Log InSign Up
Article

What does a Health Care Assistant do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A health care assistant provides basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. Duties may include taking vital signs, assisting with patient meals, and providing for personal hygiene. Health care assistants also transport patients and maintain equipment and supplies.

Health Care Assistant job duties include:

  • Providing personal care to patients
  • Assisting with activities of daily living
  • Transferring patients to and from beds, chairs, wheelchairs, etc.
  • Providing for the comfort of patients
  • Taking and recording vital signs
  • Serving meals and assisting with feeding, as needed
  • Helping with elimination needs
  • Performing light housekeeping duties
  • Providing emotional support to patients and families

Health Care Assistant Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for health care assistants, although most have at least a high school diploma. Many health care assistants have completed a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program. Some states require CNAs to be licensed. Health care assistants typically have several months of on-the-job training. Some employers may prefer candidates with previous experience in a health care setting.

Health Care Assistant Skills

  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Flexibility
  • Adaptability
  • Physical fitness
  • Strength
  • Endurance
  • Stamina
  • Agility

Related: Top Health Care Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Health Care Assistant

A Health Care Assistant (HCA) is a person who provides basic care and support to patients in a health care setting. HCAs typically work under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. They may also be known as patient care assistants, certified nursing assistants, or medical assistants.

The duties of an HCA can vary depending on the specific health care setting in which they work. In general, however, HCAs are responsible for providing basic patient care, such as bathing, dressing, and eating; taking vital signs; and assisting with medical procedures. HCAs may also provide administrative support to health care providers, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records.

To become an HCA, you will need to complete a training program that is approved by your state’s Board of Nursing. Training programs typically last between six and twelve weeks, and they include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. After completing a training program, you will need to pass a competency exam before you can be certified to work as an HCA.

Related: Health Care Assistant Resume Example

Related: Health Care Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

Similar articles