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Patient Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Visiting Angels

Patient Care Assistant - PCA

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Patient Care Assistant - PCA Are you looking for a Patient Care Assistant - PCA job that will allow you to give back to your community and broaden your skills? Visiting Angels' office in Cedar Rapids ...

Visiting Angels

Patient Care Assistant - PCA

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Patient Care Assistant - PCA Are you looking for a Patient Care Assistant - PCA job that will allow you to give back to your community and broaden your skills? Visiting Angels' office in Cedar Rapids ...

Cornerstone Caregiving

Patient Care Assistant

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

We are committed to providing exceptional care to individuals in need. Our caregivers are highly trained and compassionate, with a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others. With ...

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See Iowa salary details

$10

$20

$58

How much do patient assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient assistant in Iowa is $20.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a CNA the same as a patient care assistant?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a patient care assistant (PCA) are similar roles that involve providing basic patient care under the supervision of medical staff. However, CNAs typically complete a state-approved training program and obtain certification, while PCAs may not require formal certification, depending on the facility. Both roles focus on assisting with daily activities, vital signs, and patient comfort in healthcare settings.

Who gets paid more, PCT or CNA?

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) generally earn higher wages than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) because PCTs have more advanced training and perform a broader range of clinical tasks. Salary differences can vary by location and healthcare facility, but PCTs typically have higher pay due to their additional responsibilities and skills.

What is the difference between Patient Assistant vs Medical Assistant?

AspectPatient AssistantMedical Assistant
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, but some may have basic trainingCertified or registered with credentials like CMA or RMA
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, patient care areasClinics, hospitals, physician offices, labs
Job DutiesAssisting patients with daily activities, basic patient support, escorting patientsClinical tasks like taking vital signs, preparing patients, administrative duties
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare facilities focusing on patient comfort and supportMedical practices, hospitals, clinics with clinical responsibilities

While both roles support patient care, Patient Assistants primarily focus on patient comfort and support without extensive clinical duties, whereas Medical Assistants perform clinical tasks and administrative work, often requiring certification. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are Patient Assistants?

Patient Assistants are healthcare professionals who support nurses and other medical staff in caring for patients. Their duties typically include helping patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as assisting with mobility and transportation within healthcare facilities. Patient Assistants also monitor patients' conditions, report changes to medical staff, and help maintain a clean and safe environment. They play a vital role in ensuring patients' comfort and well-being during their stay in hospitals or care facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Patient Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patient Assistant, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic medical knowledge, and experience in patient care or healthcare settings. Familiarity with hospital information systems, electronic medical records (EMRs), and basic medical equipment is often required. Compassion, strong communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for supporting patients and collaborating with medical staff. These abilities ensure patients receive attentive, safe, and effective care while maintaining smooth clinical operations.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Patient Assistant roles typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized training or certifications. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades like commercial driving, sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship, which rely on experience, skills, and performance rather than formal education.

What are some common challenges Patient Assistants face when supporting patients with mobility issues?

Patient Assistants frequently help individuals with limited mobility, which can present both physical and emotional challenges. Safely transferring or repositioning patients requires proper training to prevent injury to both the patient and the assistant. Additionally, Patient Assistants must navigate sensitive situations with empathy and patience, as some patients may feel frustrated or embarrassed by their limitations. Effective communication and teamwork with nurses and other healthcare professionals are essential to ensure patient comfort and safety.

What does a patient assistant do?

A patient assistant helps healthcare providers by supporting patient care activities, such as assisting with mobility, preparing patients for exams, and providing comfort. They often communicate with patients, record vital signs, and ensure a clean and safe environment, requiring good communication skills and attention to detail.
What are the most commonly searched types of Patient jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Patient jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Patient Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Patient Assistant job openings:
Patient Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Assistant job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,912 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Patient Services Assistant

Patient Services Assistant

UnityPoint Health

Waterloo, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 358 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

300th of 884 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
Patient Services Assistant
UnityPoint Health - Allen
Full-Time Benefits - 1.0 FTE; 8a-4:30p
The Patient Services Assistant (PSA) is the liaison between patients, family members, providers, and healthcare team members to address patient needs or concerns. The PSA serves as a resource for patients regarding healthcare policies and programs to ensure compliance. The PSA also coordinates and provides administrative support as directed.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
  • Greets all patients, families, physicians, and staff with a welcoming attitude and ascertains their needs.
  • Monitors various office needs such as nursing supplies, forms centers, new employee orientation and Epic binders weekly.
  • Provide accurate communication between patient and healthcare teams.
  • Answer phone and direct callers to appropriate resource.
  • Communicates and coordinates any unresolved patient/family issues promptly to clinical leadership.
  • Answers the patients' needs directly utilizing provided position resources.
  • Reports needs promptly to proper leadership.
  • Communicates with scheduling department any patient concerns regarding schedule or cancelations.
  • Serves as a resource for patients and patients' families needing direction or information.
  • Maintains knowledge of policies, procedures and programs as required in order to maintain compliance and brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of their department leader.
  • Effectively uses software applications in the course of assigned duties.
  • Attends and participates in department meetings and customer service trainings where warranted.
  • Communicate professionally with both internal and external individuals with our company mission, vision, and values in mind.
  • Independently apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Serve as a back-up to onsite Administrative Support office duties when needed.

Qualifications
Education:
  • High School diploma or equivalent and be 18 years of age required.

Experience:
  • One (1) year previous clerical, customer service or other experience in a health care setting with general knowledge of computer skills and keyboarding required.

License(s)/Certification(s):
  • None.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995

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