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Patient Care Associate Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

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$12

$22

$30

How much do patient care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient care associate in Decatur, GA is $22.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $27.69 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.

More about Patient Care Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Care jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Patient Care jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What job categories do people searching Patient Care Associate jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Care Associate jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Patient Care Associate jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Patient Care Associate job openings:
Patient Care Associate jobs near you
Clinical Care Associate, IMCU

Clinical Care Associate, IMCU

Northside Hospital Inc.

Atlanta, GA

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Northside Hospital rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 439 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

327th of 884 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview

Northside Hospital is award-winning, state-of-the-art, and continually growing. Constantly expanding the quality and reach of our care to our patients and communities creates even more opportunity for the best healthcare professionals in Atlanta and beyond. Discover all the possibilities of a career at Northside today.

Responsibilities

The Clinical Care Associate provides nursing assistance and patient care for the comfort, safety and personal needs of patients.  Assists patients with activities of daily living and performs procedures for physical hygiene and comfort of patients.  Performs duties within the construct of a unitbased, selfdirected, multidisciplinary patient care team while sharing various tasks with other licensed and nonlicensed members. Performs general clerical and reception duties according to needs of patient unit or department. Position is characterized by preparing and maintaining patient charts, transcribing physician orders, and entering information into computerized patient care system.

Qualifications

REQUIRED

 

  • Certified Nursing Assistant on the Georgia Registry

    • OR

    Certified Medical Assistant awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

    OR

    Registered Medical Assistant awarded by the American Medical Technologists (AMT)

    OR

    Certified Clinical Medical Assistant awarded by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

  • Must hold American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Two (2) years of experience as a Patient Care Technician/Clinical Care Associate
  • Six (6) months of experience as a Patient Care Technician/Clinical Care Associate at Northside
  • Visual color acuity depending on the role in specific units.

    •  

    PREFERRED

    Work Hours:7PM-7AMWeekend Requirements:Yes- Rotating BasisEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

    What Northside Hospital employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom

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    About Northside Hospital

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    * 288-bed hospital, offering a full range of services including comprehensive and interventional stroke care, preventative and corrective cardiac care, full-service orthopedic and spine treatment, an ER 24/7®, and general surgery * As one of the first hospitals in the area to achieve Atrial Fibrillation Certification (SCPC), our technologically advanced hospital allows our highly skilled physicians, nursing and caregivers to serve our growing community * Northside Hospital was the first nationally recognized Comprehensive Stroke Center in Pinellas County and nationally recognized for quality and safety by earning an 'A' rating from the Leapfrog Group

    Industry

    Hospitals

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    Atlanta, GA, US

    Year founded

    1970

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