Entry Level Patient Care Associate Jobs
New grad patient care associate jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong clinical internship or hands-on training can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, Insurance, and Education, with employers like UPMC, Sonrava Health, and Optum hiring at this level now.
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Join our dedicated team! The Resource Pool at UPMC Cole is hiring a Patient Care Technician, CNA!
Department: Resource Pool
Status: Full-Time
Schedule: Day Shift
Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Includes: CNA Required.
Final candidates will be selected for a job title within the career ladder that reflects level of education, experience and manager discretion at time of offer.
Purpose:
The Patient Care Technician, CNA provides routine patient care and supports the department services in accordance with established policies and procedures and may be directed by the nurse or physician to assure that the highest degree of quality patient care can be maintained at all times. Must routinely perform the UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities including ADLs (bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning patients), point of care testing (including blood glucose), weights, vital signs, I&O, telemetry monitor application/reapplication, HAC & PSI prevention (TEDs/SCDs). In addition, simple dressings, placement and removal of restraints, bladder scan, all specimen collections, 12-lead EKGs and ticket to ride. All competencies must be achieved. In addition to the standard required competencies, the Patient Care Technician, CNA will achieve and maintain competency and/or perform at least 1 or more of the following advanced skills based on department operational need: phlebotomy/venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley catheter removal, basic arrhythmia, 12-lead EKGs, and NG tubes clamping and removal.
Responsibilities:
-
Suggests and supports changes within the department. Assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges. Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department. Supports department-based projects and quality initiatives. Must routinely perform the UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities including ADLs (bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning patients), point of care testing (including blood glucose), weights, vital signs, I&O, telemetry monitor application/reapplication, HAC & PSI prevention (TEDs/SCDs). In addition, simple dressings, placement and removal of restraints, bladder scan, all specimen collections, 12-lead EKGs and ticket to ride. All competencies must be achieved. In addition to the standard required competencies, the Patient Care Technician will achieve and maintain competency and/or perform at least 1 or more of the following advanced skills based on department operational need: 12-lead EKGs, phlebotomy/venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley catheter removal, basic arrhythmia, 12-lead EKGs, and NG tubes clamping and removal. Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department. Establishes appropriate and effective communication with other departments. Establishes professional and respectful interpersonal relationships. Contributes to the universal unit activities including, but not limited to, responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients. Constructively receives feedback and direction. Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director. Takes action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance. Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed. Participates in self-review as requested by the unit director.
-
Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team. Demonstrates understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the health professions. Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace. Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues. Provides patient care including assisting with patient procedures and activities of daily living. Assists with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies. Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status. Provides instruction to patients and their families under the direction of the RN. May apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol. Strictly adheres to all policies and procedures relative to patient care and hospital related information. Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions. Documents in the medical record according to established procedures. Performs assigned work in a timely and productive manner. Completes department clerical functions as needed.
-
Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors. Performs other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must also have either:
a) 1 Year of general healthcare experience, OR
b) 6 months of UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire/transfer/promotion, OR
c) enrollment in PT/OT/PA program or related healthcare training program with completion of at least one clinical rotation, OR
d) completion of a bachelor's degree in a health sciences field. - Successful completion of UPMC patient care technician class.
- Successful completion of basic information system training.
- Microcomputer experience preferred.
- Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic or currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program preferred.
- Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.
- Certified Nursing Assistant.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire.
- Certified Nursing Assistant.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
- Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal.
- Act 33 with renewal.
- Act 34 with renewal.
- Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal.
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
Join our dedicated team! The Resource Pool at UPMC Cole is hiring a Patient Care Technician, CNA!
Department: Resource Pool
Status: Full-Time
Schedule: Day Shift
Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Includes: CNA Required.
Final candidates will be selected for a job title within the career ladder that reflects level of education, experience and manager discretion at time of offer.
Purpose:
The Patient Care Technician, CNA provides routine patient care and supports the department services in accordance with established policies and procedures and may be directed by the nurse or physician to assure that the highest degree of quality patient care can be maintained at all times. Must routinely perform the UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities including ADLs (bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning patients), point of care testing (including blood glucose), weights, vital signs, I&O, telemetry monitor application/reapplication, HAC & PSI prevention (TEDs/SCDs). In addition, simple dressings, placement and removal of restraints, bladder scan, all specimen collections, 12-lead EKGs and ticket to ride. All competencies must be achieved. In addition to the standard required competencies, the Patient Care Technician, CNA will achieve and maintain competency and/or perform at least 1 or more of the following advanced skills based on department operational need: phlebotomy/venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley catheter removal, basic arrhythmia, 12-lead EKGs, and NG tubes clamping and removal.
Responsibilities:
-
Suggests and supports changes within the department. Assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges. Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department. Supports department-based projects and quality initiatives. Must routinely perform the UPMC nursing core nursing assistant responsibilities including ADLs (bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning and repositioning patients), point of care testing (including blood glucose), weights, vital signs, I&O, telemetry monitor application/reapplication, HAC & PSI prevention (TEDs/SCDs). In addition, simple dressings, placement and removal of restraints, bladder scan, all specimen collections, 12-lead EKGs and ticket to ride. All competencies must be achieved. In addition to the standard required competencies, the Patient Care Technician will achieve and maintain competency and/or perform at least 1 or more of the following advanced skills based on department operational need: 12-lead EKGs, phlebotomy/venipuncture, peripheral IV removal, indwelling Foley catheter removal, basic arrhythmia, 12-lead EKGs, and NG tubes clamping and removal. Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department. Establishes appropriate and effective communication with other departments. Establishes professional and respectful interpersonal relationships. Contributes to the universal unit activities including, but not limited to, responding to call lights and telephones, passing meal trays, and transporting patients. Constructively receives feedback and direction. Identifies and communicates learning needs to the unit director. Takes action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance. Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed. Participates in self-review as requested by the unit director.
-
Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team. Demonstrates understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the health professions. Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace. Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues. Provides patient care including assisting with patient procedures and activities of daily living. Assists with physical, respiratory, and cardiopulmonary therapies. Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status. Provides instruction to patients and their families under the direction of the RN. May apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol. Strictly adheres to all policies and procedures relative to patient care and hospital related information. Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions. Documents in the medical record according to established procedures. Performs assigned work in a timely and productive manner. Completes department clerical functions as needed.
-
Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors. Performs other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must also have either:
a) 1 Year of general healthcare experience, OR
b) 6 months of UPMC Nursing Assistant/CNA with PCT competency achieved within 120 days of hire/transfer/promotion, OR
c) enrollment in PT/OT/PA program or related healthcare training program with completion of at least one clinical rotation, OR
d) completion of a bachelor's degree in a health sciences field. - Successful completion of UPMC patient care technician class.
- Successful completion of basic information system training.
- Microcomputer experience preferred.
- Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic or currently enrolled in an EMT or Paramedic program preferred.
- Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.
- Certified Nursing Assistant.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire.
- Certified Nursing Assistant.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
- Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal.
- Act 33 with renewal.
- Act 34 with renewal.
- Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal.
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
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Find JobsEntry Level Patient Care Associate Job Market
Who's Hiring
- UPMC18
- Sonrava Health14
- Optum12
- DaVita12
- Fresenius Medical Care12
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services154
- Insurance12
- Education10
- Science & Research1
Entry Level Patient Care Associate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level patient care associate job?
Start by completing a CNA certification, CPR training, or a clinical internship, since most entry level patient care associate roles require at least one of these. Highlighting hands-on experience from school rotations, volunteer work at hospitals or clinics, or a nursing assistant program gives you a real edge. Tailor your resume to show patient interaction, vital signs monitoring, and any direct care duties you have performed.
Which companies hire entry level patient care associates?
Companies hiring entry level patient care associates right now include UPMC, Sonrava Health, and Optum, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, the most active employers tend to be large hospital systems, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies that have structured onboarding programs designed for new and recent graduates.
Are there remote entry level patient care associate jobs?
Yes, though the majority of these roles are on-site because direct patient care requires a physical presence. About 1% of entry level patient care associate openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically involve care coordination, telehealth support, or patient intake rather than bedside duties.
Are these new grad patient care associate jobs?
Yes, the openings on this page include new grad, recent graduate, and junior patient care associate roles. A posting is generally new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts clinical internships or school rotations in place of paid work history, or specifically mentions training new employees. Look for language like "will train" or "entry level candidates encouraged to apply" as a reliable signal.
Which industries hire the most entry level patient care associates?
Entry Level patient care associate roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Insurance, and Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive the most hiring at this level because they operate at high patient volume and rely on a steady pipeline of new graduates to fill bedside and support roles as the workforce expands.