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By: Holli Sowerby, EdD, RN
Last Updated: Dec 18, 2018
What Does a Nurse's Aide Do?
Nurses’ aides (NAs) work under the supervision of nurses or physicians to address the most fundamental elements of a patient’s care. They feed, dress, bathe and groom patients, contributing enormously to their sense of normalcy and wellbeing. NAs are sometimes given more medically oriented duties such as measuring and recording temperature, blood pressure, and other vital signs. Nurses’ aides also assist with the administrative duties and record-keeping that accompany patient care.
Also known as nursing assistants or nursing attendants, nurses’ aides have an enormous impact on the day-to-day experience of patients, helping them to feel well-cared for and capable as they face medical challenges or diminishing physical capacity.
Workplace Details
Most nurses’ aides work in long-term care facilities that provide rehabilitative or custodial care of patients. They may also work in the increasingly popular assisted living environments, or in general care hospitals. There are other opportunities for NAs with home health agencies, outpatient facilities, community health centers, physicians’ offices, or patients’ homes. Round-the-clock shiftwork usually goes along with this kind of work, and there may be holiday or weekend commitments.
Salary and Job Outlook
State
Average Wage
California
$32770
New York
$34300
Florida
$25230
Texas
$25410
Pennsylvania
$29190
Hover over any state to explore local income and job growth data.
ALABAMA
Median Salary:$21,600
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$16,700
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$29,500
2014-2024 Job Growth:16%
Projected Annual Job Openings:800
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Birmingham | $16,770 | $21,850 | $29,700 |
| Huntsville | $18,040 | $22,950 | $32,520 |
ALASKA
Median Salary:$36,800
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$28,700
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$47,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:10%
Projected Annual Job Openings:70
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Anchorage | $26,950 | $36,570 | $46,860 |
| Fairbanks | $31,760 | $36,310 | $43,190 |
ARIZONA
Median Salary:$28,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$21,700
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$37,100
2014-2024 Job Growth:19%
Projected Annual Job Openings:1,030
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Phoenix | $22,470 | $28,940 | $37,520 |
| Tuscon | $21,470 | $27,350 | $33,010 |
ARKANSAS
Median Salary:$21,700
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$17,000
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$28,500
2014-2024 Job Growth:15%
Projected Annual Job Openings:690
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Little Rock | $19,650 | $23,240 | $30,760 |
| Fort Smith | $16,560 | $20,210 | $24,850 |
CALIFORNIA
Median Salary:$29,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$21,300
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$45,000
2014-2024 Job Growth:19%
Projected Annual Job Openings:4,170
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Los Angeles | $21,230 | $28,620 | $41,950 |
| San Francisco Bay | $22,430 | $34,560 | $53,930 |
| San Diego | $22,000 | $28,980 | $44,060 |
| Sacramento | $24,440 | $37,720 | $49,340 |
COLORADO
Median Salary:$28,700
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$21,500
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$37,900
2014-2024 Job Growth:30%
Projected Annual Job Openings:930
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Denver | $24,300 | $30,480 | $38,870 |
| Colorado Springs | $20,130 | $25,570 | $32,120 |
CONNECTICUT
Median Salary:$30,800
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$24,900
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$41,300
2014-2024 Job Growth:5%
Projected Annual Job Openings:640
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Hartford | $22,980 | $29,680 | $40,020 |
| Bridgeport | $26,130 | $32,710 | $41,910 |
| New Haven | $25,150 | $32,930 | $44,510 |
DELAWARE
Median Salary:$28,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$21,800
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$36,300
2014-2024 Job Growth:13%
Projected Annual Job Openings:200
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Wilmington | $22,240 | $28,510 | $37,070 |
| Dover | $20,350 | $27,960 | $36,420 |
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Median Salary:$32,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$24,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$42,900
2014-2024 Job Growth:13%
Projected Annual Job Openings:130
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Washington DC | $20,990 | $28,380 | $38,730 |
FLORIDA
Median Salary:$23,800
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$19,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$30,700
2014-2024 Job Growth:23%
Projected Annual Job Openings:4,050
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Miami | $18,520 | $23,230 | $30,510 |
| Orlando | $19,270 | $24,010 | $30,890 |
| Tampa | $19,630 | $24,070 | $30,890 |
| Jacksonville | $19,340 | $23,450 | $30,160 |
GEORGIA
Median Salary:$22,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$16,900
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$30,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:19%
Projected Annual Job Openings:1,530
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Atlanta | $17,530 | $22,980 | $31,310 |
| Augusta | $16,960 | $22,540 | $33,040 |
HAWAII
Median Salary:$30,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$22,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$39,100
2014-2024 Job Growth:17%
Projected Annual Job Openings:210
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Honolulu | $21,610 | $29,870 | $39,080 |
IDAHO
Median Salary:$23,700
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$18,000
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$30,600
Job Growth Data Not Available
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Boise | $18,340 | $23,870 | $30,890 |
| Idaho Falls | $18,220 | $23,020 | $29,780 |
ILLINOIS
Median Salary:$24,500
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$19,800
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$35,600
2014-2024 Job Growth:12%
Projected Annual Job Openings:2,220
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Chicago | $19,910 | $25,490 | $36,900 |
| Rockford | $20,860 | $26,990 | $38,030 |
INDIANA
Median Salary:$23,500
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$19,400
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$30,900
2014-2024 Job Growth:13%
Projected Annual Job Openings:1,140
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Indianapolis | $20,490 | $24,600 | $31,760 |
| South Bend | $20,090 | $24,300 | $33,160 |
| Fort Wayne | $19,660 | $22,970 | $30,320 |
IOWA
Median Salary:$25,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$20,400
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$34,800
2014-2024 Job Growth:15%
Projected Annual Job Openings:870
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Des Moines | $19,730 | $27,550 | $37,130 |
| Cedar Rapids | $19,910 | $24,420 | $31,130 |
KANSAS
Median Salary:$23,300
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$19,900
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$30,000
2014-2024 Job Growth:5%
Projected Annual Job Openings:510
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Wichita | $20,110 | $23,310 | $29,910 |
| Kansas City | $20,090 | $24,680 | $32,370 |
KENTUCKY
Median Salary:$24,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$18,000
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$31,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:46%
Projected Annual Job Openings:1,750
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Louisville | $20,360 | $26,190 | $33,300 |
| Lexington | $20,850 | $26,490 | $31,450 |
LOUISIANA
Median Salary:$20,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$16,300
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$27,700
2014-2024 Job Growth:12%
Projected Annual Job Openings:830
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| New Orleans | $16,900 | $22,270 | $29,730 |
| Baton Rouge | $16,570 | $21,080 | $28,100 |
| Lafayette | $16,080 | $18,760 | $24,490 |
MAINE
Median Salary:$24,500
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$19,800
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$31,900
2014-2024 Job Growth:9%
Projected Annual Job Openings:290
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Portland | $21,360 | $27,480 | $36,200 |
| Lewiston | $20,340 | $24,770 | $30,800 |
MARYLAND
Median Salary:$28,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$21,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$37,900
2014-2024 Job Growth:31%
Projected Annual Job Openings:1,640
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Baltimore | $21,150 | $28,200 | $37,540 |
| Frederick | $21,490 | $29,100 | $39,430 |
MASSACHUSETTS
Median Salary:$29,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$22,300
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$38,700
2014-2024 Job Growth:7%
Projected Annual Job Openings:1,250
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Boston | $23,460 | $29,560 | $39,470 |
| Worcester | $23,070 | $30,010 | $39,160 |
| Springfield | $21,800 | $28,810 | $38,450 |
MICHIGAN
Median Salary:$27,800
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$20,900
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$36,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:10%
Projected Annual Job Openings:1,640
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Detroit | $20,600 | $28,170 | $36,850 |
| Grand Rapids | $21,900 | $27,630 | $34,170 |
MINNESOTA
Median Salary:$27,900
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$21,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$38,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:8%
Projected Annual Job Openings:920
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Minneapolis - St. Paul | $23,020 | $30,030 | $39,620 |
| Rochester | $21,250 | $29,210 | $39,770 |
MISSISSIPPI
Median Salary:$20,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$16,400
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$28,000
2014-2024 Job Growth:11%
Projected Annual Job Openings:530
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Jackson | $16,630 | $21,130 | $28,130 |
MISSOURI
Median Salary:$23,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$17,600
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$31,000
2014-2024 Job Growth:11%
Projected Annual Job Openings:1,600
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| St. Louis | $20,050 | $23,670 | $31,300 |
| Kansas City | $20,090 | $24,680 | $32,370 |
MONTANA
Median Salary:$24,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$20,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$31,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:16%
Projected Annual Job Openings:230
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Billings | $20,340 | $24,490 | $32,150 |
| Missoula | $20,150 | $22,860 | $29,080 |
NEBRASKA
Median Salary:$24,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$20,300
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$32,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:12%
Projected Annual Job Openings:470
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Omaha | $20,450 | $24,500 | $33,250 |
| Lincoln | $20,540 | $24,650 | $31,150 |
NEVADA
Median Salary:$31,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$25,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$44,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:21%
Projected Annual Job Openings:230
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Las Vegas | $25,640 | $32,430 | $46,520 |
| Reno | $22,480 | $29,210 | $37,390 |
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Median Salary:$29,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$22,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$38,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:17%
Projected Annual Job Openings:340
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Manchester | $25,030 | $30,850 | $38,950 |
| Nashua | $21,620 | $27,680 | $36,180 |
NEW JERSEY
Median Salary:$27,700
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$21,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$37,300
2014-2024 Job Growth:15%
Projected Annual Job Openings:2,060
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Newark | $21,280 | $27,750 | $37,480 |
| Trenton | $21,350 | $27,270 | $35,410 |
NEW MEXICO
Median Salary:$25,900
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$20,000
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$36,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:9%
Projected Annual Job Openings:220
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Albuquerque | $20,290 | $27,850 | $36,800 |
| Las Cruces | $20,540 | $23,700 | $30,520 |
NEW YORK
Median Salary:$33,700
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$23,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$44,600
2014-2024 Job Growth:16%
Projected Annual Job Openings:4,270
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| New York City | $24,740 | $34,250 | $45,000 |
| Buffalo | $21,510 | $29,160 | $37,590 |
| Rochester | $20,680 | $27,110 | $35,200 |
| Albany | $20,930 | $26,950 | $36,050 |
NORTH CAROLINA
Median Salary:$22,500
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$17,000
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$30,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:25%
Projected Annual Job Openings:2,560
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Charlotte | $17,460 | $22,830 | $30,220 |
| Raleigh | $17,750 | $23,340 | $30,900 |
| Greensboro | $17,420 | $22,610 | $29,830 |
| Winston - Salem | $17,680 | $23,020 | $30,110 |
NORTH DAKOTA
Median Salary:$29,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$22,800
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$37,500
2014-2024 Job Growth:21%
Projected Annual Job Openings:310
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Fargo | $21,790 | $28,020 | $35,820 |
| Bismarck | $23,220 | $29,140 | $37,350 |
OHIO
Median Salary:$24,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$19,600
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$32,800
2014-2024 Job Growth:16%
Projected Annual Job Openings:2,710
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Cleveland | $19,590 | $25,100 | $33,210 |
| Columbus | $20,010 | $24,230 | $31,280 |
| Cincinnati | $20,480 | $24,850 | $33,740 |
| Dayton | $20,660 | $25,930 | $34,920 |
OKLAHOMA
Median Salary:$22,500
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$17,500
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$29,500
2014-2024 Job Growth:11%
Projected Annual Job Openings:690
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Oklahoma City | $19,350 | $23,340 | $29,970 |
| Tulsa | $17,680 | $22,720 | $29,890 |
OREGON
Median Salary:$29,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$23,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$38,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:17%
Projected Annual Job Openings:470
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Portland | $22,290 | $28,990 | $38,690 |
| Salem | $22,020 | $28,870 | $38,410 |
PENNSYLVANIA
Median Salary:$28,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$21,000
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$37,500
2014-2024 Job Growth:12%
Projected Annual Job Openings:2,710
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Philadelphia | $21,310 | $28,460 | $38,220 |
| Pittsburgh | $21,290 | $28,260 | $36,910 |
| Harrisburg | $22,100 | $28,570 | $36,840 |
| Allentown | $20,780 | $27,950 | $37,360 |
RHODE ISLAND
Median Salary:$28,300
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$21,400
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$38,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:12%
Projected Annual Job Openings:330
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Providence | $21,320 | $28,170 | $38,020 |
SOUTH CAROLINA
Median Salary:$22,700
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$17,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$30,500
2014-2024 Job Growth:16%
Projected Annual Job Openings:750
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Greenville | $17,440 | $23,050 | $30,660 |
| Columbia | $17,490 | $23,120 | $31,950 |
| Charleston | $19,130 | $26,010 | $34,900 |
SOUTH DAKOTA
Median Salary:$23,300
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$19,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$30,500
2014-2024 Job Growth:8%
Projected Annual Job Openings:200
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Sioux Falls | $19,990 | $23,930 | $30,670 |
| Rapid City | $20,370 | $24,700 | $34,760 |
TENNESSEE
Median Salary:$22,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$17,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$30,100
2014-2024 Job Growth:23%
Projected Annual Job Openings:1,320
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Nashville | $16,750 | $22,050 | $30,900 |
| Memphis | $17,950 | $23,880 | $30,640 |
| Knoxville | $19,190 | $23,270 | $30,250 |
| Chattanooga | $18,330 | $22,920 | $30,100 |
TEXAS
Median Salary:$23,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$17,700
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$32,300
2014-2024 Job Growth:30%
Projected Annual Job Openings:4,410
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Dallas - Ft. Worth | $18,570 | $24,020 | $34,530 |
| Houston | $18,570 | $24,520 | $34,470 |
| San Antonio | $19,850 | $23,850 | $31,180 |
| Austin | $19,730 | $25,730 | $32,510 |
UTAH
Median Salary:$23,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$19,700
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$30,000
2014-2024 Job Growth:33%
Projected Annual Job Openings:610
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Salt Lake City | $20,480 | $24,970 | $30,660 |
| Ogden | $18,640 | $22,530 | $28,610 |
VERMONT
Median Salary:$27,300
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$21,000
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$35,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:10%
Projected Annual Job Openings:120
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Burlington | $21,480 | $28,350 | $36,720 |
VIRGINIA
Median Salary:$24,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$18,300
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$33,000
2014-2024 Job Growth:26%
Projected Annual Job Openings:1,790
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Virginia Beach | $18,640 | $24,190 | $30,500 |
| Richmond | $19,670 | $24,860 | $31,710 |
WASHINGTON
Median Salary:$28,500
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$21,600
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$38,600
2014-2024 Job Growth:17%
Projected Annual Job Openings:1,140
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Seattle | $24,550 | $30,400 | $39,750 |
| Spokane | $21,020 | $26,250 | $35,310 |
WEST VIRGINIA
Median Salary:$23,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$18,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$31,600
2014-2024 Job Growth:9%
Projected Annual Job Openings:200
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Huntington | $18,680 | $23,400 | $32,970 |
| Charleston | $20,080 | $23,340 | $30,370 |
WISCONSIN
Median Salary:$26,900
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$20,800
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$35,800
2014-2024 Job Growth:13%
Projected Annual Job Openings:1,230
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Milwaukee | $20,580 | $26,530 | $35,800 |
| Madison | $22,210 | $28,920 | $39,340 |
WYOMING
Median Salary:$27,600
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$21,300
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$36,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:14%
Projected Annual Job Openings:110
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Cheyenne | $20,740 | $26,600 | $36,640 |
| Casper | $21,110 | $27,600 | $36,280 |
Most NAs are paid on an hourly basis and the latest information from the U.S. Department of Labor shows the median salary of NAs at approximately $12.78/hour. This is roughly equivalent to $26,590 a year. On the low end, NAs make about $20,040 a year and the highest 10% in the field make more than $37,900.
Nurses’ aides are in demand especially in nursing facilities. In coming years there will be a greater number of older Americans than ever before; more of these facilities will be built and will require more NAs to staff them. This reality is reflected in the BLS’s projected job growth of 17% for NAs, which is a lot faster than average for other occupations (projected from 2014-2024).
Compare Salaries by City
10th Percentile
50th Percentile
90th Percentile
New York City NY Median Pay
$34250 Per Year
$16.46 Per Hour
Los Angeles CA Median Pay
$28620 Per Year
$13.75 Per Hour
Steps to Become a Nurse's Aide
1
Get a high school diploma.
Some nurse’s aide programs do not require a high school diploma or equivalent for admission, but in order to be certified, a high school diploma is required (more below).
2
Enroll in a nurse's aide training program.
Nurse’s aide training programs vary in duration from one month to about six months and result in a diploma or certificate upon completion. The shorter programs are typically designed for students with some previous healthcare experience – whether as a personal care aide, volunteer or other analogous role. Longer NA programs are better suited for students who have no previous experience.
NA programs are located in some vocational/technical high schools, community colleges and independent healthcare training schools. Because of an increasing demand for NAs, many employers (particularly nursing facilities) and the American Red Cross also offer courses. The content in NA programs includes basic health concepts and skills training. Longer programs may include additional classes such as communication skills, nutrition and human anatomy and physiology.
3
Become a certified nurse's aide/assistant.
Nurses’ aides do not need a state license to practice. Certification as a certified nurse’s aide/assistant (CNA), however, is an option (and a desirable one) for better job opportunities. In addition, many employers require NAs to be certified.
The certification process may be included in some basic NA training programs or offered as separate training. Beyond the education time commitment required to be a basic nurse’s aide, about 75 hours of additional training is required. To earn certification, NAs also need to pass a competency exam administered by their state. More information can be found at each state’s nurse aide registry.
4
Complete on-the-job and specialized training.
Students learn the job duty basics in their NA program, but most training occurs on the job under the mentorship of another nurse’s aide or a nurse. After completing a basic educational program, NAs can take on additional training in specialized skills that may include working with complex patient care technology or specializing in the care of particular age groups (such as the elderly). Nurses’ aides who work in hospitals may get specialized training depending on the area they work in. Training typically takes a few weeks and includes information about employer policies along with specific job skills. Aspiring NAs may also take leadership and management classes to qualify for administrative positions.
5
Look into advancement opportunities.
Nurse aides, especially CNAs, may become mentors, supervisors or trainers for other NAs. The most common career advancement choice for a former NA is to move into medical assisting, licensed practical nursing or registered nursing. While additional education and training are required to go into these fields, a background as a nurse’s aide provides excellent preparation. More information about these careers can be found at the American Association of Medical Assistants, the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses or the American Nurses Association.
Explore Academic Paths
CERTIFICATE OR DIPLOMA PROGRAM
2 weeks-6 months
To become a nurse’s aide, you must complete a training program approved by your state and pass a competency exam. (Many state nursing boards list qualifying programs on their websites.) The duration of the program depends on course structure, state requirements and your own knowledge base as you enter.
You’ll find nurse’s aide training programs at 2-year colleges, career-technical schools, and even some high schools. The American Red Cross also runs a nurse’s aide training program in some cities.
If you’re a well-qualified candidate, it’s possible to get trained for free by an employer. (You must usually commit to work for that company for a minimum number of months.)
Nurse’s aide training begins with a theory module that describes the role of the aide and develops the skills needed to care for patients. Some schools offer this content online while others use a traditional classroom format. Lectures cover:
Basic nursing skills
Learn about vitals, fluid output, heights and weights, and other aspects of patient monitoring.
Restorative services
Study therapeutic techniques to help patients maximize function, including movement, positioning, and assistive devices.
Personal care
Practice assisting patients with bathing, hygiene, and oral care.
Psychological care
Understand the needs of patients with common mental health issues and cognitive differences.
Nurse’s aide programs also include a clinical component in which students receive hands-on instruction in a healthcare facility. Some programs use simulation to provide additional practice time.
Keys to Success as a Nurse's Aide
Necessary Skills and Qualities
Physically fit
Nurses’ aides need to be in good physical shape to perform the lifting, stretching and bending required to care for patients’ physical needs.
Communication skills
The ability to communicate with members of a multidisciplinary health team is essential, as NAs are very often the primary caregivers for patients.
Professionalism
Dependability and punctuality are also important.
Passion for helping others
Above all else, NAs must have a strong desire to help people.
- How to Become an Orderly
