Health Professions and Related Programs

Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants

Colleges award this field under 3 named programs, from Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training to Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other.

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Inside the major

Programs within this field

Colleges may offer this field under 3 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.

Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training: Prepares you to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist. Covers taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assistance with examinations and treatment.
Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide: Prepares you to perform routine nursing-related services to patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities, under the training and supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other: Practical nursing, vocational nursing, and nursing assistants not listed above.

Where it can lead

Careers this field can lead to

Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.

Growing with the economy

Nursing Assistants

Median pay: $42,260
Hiring change through 2035: 2.6%
Job openings a year: 196,200

To get hiredPostsecondary nondegree award

Explore this career Growing with the economy

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Median pay: $64,400
Hiring change through 2035: 3.0%
Job openings a year: 51,800

To get hiredPostsecondary nondegree award

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All work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it.

Working style

How and where the work happens

Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.

100%of related openings involve substantial in-person or active work

Most careers connected to this field involve in-person work. About 100 of every 100 openings require working close to other people or spending time on your feet.