How to become a nursing assistant

$42,260 median annual pay

Half of the people in this job earn more than the median and half earn less. Pay varies with location, industry and experience.

Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025, for the occupation Nursing Assistants.

Someone in this job provides or assists with basic care or support. This work is done under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Duties include monitoring health status and helping with feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. The work may also include medication administration and other health-related tasks.

• Turn or reposition bedridden patients.
• Answer call signals, lights, bells, or intercoms to learn patients' needs.
• Feed patients or help them eat or drink.
• Measure and record food, liquid, urine, and stool output; report changes to staff.
• Report patient behavior, complaints, and symptoms to nurses, in writing or otherwise.
• Physically support patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, toileting, and walking.

Start with an entry exam, then add more as your role grows.

1. 1

   Entry

   For people just starting out.

   • ATI ATI TEAS TEAS exam prep 490 practice questions →
2. 2

   Advanced

   For experienced professionals moving into senior or lead roles.

   • NCSBN National Council Licensure Examination - NCLEX-RN NCLEX-RN exam prep 860 practice questions →