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Nursing Assistants

Nursing assistants give personal care to patients in hospitals and nursing homes. They work under the direction of nurses and doctors.

Nursing assistants check with the supervising nurse for instructions about each patient. They may explain some medical instructions to patients and family members.

Nursing Assistants are in the Health Science career cluster and the Therapeutic Services pathway.

Quick Facts

Wages:

 Below the statewide median

$12.80 / hour    Read more about wages

Outlook:

 Percent Growth   15.4%

Above statewide average    Read more about outlook

Education & Training:

 Postsecondary vocational training is common.

On the Job:

 Work Activities
  • Answer call bells and greet patients.
  • Help patients with walking, bathing, dressing, and eating. Also help them with exercising and using the bathroom.
  • Prepare food trays and serve meals.
Read more about the job

Assess your skills

Job Title Examples:

 Attendant,  Certified Medication Aide (CMA),  Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 
See more job title examples

Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.