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Patient Care Assistant Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

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$11

$22

$62

How much do patient care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient care assistant in Rutherford, NJ is $22.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who gets paid more, PCT or CNA?

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) generally earn higher wages than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) due to additional responsibilities and skills. PCTs often require more training and may perform more complex tasks, which can lead to higher pay rates in healthcare settings.

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

To thrive as a Patient Care Assistant, you need a basic understanding of patient care, vital sign monitoring, and hygiene assistance, often supported by a high school diploma or completion of a nursing assistant program. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems and basic medical equipment is typically required. Compassion, strong communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure patients receive safe, attentive care and support the efficient operation of healthcare teams.

What Is a Patient Care Assistant?

Patient care assistants provide basic care services to patients in a medical facility or a private residence under a nurse’s supervision. The patient care assistant aides both the nurse and the patient in completing daily tasks. In this career, your duties include checking vitals, helping with walking and bathing, collecting lab specimens, and charting changes in behavior, mood, or physical health. You help patients with basic needs like feeding and personal care as necessary. You do not provide medical care, but you do work directly with patients.

What is a Patient Care Assistant?

A Patient Care Assistant (PCA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and support to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other medical settings. Their responsibilities often include assisting patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. PCAs also help monitor vital signs, report changes in patient conditions to nurses, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment. They work under the supervision of nurses or other medical staff and play a crucial role in supporting both patients and healthcare teams.

What is the role of a patient care assistant?

A patient care assistant (PCA) provides basic healthcare support to patients under the supervision of nurses or doctors. Their duties include assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, monitoring vital signs, and maintaining patient comfort in healthcare settings. PCAs often require certification and good communication skills to effectively support patient needs.

What are some common challenges Patient Care Assistants face, and how can they effectively manage them?

Patient Care Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple patient needs simultaneously, handling emotionally charged situations, and maintaining accurate documentation. To manage these effectively, it’s important to stay organized, communicate clearly with both patients and healthcare team members, and remain adaptable to changing priorities. Developing strong time-management skills and seeking support from colleagues can also help Patient Care Assistants provide the best possible care while minimizing stress.

How much does PCA get paid?

In Pennsylvania, Patient Care Assistants typically earn between $11 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. The average annual salary ranges from approximately $23,000 to $31,000. Certifications such as CPR and basic patient care skills can influence pay rates.

What is the difference between Patient Care Assistant vs Nursing Assistant?

AspectPatient Care AssistantNursing Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR and basic patient care trainingTypically requires CNA certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities
Job DutiesAssisting with daily activities, basic patient care, vital signsProviding basic nursing care, assisting with activities, monitoring patients

Both Patient Care Assistants and Nursing Assistants work in healthcare settings providing essential patient support. While their roles overlap significantly, Nursing Assistants usually require CNA certification and may perform more advanced nursing tasks. Patient Care Assistants often focus on basic patient support and daily activities, making both roles vital in patient care teams.

Is a CNA the same as a patient care assistant?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a trained healthcare worker who provides basic patient care under the supervision of nurses, often working in hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. A Patient Care Assistant (PCA) performs similar duties, including assisting with daily activities and vital signs, but job titles and specific responsibilities can vary by facility; both roles typically require certification or training programs.
More about Patient Care Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Care jobs in Rutherford, NJ? The most popular types of Patient Care jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What job categories do people searching Patient Care Assistant jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Care Assistant jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Patient Care Assistant jobs? Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Patient Care Assistant job openings:
Patient Care Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Care Assistant job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,574 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
ECC Patient Care Assistant

ECC Patient Care Assistant

Schwarzman Animal Medical Center

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Do you love animals? Are you interested in a career in veterinary medicine? Or are you looking to take your veterinary career to the next level by working at one of the premier veterinary hospitals in the country? Then becoming a Patient Care Assistant at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is the career path for you! 

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC), located in the heart of New York City, seeks an Emergency & Critical Care Patient Care Assistant. This is a rare opportunity to join the world's largest veterinary teaching hospital and take your career to the next level.

Our Patient Care Assistants get the unparalleled opportunity to grow and expand their skillset working alongside top specialists and experienced Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) at the world's largest non-profit animal hospital. Patient Care Assistants work with our patients from the initial exam and diagnosis, through treatments, advanced procedures, and discharge. Our Patient Care Assistants are vital to our patients' success, and they are highly valued members of our care teams. 

The ECC Patient Care Assistant (PCA) provides advanced veterinary assistance to the Doctors and Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) within the ECC Department. This position supports surgical preparation and case flow by performing both patient-facing and technical support duties, ensuring emergent patients proceed efficiently and safely. 

Who this position is right for:
  • Experienced veterinary assistants looking to further their knowledge base and skillset 
  • Pre-Veterinary and Veterinary Technician students who want to work and learn alongside veterinarians and technicians that are in the top of their fields while getting hands on patient experience
List duties and responsibilities: 
Skills and Responsibilities: 
  • Ability to follow treatment plan in Instinct 
  • Ability to obtain primary survey and intake of patient history in the Emergency Room   
  • Recognize changes in patients' status & react appropriately  
  • Specialized handling and restraint of painful, debilitated & compensated patients 
  • Perform treatments as pertains to a NYS non-licensed technician  
  • Monitor patients' vital signs using multiparameter monitoring equipment 
  • Listens in on LVT rounds, fundamental understanding patient's disease process 
  • Proficient record keeping, record findings on treatments sheets/enter Cornerstone/Instinct 
  • Patient/Client advocacy 
  • Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (note taking, compressions, mechanical ventilator 
  • Ensure cleanliness and comfort of ICU/ES patients 
  • Provide patient restraint as appropriate to critically ill patients 
  • Assist with the production of diagnostic images during radiology's off hours 
  • Maintain excellent working relationships between the ICU/ES and other departments 
  • Maintain excellent communication with the veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and other staff members 
 
List qualifications desired (including education & experience) 

Qualified applicants will have:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 5 years work experience, preferably in a similar position
  • Must have animal handling experience, and be able to restrain all species
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds                                       
  • Must be able to work successfully as part of a team
  • Must have ability to remain composed in stressful and emergency situations
  • Must be flexible about working additional hours when necessary
  • Excellent organizational, multi-tasking, and communication skills are essential
  • Must be able to follow detailed protocols 
  • Must neatly and correctly fill out paperwork as necessary
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Competitive salary
  • Generous sign-on bonus $1,000
  • Generous paid time off
  • Tuition assistance
  • 50% discount on veterinary care
  • 403b matching
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • You may be eligible for The Public Loan Service Forgiveness Program as we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit employer
Schedules:
  • TBD
Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds
  • Able to stand, walk, lift, and bend for extended periods. 
  • Comfortable working in a surgical/sterile environment for prolonged shifts. 
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Competitive salary
  • Sign-on bonus of $1,000 for NEW hires
  • Generous paid time off
  • Tuition assistance
  • 50% discount on veterinary care
  • 403b matching
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • You may be eligible for The Public Loan Service Forgiveness Program as we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit employer

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