Medical Assistant

Columbia University in the City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in the City of New York is seeking a Medical Assistant to support physicians and nurses in a Patient-Centered Medical Home model. Duties include taking vital signs, assisting with exams, maintaining sterile equipment, and responding to emergencies per protocol.

The role emphasizes teamwork, excellent patient service, and adherence to quality assurance practices. Some evening or Saturday hours may apply in this academic setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Graduated from an accredited Medical Assistant program or equivalent.
• Requires national certification (AAMA, AMT, or NHCA).
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in urgent care, family practice, or similar setting.
• Excellent customer service and ability to multitask under pressure.
• Familiarity with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems recommended.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist clinicians in providing direct patient care and perform specified functions.
• Take vital signs, record measurements, and prepare patients for procedures.
• Respond to medical emergencies per protocol and monitor patient status.
• Maintain clean, stocked exam rooms and manage equipment and supplies.
• Support patient flow and coordinate with clinical staff during visits.
• Assist with administration, documentation, and lab-related tasks as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Multitasking

CPR certification

Education

Accredited Medical Assistant program

2 years post-secondary education or related training

Tools

EMR software

Job description

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: 1199 Medical Assistants & Lab
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: John Jay Hall
• Salary Range: $26.20 - $26.20/ hour

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Medical Assistant performs patient care services in a Patient Centered Medical Home Model that supports physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses in the delivery of patient care. This includes directing and assisting patients; taking vital signs, such as pulse rate, temperature, blood pressure, weight, and height; clean and sterilize instruments; monitoring and maintaining medical equipment and assisting clinical staff and responding to medical emergencies per protocol. Anticipates provider needs including quality support measures, patient flow, keeping exam rooms stocked and clean and preparing patient and assisting with exams. Taking initiative in all aspects of job duties will be an expectation. Assist with the orientation and onboarding of new staff with the overall objective of ensuring a team approach to the provision of patient care and providing high quality service. Participates in Quality Assurance and Infection Control meetings.

Responsibilities

• Assists clinicians in providing direct patient care and performs specific patient care functions:
  • Assists clinicians as requested in the performance of physical examinations.
  • Assists nurses in Pre-visit nursing assessment and post-visit nursing discharge plans.
  • Prepares patient for indicated procedures, assembles appropriate supplies and equipment, and assists clinicians as directed in performing procedures.
  • Responds to medical emergencies according to established emergency procedures.
  • Taking vital signs and recording weight; measuring and recording peak flow.
  • Initiation of pre-visit depression screening
  • Monitoring stable patients and reporting any change to the clinical staff.
  • Escorting patients to other offices or to a designated hospital (with appropriate patient information).
  • Conducting vision screening tests.
  • Recording electrocardiograms (EKG's).
  • For pregnancy screening, instructing patient on obtaining urine specimen and documenting test results.
  • Measuring and fitting crutches and canes and educating patients in their proper use.
  • Providing information to patients on routine topics such as application of elastic bandages, taking peak flow readings, measuring intake and output, and application of heat and cold.
  • Provide laboratory services when assigned: phlebotomy, quality controls, and lab specimen accessioning.Will demonstrate excellent customer service while performing all tasks.
  • Effective communication skills will be utilized with all clinicians, patients, vendors and all staff members.

• Assists clinical staff in managing patient visits efficiently:
  • Reviews stated reason for patient visit, complies relevant information such as lab reports and forms and gives to clinician.
  • Completes lab request forms and referral forms as directed.
  • Makes calls to outside consultants for clinicians and faxes reports.
  • Monitors flow of patients within the practice group or urgent care and notifies appropriate staff of any problems
  • Requests lab results for providers, retrieves results, and transmits information as directed.

• Performs special maintenance of clinical work space and equipment:
  • Maintains a clean and safe environment for patient care; cleans all clinical equipment including exam tables following established procedures.
  • Autoclaves equipment as directed.
  • Checks and records temperature in clinical refrigerators and freezers to confirm that they are operating correctly.
  • Notifies appropriate clinical staff members and Purchasing Assistant if equipment malfunctions or is broken, missing or in need of repair.
  • Collects medical waste and places in designated location for pick-up and disposal.

• Maintains appropriate supply stocks in designated locations:

  • Distributes patient information materials.
  • Stocks appropriate supplies in exam rooms.
  • Maintains workgroup’s supply closets by replenishing stocks as needed, reviewing expiration dates of stored supplies, and discarding expired materials as directed.
  • Records current supply inventory as requested.
  • Works with Purchasing Coordinator or designee to accurately identify items/supplies for purchase
  • Performs other duties as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Graduated from an accredited Medical Assistant program two years post-secondary education or training as a nursing assistant, medical assistant, medical practice administrative assistant or similar position.
• Requires certification from a nationally recognized organization such as AAMA, AMT or NHCA. Minimum 4 years’ experience in urgent care, family practice or similar setting.
• Outstanding customer service skills with ability to build relationships with patients and anticipate patient and provider needs.
• Must be well organized and detailed oriented with ability to multitask and tactfully handle stressful and difficult situations.
• Requires excellent communications skills enabling adequate information flow in a pleasant manner.
• Familiarity with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system preferred.
• Ability to work well in a team setting with minimal supervision and make sound judgment within scope of practice.
• Within 8 weeks of appointment, must take and maintain standard CPR certification.
• Position requires some evening and Saturday hours.

Schedule is Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with some Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the academic semester; during recess periods, schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.