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Patient Care Assistant

A Patient Care Assistant aids patients in hospitals by assisting with daily tasks, monitoring vital signs, and supporting medical staff.

How do I become a patient care assistant

Get qualified to work as a patient care assistant with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Patient Care Assistant generally earns $1,100 per week ($57,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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This industry has seen an increase in worker numbers in recent years. There are currently 36,200 people working as a Patient Care Assistant in Australia compared to 26,600 five years ago. Patient Care Assistants may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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A Certificate III in Health Services Assistance is an ideal qualification if you’d like to work as a Patient Care Assistant. This course will give you the skills to provide assistance in an acute care environment. You’ll learn to help patients, transport them and provide first aid.

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Further reading

What can you do with a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance?

7th September 2021

How to start a career as a Personal Assistant

2nd December 2021

What can you do with a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance?

8th January 2020

Patient Care Assistant careers

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.