Become a Nursing Assistant (GDA)
Train for bedside care, vitals basics, patient hygiene, mobility assistance, infection control basics and first-aid awareness. Programs are often aligned to NSQF/NSDC/HSSC frameworks (where offered) and include hands-on practice/OJT.
Eligibility check doesn’t affect your chances — it helps route you to the right city & institute type.
Verify standards: NSDC GDA page · HSSC affiliated providers · Find NSDC centres
Why Choose a Career as a Nursing Assistant?
Support nurses and patients in wards, OPDs, rehab centres and home-care—comfort, hygiene, mobility and basic monitoring.
Hospitals, elder-care providers and home-care agencies hire year-round—duties vary by ward and employer.
Short programs can get you job-ready quickly; longer tracks add deeper practice + more OJT exposure.
Move into senior ward assistant roles or upskill toward patient care tech tracks (OT/dialysis support, etc. where available).
Explore Nursing Assistant Courses by City
Can’t find your city? Talk to us — we’ll route you to the nearest partner centre.
What is a Nursing Assistant Course? Scope, Salary, Institutes & Admission (2026)
A Nursing Assistant / GDA course trains you in core caregiving skills — feeding support, bathing & hygiene, mobility assistance, basic vitals monitoring, infection control basics and patient communication. Graduates work across hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centres, and home-care.
🩺 Scope & Careers
- Ward/OPD assistance, bedside care, mobility and hygiene support
- Home-care & elder-care support (often includes shift duty)
- Rehabilitation centres and assisted-living/day-care facilities
Exact duties depend on employer, ward, shift pattern and supervision.
💰 Salary (Entry-level)
Typical: ₹12,000–₹20,000/month for freshers; higher in metros and with night/OT allowances.
Real pay depends on city, hospital type, shift allowances, and experience. (No salary guarantees.)
✅ Standards & Verification
- Look for clear curriculum + hands-on practice + documented OJT/internship hours
- Verify if the centre is listed on NSDC / affiliated with HSSC (when claimed)
- Ask: “Where is internship? Who supervises? Is there an attendance/skill log?”
Helpful links: NSDC GDA page · NSDC centre finder
📝 Admission & Eligibility
- Education: many centres prefer 10th; some accept 8th for basic tracks
- Age: commonly 18+ preferred for duty; training may start at 17+ depending on institute
- Often direct admission (no entrance exam), but fitness/ID checks may apply
SkillKaJob routes you to suitable centres—placement support varies by partner.
Nursing Assistant Salary & Career Path (India) — 2026 Guide
Ranges are indicative (city/shift/employer vary). Night duty/OT allowances can change take-home.
| Career Stage / Role | Typical Experience | Typical Monthly Salary (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee / Intern (Hospital OJT) | 0–6 months (during training) | ₹0 – ₹12,000 |
| Junior Nursing Assistant | 0–2 yrs | ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Nursing Assistant / Patient Care Attendant | 2 – 5 yrs | ₹16,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Senior Nursing Assistant / Ward Lead (non-nurse) | 5 – 8 yrs | ₹22,000 – ₹32,000+ |
| Government / Large Institutional Hiring | Entry via recruitment + allowances | Structured pay + allowances (varies) |
Note: This is a 2026 guidance table based on common market ranges; always confirm salary structure in offer letter.
| Institute / Network | Where | Typical Duration | Fees (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo MedSkills | Centres Pan-India | ~3–6 months + OJT (varies) | ₹20,000 – ₹45,000 (varies) |
Healthcare skilling
GDA tracks (varies)
|
| Tech Mahindra SMART Academy (Healthcare) | Multiple cities | ~3–6 months (program dependent) | ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 (varies) |
Skill training
Eligibility varies
|
| Tata STRIVE | Selected centres (India) | 10 weeks class + 12 weeks OJT (as listed) | Varies by centre / sponsorship |
Livelihood-linked
Centre-wise intakes
|
| ASAP Kerala (Govt. skill mission) | Kerala (affiliated centres) | 900 hours (advanced track) | Centre-wise (often subsidised) |
Govt program
OJT included
|
| Eram Skills Academy | Kerala (Thrissur region) | ~6 months (varies) | ₹18,000 – ₹30,000 (varies) |
Skill training
Verify current healthcare batches
|
Course Completed? Get Hired.
Upload your résumé and we’ll connect you to higher-paying Nursing Assistant / GDA roles in NABH hospitals, rehab & home-care. Compare salaries before applying.
Nursing Assistant / GDA FAQs (2026)
Clear answers, realistic outcomes, and what to verify before joining any institute.
1Is “Nursing Assistant” the same as GDA or Caregiver? +
- GDA: hospital support role aligned to skill standards (where offered).
- Nursing Assistant / Patient Care Attendant: bedside support under nurse supervision.
- Caregiver: often home-care/elder-care focused.
2What is the eligibility for 2026 admissions? +
- Education: 10th preferred; some centres accept 8th for basic tracks.
- Age: 18+ is commonly preferred for duty; some centres start training at 17+.
- Fitness: ability to stand for long hours + basic lifting/mobility support.
3How long is the course? +
- Classroom hours vs practical hours
- OJT/internship hours + location + supervision proof
- Attendance & skills log policy
4What fees should I expect? +
- ₹15k–₹60k total (many private institutes)
- Government/CSR/subsidised batches may reduce fees
5Do I get hospital internship / OJT? +
- Hospital/centre name + department/ward access
- Who supervises (nurse/instructor)?
- Shift timings during OJT + attendance proof
6Will I get a job after the course? +
- Complete OJT seriously
- Are open to shifts (including nights)
- Have basic English/Hindi/local language comfort
7What work will I actually do day-to-day? +
This role is physically and emotionally demanding—standing, lifting support, and night duty can be part of the job.
8What documents are usually needed? +
- Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN), address proof
- Education proof (8th/10th/12th as applicable)
- Passport photos
- Some employers ask medical fitness/vaccination proof and (for home-care) police verification
9How do I verify NSDC/HSSC alignment? +
- NSDC GDA page (standards reference)
- Find NSDC training centres
- HSSC affiliated providers list
10How does SkillKaJob use my data? +
If you want deletion/help, use Contact Us.
11Is this a Nursing degree or GNM/ANM? +
12What’s the safest way to pick a good institute? +
- Written fee breakup + refund policy
- Documented OJT: location, hours, supervision
- Trainer profile + lab/ward simulation availability
- Placement support described precisely (not guaranteed)