Nursing Assistants
Nursing assistants provide basic patient care under the supervision of licensed nursing staff in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other healthcare settings. They help patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating, and monitor vital signs and health status. The role involves direct hands-on work with patients who need assistance with personal care.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nursing assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A nursing assistant's day typically involves helping multiple patients with personal hygiene, such as bathing and grooming, assisting with toileting and continence care, and helping patients move or walk. They may take vital signs like blood pressure and temperature, change bed linens, serve meals, and report changes in patient condition to nursing staff. Tasks vary based on patient needs and facility type, with work spread across morning, afternoon, or night shifts.
Who this work suits
Holland code SRC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you're comfortable with direct physical care tasks and genuinely interested in helping people with their health and daily needs. You're practical and detail-oriented, preferring hands-on problem-solving over desk work, and you take satisfaction in the concrete difference you make in patients' comfort and dignity.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Nursing Assistant - Emergency Department · Veterans Health Administration · Los Angeles, California · $42947–$70120
- Nursing Assistant- Mental Health · Veterans Health Administration · Phoenix, Arizona · $44610–$70347
- Nursing Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Indianapolis, Indiana · $46645–$60638
- Nursing Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Tulsa, Oklahoma · $38287–$62511
- Nursing Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Lyons, New Jersey · $38223–$62407
- Nursing Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Martinsburg, West Virginia · $38547–$62936
- Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center · Veterans Health Administration · Waco, Texas · $39027–$63719
- Nursing Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Little Rock, Arkansas · $37544–$61299
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $47,480 | $49,830 | $59,080 | 14,800 |
| Washington | $46,980 | $49,180 | $57,930 | 30,270 |
| New York | $43,760 | $48,590 | $51,980 | 87,990 |
| New Hampshire | $44,890 | $47,870 | $54,400 | 7,810 |
| District of Columbia | $42,400 | $47,700 | $51,850 | 3,490 |
| California | $45,850 | $47,630 | $54,800 | 110,060 |
| Colorado | $44,550 | $47,380 | $49,920 | 22,240 |
| Vermont | $40,850 | $47,130 | $48,940 | 3,030 |
| Maine | $44,200 | $47,070 | $50,190 | 8,540 |
| New Jersey | $43,950 | $46,830 | $48,760 | 32,400 |
| Massachusetts | $44,340 | $46,680 | $49,800 | 38,130 |
| Minnesota | $40,340 | $46,680 | $49,330 | 29,120 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA) — Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association
- Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) — National Healthcareer Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 8 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nursing assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 31-1131.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.