Nursing assistants, sometimes called nursing aides, help provide basic care for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas. Nursing assistants provide basic care and help with activities of daily living. Some nursing assistants also may dispense medication, depending on their training level and the state in which they work.

Program Content

In nursing homes and residential care facilities, assistants are often the principal caregivers. They have more contact with residents than other members of the staff. Because some residents stay in a nursing home for months or years, assistants may develop close relationships with their residents.

Length of Program

The entire program requires 165 hours to complete.