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Healthcare Assistant Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A Healthcare Assistant, or HCA, plays a supportive role to other healthcare professionals in clinics, hospitals and other medical settings. Their duties include washing and dressing patients, serving meals and monitoring vital signs.

Healthcare Assistant duties and responsibilities

Healthcare Assistants typically perform tasks such as:

  • Sterilising healthcare equipment
  • Monitoring a patient’s temperature, pulse, weight and breathing
  • Collecting and processing lab samples
  • Educating patients in mental, physical and nutritional health
  • Assisting other staff with their clinical responsibilities
  • Acting as a point of communication between patients, carers and/or family members

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healthcare-assistant Job Description Examples:

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What does a Healthcare Assistant do?

Healthcare Assistants play a supporting role in healthcare settings, helping ensure the smooth running of hospitals, clinics and other healthcare services. They support nurses, midwives and other medical professionals with daily tasks, assisting in patient care and maintaining a well-organised environment. 

Due to their patient-focused role, Healthcare Assistants often serve as a key point of communication between patients, carers and relatives. Their ability to remain calm and approachable helps create a reassuring environment, making strong interpersonal skills essential for the role.

Healthcare Assistant skills and qualifications

A successful Healthcare Assistant candidate typically has the following skills or qualifications:

  • Strong listening skills and the ability to empathise with patients
  • The ability to work well under pressure and handle emotionally challenging situations
  • An organised approach to managing patient needs, including delivering meals on time and maintaining a clean environment
  • Patience and compassion when supporting distressed patients
  • A solid understanding of healthcare codes of practice and organisational policies
  • The ability to collaborate effectively as part of a wider healthcare team

Healthcare Assistant experience requirements

While not essential, previous experience in similar environments might be beneficial as it provides transferable skills and knowledge. Candidates with experience in care roles, the volunteer sector, or nursing homes may be well suited to a Healthcare Assistant position.

Strong candidates should also have an understanding of acute hospital environments and their role in healthcare. Acute healthcare settings provide short-term care for patients with episodic illnesses or injuries, making familiarity with this environment an advantage.

Healthcare Assistant education and training requirements

Healthcare Assistants typically require a completed Care Certificate, which demonstrates their understanding of key healthcare standards and practices. While not mandatory, additional qualifications may be beneficial. These include:a BTEC in Health and Social Care (Level 2 or above), an L3 Diploma in a relevant field, or A-Levels in subjects such as Biology or Chemistry.

Healthcare Assistant salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary data for a Healthcare Assistant is £25,429 a year. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and company. 

Job description samples for similar positions

If this job description is not quite what you’re looking for, other similar job descriptions include:

Healthcare Assistant job description FAQs

How do Healthcare Assistants work as part of a team?

Healthcare Assistants play a key supporting role in medical teams, working alongside nurses, midwives, and other experienced healthcare professionals. By handling essential day-to-day tasks, they help ensure that basic patient care is efficiently managed. This allows nurses and other professionals to focus on more urgent and complex medical needs.

Do Healthcare Assistants need to have a licence?

In the UK, Healthcare Assistants do not need a licence to practise. However, they typically work under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals.

As part of the recruitment process, candidates may be required to undergo a Standard DBS check. Employers are responsible for ensuring Healthcare Assistants receive appropriate training and supervision to maintain a professional and high-quality care environment.

What competencies does the Care Certificate require?

The Care Certificate sets out 15 standards that Healthcare Assistants must follow. Key competencies include:

  • Understanding the role and adhering to professional codes of conduct
  • Duty of care
  • Equality and diversity
  • Providing person-centred care
  • Respecting privacy and dignity
  • Basic Life Support
  • Safeguarding adults and children
  • Health and safety

Including references to these standards in a Healthcare Assistant job description can help highlight the key skills and responsibilities expected in the role.

Can you take on apprentice Healthcare Assistants?

Yes, employers can offer the Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 apprenticeship to train candidates in the essential skills needed to become a Healthcare Assistant.

This apprenticeship includes practical, on-the-job training, helping candidates gain valuable experience. As a result, those who complete the programme may be more competitive when applying for Healthcare Assistant roles.

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