The patient care assistant is generally an unlicensed member of the medical team who may be responsible for several tasks that are essential to the delivery of high quality and comprehensive medical care. Most people who pursue this profession find it appealing because they can become employed in an entry-level position without completing several years of college or an extensive training period. In general, new assistants start out as generalists learning the basics of care such as helping with activities of daily living, recording vital signs, and reporting to advanced providers. As individuals gain experience and acquire a few credentials, they may decide that they want to work in a specialized department that offers higher pay and more prestige. While mid-level specialties may only require a certificate of completion from a training program unique to the department and national certification, advanced specialties such as surgery and radiology often require a two to four-year college degree, postgraduate training, national certification, and maybe even state licensure. The tasks that are assigned to an assistant in specialized departments can vary widely and often include preparing patients for procedures, assisting with invasive treatments, providing patient education, and much more.

1. PATIENT CARE
ASSISTANT
Career Pathway and Work Responsibilities

2. What is a Patient Care Assistant?
 Unlicensed member of the medical team.
 Performs several routine patient care activities.
 May have a variety of job titles.
 One of the most diverse providers in
healthcare.
 Supports the efforts of other personnel.
 Spends the most time with patients.
 Critical to the ongoing operations of the facility.

3. Level of Education
 Depends on the area of practice.
 Entry-level generalist positions usually require
no more than a high school diploma.
 Mid-level positions may require some college
and a certificate of completion.
 Advanced specialties like surgery and
radiology almost always require a college
degree and specialty training.

4. Examples of Entry-Level Positions
 Medical Assistant
 Nurse Aide
 Orderly
 Home Health Aide
 Dialysis Technician
 Personal Care Assistant
 Patient Care Assistant
 Dental Assistant

5. Examples of Specialty Positions
 Surgical Assistant
 Radiologic Technician
 Nuclear Medicine Technician
 Psychiatric Assistant
 Cardiovascular Technician
 Critical Care Assistant
 Etc…

6. Typical Career Progression
 Begin working as an entry-level generalist
provider in order to gain experience and broad
credentials that demonstrate basic competence.
 Network with individuals in specialty departments
to decide on those that are appealing.
 Job shadow and volunteer in specialty
department.
 Acquire necessary credentials.
 Apply for an opening.

7. Generalist Responsibilities
 Help with activities of daily living like bathing,
eating, dressing, using the bathroom, etc.
 Monitor vital signs such as heart rate, blood
pressure, temperature, etc.
 Provide emotional support.
 Communicate with other providers.
 Enter information in medical records.
 Help with treatments and procedures.

8. Useful Resources
 Patient Care Assistant Duties
 www.PatientCareTechnicianSalary.net