Medical Assistant

About the Role

The Medical Assistant reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine. This role is primarily responsible for providing support to physicians, nurses, and other licensed medical staff by facilitating efficient patient flow, assisting with various patient care activities, and performing related administrative functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Assures efficient patient flow through the site, including escorting patients, identifying them with two identifiers, and preparing them for examination.
• Obtains accurate vital signs per organization standards.
• Documents reason for visit and updates/confirms allergies, smoking history, and pharmacy information.
• Promptly informs the provider and registered nurse of any significant change in vital signs or acute symptoms.
• Anticipates and sets up equipment or supplies needed for visits.
• Cleans and prepares exam rooms for the next patient.
• Responds to needs to expedite visits and maintain patient flow, prioritizing tasks accordingly.
• Assists practitioners with medical and surgical procedures in accordance with established protocols, such as Electrocardiogram (ECG), venipuncture, immunizations, setting up procedure trays, specimen collection, and/or CLIA waived testing as directed by the Provider.
• Prepares and stocks all exam rooms by following established protocols for disinfecting and sterilizing equipment and instruments.
• Participates in environmental safety rounds.
• Maintains vaccine/medication inventory.
• Monitors and maintains equipment and instruments according to clinic guidelines.
• Assists in ordering supplies and correctly disposes of all expired items.
• Adheres to office opening and closing procedures.
• Interacts with patients in a professional, friendly manner to promote patient satisfaction.
• Accepts and performs delegated responsibilities in a positive manner.
• Offers assistance to others.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Communicates appropriately and effectively with patients and the patient care team (in the office and on the phone).
• Performs delegated procedures common to the specialty area in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Manager.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current certification in one of the below or must have written proof of meeting candidate eligibility requirements for writing one of the five eligible certification exams (AAMA, AMT, NCCT, NHA, NRCMA).
• New MA Graduates within six (6) months from date of graduation from an MA Program must submit: a letter from the school or a letter from the certifying body.
• Non-Certified MAs or new graduates past six (6) months from date of graduation from an MA program must submit: a letter from the certifying body.
• Within the first six months of employment, will complete one of the following certifications after up to two test attempts:
• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA) through the National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP)
• Signed acknowledgement during onboarding that certification must be attained within six (6) months, as a condition of employment.
• American Heart Association accredited Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification.
• Strong computer skills.

Qualifications

Preferred:

• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant training program.
• One to two years of ambulatory care experience.
• Experience with electronic medical record.