Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/725997
September, 2016 l Working World l WorkingWorld.com 9 on their feet. They should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as lifting or moving patients. The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $25,710 in May 2015. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $19,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $36,890. In May 2015, the median annual wages for nursing assistants in the top industries in which they worked were as follows: Most nursing assistants work full time. Because nursing homes and hospitals provide care at all hours, nursing aides and orderlies may need to work nights, weekends, and holidays. JOB OUTLOOK Employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 18 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of orderlies is projected to grow 11 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, many nursing assistants and orderlies will be needed to assist and care for elderly patients in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. Older people are more likely than younger people to experience dementia, as well as chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. More nursing assistants will be needed to care for patients with these conditions. Demand for nursing assistants may be constrained by the fact that many nursing homes rely on government funding. Cuts to programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, may affect patients' ability to pay for nursing home care. In addition, patient preferences and shifts in federal and state funding are increasing the demand for home and community-based long- term care, which should lead to increased opportunities for nursing assistants working in home health and community rehabilitation services. JOB PROSPECTS Job prospects for nursing assistants who have completed a state-approved education program and passed their state's competency exam should be good, particularly in home healthcare services and community-based care settings. The low pay and high emotional and physical demands cause many workers to leave the occupation, and they will have to be replaced. This creates opportunities for jobseekers. Government $31,130 Hospitals; state, local, and private $27,820 Nursing care facilities (Skilled nursing facilities) $24,700 Continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for the elderly $24,200 Home health care services $23,620 START YOUR CAREER IN THE MEDICAL FIELD TODAY! Los Angeles Valley College C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E S • $999 (can be split into 2 payments; Fee includes all books and materials; enrollment deadline is October 5) • Starts October 12, 2016 EKG Technician Certification Program • $690 (3 payments of $230; Fee includes materials; Books are extra) • Starts October 17, 2016 Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Los Angeles Valley College Community Services Department Offers: Call us at 818-947-2577 X.4172 or visit: http:/lavalley.augusoft.net to Start YOUR Career! NURSING ASSISTANTS Percent change in employment, projected 2014-2024 Healthcare support occupations 23% Nursing assistants 18% Nursing assistants and orderlies 17% Orderlies 11% Total, all occupations 7%