Description
OVERVIEW
The Medical Assistant supports safe, efficient outpatient care by preparing patients and exam rooms, obtaining clinical information, assisting providers, performing authorized clinical tasks, documenting accurately, and helping coordinate follow-up. Certified Medical Assistants are placed in a higher compensation band to recognize verified national certification and expanded competency expectations.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Room patients; obtain and document vital signs, reason for visit, medication information, allergies, and other required clinical data.
- Prepare examination rooms, equipment, and supplies and maintain clean, safe, appropriately stocked clinical areas.
- Assist physicians and advanced practice providers during examinations and procedures within training and legal scope.
- Perform authorized clinical tasks such as specimen collection, point-of-care testing, injections, medication administration, EKGs, or other duties only when trained, permitted, and assigned.
- Process provider orders, laboratory and imaging requests, referrals, forms, and follow-up tasks according to workflow.
- Respond to routine patient communications and route clinical questions to the appropriate licensed clinician.
- Document accurately in the EHR and maintain patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
- Follow infection-prevention, sharps, biohazard, medication, and equipment-safety procedures.
- Support inventory control, expiration checks, vaccine/medication storage processes, and clinical quality initiatives as assigned.
Requirements
EDUCATION, LICENSURE & EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Completion of a medical-assistant training program strongly preferred; postsecondary certificate or diploma preferred.
- For the Certified Medical Assistant pay band, current recognized certification such as CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA), NCMA (NCCT), or another IMA-approved credential is required.
- Current BLS certification required or must be obtained within the timeframe established by IMA.
- Prior ambulatory medical-office experience and EHR proficiency preferred.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Patient-centered service
- Accurate vital signs and clinical data collection
- Infection-control discipline
- Efficient EHR documentation
- Teamwork and dependable follow-through