To work as a nursing assistant, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete a training program.

Education after high school

Nursing assistants must complete a formal training program. You can get training at high schools, professional-technical schools, and two-year colleges. In these programs you learn anatomy and physiology, infection control, and nutrition. You also learn how to help patients bathe, eat, and groom. These programs take two to five weeks to complete.

On-the-job training

Some employers provide classroom training for nursing assistants. Others rely on experienced nurses to give on-the-job training. This type of training may last from several days up to a few months. As a nursing assistant, you may also attend workshops, lectures, and in-service trainings.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be medical care technicians. Training lasts seven to 52 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.