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Patient Care Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patient Care Associate The primary role of the Patient Care Associate (PCA), is to protect, sustain, and nurture the patients that live at the Center. They provide assistance with activities of daily ...

Patient Care Associate

Dedham, MA · On-site

$15 - $28/hr

Patient Care Associate The primary role of the Patient Care Associate, is to protect, sustain, and nurture the patients that live at the Center. They provide assistance with activities of daily ...

Patient Care Associate

Dedham, MA · On-site

$15 - $28/hr

The primary role of the Patient Care Associate (PCA), is to protect, sustain, and nurture the patients that live at the Center. They provide assistance with activities of daily living, care of the ...

The primary role of the Patient Care Associate (PCA), is to protect, sustain, and nurture the patients that live at the Center. They provide assistance with activities of daily living, care of the ...

Patient Care Associate

Elkridge, MD · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Patient Care Associate is responsible for the Front Desk and greeting the patients as they enter the practice, check-in, check-out, scheduling, and other administrative tasks. Responsibilities ...

The primary role of the Patient Care Associate (PCA), is to protect, sustain, and nurture the patients that live at the Center. They provide assistance with activities of daily living, care of the ...

The primary role of the Patient Care Associate (PCA), is to protect, sustain, and nurture the patients that live at the Center. They provide assistance with activities of daily living, care of the ...

The primary role of the Patient Care Associate (PCA), is to protect, sustain, and nurture the patients that live at the Center. They provide assistance with activities of daily living, care of the ...

Patient Care Associate

Dedham, MA · On-site

$15 - $28/hr

The primary role of the Patient Care Associate (PCA), is to protect, sustain, and nurture the patients that live at the Center. They provide assistance with activities of daily living, care of the ...

The primary role of the Patient Care Associate (PCA), is to protect, sustain, and nurture the patients that live at the Center. They provide assistance with activities of daily living, care of the ...

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Patient Care Associate information

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How much do patient care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient care associate in the United States is $23.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Patient Care Associates?

Patient Care Associates (PCAs) are healthcare professionals who assist nurses and other medical staff in providing basic care to patients in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities. Their responsibilities often include helping patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. PCAs also monitor vital signs, report changes in patient conditions, and ensure a safe and clean environment. They play a critical role in supporting both patients and the healthcare team, fostering comfort and well-being during a patient’s stay.

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

To thrive as a Patient Care Associate, you need a solid understanding of basic patient care, vital sign monitoring, and infection control, often supported by a high school diploma and completion of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and basic medical equipment is typically required. Strong communication, compassion, and teamwork skills help Patient Care Associates effectively support patients and collaborate with healthcare professionals. These abilities are crucial for delivering safe, high-quality patient care and maintaining efficient healthcare operations.

Is PCA a stressful job?

Patient Care Associates often work in fast-paced healthcare environments, which can be physically and emotionally demanding. The job requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle patient needs and emergencies, which can contribute to stress levels. However, proper training and support can help manage job-related stress effectively.

Is a patient care associate the same as a CNA?

A patient care associate (PCA) is similar to a certified nursing assistant (CNA) but may have different training requirements depending on the state or facility. Both roles involve providing basic patient care, such as assisting with activities of daily living and monitoring patient conditions, often under the supervision of nurses. However, CNAs typically complete a state-approved training program and certification, while PCAs may have varying qualifications and responsibilities.

What are some of the common challenges Patient Care Associates face when balancing patient needs with administrative tasks?

Patient Care Associates often find themselves juggling direct patient care responsibilities—such as assisting with daily living activities and monitoring vital signs—with necessary administrative duties like updating patient records and coordinating with nursing staff. Time management and prioritization are key challenges, especially during busy shifts or in understaffed situations. Effective communication and teamwork help ensure that patient needs are met promptly without compromising documentation and procedural accuracy. Developing strong organizational skills can make it easier to manage these demands and provide high-quality patient care.

What are the responsibilities of a patient care associate?

A patient care associate (PCA) provides basic patient care under the supervision of nursing staff, including assisting with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. They monitor patient conditions, take vital signs, and help with mobility and comfort, often working in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities. Strong communication skills and basic medical knowledge are essential for this role.

What Is a Patient Care Associate?

A patient care associate works to meet the basic needs of patients in a variety of healthcare facilities, especially hospitals and nursing homes. Some employers refer to people in this position as a "nursing assistant." In this career, your job duties include checking vital signs, feeding patients who are not able to feed themselves, changing and cleaning bedding, and moving or turning patients. This career requires basic medical training, but you do not need a specific degree. Some patient care associates may have additional duties depending on their level of certification.

Who gets paid more, PCT or CNA?

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) generally earn higher wages than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) due to additional responsibilities, skills, and sometimes required certifications. PCTs often perform more complex tasks and may work in specialized settings, which can lead to higher pay. However, salaries vary by location, employer, and experience.

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

AspectPatient Care AssociateCertified Nursing Assistant
CertificationsTypically requires a Patient Care Technician or similar certificationRequires CNA certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities
Job DutiesAssisting with patient care, vital signs, basic proceduresBasic patient care, hygiene, vital signs, mobility assistance

Both roles involve direct patient care in healthcare settings and may require similar certifications. However, Patient Care Associates often have a broader scope of duties and may work in more diverse environments, while CNAs focus primarily on basic patient assistance and hygiene tasks.

What cities are hiring for Patient Care Associate jobs? Cities with the most Patient Care Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Care jobs? The most popular types of Patient Care jobs are:
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What states have the most Patient Care Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Patient Care Associate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Patient Care Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Care Associate jobs are:
Infographic showing various Patient Care Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,702 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Patient Care Associate

Patient Care Associate

Pathway Healthcare LLC

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Pathway Healthcare is an employee focused company that prides itself on patient care. We value our team members and want our team members to experience a positive culture where they feel valued. Our team members have access to health benefits, including Teledoc that is free to all full-time employees, as well as PTO, and paid holidays. If you want to be a part of a team where you will be valued and have opportunity to grow, then send us your resume!

POSITION ROLE

The Patient Care Associate role is critical to Pathway Healthcare’s mission TO HELP PEOPLE. By following through with assisting the provider and giving care in a non-judgmental and empathetic manner, the Patient Care Associate is ensuring each patient is comfortable receiving care and pursuing wellness, which is instrumental in the patient returning for continued care.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Each Patient Care Associate will be assigned a case load for which they will assume primary responsibility for care.
  2. Contribute to ensuring each patient experiences a supportive environment while receiving excellent clinical care throughout their visit. To do this, the Patient Care Associate must:
    1. Personalize each patient visit by thoroughly preparing for each patient prior to the patient’s arrival by reviewing the patient’s clinical chart in eCW;
    2. Warmly greet the patient in the lobby and escort the patient to the visit room, making the individual feel comfortable.
    3. Conduct the nursing assessment with each patient by interviewing the patient regarding their visit, and measuring the patient’s weight, vital signs, and/or other appropriate clinical measures.
  3. Help the provider prepare for the patient by communicating pertinent clinical information learned during the Patient Care Associate’s interview with the patient and the nursing assessment. If the provider is visiting with the patient via TeleHealth, the PCC assists by setting up the Telehealth equipment.
  4. Review and ensure patients are scheduled and completing counseling appointments as well as medical appointments.
  5. Safely and correctly complete clinical tasks as ordered by the provider, including sending/documenting referrals, drawing blood, operating the centrifuge, collecting urine for drug screens, pregnancy tests, alcohol tests, and giving injections. Support and contribute to a safe and compliant work environment by properly disposing of biohazardous materials and tools including needles, and urine specimens and collection cups.
  6. Ensure both patient safety and office compliance by researching the PDMP and documenting findings. Educate the patient about the prescribed medication(s) including proper use, side effects, and other necessary information. Further maintain compliance by logging the prescription into the Accountability log.
  7. Facilitate patient access to the appropriate medications by communicating with insurance companies and obtaining preauthorization for medications. In those cases, in which preauthorization is denied, submitting appeals to insurance companies to reverse preauthorization denials.
  8. Contribute to a well-functioning and efficient office by completing administrative tasks such as making phone calls or answering the telephone, setting up patient appointments, ordering supplies needed for care, and tasks that further assist providers including scribing.

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

To be qualified, the Patient Care Associate must have:

  • Previous experience providing nursing care in a primary care, substance abuse, or mental health outpatient setting.

Must possess current CPR or BLS certification.