How to become a PCA?

The primary qualifications for a Personal Care Attendant (PCA), also referred to as a Personal Care Aide, are a high school diploma or equivalent and PCA training and certifications. Required certifications will vary depending on the state in which you work and generally include CPR and phlebotomy skills certifications. Many states and employers also require a PCA to have Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training or certification. You can find PCA job openings in various settings, including medical care facilities, hospitals, assisted living homes, and an individual’s personal home. Duties and responsibilities for a career as a PCA include caring for patients, helping nurses take vital signs and conduct other tasks, collecting lab samples, and communicating care needs with a patient’s medical team and family members.