Learn about the essential requirements, obligations, responsibilities, and skills that are helpful in a healthcare assistant job description.
A healthcare assistant, or nursing assistant, is a part of the medical team in a clinical environment. They work with patients in any type of healthcare setting, like a physician’s private practice, prisons, community health clinics, hospitals, assisted living or nursing homes, or even in the patient’s home. Healthcare assistants provide care to patients under supervision, have an excellent bedside manner, and help to ensure patients are comfortable.
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Healthcare Assistant Job Description Template
We’re looking to add a healthcare assistant to our team. Under the supervision of other licensed medical professionals, a healthcare assistant will work alongside other medical team members to provide high-quality patient care. This could include maintaining patient records and test results, assisting patients with their basic care, and collecting vital signs or other necessary information. Successful candidates will be comfortable completing tasks that involve lifting over 50+ pounds, including medical equipment and helping patients with their ambulatory needs. They should also have a good bedside manner, be able to work on a team, and be a self-starter.
Healthcare Assistant Responsibilities
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Collect vitals from patients like height, weight, blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and oxygen level.
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Assisting patients with mobility, including turning them over in bed, helping to the bathroom, etc.
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Inventorying medical supplies to ensure patient rooms and nursing stations are properly stocked.
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Maintain patient confidentiality.
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Documenting patient information in an electronic health record system.
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Ensure patient spaces are clean and sanitary.
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Collaborate with licensed medical professionals.
Healthcare Assistant Requirements
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High school diploma plus completion of a certificate program (1-year) or an associate’s degree in medical assistance
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Certified Medical Assistant (CMS), Certified Nursing Aide (CNA), or equivalent license
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Experience working in the medical field, preferably a patient-facing role
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CPR certification
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Strong organization, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills
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Able to think quickly and work well in a high-stress, fast-paced environment
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Experience with computer programs and electronic health records systems
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Competent in medical technology, safety practices, and bedside manner
Healthcare Assistant Duties And Responsibilities
Being a healthcare assistant involves handling multiple responsibilities. Here are some of the tasks they complete on the job.
Collect vitals from patientS like height, weight, blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and oxygen level
A healthcare assistant is often the first person a patient interacts with after the receptionist or clinic manager. Collecting vitals is integral to care because it helps the entire clinical team monitor a patient’s progress. Being competent in how to take a patient’s temperature, oxygen level, blood pressure, temperature, and more is important for this responsibility.
Maintain patient CONFIDENTIALITY
Patient confidentiality is a huge part of a healthcare assistant’s role. Because people with this job must comply with patient privacy laws like HIPAA, they are responsible for maintaining a safe, secure database. Things like setting up two-factor authentication, locking file cabinets with paper records, and not taking patient charts out of their primary location are all ways healthcare assistants maintain patient confidentiality.
Related: Best Healthcare Jobs
Documenting patient information in an electronic health record system
Documentation helps to keep a patient’s record updated with the latest information about their health, diagnosis, and treatment. Healthcare assistants are responsible for maintaining documentation, like any updates to a patient’s medical history and vital signs. Strong data entry skills and familiarity with EHR systems are helpful for this duty.
Assisting patients with mobility, including turning them over in bed, helping to the bathroom, etc.
Healthcare assistants are also responsible for helping patients with their mobility. Whether you’re turning them over in bed, helping them to the bathroom, or walking with them post-op, these simple actions help prevent further injury or health complications like bedsores. Healthcare assistants should be able to lift heavy objects and feel comfortable assisting patients with personal care tasks.
Collaborate with licensed medical professionals
Part of a healthcare assistant’s job is to collaborate with other licensed medical professionals to ensure the well-being of the patient and that they are receiving the best care possible. A typical team in a hospital consists of doctors, nurses, administrative positions, and other specialists like a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or mental health clinician. Working well with others and being collaborative are two skills necessary for a healthcare assistant position.
If you’re looking to become a healthcare assistant, you may need to update your resume. Check out our guide to creating a healthcare resume.
Healthcare Assistant Salary And Job Outlook
Median National Salary: $35,206 per year
Education Required: High school diploma and medical assistant certification
Number of Jobs: 743,500
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 16%
The Bottom Line
A healthcare assistant is a patient-facing role that involves doing basic clinical and clerical duties such as collecting vital signs, documenting patient health records, and maintaining confidentiality. They work with doctors, nurses, and other licensed healthcare professionals. If you’re interested in a healthcare assistant position, you should understand medical terminology and concepts.
To see where employers are searching for candidates, check our list of the best free job posting sites. If you want to add a healthcare assistant to your team, post your healthcare assistant job description on ZipRecruiter today!
