Take the first step into a health care career as a nursing assistant at VA

If you’re looking for a great way to learn what it means to care for Veterans, but don’t have the experience needed for more intensive clinical roles, a nursing assistant job at VA might be the perfect fit for you.

A nursing assistant is an entry-level member of our health care team, performing important patient-centered tasks under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. Although a nursing assistant is not a nurse, they work very closely with nurses, physicians and other health care providers.

A role that matters

As the name implies, nursing assistants “assist” nurses and other physicians, but their focus is largely on patient comfort. Whether you’re answering call buttons, monitoring vitals or just helping a Veteran with their basic needs, the work you do makes you the face of our team for many Veterans.

Your time with the patient makes you an invaluable member of the team. Because nursing assistants typically spend a lot of time with the Veterans we care for, you have a great understanding of their situations.

As you get to know these Veterans, you might well be the first to notice physical or emotional changes. Whether identifying decreased mobility, increased pain or memory issues, a nursing assistant can play an important role in Veteran care.

A great place to begin

A job as a nursing assistant is an excellent way to get a feel for health care. Nursing assistant certifications can be earned in as little as four weeks, making it a good choice for anyone looking to enter the field quickly. Typically, though, less accelerated programs will run two to three months, which is still less of a commitment than other clinical certifications.

Unlike some programs that require learners to have prerequisite classes or other academic necessities before even being admitted, nursing assistant programs typically require only a high school diploma or GED. This makes it easier to earn your qualifications and get your foot in the door.

With certification in hand, you can take your first step into the health care arena and find out if it is for you. As a nursing assistant, you will regularly be exposed to nurses and the tasks they perform, which can be a great way to earn some experience and make an informed decision.

And if the time comes when you want to continue your education, VA has numerous options to help you along your path to becoming a nurse (or another position that might interest you). Our education support programs and leadership development opportunities will help you make the most of your career.

Benefits you can count on

With a job at VA, you’ll be able to take advantage of numerous benefits that will change not only your career, but your personal life as well.

We offer the choice of a variety of health plans, and all cover preexisting conditions. Additionally, we pay up to 75% of health premiums, a benefit that can continue into retirement, making our insurance some of the best you’ll find in health care.

At VA, our employees receive 13 to 26 paid vacation/personal days, as well as 13 sick days annually with no limit on accumulation, and we celebrate 11 paid federal holidays each year, so your schedule can be balanced with your personal priorities.

And when you’re ready for a new challenge, we offer ongoing leadership development through every level of employment.

Work at VA

With an opportunity to explore the VA mission and pursue a career that matters to you, a job as a nursing assistant is a great fit, both professionally and personally.

• LEARN what VA has to offer nursing assistants (PDF).
• EXPLORE our mission to serve Veterans.
• READ about benefits of joining our team.
• SEARCH for openings near you at VAcareers.VA.gov.