Features

• Job duties of a health care assistant generally include monitoring patients' vital signs and helping them meet their basic care needs such as bathing, eating or using the toilet.
  
  

Geography

• Health care assistants can be employed in doctor's offices, hospitals or nursing homes. Some travel to the patients' homes.
  
  

Considerations

• Qualities a health care assistant should demonstrate include patience, ability to stand for extended periods of time, ability to do light to moderate lifting, compassion and good communication skills.
  
  

Average Salary

• Starting salaries for health care assistants position run between $8 and $15 an hour.
  
  

Training

• Many places of employment will train health care assistants, but trade and community colleges offer training programs as well.