Patient care assistants (otherwise known as PCAs or patient care associates) play a critical role in patient care. Primarily acting as a support to nurses and providing hands-on care, PCAs are skilled, compassionate, and strong communicators, as they assist people with medical and daily living needs. Patient care assistant requirements include both technical training and interpersonal skills.

As we’ll unpack below, a key part of patient care assistant education requirements is learning how to care for individuals recovering from sickness, surgery, or injury. Because patients may be in pain, uncooperative, or even upset, PCAs must balance their medical skills with patience, empathy, and strong communication.

Let’s review the patient care assistant requirements and what it takes to become a PCA or PCT in modern healthcare.

What are the patient care assistant education requirements?

First up, let’s see what classrooms you’ll have to sit in before you get hands-on or in-hospital training. The education requirements to become a patient care assistant include a high school diploma, so you’ll need that or your GED to get started.

While this is the bare minimum, most PCA candidates seek further training before diving into the workforce, as a lot of employers prefer to hire those who have completed a postsecondary certificate or associate degree. Without a college-level education, you’ll hit an earning ceiling pretty quickly. The best part is, these programs (such as a Patient Care Associate certificate program) can be completed in just one to two years. At Goodwin, PCA students take courses over the course of three semesters.

Patient care assistant courses may involve:

• Nursing assistant training
• EKG technician training
• Phlebotomy training

On top of the patient care assistant education requirements, most employers also seek candidates with hands-on experience. Fortunately, the right PCA training program will give you that prior to graduation day. Patient care assistants work closely with patients every day, so practical experience with patient interactions is a must. As such, PCA programs tend to include multiple internships over the course of study. Goodwin students, for example, complete three internships in real healthcare settings, working under the guidance of trained professionals.

PCA and CNA cross-training

Often, aspiring patient care assistants opt to complete a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program as part of their PCA training, where they learn foundational nursing skills such as patient safety, vital signs, and basic care.

Nowadays, these types of programs typically combine classroom instruction (either online or in-person) with supervised clinical hours (always in-person), allowing students to practice skills in real healthcare settings with guidance from experienced instructors.

CNA programs usually take between 4 and 12 weeks to complete, depending on whether students attend full-time or part-time, while a full PCA and CNA program can be completed in as few as three semesters. The combined curriculum covers infection control, patient rights, communication techniques, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of healthcare workers. Some programs, such as the PCA program at Goodwin, also include valuable training in EKGs and phlebotomy to further students’ skillsets.

PCA as a pathway to an RN role

Many people view the patient care assistant role as a stepping stone to a nursing program later on. For those who wish to take on more leadership or continue learning new skills, pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in Nursing can open the door to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) or taking on more specialized and autonomous roles in healthcare.

Many PCAs enjoy working while completing their nursing education, gaining valuable experience and income simultaneously. Some healthcare facilities offer tuition assistance or scholarship programs for PCAs who wish to continue their education.

What are the skill requirements for patient care assistants?

Patient care assistant programs prepare you by teaching a wide range of skills in the classroom and in clinicals while you’ll learn more specific skills on the worksite (or in your internship).

For example, in a dialysis center, PCA interns may be trained to prepare and prime dialysis machines, monitor a patient’s blood pressure before and after treatment, and observe for signs of complications during the procedure.

Let’s explore the different skills needed to become a patient care assistant today.

Technical skills

Core clinical skills are essential for patient care assistants, including CPR certification, administering medications under the direction of doctors and nurses, and assisting patients with functional activities such as eating and getting dressed.

PCAs collect blood and other lab specimens, conduct and analyze EKGs, dress and clean wounds, too. As a PCA, you may also be responsible for monitoring and recording patients’ vital signs throughout your shift. As such, technical training and know-how within areas like phlebotomy, electrocardiograms, and wound care will be important in your early career trajectory.

Personal care skills

Beyond medical responsibilities, PCAs often help by transporting patients within the medical facility or assist with daily living needs like bathing, feeding, and mobility. Equally important are soft skills needed to carry out these duties for a diversity of patients. PCAs must possess the skills to offer emotional support, show compassion, and communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Train to become a patient care assistant through Goodwin University

What are the licensing and certification requirements for patient care assistants?

To begin working as a patient care assistant, licensing and certification are highly recommended. According to the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), 96 percent of employers “require or encourage” certification for patient care technicians and assistants.

Most candidates must pass the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT/A) exam, along with meeting any state-specific certification requirements in the location where they plan to work.

On a federal level, individuals may be required to complete at least 75 hours of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, followed by a competency exam, before entering the field. These certifications ensure that PCAs are properly trained to deliver safe, effective care and meet the professional standards expected in healthcare settings.

What work requires patient care assistants?

Patient care assistants work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and dialysis centers, for the most part. PCAs can expect a starting salary of about $34,900 annually, increasing to around $44,190 with experience, both dependent on location. This gives a lot of people the runway to decide if this type of work is for them before pursuing more schooling to gain further skills and qualifications down the road, where earning potential increases.

Hospitals and rehabilitation centers

In the hospital, PCAs may work in fast-paced emergency rooms, intensive care units, or surgical recovery rooms, where quick decision-making and adaptability are required to help nurses and doctors make critical care decisions.

In nursing homes or long-term residential facilities, PCAs often provide ongoing daily support, forming meaningful relationships with residents and playing a significant role in daily quality of life.

Outpatient clinics

Clinic-based PCAs typically support outpatient services, helping with routine check-ups, lab tests, and patient education.

In dialysis centers, assistants develop highly specialized technical skills by monitoring treatments, preparing equipment, and supporting patients through recurring procedures.

At-home care

Many patient care assistant requirements involve non-medical assisted living skills, too, to help ensure patients are comfortable no matter where they are receiving care.

The skillset usually refers to non-medical support services provided to individuals and families in community settings. It may include helping with transportation, meal programs, counseling services, social service agencies, and personal assistance for daily living needs.

Become a PCA at Goodwin University

Choosing the patient care assistant path is a meaningful way to start a career in healthcare while making a direct difference in patients’ lives. With an aging population, due to medical advancements and better healthcare options, patient care associates and technicians are needed more than ever.

With the right skills, education, and licensing, PCAs can provide essential care in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other medical settings. For many, this position also serves as an important stepping stone toward advanced roles such as Registered Nurse.

If you are ready to begin your journey in healthcare, explore the Patient Care Assistant programs at Goodwin University to see if this rewarding career path is right for you.

Learn more about the Patient Care Assistant path at Goodwin University to see if becoming a Patient Care Assistant is a good career choice for you.