Health Aide: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Health Aide programs equip students with the foundational skills needed to support patient care and facility operations within healthcare environments. Under the guidance of licensed medical professionals, graduates deliver essential services that contribute to the efficiency and well-being of patients and staff alike.
- Patient Care Assistance: Learn techniques for supporting daily living activities, including hygiene, mobility, and vital signs monitoring, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
- Medical Facility Operations: Gain hands-on experience in maintaining clean, organized, and compliant healthcare spaces, including equipment handling and sanitation protocols.
- Basic Clinical Support: Understand fundamental procedures such as specimen collection, instrument preparation, and documentation under professional supervision.
- Healthcare Communication: Develop effective interpersonal and reporting skills to interact respectfully with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Regulatory and Safety Standards: Study industry guidelines, infection control practices, and ethical responsibilities essential for safe and legal practice.
Health Aide Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Health Aide Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Health Aide degrees, including Psychiatric Aides and Nursing Assistants. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,423,330 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Aides 31-1133 | $41,590 | $30,920 - $58,530 | 34,900 | $20.00 |
| Nursing Assistants 31-1131 | $39,530 | $31,390 - $50,140 | 1,388,430 | $19.01 |
Health Aide Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $29,790 in Louisiana to $50,870 in New Hampshire—a 71% difference. The highest-paying states include New Hampshire, New York, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,423,330 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Health Aide by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 15 institutions offering Health Aide programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Health Aide is found at Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC) (66 graduates), Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) (34 graduates), Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) (31 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (22 graduates), and Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) (22 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 488 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Health Aide programs
How much can I earn with a Health Aide degree?
Salaries for Health Aide graduates vary by role and location. Psychiatric Aides earn a median of $41,590 annually, while Nursing Assistants earn around $39,530. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Hampshire average $50,870 compared to $29,790 in Louisiana. Approximately 1,423,330 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Health Aide programs?
Currently 17 accredited institutions offer Health Aide degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC) (66 graduates), Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) (34 graduates), and Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) (31 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Health Aide growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,723 in 2010 to a peak of 556 in 2020, before declining slightly to 488 in 2023-24. This represents a 72% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Health Aide degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Psychiatric Aides, Nursing Assistants, . Related occupations employ approximately 1,423,330 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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