Nursing Assistant: Career information
Career overview
The Nursing Assistant program is a great step to starting a career in healthcare. During and after the program, stay in touch with your Career pathways career coach who will assist you in your next steps to starting a career in healthcare.
Career outlook
The job outlook for nursing assistants in Portland, Oregon is very positive. Lightcast, data derived from government sources in 2025, forecasts 17.9% projected growth in jobs for nursing assistants. This growth is attributed to the aging population, increased demand for healthcare services, and the growing need for certified nursing assistants in a variety of healthcare settings. Pay ranges for nursing assistants that are certified range from $21-32 per hour depending on experience, shift, and location.
Certification
Eligibility requirements for certification testing are outlined by the board of nursing (851-062-0050) which include completion of a board approved program within one year of application. Applicants must include a certificate that states the date of completion and number of classroom and clinical hours; or verification from the training organization that states the date of completion and number of classroom and clinical hours; and pass the board-approved competency examination within one year of application.
Additionally, the OSBN requires specific documentation in order to take the state certification exam. Most students provide a Social Security Number (SSN), but if you do not have one, OSBN accepts the following alternatives:
- A current passport and U.S. visa showing your eligibility to work (e.g., H1B, I-766, or another federal work authorization)
- For F1 visa holders: a valid I-94 and I-20 signed by your designated school official
- A Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Another federally issued identification number that authorizes employment in the U.S.
Occupational risks
Nursing assistants work directly with patients, providers and other healthcare workers. It is a job that focuses on providing a high level of patient care as well as being responsible for patient safety. It is important to recognize that this role comes with certain occupational risks. The occupational hazards associated with being a nursing assistant include but are not limited to:
- Exposure to infectious disease
- Injuries due to sharps
- Bloodborne pathogen exposure and biological hazards
- Chemical and drug exposure
- Ergonomic hazards from lifting, sitting, and repetitive tasks
- Latex allergies
- Stress
There are protections set in place with the Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA) to help protect the safety of healthcare workers and patients. Within PCC’s Nursing Assistant program, students will learn more about these occupational hazards and what is put in place to help ensure a safe workplace.