Nursing Assistant Central

Like any profession, the salary of a certified nursing assistant will vary based on a number of factors including experience, geographic area and the type of facility within which you are working. Many will find, however, that while not a traditionally high paying position that they can make more being a CNA than at many other hourly positions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing assistants make an average of $10.67 an hour. Those making the highest salaries worked in local government facilities while those making the lowest worked in community care facilities for the elderly. Those who chose to work as home health aides earned less, with an average of $9.34 an hour. Additionally, home health aides were much less likely to get benefits and were required to pay for their own travel costs. Those making the most as nursing assistants were those working in a psychiatric facility. Due to the increased stress and potential risk involved, these types of aids make an average of $11.49 with those working in government facilities making as much as $13.29 an hour.

While salaries may not be huge, working as a nursing assistant does have some other benefits besides a steady paycheck as well. Nursing and psychiatric aides in hospitals generally receive at least 1 week of paid vacation, if not more, after one year of service as well as paid holidays and sick leave if they need it. Additionally, hospital and medical benefits, overtime pay and pension plans also are available to many employed in a hospital or medical care facility. Depending on the type of facility you decide to work in, you may enjoy other benefits as well.

Remember, however, that these salary figures are just estimates and not guarantees and what you actually earn will vary depending on your personal experience and qualifications for the position.

Top Online Nursing Programs

	LA College - A.A. in Healthcare Administration. With the Associate's degree in Healthcare Administration from LA College, students could work alongside nurses and doctors and take on their administrative tasks. This is an ideal degree for students looking to start a career in the healthcare industry.
	Rasmussen College - A.S. in Medical Administration. For those who are pursuing a career in medical assisting, Rasmussen College's Associate's degree in Medical Administration will provide students with the education needed to help run a healthcare office. Students will be prepared to face the various situations they will encounter in the workforce.
	San Joaquin Valley College - A.S. in Clinical Medical Assisting. San Joaquin Valley College provides specialized training to prepare students for work in medical offices and clinics. With their convenient online programs, students have the opportunity to obtain a great education without having to quit their jobs.
	Kaplan University - B.S. in Health Science. Students interested in becoming a nursing assistant will be very pleased with the Bachelor's Degree in Health Science that Kaplan University offers. Kaplan is a respected online institution with a history of providing high quality classes at affordable prices.
	DeVry University - Associate in Health Information Technology. DeVry University gives students the opportunity to work in the healthcare field alongside nurses, physicians, and other health care providers in a variety of settings. Their Associate in Health Information Technology program prepares students to work with information systems, applications systems, and databases that hold important health and patient information.
	Virginia College - The B.S. in Health Services Management. Virginia College Online is the perfect online university for students on the go. With classes online, students can take them when they have the free time to do so and from any location with internet access.
	South University - CNA Degree. South University provides you the ability to obtain your medical assisting degree entirely online. Students interested in becoming a nursing assistant will be able to use this degree to start a new nursing career.