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. The Medical Assistant is responsible for ensuring efficient patient flow through the clinic, maintaining neat, clean and safe patient care areas, promoting patient satisfaction by interacting with patients in a professional, friendly manner, and safeguarding patient confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities

• Assure efficient patient flow through the site by: escorting patients to exam rooms, identifying patients with 2 identifiers, and preparing patients for examination.
• Obtain accurate vital signs, per organization standards.
• Document reason for visit and update/confirm allergies, smoking history, and pharmacy information.
• Promptly inform the provider and registered nurse of any significant change in vital signs or acute symptoms.
• Anticipate and set up equipment or supplies needed for visits.
• Clean and prepare exam rooms for the next patient.
• Respond to needs to expedite visits, maintain patient flow, and prioritize tasks accordingly.
• Assist the practitioner 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.
• Provide high-quality care by preparing and stocking all exam rooms in treatment areas according to established protocols for disinfecting and sterilizing equipment and instruments.
• Participate in environmental safety rounds.
• Maintain vaccine/medication inventory.
• Monitor and maintain equipment and instruments according to clinic guidelines.
• Assist in ordering supplies and correctly dispose of all expired items.
• Adhere to office opening and closing procedures.
• Function as an integral part of the patient care team and promote patient satisfaction by interacting with patients in a professional, friendly manner.
• Accept and perform delegated responsibilities in a positive manner.
• Offer assistance to others.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings.
• Communicate appropriately and effectively with patients and the patient care team (in the office and on the phone).
• Perform delegated procedures common to the specialty area in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
• Perform 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).
• Accepted documentation:
• 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 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 acknowledgment 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 accredited Medical Assistant training program.
• One to two years of ambulatory care experience.
• Experience with electronic medical record.