Nursing Assistant

A Nursing Assistant provides support to nursing staff in a hospital or healthcare facility. You’ll assist patients with tasks such as showering or dressing and you might provide general help with delivering meals and making beds. A Nursing Assistant, or Nurse Aide, may check patients’ vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature and pass any concerns to medical teams. You may have to provide assistance with manual handling tasks such as lifting or moving patients.

Nursing Assistants should have good people skills and be able to interact with patients from a range of backgrounds. You’ll need to be able to communicate well with patients’ families and medical teams. Nursing Assistants must be able to prioritise their tasks and manage their time well. You must be able to follow instructions and work to correct procedures.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a nursing assistant?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
HLT33115

Certificate III in Health Services Assistance

On Campus, Online
4 - 12 months
$0 - $6,501
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
52895WA

Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies

Blended
6 - 12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
HLT33115

Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in Nursing Work in Acute Care)

Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
5 - 12 months
$0 - $10,210
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Common questions

Further reading

What can you do with a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance?

7th September 2021

What can you do with a Diploma of Nursing?

2nd February 2021

Your Guide to Becoming a Clinical Facilitator

10th February 2025