Employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 9 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of orderlies is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
As the baby-boom population ages, nursing assistants and orderlies will be needed to help care for an increasing number of older patients in nursing and residential care facilities. Older people are more likely than younger people to have disorders such as dementia, or to live with chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. More nursing assistants will be needed to care for patients with these conditions.