The patient care assistant position within the healthcare system is an excellent employment opportunity for individuals who want to gain exposure to the medical field without needing to acquire a college degree or extensive training. Entry-level positions like that of the medical assistant, nurse aide, dialysis technician, orderly, home health aide, and others rarely require more than a high school diploma or GED and are generally not licensed by state or federal regulatory agencies. This makes it very easy to find employment in these positions and take advantage of opportunities to explore specialized options that may have more stringent entry requirements, but that pay more and provide greater independence. Once an assistant has mastered the basics of patient care as a generalist, they may improve their standing within the industry by pursuing some additional education, training, and certification that allows them to work in specialized areas of practice such as radiology, cardiology, surgery, and psychiatry. These employment options typically compensate individuals at a higher level and open the door to new and lucrative advancement opportunities. Those who wish to remain in a general area of practice may be able to improve earnings by accepting responsibility for administrative tasks such as training new employees, delivering performance reviews, and participating in business strategy meetings. Regardless of the avenue selected, this profession is a great option for those who aren't quite sure which department they want to work in and who have decided not to become a licensed provider.

1. Career Advancement
For Patient Care Assistants

2. What is an Assistant?
 An unlicensed member of the medical team
 Responsible for routine activities associated with care
 May have several responsibilities based on
department
 Could be subject to licensing laws in some specialties
 Several options for career advancement in both
general and specialty branches of practice

3. Educational
Requirements
 High school diploma or GED for entry-level positions
such as medical assistant, nurse aide, dialysis
technician, home health aide, and others.
 Some college in high risk specialties such as surgery,
anesthesiology, and critical care.
 In-house or independent training through a local
college or vocational school is usually expected of all
assistants regardless of the department.

4. National Certification
 Has become more common in all branches of
medicine as competency standards have improved
and insurance agencies have shifted towards
reimbursement for services performed by credentialed
providers.
 Both generalist and specialty opportunities available.
 May be mandated by state or federal laws.
 Check with employers to find out which exams are
accepted within the profession.

5. Generalist to Specialist
 Most assistants begin their career as a generalist and
transition to a specialized area of practice once they
have mastered the basics of patient care and have
acquired formal education or certification.
 Specialty branches tend to pay more and provide
diverse options for focusing on a smaller set of
activities.
 Entry requirements vary significantly between different
departments and it is very important to check with
employers to learn about their expectations.

6. Administrative Options
 Some assistants and technicians discover that they
have an affinity for performing managerial activities
and are able to advance their career and earn more
by accepting administrative promotions.
 Not for everyone, but can be a good fit for those who
have an interest in the operational aspects of
providing care to the public.
 Comes with additional stress and responsibility that is
associated with managing employees and patients.

7. Logical Progression
 Begin one’s career as an entry-level generalist
 Gain exposure to different departments
 Master the basics of providing care
 Pursue formal education and certification
 Network with influential individuals in specialties
 Get involved in local and state organizations
 Transition to a specialized department

8. Resources
 Patient Care Assistant Training
 PatientCareTechnicianSalary.net