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Patient Support Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Patient Support Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$29.1K

$33.2K

$36.6K

How much do patient support assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for patient support assistant in Iowa is $33,186.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,400.00 and $34,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient support assistant?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a patient support assistant?

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.

How do patient support assistants 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 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 are popular job titles related to Patient Support Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Patient Support Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Patient Support Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Patient Support Assistant job openings:

Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Veterans Health Administration
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

$49K - $64K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Veterans Health Administration rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,008 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description


QualificationsBasic Requirements:
  • a
  • Citizenship
  • Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.)
  • Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens b
  • Experience
  • None
  • c
  • Education
  • High school diploma, General Education Development equivalency certificate, or proficiency certificate from a State or territorial-level Board or Department of Education
  • d
  • Licensure/Certification/Registration
  • None
  • f
  • Foreign Education
  • To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S.program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials
  • g
  • Physical Requirements
  • See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements
  • h
  • English Language Proficiency
  • Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
  • Grade Determinations: Medical Support Assistant (Advanced), GS-6 Experience
  • One year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level Examples of qualifying experience, include but are not limited to, independently performing a full range of duties related to the delivery of healthcare services in an inpatient or outpatient setting
  • Advising clinical staff on current administrative processes
  • Performing administrative support duties including answering phones, greeting patients, relaying messages to appropriate medical staff inside or outside of the unit, scheduling appointments, including interpreting and verifying provider orders in accordance with VHA national scheduling guidelines
  • AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below: i
  • Ability to collaborate and communicate with a wide range of medical clinicians across multiple disciplines (e.g
  • medical doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, clinical pharmacists, and nursing staff) to accomplish team goal setting to ensure medical care to patients is met
  • ii
  • Ability to independently set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines, ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations
  • iii
  • Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, electronically, by phone, in person, and in writing, with internal and external customers
  • This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to various organizational levels, as well as resolving patient concerns
  • iv
  • Advanced knowledge of the technical health care process (including, but not limited to, scheduling across interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery and/or care in the community models and patient health care portals) as it relates to access to care
  • v
  • Advanced knowledge of policies and procedures associated with interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery and/or care in the community operational activities that affect patient flow, and patient support care administrative functions to include, but not limited to appointment cycles, outside patient referrals, follow-up care, overbooking, provider availability, etc
  • vi
  • Advanced knowledge of medical terminology due to the technical nature of language utilized by clinicians
  • Preferred Qualifications: Microsoft Office Suite, customer service, multitasking, experience working with multiple computer applications, problem solving, work independently, critical thinking 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-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6.

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About Veterans Health Administration

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of Veterans each year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, and many other parts of the US, the VHA operates under the Department of Veteran Affairs, as suggested by their official website va.gov. The VHA is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to its veterans. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, including mental health services, research, and pharmacy benefits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US