Nursing assistants
SOC Code: 31-1131Also known as:
Birth Attendant, Certified Medication Aide (CMA), Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Certified Nurses Aide (CNA)
Median Annual Salary
$39,530
+2.3% growth (2024-2034)
204K
Openings/Year
1.4M
Current Jobs
What Nursing assistants Do
Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.
💰 Salary
$39,530
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.3%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
204K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
1,441,500
Projected Employment (2034)
1,474,000
Related Careers
Registered nurses
$93,600 •
+4.9% growth
Paramedics
$58,410 •
+5.0% growth
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
$62,340 •
+2.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Service Orientation
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Turn or reposition bedridden patients.
- Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs.
- Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink.
- Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.
- Document or otherwise report observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses.
- Remind patients to take medications or nutritional supplements.
- Review patients' dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences to ensure patient receives appropriate diet.
- Undress, wash, and dress patients who are unable to do so for themselves.
- Observe or examine patients to detect symptoms that may require medical attention, such as bruises, open wounds, or blood in urine.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Nursing assistants
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a nursing assistants:
Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide
44,550 degrees awarded •
490 colleges offer this program
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other
4,506 degrees awarded •
81 colleges offer this program
Health Aide
488 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Nursing assistants
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become nursing assistants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nursing assistants make?
The median annual salary for nursing assistants is $39,530.
What education do nursing assistants need?
Most nursing assistants positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide, Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other, Health Aide.
Is becoming nursing assistants a good career choice?
Nursing assistants is projected to see +2.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 204,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for nursing assistants?
Top colleges for aspiring nursing assistants include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, Emily Griffith Technical College, Gateway Technical College, College of Lake County, Access Careers.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to nursing assistants?
Nursing assistants may also be known as: Birth Attendant, Certified Medication Aide (CMA), Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Certified Nurses Aide (CNA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Nursing Attendant (CNA), Certified Residential Medication Aide (CRMA), Clinical Assistant, Competency Evaluated Nurse Aide (CENA), First Aid Attendant, Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA), Gericare Aide, Health Aide, Health Care Aide, Health Care Assistant, Health Service Worker, Hospice Aide, Hospice CNA (Hospice Certified Nursing Assistant), Hospital Aide.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.