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$27

How much do patient care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient care associate in Tennessee is $21.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient care associate?

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?

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.

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 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 are the duties 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 also monitor patient vital signs, help with mobility, and maintain a clean and safe environment, often using electronic health records and basic medical equipment. Strong communication skills and basic healthcare training are essential for this role.
More about Patient Care Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Care jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Patient Care jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Patient Care Associate jobs in Tennessee?

For Patient Care Associate jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Patient Care Associate jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Patient Care Associate jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Patient Care Associate jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Patient Care Associate job openings:

Patient Care Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Care Associate job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,203 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Patient Care Associate- Imaging

Cookeville Regional Medical Center

Cookeville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Cookeville Regional Medical Center rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

512th of 1,064 rated hospitals

Job description

The Imaging Patient Care Associate is responsible for escorting patients to and from The Imaging Center. Additional duties include assisting the technical staff with those tasks, as assigned, associated with the daily operations of THE Imaging Center including a variety of basic clerical and housekeeping functions such as work area cleaning, telephone communications, computer system data entry, information retrieval, (HIS, RIS, PACS), and infection control. Responsible for maintaining proper function of all equipment used while escorting patients (including, but not limited to, oxygen tanks, IV pumps, IV poles, wheelchairs, stretchers, patient beds). Patient Care Associates exercise professional behavior and ethics while performing services in a demeanor complimentary to customer service, age specific criteria, safety and medical ethics. Other duties as assigned.
Education: High School Diploma or GED required. CPR certification mandatory after 3 months. BLS preferred on hire but required within 6 months of hire. Some medical background preferable, but not necessary.

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