If you consider yourself a helper and a healer, becoming a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) might be the ideal career for you. Before you sign up for STNA classes, you should learn about the advantages of pursuing this path. Here are just a few factors that make STNA education a smart choice.

5 Benefits of Working as an STNA

1. Flexible Career Options

After you pass your certification exam and obtain state licensure, your career options will be abundant. Although most STNAs elect to work in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, you may decide you prefer to work in a hospital or clinic. You can also choose to pursue a higher medical certification later for even further opportunities.

2. Valuable Clinical Experience

For those who do plan to advance their career in the medical field, becoming an STNA will give you plenty of hands-on clinical experience. You’ll work directly with patients by providing bedside care, monitoring vitals, cleaning and dressing wounds, and assisting with medical procedures. STNA classes and jobs will build a solid and low-cost foundation for future medical training.

3. Great Job Stability

Most individuals are looking for long-term careers that offer stability. If that sounds like you, a career as an STNA is a perfect choice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall demand for nursing assistants is projected to increase by 9% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.

4. Excellent Benefits

As an STNA, you can count on having a steady income and a competitive salary. You’ll have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as social security benefits, a pension plan, and a 401k plan. Depending on where you end up working, you could receive bonuses as well.

5. Rewarding Work

Beyond the career and financial benefits, being an STNA is a rewarding line of work. Providing valuable care and individual attention to vulnerable populations often gives nursing assistants a sense of purpose. Those who have a passion for improving the lives of others every day will find this career very fulfilling.

Get your career as a nursing assistant started with STNA classes at Great Oaks Career Campuses. Serving the Greater Cincinnati area, the public trade school offers students of all ages an opportunity to develop their careers in a wide range of fields. With experienced teachers, fully-equipped classrooms, and hands-on learning, this affordable community institution provides the rich education and career training you’ll need to thrive in your field. Visit them online for more information about their STNA certification program. To discuss the admissions process with a friendly staff member, call the Great Oaks Health Professions Academy at 513.961.4220.