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What does a Patient Care Specialist do?

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

Published 3 min read

A Patient Care Specialist provides support to patients and families by performing a variety of tasks. These tasks may include providing transportation, assisting with meals, bathing, and dressing, and providing emotional support.

Patient Care Specialist job duties include:

  • Providing direct patient care
  • Monitoring patients' vital signs
  • Administering medications and treatments
  • Collecting samples for lab testing
  • Assisting with diagnostic procedures
  • Documenting patient care services
  • Educating patients and families about health conditions and treatment options
  • Coordinating care with other members of the healthcare team
  • Providing emotional support to patients and families
  • Advocating for patients' rights and needs

Patient Care Specialist Job Requirements

A Patient Care Specialist typically needs at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and must complete a brief period of on-the-job training. Some states have certification programs for Patient Care Specialists. Employers usually prefer to hire candidates with previous experience in a healthcare setting.

Patient Care Specialist Skills

  • Patient care
  • Observation
  • Vital signs
  • Charting
  • Medication administration
  • Injections
  • Phlebotomy
  • EKG
  • Patient education
  • Assisting with procedures
  • Emotional support

Related: Top Patient Care Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Patient Care Specialist

A Patient Care Specialist is a medical professional who provides care for patients in a hospital or other healthcare setting. They are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the necessary treatments and medications, and that they are comfortable and safe.

Becoming a Patient Care Specialist requires completing an accredited medical program. After completing medical school, you will need to complete a residency in order to gain experience in the field. Once you have completed your training, you will be able to take the certification exam to become a Board Certified Patient Care Specialist.

Related: Patient Care Specialist Resume Example

Related: Patient Care Specialist 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.

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