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Patient Care Associate Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

UNMHSCHS

PATIENT CARE TECH

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Provide direct, non-invasive, and routine patient care and related support services within an in-patient or out-patient environment. Interview patients and take vital signs. Perform activities of ...

UNMHSCHS

PATIENT CARE TECH

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Provide basic patient care to include tube insertion, wound care and phlebotomy. Assist in planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating the activities occurring in the nursing station by ...

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All JobsPatient Care Associate JobsPatient Care Associate Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Patient Care Associate information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$11

$22

$28

How much do patient care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient care associate in Rio Rancho, NM is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $26.68 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 Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Patient Care jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Patient Care Associate jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Patient Care Associate job openings:
Patient Care Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Care Associate job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,809 per year, or $22 per hour.
PATIENT CARE TECH

PATIENT CARE TECH

University of New Mexico - Hospitals

Corrales, NM • On-site

$15.97 - $23.32/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 4 days ago

UNM Health System rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 885 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Receive 17% Weekday Nights, 26% Weekend Nights and 15% Weekend Day shift differentials

Compensation Disclaimer

Compensation for this role is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, and other business and organizational considerations.

Department: Neuroscience ICU

FTE: 0.05
PRN
Shift: Rotating

Position Summary:
Provide basic patient care to include tube insertion, wound care and phlebotomy. Assist in planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating the activities occurring in the nursing station by performing clerical and receptionist duties and maintaining the physical environment of the area. Ensure adherence to Hospitals and departmental policies and procedures. Patient care assignment may include Neonate, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric age groups.

Detailed responsibilities:
* PATIENT OBSERVATION - Observe patient to ensure their safety and well being; report observations to Charge Nurse or appropriate designee
* PATIENT CARE - Provide basic patient care; take and record vital signs to include temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, height, blood pressure and intake-output measurements
* PATIENT CARE - Assist with activities of daily living (ADL): meals, ambulation, hygiene, linen change and toileting as instructed
* PATIENT CARE - Maintain therapeutic plan of care and minute to minute care of patient who is at extreme risk to self or others
* PATIENT CARE - Complete documentation as required on the Electronic Medical Record
* PATIENT CARE - Complete specific skills listed in the "University of New Mexico, Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Specific Functions" Matrix
* DEVELOPMENT - Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reading current literature, attending in-services, meetings and workshops
* PATIENT SAFETY 1 - Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures and protocols
* PATIENT SAFETY 2 - Demonstrate proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve patient safety through questioning of current policies and processes
* PATIENT SAFETY 3 - Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk
* PATIENT SAFETY 4 - Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors and/or near misses in a timely manner
* PATIENT SAFETY 5 - Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatment or situations that they don't understand or may "not seem right"
* PATIENT CENTERED MED - Adhere to and promote the core expectations of the Patient Centered Medical Home or Patient Centered Specialty Practice as applicable

Qualifications

Education:
Essential:
* High School or GED Equivalent
* Training
Education specialization:
Essential:
* MA or PCT or CNA or DD214 or 2 sem nurs schl or UNMH Tech

Experience:
Essential:
1 year directly related experience
Nonessential:
Bilingual English/Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo

Credentials:
Essential:
* CPR for Healthcare/BLS Prov or Prof Rescuers w/in 30 days
Nonessential:
* Medical Terminology course w/in six months of position

Physical Conditions:
Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects or people. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.

Working conditions:
Essential:
* Sig Hazard: Chemicals, Bio Hazardous Materials req PPE
* Limited access to med room. Med Admin Policy, Att A
* Tuberculosis testing is completed upon hire and additionally as required


Department: Clinical Nursing Support

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