Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies, Other. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 48.3%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies, Other. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $19717 and average student debt of $9531, the financial outlook for Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies, Other. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Wondering if Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $19717, and the average student debt is $9531, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.48—a strong position for financial independence.
With an annual graduating class of 2244 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies, Other (CIP 51.2699) is a frontline, patient-centered health services degree category that captures specialized and emerging training programs for healthcare support roles not classified under standard aide or orderly categories. This CIP code represents instructional programs focused on direct care, daily living support, and hands-on assistance for patients across hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health environments, and community settings.
At the heart of this field is human connection. Health aides and attendants are often the professionals who spend the most time with patients—helping them move, eat, bathe, communicate, and feel safe. Programs classified under 51.2699 are designed for students who want to work directly with people, make an immediate impact, and serve as a critical part of the healthcare team without pursuing advanced clinical licensure.
As healthcare systems face staffing shortages, aging populations, and increased demand for long-term and in-home care, this degree category plays an increasingly vital role in maintaining quality, dignity, and continuity of care.
What Is a Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies, Other Degree?
A degree or certificate under CIP 51.2699 represents non-traditional, specialized, or hybrid training programs for health aides, attendants, and orderlies. Schools use this category when a program focuses on a specific population, care setting, or skill set that does not align exactly with established aide classifications.
Programs in this category may combine training in:
- Basic patient care and assistance
- Activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Patient mobility and transfer techniques
- Infection control and safety protocols
- Vital sign monitoring and documentation
- Communication and patient interaction
- Support for patients with disabilities or chronic conditions
- Team-based care in clinical settings
The emphasis is on practical, hands-on skills that prepare students to step into care roles quickly and effectively. Many programs are short-term and career-focused, making them accessible entry points into healthcare.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies, Other is a strong fit for students who:
- Want to work directly with patients
- Prefer hands-on, active work over desk-based roles
- Are compassionate, patient, and people-oriented
- Want to enter healthcare quickly
- Are considering future advancement in nursing or allied health
This degree is especially appealing to individuals who find purpose in helping others with everyday needs and who value meaningful, immediate impact over long training timelines.
What Will You Learn?
Students in 51.2699 programs learn the fundamentals of patient support and caregiving within professional healthcare environments. Training focuses on safety, dignity, communication, and reliability.
You will learn how to assist patients with routine tasks while observing changes in condition and communicating concerns to nurses or supervisors. The role requires attention to detail, empathy, and the ability to follow protocols consistently.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most programs help students develop skills such as:
- Assisting with bathing, dressing, toileting, and feeding
- Supporting patient mobility and safe transfers
- Measuring and recording vital signs
- Maintaining clean and safe care environments
- Following infection control procedures
- Communicating clearly with patients and care teams
- Observing and reporting changes in patient condition
- Providing emotional support and reassurance
These skills form the backbone of daily patient care and are essential to healthcare operations.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework and training may include:
- Fundamentals of patient care
- Basic anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
- Patient rights, privacy, and ethics
- Safety, body mechanics, and ergonomics
- Nutrition and hydration support
- Care for aging populations
- Supporting patients with disabilities
- End-of-life and comfort care principles
Many programs include supervised clinical experiences to ensure students are ready for real-world environments.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies, Other credential prepares graduates for a range of entry-level and support roles across healthcare settings.
Common job titles include:
- Patient Care Aide
- Nursing Assistant or Orderly
- Hospital Attendant
- Home Health Aide
- Personal Care Attendant
- Direct Support Professional
- Long-Term Care Assistant
- Rehabilitation or Therapy Aide
These roles are often stepping stones into nursing, therapy, or other allied health professions.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates commonly find employment in:
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Home health and hospice organizations
- Rehabilitation centers
- Clinics and outpatient facilities
- Community and residential care programs
- Disability support organizations
Because patient care is needed everywhere, this degree offers broad geographic and sector flexibility.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by location, setting, and experience, but health aide roles provide reliable entry-level income and steady demand.
Typical pay ranges include:
- Entry-level health aides: $28,000–$35,000 annually
- Experienced aides or specialized attendants: $35,000–$45,000+
- Overtime, shift differentials, and certifications can increase earnings
While not among the highest-paying healthcare roles, these positions offer stability and opportunities for advancement.
Is This Degree Hard?
Academically, this degree is accessible, but the work itself can be physically and emotionally demanding. Success requires resilience, compassion, and consistency. Students must be comfortable with physical activity, close personal interaction, and following strict safety protocols.
Those who thrive in this field often find the work deeply rewarding despite its challenges.
Who Should Choose CIP 51.2699 Specifically?
This CIP code may be ideal if you:
- Want a fast entry into healthcare
- Enjoy helping others with daily needs
- Prefer hands-on work
- Are exploring nursing or allied health careers
- Want stable, in-demand employment
How to Prepare in High School
Students interested in health aide roles should:
- Take health science or biology courses
- Develop strong communication skills
- Volunteer with healthcare or senior care organizations
- Build physical stamina and teamwork skills
- Learn basic professionalism and responsibility
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies, Other represents one of the most essential and human-centered pathways in healthcare—focused on dignity, daily care, and being present when people need help the most.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor