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Patient Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Patient Coordinator

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Prepare daily schedules and assist with morning huddles * Maintain accurate patient records and ... required documentation * Support teammates and assist with administrative projects as needed What ...

Patient Coordinator

Cedar Rapids, IA

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Prepare daily schedules and assist with morning huddles * Maintain accurate patient records and ... required documentation * Support teammates and assist with administrative projects as needed What ...

$33.22 - $37.39/hr

Patient Care: Perform patient care duties, including measuring vital signs, weight, height, rooming ... assistant through a Medical Board of California - approved medical assistant certifying ...

Patient Navigator

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Patient Navigator Crescent Community Health Center 1 Positions ID: 560 Posted On 07/07/2026 ... Key Responsibilities: * Assist patients in understanding their diagnosis, treatment options, and ...

Safe Patient Handling * Vital Signs * Specimen Collection Shift Details: full time nights and days available (36 hours) Minimum Qualifications * Current Nursing Assistant Certification (CNA) in the ...

Patient Service Specialist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $21.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Patient Service Specialist Location US-IA-Des Moines Job ID 350795 Pos. Category Medical Center ... Perform some medical assistant duties such as breath alcohol tests, drug screens, TB skin test ...

Patient Service Specialist

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Patient Service Specialist Location US-IA-Urbandale Job ID 350808 Pos. Category Medical Center ... Perform some medical assistant duties such as breath alcohol tests, drug screens, TB skin test ...

Patient Service Specialist

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Patient Service Specialist performs complex administrative duties including but not limited to ... Perform some medical assistant duties such as breath alcohol tests, drug screens, TB skin test ...

Showing results 21-40

Patient Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$20

$58

How much do patient assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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.

What is a patient assistant?

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?

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 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 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.

How do I become a patient assistant?

To become a patient assistant, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require certification in healthcare or first aid. Relevant skills include communication, empathy, and basic medical knowledge, and on-the-job training is often provided. Some roles may require background checks and adherence to healthcare regulations.

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:

Infographic showing various Patient Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,912 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Patient Care Assistant (Pathways)

UnityPoint Health

Iowa City, IA

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

269th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Do you have a passion for working with older adults, adults with disabilities and seniors with dementia?

Are you dedicated to providing top notch person-centered care?

Would you like to work with a small team in a supportive environment where you are valued?

Are you…Compassionate? Dedicated? Resilient? Innovative? Empathetic? Collaborative? If so…we want you!

AbbeHealth Services - is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health and aging services that help individuals achieve their optimum levels of independence and success.  Aging Services Pathways Adult Day Health Center, is a subsidiary of AbbeHealth Services located in Iowa City, Iowa. 

#CR123


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.


  • Is aware of department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (eg. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of department or administrative staff.
  • Purposefully conducts all aspects of the job in an ethical manner in support of the organization’s commitment to ethical behavior in all areas of personal and professional activity.
  • Assist participants with activities of daily living, personal cares and goal achievement.
  • Implement and lead fun and exciting activities for participants.
  • Demonstrates a positive cooperative attitude, flexibility, and a willingness to change to meet department goals.
  • Performs additional duties as may be assigned to ensure complete service to all customers.

Education

Must be at least 18 years old, High School/GED preferred.

Qualifications/Experience

An ideal candidate will have an interest in working with people diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, mental illness and/or dementia. Two years of experience working with the mental health and/or behavioral health population preferred. Valid Iowa Driver's License required. 


What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


UnityPoint Health logo

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