify issues, categorize concerns, and recognize changes in circumstances more readily.
- Interpersonal Relationships Nursing assistant find themselves establishing and maintaining relationships with patients and peers on a daily basis. These constructive and collaborative working relationships help to build trust between all parties involved.
- Reporting A nursing assistant will need to be consistent and accurate when it comes to reporting changes in a patients health. While not tasked to diagnose a disease or illness, a nursing assist must carefully monitor patients and report changes to nurses and doctors accordingly.
Educational Requirements for Nurse Assistants
Nursing assistant programs offer individuals the education and experience necessary to assist nurses in treating patients and medical staff. Nursing aides are often responsible for the basic care of patients, assisting with the cleaning, feeding, and observation of patients within a given setting. Nursing assistant programs are generally short, often less than a year and cover the basics of nursing care. Programs are offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and some nursing care facilities. Some high schools may also provide nursing assistant programs, allowing graduates to immediately pursue work in the field after graduation. Programs will cover a variety of courses necessary to achieve certification and obtain the skills necessary to assist in patient care.
Courses a nursing assistant program may offer include:
- Nutrition
- Anatomy
- Infection Control
- Physiology
- Personal Care
Online Schools Other Students Requested Information From:
Employment Opportunities in Nursing
Nursing assistants will typically work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other such facilities. Certification is necessary to work, and the requirements will vary from state to state. All states will require a minimum amount of practical hours before allowing entry into the certification exam. Practical hours may be obtained through educational programs as part of the curriculum or through internship and volunteer opportunities. Once passed, nursing assistants are placed on a state registry, often a requirement for employment in certain environments. Additional requirements may also be in place in certain states, such as criminal background checks or continuing education courses in order to maintain certification.
Nursing assistants are often the primary caregivers to patients, particularly long term patients. They are responsible for daily care as directed by a supervisor, and in some instances may be responsible for the administering of medication. Nursing assistants may also be responsible for clerical work, including documenting patient treatment and histories. Though the level of work is not particularly complex, and understanding of nursing health care practices and medical terminology is beneficial, if not necessary, for long term employment. The work is considered demanding, and often requires such unpleasant duties as emptying bedpans. The work environment can be hazardous as nursing assistants will be exposed to possible disease, but this is no more so than any other medical career.
Skills necessary as a nursing assistant include:
- Communication
- Analyses
- Organization
- Patience
Careers for Nursing Assistants
Nursing assistants can take a number of different paths during their career in healthcare. As an entry-level position at most hospitals and healthcare organizations, a nursing assistant will typically look to advance their career in a number of different directions based on career objectives and opportunities within their organization or industry. A set of the most common career paths for a nursing assistant may include the following:
- Administrative Assistant
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing Administrator
- Emergency Room RN
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- MDS Coordinator
- Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
- Charge Nurse (RN)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Medical Executive Assistant
Online Degrees for Nursing Assistants
Employment: Job Growth, Salary and Related Fields
Due to high turnover and an increasing demand for medical care as the population grows older and life expectancy increases, job opportunities for nursing assistants is expected grow rapidly. The need for qualified assistants will increase as patient care comes into higher demand and the attention of nurses and physicians is spread across a larger number of individuals. This will particularly be true in large urban areas with a higher concentrations of people which require more resources for treatment.
Careers similar to a nursing assistant that may be of interest to you include Medical Assistants, Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), Certified Medication Aides (CMA), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), Orderlies, Psychiatric Aides, Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Certified Nurses Aide (CNA), State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA), Nurses' Aide, and Nursing Aide, and Nursing Assistant.
The average salary for a nursing assistant is $27,650 per year, with a projected 17% growth adding approximately 267,800 jobs over the coming decade. Salaries increase with experience, though there is an upper limit due to the lack of career mobility. Supervisory positions are normally held by healthcare managers or nurses, and as such individuals seeking upward movement or career stability will pursue a degree in a related field in order to obtain increased responsibilities.
Largest Employers of Nursing Assistants
- Skilled Nursing Care Facilities 602,630
- Medical and Surgical Hospitals 354,450
- Assisted Living Communities 161,130
- Home Health Care Services 77,360
- Employment Services 42,490
States with the Highest Number of Nursing Assistants
- California 99,140
- New York 98,040
- Florida 90,890
- Texas 87,930
- Pennsylvania 76,300
Top Paying States for Nursing Assistants
- Alaska $37,520
- New York $34,300
- Nevada $33,650
- District of Columbia $33,380
- California $32,770
If you are interested in becoming a nursing assistant you may also want to look at a career as a medical assistant, physical therapist assistant, or phlebotomist. For more information about earning a Nursing Assistant degree, simply visit the accredited colleges and universities below or visit our online nursing resource page or career portal to learn more careers in nursing. Additional information about the nursing profession, check out the CNA-Network and read our Complete Guide to the Nursing Profession on our blog before picking a college.