Career Outlook for Nursing Assistants

Career Outlook for Nursing Assistants

Nursing assistants play a vital role in modern healthcare, offering essential support to both patients and medical staff. As the global population ages and the demand for long-term care rises, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and similar roles have become indispensable across hospitals, aged care homes, and home health services. If you're considering a career in this field, now is the time to understand what the future holds.

A Growing Industry with Stable Demand

The healthcare sector is one of the most stable and expanding industries worldwide, and nursing assistants are at the heart of that growth.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2032, with approximately 190,000 job openings each year due to retirements and growing demand in long-term care facilities. Similar trends are seen in Canada and Australia, where healthcare systems are scaling to meet the needs of an aging population.

The demand is fueled by:

  • A rising number of elderly patients needing daily assistance
  • Increased reliance on long-term care facilities
  • Chronic illness care outside of hospitals
  • Expansion of home healthcare services

Where Nursing Assistants Work

Nursing assistants enjoy a wide range of employment options, depending on their certification and location. The most common settings include:

  • Nursing Homes: CNAs provide daily living assistance to elderly residents.
  • Hospitals: Support in inpatient wards, surgical recovery, and emergency departments.
  • Home Healthcare: One-on-one care for patients in their homes, including mobility and personal hygiene support.
  • Assisted Living Facilities: Helping clients maintain independence while receiving medical attention.
  • Hospice or Palliative Care: Providing comfort care during end-of-life stages.

This variety allows nursing assistants to choose the environment that best suits their skills and temperament.

Key Responsibilities and Daily Tasks

While the scope of practice can vary by state or country, nursing assistants typically perform the following duties:

  • Monitoring vital signs: blood pressure, pulse, temperature
  • Assisting with personal hygiene: bathing, dressing, and grooming
  • Supporting mobility: helping patients move, walk, or use wheelchairs
  • Feeding and hydration: preparing meals and ensuring nutritional intake
  • Emotional support: being a trusted companion to patients

Nursing assistants must also communicate effectively with nurses, report health changes, and maintain accurate records.

Salary Expectations in 2025

Earnings for nursing assistants vary by country, region, and work setting. However, in 2025, average salaries remain competitive among entry-level healthcare roles.

  • United States: The median annual wage for CNAs is approximately $38,000, with higher pay in states like California and New York (BLS, 2024).
  • Canada: Personal Support Workers (PSWs) earn between CAD $20–$28/hour, depending on the province.
  • Australia: Aged care or disability support workers earn between AUD $25–$35/hour, with additional allowances for night or weekend shifts.

Certified nursing assistants with more experience, specialized training, or roles in private healthcare often earn significantly more.

Opportunities for Advancement

Becoming a nursing assistant is not just a job—it can be the beginning of a broader healthcare career.

  • Further Certification: With experience, CNAs can specialize in areas like dementia care, wound care, or palliative care.
  • Career Pathways: Many CNAs go on to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), or care coordinators.
  • Leadership Roles: Senior CNAs may supervise new trainees or manage shift teams.
  • Education Support: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for further studies.

With continued education and hands-on experience, nursing assistants can transition into high-responsibility roles with greater autonomy and pay.

Challenges and Rewards

Like any healthcare role, being a nursing assistant comes with challenges:

  • Physically Demanding: Lifting, assisting, and being on your feet for long periods.
  • Emotionally Intense: Caring for the sick, injured, or elderly can be emotionally draining.
  • Fast-Paced Environment: Especially in hospitals and emergency care.

Yet, the emotional rewards are just as significant. Many nursing assistants highlight the relationships they build with patients and families as the most meaningful part of the job.

Who Is This Career Ideal For?

This path is ideal for individuals who:

  • Have strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Are compassionate and patient
  • Are seeking a hands-on role that doesn’t require a university degree
  • Want to make a difference in people’s daily lives
  • Value job security and ongoing professional growth

You don’t need to be a medical expert to start—most programs are beginner-friendly and focus on developing real-world skills.

How to Begin

Starting a career as a nursing assistant is more accessible than ever. Here's what you need to do:

Enroll in an Accredited Program
Look for CNA, PSW, or Certificate III (Australia) programs from recognized training providers.

Complete Training + Placement
Most programs include classroom instruction and 100+ hours of clinical practice.

Pass Certification Exam
In many regions, a written and practical exam is required for licensure.

Start Working
Entry-level roles are abundant, especially in aged care facilities and hospitals.

Pursue Ongoing Education
Consider upskilling or specializing to expand your career options.