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Patient Care Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excelgens

Patient Care Associate

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Patient Care Associate The Patient Care Associate supports the registered nurse in patient care activities, such as: assisting patient with activities of daily living, collecting specimens and ...

Select Eyecare

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 ...

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How much do patient care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 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.

More about Patient Care Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Patient Care Associate jobs? Cities with the most Patient Care Associate job openings:
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Patient Care Associate jobs near you
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

Glass Family of Companies

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Opportunity Details
Full Time Patient Care Associate
Patient Care Associate
JOB-10040540
Anticipated Start Date
Location
NY
Type of Employment
Contract Hire
Employer Info
Our client provides top-ranked care, dozens of inpatient and outpatient specialties, and mental health services with a team of highly trained and caring medical professionals who are compassionate, culturally competent and patient centered. Their vision is to be a fully integrated health system that enables New Yorkers to live their healthiest lives. Many of their roles are temp-to-hire, giving our client and our candidates the opportunity to ensure they are the right fit for a full-time position, as this comes with career advancement opportunities and excellent benefits. In fact, over 30% of our candidates have converted to full time positions at our client.
Job Summary
We are looking for individuals to join our client's team as Patient Care Associate. Under direct supervision of a licensed Nurse or other professional medical staff in a health care setting, performs a variety of clerical and health-related duties associated with patient care; performs related work.
Job Description
  • Checks vital signs, weights, and measures patients, obtains specimens and records findings on patient's chart.
  • Instructs patients on how to obtain specimens for laboratory testing and performs basic specimen screening testing through dipstick and hemoccult.
  • Prepares collected specimens for pick-up by labeling and preparing required form(s). Picks-up lab results.
  • Performs vision and hearing testing and simple urinalysis.
  • Administers emergency first aid, including basic life support procedures.
  • Performs simple first aid such as dressing changes, bandaging, and cleansing of wounds, irrigation and cleansing of ears.
  • Prepares patient for examination and assists medical provider during examination by providing necessary supplies/equipment.
  • Prepares examining room for examination including cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment.
  • Informs patients on proper preparation for various medical testing.
  • Conducts interview of client to obtain routine personal and medical information and appropriate health history.
  • Maintains, completes, processes and files patients' charts, appropriate forms and documents.
  • Reports observations of patient to medical staff caring for patient to ensure professional assessment.
  • Answers routine inquiries of patients in person or via telephone and makes appropriate referrals.
  • Participates in informing patients and their families of health care services and achieving healthful, safe living.
  • Maintains inventory of the unit's equipment stock and supplies.
  • Works effectively as a team member in the delivery of care and assists in the orientation of new employees.
  • Directs and escorts patients to other hospital departments and/or facilities, as needed.
  • Coordinates efforts of various clinic and facility departments in scheduling and rebooking appointments through manual and/or automated systems and enters pertinent patient information into hospital data systems.
  • Obtains blood specimens for laboratory testing by performing venipuncture and/or fingerstick testing.
  • Operates electrocardiograph equipment to record electrical wave tracing of the electrical currents of the heart muscle.
Skills Required
  • 2 years experience required.
Education/Training/Certifications
  • AHA BLS
  • High school diploma or its educational equivalent; Completion of a NYS Department of Health prescribed training program for Phlebotomy, satisfactory to the Laboratory Director; Completion of a health care setting-based training program in the performance of electrocardiographs
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Phlebotomist Certificate
Additional Requirements
  • Malpractice Insurance - All clinical workers are required to have active individual Medical Malpractice. A copy must be provided prior to start of assignment. All clinical workers licensed by the state of NY are required to provide.

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