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Patient Support Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Patient Support Aide

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$25 - $29.46/hr

Every day you will assist patients with non-clinical needs such as feeding, ambulation, personal ... for this patient population. , upon hire and * Basic Life Support - CPR, within 30 Days and ...

Patient Support Aide

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.50/hr

Every day you will assist patients with non-clinical needs such as feeding, ambulation, personal ... for this patient population. , upon hire and * Basic Life Support - CPR, within 30 Days and ...

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They will assist with patient check-in, intake, consultation, and follow-up, and will support physicians and medical staff in various administrative and operations duties in the clinic. This person ...

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Patient Support Assistant information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$34.9K

$38.5K

How much do patient support assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for patient support assistant in California is $34,870.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $36,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Patient Support Assistants typically collaborate with medical and nursing staff during a shift?

Patient Support Assistants work closely with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive timely and effective care. Their collaboration often involves communicating patient needs, assisting with mobility or hygiene, and relaying updates on patient conditions. They frequently participate in team briefings and are expected to promptly report any changes or concerns to the appropriate clinical staff. This teamwork is essential for maintaining a safe and supportive environment for patients.

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

To thrive as a Patient Support Assistant, you need basic healthcare knowledge, strong organizational skills, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hospital information systems, electronic health records, and patient transport equipment is often required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, empathy, and teamwork help ensure positive patient experiences and effective collaboration with medical staff. These competencies are crucial for maintaining patient comfort, safety, and efficient healthcare operations.

What is the work of a patient care assistant?

A patient support assistant, also known as a patient care assistant, provides basic patient care under the supervision of medical staff. Their duties include assisting with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring patient comfort in healthcare settings. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities and may need certification or training depending on the region.

What's the difference between a CNA and a patient care assistant?

A Patient Support Assistant typically provides basic patient care and support under supervision, often in hospital or clinic settings. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a trained healthcare worker who has completed certification requirements and performs more direct patient care tasks such as bathing, feeding, and mobility assistance. While both roles involve patient support, CNAs usually have formal certification and a broader scope of clinical responsibilities.

What are Patient Support Assistants?

Patient Support Assistants are healthcare workers who provide non-clinical support to patients and nursing staff in hospitals, clinics, or care facilities. Their duties often include helping patients with daily tasks, assisting with mobility, delivering meals, maintaining a clean environment, and providing comfort and companionship. They play a crucial role in ensuring patients' well-being and supporting the smooth operation of healthcare settings. Patient Support Assistants work as part of a team under the supervision of nurses or other medical professionals.

What is the difference between Patient Support Assistant vs Medical Assistant?

AspectPatient Support AssistantMedical Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; optional certificationHigh school diploma; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilitiesClinics, doctor's offices, hospitals
Job DutiesPatient greeting, scheduling, basic patient supportClinical tasks, patient prep, administrative duties
Industry UsageHealthcare, patient care supportMedical practice, clinical support

While both roles support patient care, Patient Support Assistants primarily handle patient interaction and administrative tasks, whereas Medical Assistants perform clinical procedures and assist healthcare providers directly. The roles often overlap in healthcare settings, but Medical Assistants typically require more clinical training and certifications.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Patient Support Assistants typically do not earn $4,000 per week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree often include sales, real estate, or skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work, which rely on experience, licensing, or certifications rather than formal education. These jobs may require specific skills, training, or licensing but do not necessarily need a college degree.

Is PCA a stressful job?

A Patient Support Assistant (PCA) role can be physically and emotionally demanding due to patient interactions and the need for attention to detail. The job often involves managing multiple tasks, working in fast-paced healthcare environments, and adhering to safety protocols, which can contribute to stress levels.
What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Support jobs in California? The most popular types of Patient Support jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Patient Support Assistant jobs in California? For Patient Support Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Patient Support Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Support Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Patient Support Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Patient Support Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Patient Support Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,870 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Supervisory Medical Support Assistant

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

San Diego, CA

$69K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Supervisory Medical Support Assistant (MSA) serves as the direct supervisor for Lead MSAs, Advanced MSAs, and MSAs within Mental Health. The Supervisory MSAs perform support duties that facilitate the work of physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nursing assistants, and other members of the medical facility who provide patient care as well as provides support work in connection with the care and treatment given to patients.
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency: MSAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Experience : Six months experience of clerical, office, customer service, or other administrative work that indicates the ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position; OR,
  • Education: High School Diploma with desire for some post high school education or equivalent experience; OR,
  • Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet the following grade requirement for a Supervisory Medical Support Assistant, GS-0679-8.
Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level leading or supervising MSAs or equivalent administrative patient support staff in a non-VA medical inpatient, outpatient, or interdisciplinary setting.
Candidates must demonstrate "ALL" the KSAs below:
i. Ability to provide the full range of administrative and supervisory duties to at least one subordinate MSA supervisor or team leader in a patient support setting which includes assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff, and recommendation of awards and/or advancements.
ii. Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service and interpersonal skills with internal and external customers to ensure quality/continuity of care and ensure compliance with established policies and regulations.
iii. Ability to provide briefings, orientations, staff development, and training in a patient support setting.
iv. Ability to manage fiscal matters, forecast resource and equipment needs, and identify budget needs.
v. Advanced knowledge of managing or leading patient support staff in a clinic. This includes independently utilizing reference sources, decision making, and empowering the team to collaborate and resolve problems within a complex systems environment.
Assignment: Supervisory MSAs at this level plan and direct programs at medical centers and/or satellite outpatient clinics. They have full responsibility for supervising at least one subordinate MSA team leader, supervisor, or equivalent administrative patient support staff in a non-VA medical inpatient, outpatient, or interdisciplinary setting. Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: evaluating the work of subordinate staff; resolving complex problems to ensure patient services are met; evaluating new products, equipment, and systems to make recommendations for improved operations; identifying educational or training needs; making final decisions on hiring selections; evaluating performance, and taking disciplinary action when necessary. The employee has administrative and professional responsibility for planning and directing the subordinate lead, supervisor, and MSA's activities. Responsible for extracting and analyzing data to provide reports to senior management in support of tracking measures. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-08.
Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary with prolonged periods of sitting. The work requires moderate lifting, carrying, pushing, standing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; ability to read without strain; ability to hear the whispered voice with or without hearing aid; emotional & mental stability.Education:There is no educational substitution.Employment Type: OTHER