Patient Escort - Patient Transportation

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 rankings. The Department of Patient Transportation ensures compassionate, timely, and efficient mobility services throughout the institution, contributing directly to the hospital's mission to eliminate cancer through exceptional patient care.

About the role

The Patient Escort position safely and efficiently transports patients, specimens, medical records/films, and shrouded bodies of deceased patients throughout the institution. This role also maintains departmental equipment and provides courteous, compassionate customer service. The first six weeks of employment include mandatory training with the following schedule: Week 1 (7:30am - 4:00pm) and Weeks 2-6 (9:45am - 6:15pm).

Responsibilities

• Patient Care
  • Safely and efficiently transport patients, specimens, medical records, and deceased patients throughout the institution.
  • Assist clinical staff in moving patients to and from beds, wheelchairs, and stretchers.
  • Meet established productivity standards and departmental compliance requirements.
  • Deliver care with professionalism, compassion, integrity, and respect.
• Equipment Care
  • Ensure equipment is in proper working condition before and after use; remove damaged or malfunctioning equipment from service, tag for repair, and alert appropriate personnel.
  • Round up, clean, and disinfect equipment before and after each use and return items to designated storage areas.
  • Maintain working knowledge of all transport-related equipment.
  • Utilize required technology and tools accurately to receive and complete transport assignments.
• Certification and Training
  • Attend and complete all required annual training programs, including Employee Education Events, Hand Hygiene, Infection Control, Age-Appropriate Care, and Customer Service training.
  • Maintain a valid CPR certification.
  • Complete self-assessments and establish personal development goals supporting departmental and institutional priorities.
  • Participate in monthly performance initiatives to maintain compliance with departmental and institutional standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Successfully pass a pre-employment skills assessment administered by Human Resources.

This position may require transporting patients suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided, and a respirator fit test is required.

Working Conditions

• Office environment: Yes
• Patient care settings (e.g., nursing units, outpatient clinics): Yes
• Exposure to human or animal blood, body fluids, or tissues: Yes
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals: Yes
• Potential exposure to radiation: Yes

Physical Demands

The frequency of physical requirements is defined as: Never = 0% | Occasionally = 1-33% | Frequently = 34-66% | Continuously = 67-100%

• Standing: Continuously
• Walking: Continuously
• Sitting: Occasionally
• Reaching: Continuously
• Lifting/Carrying:
  • Up to 10 lbs: Continuously
  • 10 to 50 lbs: Continuously
  • Over 50 lbs: Continuously
  • Over 200 lbs: Occasionally
• Pushing/Pulling:
  • Up to 10 lbs: Continuously
  • 10 to 50 lbs: Continuously
  • Over 50 lbs: Continuously
  • Over 200 lbs: Occasionally
• Computer/keyboard use: Occasionally

Requirements

• Must pass a pre-employment skills assessment administered by Human Resources.
• Onsite presence required 100% of the time.
• Working alternating weekends and holidays is required.
• Operational shift: 11:45am - 8:15pm.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Heart Saver with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and CPR certification.
• One year of patient or customer care experience.

Skills

• Positive attitude, strong time management, and commitment to teamwork.
• Excellent communication skills and professional interaction with patients, visitors, and staff.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and safety.
• Reliability, flexibility, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Pay

Hourly salary range: Minimum $18.00 - Midpoint $20.54 - Maximum $23.07

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
• Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service.
• Clear pathways for advancement within MD Anderson.