Healthcare Assistant
What's it like to be a Healthcare Assistant?
Healthcare Assistants are a type of healthcare provider whose job is mainly to support doctors and nurses in health or medical facilities. These include hospitals, aged care centers, and even patients' homes. Their work ranges from performing basic health checks and maintaining records to processing laboratory samples of patients. Because they primarily work under the supervision of health professionals, Healthcare Assistants are often expected to have a keen eye on details and be able to precisely follow instructions. In addition, they must have strong communication and organization skills.
Tasks and duties
- Attending to patients and their concerns, including pre and post-medical treatment.
- Monitoring and recording patients' vital signs, such as body temperature and blood pressure.
- Preparing and maintaining medical equipment for procedures.
- Taking and processing individual test specimens as needed by doctors and nurses.
- Providing other forms of care to patients and assistance to professionals whenever and wherever needed.
How to become a Healthcare Assistant
Healthcare Assistants usually have a bachelor degree in a related field. However, health and medical facilities may prefer those with a background in nursing or a related discipline.
Complete a bachelor degree in a related field, preferably nursing. Afterward, consider taking the Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam (PNLE). Although not often required to become a Healthcare Assistant, being considered a Registered Nurse can help you gain more credibility in the field.
Alternatively, you may be able to pursue Healthcare Assistant roles with a Vocational Diploma or Short Course Certificate in Caregiving, such as the one offered by the Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Earn relevant experience as an apprentice or on-the-job trainee in health and medical facilities. This will further hone your key skills as a Healthcare Assistant in the Philippines. Apart from communication and organizational skills, you must be compassionate, patient, and good at time management.
Skills and experience employers are looking for
