Exciting Certified Nursing Assistant Opportunities

Nursing assistants and orderlies in the area help provide basic care for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.

Work Environment

Nursing assistants and orderlies work in area nursing and residential care facilities and in hospitals. They are frequently active and may need to help lift or move patients.

How to Become a Nursing Assistant or Orderly

Nursing assistants must complete a state-approved education program and must pass their state's competency exam to become certified. Orderlies generally have at least a high school diploma.

Pay

The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $24,420 in May 2012. The median annual wage for orderlies was $23,990 in May 2012.

Job Outlook

Employment of nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow 21 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Because of the growing elderly population, many nursing assistants and orderlies will be needed in long-term care facilities.