How do I become a nursing assistant
Get qualified to work as a nursing assistant with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Nursing Assistant.
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Nursing Assistant generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
This profession has seen a strong increase in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 36,200 people working as a Nursing Assistant in Australia compared to 26,600 five years ago. Nursing Assistants may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Courses.com.au Team
If a career as a Nursing Assistant interests you, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance. This course will give you the skills to assist with nursing work in an acute care setting. You’ll learn first aid as well as techniques to assist and transport patients.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What can you do with a Diploma of Nursing?
2nd February 2021
A Complete Guide to Becoming a Clinical Facilitator
21st October 2024All nursing assistant courses
- HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
- HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in Nursing Work in Acute Care)
- HLT43015 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
- HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
- HLTINFCOV001 Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
Nursing Assistant careers
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.
