HCA Jobs

HCA jobs: frequently asked questions

(Updated Dec 2024)

Welcome to our HCA jobs page. This features all the latest HCA jobs as well as answers to common questions below.

What does a HCA do?

HCAs or healthcare assistants work as part of multi-disciplinary teams in hospitals or community settings. They support nurses and other healthcare professionals in ensuring patients are comfortable and well cared for.

Typical duties include helping patients with washing or feeding, monitoring health conditions, cleaning, and processing samples.

However, this is an extremely varied role. No two days are the same, and the typical tasks for a HCA are constantly expanding.

HCAs work in the NHS and the private sector, and it’s a role that’s often the first step in a healthcare career.

As with other frontline healthcare roles, it’s shift-based which can include evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

What qualifications do you need to become a HCA?

Typically, no formal qualifications are required to become a HCA. You may however need some GCSEs.

Once you start to look at developing your career within the role, you may want to undertake a NCFE CACHE level 2 and 3 in healthcare support. In many cases your employer may sponsor you to do this while on the job.

What personal skills do you need to become a HCA?

As this is an entry level role, it’s a job that suits people with a genuine desire to enter the healthcare profession.

You’ll need real enthusiasm and energy for what is a very demanding job. Resilience and patience are also vital. But most of all you will to be a naturally caring and compassionate person to excel in this job.

How much do HCAs earn?

The average annual salary for a HCA is somewhere in the region of £23,000 and £26,000.

This estimate takes into account both NHS and private sector salaries.

In the NHS, salaries are regulated through a banding system – and a HCA is a band 2 role. This means new starters get just over £23,500 a year, rising with experience.

In the private sector, pay is not regulated. But according to industry statistics, you’re likely to earn a very similar wage.

What is the career progression for a HCA?

Many Nurses start their careers as HCAs, as it’s an ideal role to get a taste for what being a Nurse is like.

Nursing courses take 3 years to complete, and many HCAs choose to study while working at least part-time.

Some HCAs also take the necessary qualifications to become health practitioners.

Ultimately, becoming a HCA is the perfect place to start a healthcare career because it allows you to experience frontline work without undertaking courses.

Ready to find your next job?

You can check out our latest roles above, or if you prefer you can register your CV and we’ll send you jobs as they come up.