Patient Care Assistant

A Patient Care Assistant provides help to patients during their stay in hospital or other healthcare setting. You might assist with feeding, bathing or dressing or help with other duties such as lifting, moving or transporting patients. Patient Care Assistants may check vital signs like temperature and blood pressure and report any changes to medical staff. You might also attend to general tasks like making beds or tidying rooms.

Patient Care Assistants should have excellent communication skills and be able to liaise with patients, carers and medical staff. Good personal skills are important and you must be able to listen to patient concerns. You’ll need to be flexible and may need to be capable of some physical work.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $57,200
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a patient care assistant?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
HLT47715

Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting

Blended, On Campus
6 months
$7,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
HLT33115

Certificate III in Health Services Assistance

On Campus
4 months
$2,496 - $6,501
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
CHC43015

Certificate IV In Ageing Support

On Campus, Online
12 months
$350 - $0
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
HLT43021

Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance

Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
6 - 18 months
$0 - $20,815
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
HLT33115

Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in Nursing Work in Acute Care)

Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
6 - 12 months
$0 - $10,210
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Common questions

Further reading

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21st December 2022