Provide direct hands-on patient care including activities of daily living and routine clinical tasks under the direction of an RN. Maintain a safe and organized patient care environment while supporting overall unit operations and communicating patient changes to nursing staff.
Launch Your Healthcare Career with UPMC Altoona!
Are you ready to make a real difference in patients’ lives while building a rewarding career in healthcare?
UPMC Altoona is seeking compassionate and motivated individuals to join our team as Patient Care Technicians.
This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to grow, learn, and be part of a supportive environment where every day brings meaningful impact.
NOTE: Students seeking flexible, casual employment should search on our careers website for casual status positions.
This job posting is for permanent employment with a need for year-round availability.
Opportunities Available: Full-time positions; either 40-hours per week or 36-hours per week.
Competitive Pay: $17.01 minimum starting pay rate + applicable experience $1.10 shift differential for applicable evening & night shifts $2.00 additional night shift differential for qualified candidates after 6 months of employment with UPMC Altoona in a night shift only position Total Rewards & Benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, Retirement Options, Pension Plan, Tuition Assistance, and more!
We hire full-time Patient Care Technician I’s on the following departments (based on availability): NOTE: You will have the opportunity to list departments of interest on the job application, or you can put “unsure”.
T14 Oncology T12 Cardiology T11 Trauma T10 Surgical Progressive Care 7E Neurology 3G Behavioral Health 5F Pediatric Acute Care 6F Observation Unit T9 Birth Center Emergency Department Whether you’re starting out or looking to expand your skills, we provide comprehensive training for entry-level candidates, ensuring you have the tools and confidence to succeed.
As a Patient Care Technician, you’ll play a vital role in delivering hands-on care, supporting nurses and patients, and contributing to a culture of excellence and compassion.
Maintains a safe, efficient, and organized patient care environment by following all safety protocols, adhering to hospital policies, reporting equipment malfunctions, and completing routine cleaning, stocking, and safety checks. Supports overall unit operations by assisting with call lights, phones, patient transport, meal distribution, and supply management. Provides direct patient care under the direction of the RN, including activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, and monitoring patients. Performs routine clinical tasks such as vital signs, blood glucose checks, weights, intake and output tracking, and documents all care accurately in the medical record. Observes patient conditions, communicates changes promptly to the RN, and responds appropriately to emergent situations within scope. May assist with patient supervision, companionship, nourishments, and the safe application and monitoring of restraints per protocol. Communicates effectively with team members; fosters professional and respectful relationships and contributes to a collaborative work environment. Takes ownership of assignments, seeks assistance when needed, and participates in unit activities and continuous improvement efforts. Demonstrates a commitment to professional growth by seeking feedback, identifying learning needs, participating in self-review, and actively improving knowledge, skills, and performance while supporting departmental changes and initiatives.
Experience Required: None Direct patient care experience is preferred but not required
High school diploma or equivalent. If no previous hospital or pre-hospital training, successful completion of UPMC patient care technician class OR successful completion of the first year of clinical work in a nursing program. 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. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Act 34 Additional Clearances required for certain departments: Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal Act 33 with renewal Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and CPR/BLS certification. Candidates must either have previous hospital training, complete the UPMC technician class, or have finished the first year of a nursing program.
Market context
Support-services roles in Pennsylvania are often tied to steady staffing needs in hospitals and care facilities, especially when teams need reliable coverage for patient support and daily operations. These positions can be competitive because employers may prefer candidates with CNA and current BLS credentials, plus prior acute or rehabilitation hospital experience, even when experience is not required. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, and confirm your certification dates and hospital experience before applying.