Healthcare assistants (HCAs, sometimes called healthcare support workers) are shortlisted on patient care, basic clinical skills and reliability. This example shows a Band 3 HCA on a surgical ward, with the clinical tasks they are signed off for and the Care Certificate near the top. Care work, volunteering and caring for a relative are all worth including if you are applying for your first HCA post.
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Example healthcare assistant CV
A fictional person, employers and figures, to show the format. Replace every detail with your own.
Healthcare assistant with three years' experience on a busy surgical ward, now Band 3. Signed off for venepuncture, ECGs and observations, and confident recognising a deteriorating patient and escalating. Caring, calm and reliable on early, late and night shifts. Looking for a senior HCA or nursing associate trainee post.
GCSEs including English and maths (grade 5), Belgrave Park Academy, 2014 - 2019
Training and certifications
Care Certificate, Soarbridge Hospitals NHS Trust, 2023
Venepuncture and ECG competencies, Soarbridge Hospitals NHS Trust, 2024
Basic Life Support, Soarbridge Hospitals NHS Trust, 2026
Moving and handling, infection prevention and control, Soarbridge Hospitals NHS Trust, 2026
Skills
Observations and NEWS2, Venepuncture, ECG recording, Personal care and dignity, Fluid balance and food charts, Pressure area care, Infection control, Clear handovers
A healthcare assistant personal statement to adapt
Healthcare assistant with three years' experience on a busy surgical ward, now Band 3. Signed off for venepuncture, ECGs and observations, and confident recognising a deteriorating patient and escalating. Caring, calm and reliable on early, late and night shifts. Looking for a senior HCA or nursing associate trainee post.
Key skills for a healthcare assistant CV
Observations and escalation - Recording obs accurately and telling the nurse straight away when something changes.
Personal care - Washing, dressing, eating and mobility, done with dignity and patience.
Clinical tasks - Venepuncture, ECGs, blood glucose and catheter care, if you are signed off.
Record keeping - Fluid balance, food and turn charts filled in accurately and on time.
Infection prevention - Hand hygiene, PPE and isolation procedures followed every time.
Communication - With patients who are frightened or confused, their families and the nursing team.
Teamwork and reliability - Rotating shifts, nights and covering when the ward is short.
What a UK healthcare assistant CV needs
The Care Certificate - Most new HCAs complete it in their first weeks. Say when you finished it, or that you are happy to complete it.
Your band and setting - Band 2 or Band 3, and the ward, clinic or community team you work in.
Clinical competencies - List the skills you are signed off for, such as venepuncture or ECGs, with where you were trained.
Mandatory training - Basic life support, moving and handling, safeguarding and infection control, with dates.
Healthcare qualifications - A Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support, or progress on an apprenticeship.
Achievement bullets to adapt
The figures are invented to show the format. Use your own.
Cared for up to 10 patients a shift on a surgical ward, including observations and fluid balance.
Took bloods and recorded ECGs for the ward, reducing waits for the morning phlebotomy round.
Recognised a deteriorating patient from their NEWS2 score and escalated at once.
Completed the Care Certificate within 12 weeks of starting.
Helped induct five new healthcare assistants on ward routines and documentation.
Healthcare Assistant CV questions
Can I become a healthcare assistant with no experience?
Yes. Many trusts take people without care experience and train them, including the Care Certificate. Show caring experience from anywhere, such as looking after a relative, volunteering or customer service, and your reliability.
Do NHS healthcare assistant jobs need a CV?
Most NHS posts are applied for through NHS Jobs with a form and supporting statement. A CV is still useful for agencies, private hospitals and care providers, and gives you examples for the form.
What is the difference between Band 2 and Band 3?
Band 3 healthcare assistants usually take on more clinical tasks, such as venepuncture or ECGs, and may supervise others. Check the job description, as duties vary by trust.