Because of the growing elderly population, many nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants will be needed in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. Growth in the demand for healthcare services should lead to increased opportunities for nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants in other industries as well, such as hospitals and clinics.
Demand for nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants may be constrained, however, by the fact that many nursing homes rely on government funding, which tends to increase slower than the cost of patient care.
Job prospects for nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants with formal training should be excellent, particularly in long-term care facilities. Because of the emotional and physical demands of this occupation, many nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants choose to leave the profession to get more training or another job. This creates opportunities for jobseekers who want to become nursing aides.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition
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