From a patient transporter to a patient care associate, discover a career path into nursing at Northwell Health

Interested in growing your career from a patient transporter to a registered nurse? At Northwell, we believe in a culture of growth and continuous learning that allows our team members to explore different career paths. Our team members can grow their career through various personal and professional development programs, including educational opportunities through our Center for Learning and Innovation, Business Employee Resource Groups and more.

Below, you can learn more about one of the many ways you can grow into a nursing career, from a patient transporter and patient care associate (PCA). For the complete job profiles of each role, we invite you to visit NorthwellCareers.com or click the link below to get started on this career journey as a transporter and discover a career well cared for at Northwell today.

View our available patient transporter roles today.

Patient Transporter

Patient transporters escort or transport patients within the facility. They record patient movement in transport tracking system. These team members may also pick-up and deliver materials and equipment while also assisting in performing duties related to specialty areas of assignment.

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Requires 1-3 years of relevant experience.

As you move along your career path from a patient transporter, you can grow into a patient care associate by becoming certified through one of our nursing attendant programs. You can also receive tuition reimbursement as you continue toward becoming a registered nurse at an accredited university.

Patient Care Associate (PCA)

Patient care associates provide direct care as assigned for a designated group of patients. They perform functions requiring skill and competence such as, but not limited to phlebotomy, EKG, obtaining specimens and cultures, activities of daily living, simple wound dressings and vital signs. These team members also share accountability for quality patient outcomes.

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Requires 1-3 years of relevant experience.

If you are interested in transitioning from a patient care associate to a registered nurse, your next step is to complete your nursing degree and license.

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses perform an age specific plan of care for a designated group of patients using the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care. They collaborate with physicians and other team members in coordinating and implementing procedures and treatments. They also use leadership skills and clinical judgment in coordinating patient care while directing and delegating activities of the patient care unit team.

• Requires graduate from an accredited school of nursing.
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing is preferred.
• Must be enrolled in an accredited BSN program within two (2) years and obtain a BSN degree within five (5) years of job entry date.
• Requires current license to practice as a registered professional nurse in New York State required, plus specialized certifications as needed.