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

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.

The median annual wage for nursing assistants and orderlies was $25,710 in May 2015.

Employment of nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow 17 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Because of the growing elderly population, many nursing assistants and orderlies will be needed to assist and care for these patients.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for nursing assistants and orderlies.

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Learn more about nursing assistants and orderlies by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.