Nursing
Nursing assistant
Assist patients with daily care and report observations to the nursing team.
BLS · May 2025
EDUCATION & ENTRY
Approved training + certification
Complete an appropriate nursing-assistant route and current state certification requirements. This is distinct from practical or registered nursing.
The state’s typical entry education classification is “Postsecondary training (non-degree).” This describes the occupation broadly; employers, programs and licensing bodies set specific requirements.
CONNECT THE CAREER TO A PLACE TO LEARN
Oregon training options
These are related routes to investigate. Confirm the full preparation, current admissions and eligibility for your intended role with the provider.
Portland Community College
Nursing Assistant
Explore an introductory route into direct patient care.
Ask: Is the credit or noncredit option right for me, and which expenses and aid rules differ?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Take this question to a counselor.
Would I feel comfortable helping people with personal care and mobility?
Before choosing a program, ask for prerequisites, the complete timeline, class and placement schedules, and a full cost estimate including supplies, exams, travel and living expenses.
Build a working cost estimate →Understand the numbers.
The median is the midpoint of estimated wages for Oregon workers in this occupation. The hourly median is $23.96. These figures describe workers across experience levels; they are not starting pay or the earnings of graduates from the programs below.
Oregon projects employment moving from 14,307 jobs in 2024 to 15,767 in 2034. The projected 22,172 openings over the decade include growth and replacement needs as workers leave an occupation. Dividing that total by ten gives the rounded annual average shown above. These are projections, not today’s vacancies.
How to read wage information →