Nursing and Patient Care Assistant: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for individuals seeking foundational roles in patient care, this program equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to support healthcare teams in clinical environments. Graduates are prepared to deliver consistent, compassionate care under the guidance of licensed nursing professionals in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.
- Basic Patient Care Techniques – Learn core procedures such as vital signs monitoring, hygiene assistance, and mobility support to ensure patient comfort and safety.
- Medical Terminology and Anatomy – Develop a working understanding of human body systems and clinical language used in healthcare documentation and communication.
- Infection Control and Safety Protocols – Master practices for preventing the spread of disease, maintaining sterile environments, and adhering to workplace safety standards.
- Communication in Healthcare Settings – Build interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare providers in diverse and sensitive situations.
- Documentation and Record-Keeping – Gain proficiency in accurately recording patient information and care activities using standardized forms and digital systems.
- Emergency Response Fundamentals – Understand basic steps to respond to common medical emergencies, including recognizing warning signs and assisting with immediate care.
Nursing and Patient Care Assistant Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Nursing and Patient Care Assistant Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Nursing and Patient Care Assistant degrees, including 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 1,388,430 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Assistants 31-1131 | $39,530 | $31,390 - $50,140 | 1,388,430 | $19.01 |
Nursing and Patient Care Assistant Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $30,240 in Louisiana to $48,390 in Oregon—a 60% difference. The highest-paying states include Oregon, Washington, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,388,430 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 Nursing and Patient Care Assistant by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Nursing and Patient Care Assistant 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 Nursing and Patient Care Assistant is found at Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (2,392 graduates), Gateway Technical College (663 graduates), South Florida Institute of Technology (SFIT) (612 graduates), College of Lake County (CLC) (587 graduates), and Madison Area Technical College (560 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 27,749 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 Nursing and Patient Care Assistant programs
How much can I earn with a Nursing and Patient Care Assistant degree?
Salaries for Nursing and Patient Care Assistant graduates vary by role and location. Nursing Assistants earn a median of $39,530 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Oregon average $48,390 compared to $30,240 in Louisiana. Approximately 1,388,430 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 Nursing and Patient Care Assistant programs?
Currently 490 accredited institutions offer Nursing and Patient Care Assistant degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (2,392 graduates), Gateway Technical College (663 graduates), and South Florida Institute of Technology (SFIT) (612 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 Nursing and Patient Care Assistant growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 47,430 in 2010 to 44,550 in 2023-24. This represents a 6% 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 Nursing and Patient Care Assistant degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Nursing Assistants. Related occupations employ approximately 1,388,430 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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