There are many career opportunities in the growing field of long term care. As America's elderly population grows, so does the need for qualified and caring staff to work in long term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living residences and retirement communities. These jobs offer not only competitive wages and benefits, but also the opportunity to work in the long term care field and make a real difference in people's lives. Job openings for entry-level positions, especially certified nursing assistants (CNAs), are available in virtually all long term care facilities throughout New Hampshire.

For a listing of facilities that provide CNA training programs please click here.

Entry-Level Positions in Long Term Care

A number of entry-level positions are available in the long term care field that require no previous health care experience. Each of these positions offers the opportunity to advance to more senior positions. Many facilities offer scholarships and tuition reimbursement to enable their employees to return to school. In addition, the New Hampshire Long Term Care Foundation sponsors a scholarship program to assist long term care staff in meeting their career goals.

The following are some of the entry-level positions that are available in long term care facilities:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
This is the entry-level direct care position most commonly found in nursing homes. CNAs provide basic patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse. To be certified as a nursing assistant, you must complete 100 hours of training, and demonstrate your skills through a competency examination. Many certified nursing assistants go on to become licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and therapists. To obtain information on training, please refer to the information in this packet. 

Geriatric Assistants
This is an entry-level position that is most commonly found in nursing homes that does not involve direct care of the patient. Geriatric Assistants support the certified nursing assistants with a wide variety of tasks. Training requirements and advancement opportunities are generally the same as for certified nursing assistants. 

Resident Assistants
This is the entry-level position most commonly found in assisted living residences and retirement communities. Training requirements and advancement opportunities are generally the same as for certified nursing assistants; in fact, many assisted living residences will only hire certified nursing assistants.

Dietary Aide 
This is the entry-level position for individuals interested in food service. Dietary aides help prepare and serve nutritionally balanced foods to frail elders and disabled individuals. Many dietary aides go on to become food service managers.

Housekeeping/Laundry Aide
This is the entry-level position critical to ensuring the cleanliness and comfort of long term care facility residents. Many of those who start out in the housekeeping and laundry departments either go on to become department heads or decide to enter direct patient care positions as certified nursing assistants or licensed nursing staff. 

Rehabilitation Aide
This is an entry-level position for individuals who are interested in rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Rehabilitation aides are certified nursing assistants who work under the supervision of a licensed therapist to assist elderly and disabled individuals in regaining their strength and function after an illness or operation. Many rehabilitation aides go on to become licensed physical, occupational, or speech therapists. 

Activities Assistant
This is an entry-level position for individuals who are interested in recreational therapy. Working under the supervision of the facility's activity director, the activities assistant implements recreational program to enhance the quality of life of long term care facility residents.

Other Positions in Long Term Care 
The following are other positions available in long term care facilities. Many require an advanced degree and/or New Hampshire license.

	Administrative      - Administrator       - Assistant Administrator       - Admissions Director       - Executive Director       - Marketing Director       - Human Resource Manager       - Staff Development Coordinator       - Financial Manager       - Bookkeeper/Billing Clerk       - Medical Records Clerk       - Clerical
	Food Service       - Registered Dietician       - Cook       - Food Service Supervisor/Aide       - Housekeeping/Maintenance       - Housekeeping Supervisor/Aide       - Maintenance Supervisor/Aide       - Laundry Service Supervisor/Aide
	Nursing (RNs, LPNs)       - Director of Nursing       - Assistant Director of Nursing       - Nursing Supervisor       - Unit Nurse Manager       - Charge Nurse       - Staff Nurse       - Quality Assurance Nurse       - MMQ Case Mix Nurse       - MDS Nurse Coordinator       - Service Plan Coordinator
	Nursing Assistant (CNAs)       - Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)       - Personal Care Attendant (PCA)       - Resident Assistant
	Social Services       - Social Work, MSW       - Social Work, BSW
	Therapy       - Physical Therapist       - Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)       - Occupational Therapist       - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)       - Speech Therapist       - Rehabilitation Therapist       - Respiratory Therapist
	Other Positions       - Medical Director