Future Outlook for Nurse aides
Future Outlook for NAs
With one of the largest groups of Americans (the “Baby Boomers”) transitioning into old age and retirement, the career outlook for those looking to become a Nurse Aide is brighter than ever before.
Nurse Aides (or NAs) are in extraordinarily high demand right now, and according to a projection from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rates for NAs have been known to grow annually by as much as 28%. Because of this dramatic shift, NA programs have exploded in popularity in NYC and other major cities around the nation.
Overall, NA jobs have been ranked as “above average” in potential job growth. With over 500,000 working NAs in 2008 and more than triple that amount working today, it’s easy to see why the decision to become a Nurse Aide has become an easy one.
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What You Need to Become an NA
NAs are not required to have a high school diploma, but they need to take and pass a certified test in order to prove their knowledge of health care competencies. While many high school and college programs offer training for this test, potential NAs often find the most help from vocational schools that specialize in helping people pass the certified test, and, more importantly, find employment after the fact.
* A high school diploma or GED is required to attend ABC Training Center, BUT if you do not have these…NO PROBLEM! You can still be eligible by passing our FREE entrance exam instead!
Where to Find NA Jobs
Job opportunities for NAs can be found all over the nation; you just need to know where to look for them. Those that are looking to put their NA certification to use in NYC are in luck; the heavily populated area has plenty of long-term care facilities that offer higher salaries and better benefits than other types of health care facilities.
Many NAs also find rewarding work at nursing homes, which have popped up across the nation as the retired community continues to grow. Since the skills required from a NA are often the same as many different types of caregivers, it’s quite common to see those with NA certification filling roles in nursing homes, hospitals, and even in-home patient care.
Finding the Best Pay for an NA Position
While an NA in a typical healthcare facility can expect to earn up to $12 an hour, those working in long-term care facilities have been known to earn more through extended work hours and overtime pay for assistants that work more than 40 hours per week. These positions are growing in number, but so are the number of applicants at each facility. Luckily, nursing homes, hospitals, and other facilities that require the expertise of an NA certified professional also have been known to pay well depending on their location.
Finding a Good NA Training Program in NYC
Researching the right NA training program is an essential step toward passing the test and becoming certified. While there are dozens of options to choose from, reading online reviews or researching the pass rate of any vocational school can help you narrow your selection. Try looking for schools that specialize in helping people not only pass the test, but help their students find opportunities for rewarding and well-paying work