UPMC Jobs Altoona PA:
Are you searching for a meaningful career in healthcare right here in Altoona, PA? UPMC Altoona, a 380‑bed nonprofit community hospital that’s part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center network, offers a wide range of job options—whether you’re just starting or seeking a rewarding career switch.
UPMC Altoona seeks passionate individuals who want to make a real difference for patients and the community. With a strong emphasis on promoting health, wellness, and disease prevention, UPMC Altoona ensures every team member knows they play a vital role. Here’s what makes working here truly special:
- Competitive pay & benefits – robust salary packages, retirement plans, medical & dental insurance, tuition support, and more
- Diverse roles – from frontline food service and patient access to high‑skill positions in respiratory therapy, IT, and advanced practice nursing
- Career development – structured fellowships and residencies (e.g., Administrative Fellowship, graduate medical education)
- Community-centered values – equal employment opportunity, clean and healthy environments, and strong local engagement
- Part of a major health system – joining UPMC Altoona means becoming part of UPMC’s 100,000-employee strong network, known for “Life‑Changing Medicine.”
Key Takeaways
Why UPMC Altoona is a top employer:
- Offers competitive pay and benefits aligned with a major healthcare system
- Welcomes candidates across skill levels and interest areas—from entry-level to clinical roles
- Committed to employee wellness, professional growth, and community impact
Popular job categories:
- Nutrition & Food Service (e.g., Food Service Worker, Nutrition Assistant)
- Patient Access & Registration (e.g., Patient Access Representative)
- Support and Environmental Services (e.g., EVS assistant, patient transport)
- Clinical & Specialty Roles (e.g., LPNs, respiratory care, advanced practice)
Advantages of working here:
- On-the-job training programs and educational support
- Opportunities for part- or full-time roles, flexible scheduling
- Union positions for select roles, offering added job security
Career advancement:
- Entry pathways to supervisory, administrative, and specialized clinical roles
- Structured programs like Administrative Fellowship and residency training
- Networking and growth within the broader UPMC system
How to apply:
- Search open positions at careers.upmc.com (filter by Altoona, PA)
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to UPMC’s values
- Attend local hiring events and leverage employee referral programs
1. Overview: What Is UPMC Jobs Altoona PA?
UPMC Altoona is a nonprofit, 380-bed community hospital in downtown Altoona, serving as a regional referral and tertiary hub since becoming part of UPMC in mid-2013. It became a Level III trauma center in 2024 and continues to deliver a full suite of services—from acute care to telemedicine, stroke, wound care, and surgery.
As one of UPMC’s 40+ hospital facilities and 800+ outpatient sites, Altoona benefits from extensive resources, continuing education, and system-wide support—making it an excellent launching pad for regional healthcare careers.
2. Top Job Categories at UPMC Jobs Altoona PA
UPMC offers diverse roles, both clinical and non-clinical—here are the most in-demand:
Nutrition & Food Service
- Food Service Worker / Nutrition Services Assistant: Prepares and serves meals, cleans prep areas, works rotating schedules including weekends/holidays
- Nutrition Service Assistant – Student: Entry-level role offering on-the-job training and scheduling flexibility for high school/college students
Patient Access & Administrative
- Patient Access Representative (PAS): Manages patient registration, scheduling, and insurance processes; works closely with clinical and billing teams
- Medical Staff Administrative Assistant: Supports department leadership with documentation and committee coordination
Environmental & Support Services
- Environmental Services Assistant / Housekeeping: Cleans patient and public areas; unionized roles, various shifts
- Patient Transport Assistant: Moves patients between units, steady income with shift differentials
Technical & Skilled Trade
- HVAC Apprentice / Technician: Supports facility maintenance; full-time with on-call duties
Clinical & Behavioral Health
- Behavioral Health Navigator, Crisis Clinician, LPN – Call Center, and Advanced Practice Provider roles (PA/CRNP, neonatal NPs) are frequently available
3. Compensation & Working Conditions
Salary
- Entry-level support roles start around $13–$17/hour
- Skilled roles (e.g., behavioral health, LPN call center) range from $17–$33/hour, depending on position and shift
- Annual average wage sits around $16/hour, with 75th percentile near $17.26, indicating solid mid-career earning potential
Schedules & Benefits
- Full- and part-time roles available, many with rotating schedules (nights, weekends, holidays)
- Benefit packages include tuition reimbursements, medical insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and sometimes sign-on bonuses
- Supportive, unionized roles such as Environmental Services offer additional job stability
4. Supporting Growth: Training, Fellowships & Education
UPMC Jobs Altoona PA believes in growing talent from within:
- Administrative Fellowship (2-year): Ideal for aspiring hospital administrators seeking broad operations exposure
- Graduate Medical Education & Residency Programs: For clinical staff—home to the Altoona Family Physicians Residency
- Phlebotomy & Medical Technology Training: Hands-on programs exist to launch healthcare careers
- On-the-job training & Tuition Reimbursement: Many entry-level roles offer learning opportunities and financial educational support
5. Culture & Values
Working at UPMC Jobs Altoona PA means being part of a mission-driven organization:
- Established equal opportunity policies—no discrimination, support for accommodations, anti-retaliation protections
- Non-smoking/nicotine use policy, ensuring a healthier work environment
- Focus on community wellness, employee well-being, and safety
As members of UPMC’s regional health network, employees gain access to continuing education, professional networking, and career mobility within the organization.
6. How to Apply & Succeed
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Visit careers.upmc.com, set location to Altoona, PA, or use keywords like “UPMC Altoona”
- Browse roles, filter by department, shift, or job type
- Prepare a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant skills (e.g., “customer-centered service,” “strong communication”)
- Apply online through UPMC’s system; internal applicants use HR Direct
- Attend local hiring events or referrals when possible
Interview Success Tips
- Show your alignment with UPMC’s “Life‑Changing Medicine” mission
- Give examples of customer/patient service, teamwork, or adaptability
- Ask thoughtful questions about training, schedules, and how success is measured
- If applicable, clarify union status and benefits for the role
7. Career Advancement at UPMC Altoona
UPMC celebrates career progression:
- Many start in entry-level roles and advance to mid-level positions
- Internal mobility into clinical specialties, management, or administrative fellowships
- UPMC’s statewide network means opportunity to transfer or grow elsewhere in the system
- Structured support via mentorship, continuing education, and development programs
FAQs
Are positions full-time, part-time, or flexible?
UPMC Jobs Altoona PA offers all three. Full-time roles are common, and part-time/rotating shift positions (evenings, weekends) are frequent. Students may find flexible schedules.
What kind of training is provided?
Entry-level roles include on-the-job training. UPMC also offers fellowships (e.g., Administrative), medical residencies, specialized training like phlebotomy, and tuition reimbursement.
Is prior healthcare experience required?
Not for support roles (e.g., food service, housekeeping). Clinical and administrative positions require certifications or experience (e.g., LPN, PAS, HVAC apprentice).
Can I apply online or walk in?
Applications are submitted online at Careers.UPMC.com. UPMC also participates in local hiring events—applications on-site may be accepted.
What benefits are offered?
Competitive benefits include health, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, tuition assistance, occasional sign‑on bonuses, and union protections for select roles.
In Summary
- UPMC Jobs Altoona PA is a major regional employer offering meaningful, diverse career opportunities in healthcare and support roles.
- Competitive salaries range from ~$13–$33/hour depending on role and experience.
- Strong benefits, training, and advancement possibilities make it especially appealing for long-term career growth.
- The hospital fosters a caring, inclusive culture aligned with its mission of delivering life-changing care.
- Apply via UPMC’s careers portal today to take the first step toward a rewarding career in Altoona.
Are You Ready to Join UPMC Altoona?
Whether you’re entering the workforce, pivoting into healthcare, or seeking further professional development, UPMC Altoona offers roles that matter—right here at home.
Explore opportunities now, and consider starting your tomorrow with a team committed to wellness, community, and professional growth: careers.upmc.com (search “Altoona, PA”).
FAQs
- Full-time, part-time, or flexible? All are available.
- What training is provided? From on-the-job training to fellowships and certification support.
- Is experience required? No for entry-level; yes for clinical/admin roles.
- How do I apply? Online through Careers.UPMC.com; also via local hiring events.
- What benefits? Health, retirement, tuition reimbursement, PTO, sign-on bonuses, union protections.