Medical Assistant - General Surgery

PeaceHealth; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 35,294 - 47,637; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan

Wellness benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

PeaceHealth is seeking a Medical Assistant – General Surgery for a Per Diem/Relief position based in Bellingham, Washington. The role involves assisting physicians in delivering patient care and requires a Washington State Medical Assistant certification. The position offers a salary range of $25.62 – $34.58 per hour, contingent upon experience and qualifications.

Key responsibilities include preparing patients for examinations, managing supplies, and collaborating with healthcare staff to ensure effective clinic operations. Candidates with medical office experience and BLS certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a medical office preferred.
• Washington State MA Certification required.
• Basic Life Support certification upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist physicians/providers in patient care delivery.
• Prepare patients for examination and treatment.
• Maintain supply and equipment for treatments.

Skills

Knowledge of age-specific principles

Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality

Collaboration with multidisciplinary team members

Proficiency in computer and office equipment

Time management and task prioritization

Interpersonal and communication skills

Understanding of asepsis principles

Education

Accredited Medical Assistant Program

Accredited Medical Office Assistant Program

Medical Assistant Apprenticeship

Job description

Job Description

PeaceHealth is seeking a Medical Assistant – General Surgery for a Per Diem/Relief position, 0.00 FTE, Day schedule. Salary range: $25.62 – $34.58 per hour. The hiring rate is dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to education, training, work experience, terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement, seniority, etc.

Job Summary

Assist physicians/providers in the delivery of patient care within the scope of practice for a Medical Assistant.

Essential Functions

• Prepares patients for examination and treatment or anesthesia interview as applicable. Takes and records patient history and vital signs.
• Prepares exam and/or treatment rooms; selects, set up and maintains medical supplies and equipment for all examinations, procedures and anesthesia interview as applicable.
• Provides injections, applies splints and dressings, and facilitates simple wound management under provider orders.
• Prepares and maintains supplies and equipment for treatments, including sterilization.
• May transport specimens.
• May assist in scheduling patients for tests, initial and follow-up appointments.
• May maintain patient files, records, and other information including entry of data into electronic medical record.
• May provide phone screening of the patient to appropriate clinical staff and/or physician.
• Collaborates with a variety of personnel and departments to ensure smooth clinic operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Accredited Program Required: Medical Assistant or
• Accredited Program Required: Medical Office Assistant that allows caregiver to sit for the MOA certification exam (e.g., associate degree in Allied Health) or
• Apprenticeship Required: Medical Assistant

Experience

• Minimum of 1 year; Preferred: experience in a medical office.

Credentials

• Required: Washington State MA Certification – State of Washington Medical Assistant certified licensure (interim accepted; must obtain full certification within 12 months of interim issuance).
• Required: Basic Life Support upon hire.
• Preferred: National Certified Medical Assistant.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to apply age‑specific principles of growth and development (Required).
• Ability to maintain patient privacy and confidentiality (Required).
• Ability to collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members (Required).
• Proficiency in the use of computer and office equipment; familiarity with desktop computing tools, multi‑line phone systems, and insurance billing preferred (Required).
• Ability to efficiently manage time and prioritize multiple tasks (Required).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (Required).
• Understanding of principles of asepsis if applicable (Required).

Working Conditions

• Lifting
  • Patient handling no greater than 35 lbs without assistive equipment (NIOSH).
  • Fine motor skills for precise procedures.
  • Push/Pull up to 45 lbs force.
  • Hands‑on CPR at least 20 minutes using 100‑125 lbs force; frequency seldom or occasionally.
  • Move around area with frequent sitting.
  • Bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, kneeling frequently.
  • Lifting non‑patient up to 20 lbs occasionally and 5 lbs frequently.
• Environmental Conditions
  • Exposure to biohazard, body fluids and airborne particles.
  • Must complete tasks in a noisy environment.
• Mental/Visual
  • Vision and hearing required within normal limits (glasses, contacts, hearing aids permitted).
  • Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information.

Benefits

PeaceHealth is committed to the overall well‑being of our caregivers. For positions less than 0.5 FTE, benefits include a 403(b) retirement plan for caregiver contributions, wellness benefits, a discount program, and an expanded Employee Assistance Program and mental health program.

EEO – affirmative action employer/Vets/Disabled in accordance with applicable local, state or federal laws.