Certified Medical Assistant NMG Primary Care Full-time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Tinley Park, IL

3d • $20 - $26

About The Position

The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) reflects Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values and follows its Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, applicable policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulatory and accreditation standards. In the physician office setting, the CMA performs a broad range of clinical and administrative work. Under physician supervision and/or the direction of a licensed nurse, the CMA provides direct and indirect patient care, performs laboratory and other testing, and may assist with clerical functions. The CMA is a key member of the ambulatory care team and communicates with patients and clinical staff.

The position includes rooming patients, collecting histories and vital signs, preparing patients for procedures, assisting with examinations and treatments, explaining procedures, reinforcing education provided by a nurse or physician, and administering physician-directed injections and medications. The CMA performs point-of-care tests and other office procedures, relays normal results within established guidelines, maintains infection-control standards and equipment, and documents and charges for services. The role also requires effective teamwork, patient service, organization, use of medical record and practice-management systems, and participation in continuous improvement and ongoing learning.

Requirements

• Two or more years of recent experience as a Medical Assistant in a physician office setting, or completion of an accredited Medical Assisting Program.
• High school diploma or equivalent, with two or more years of Medical Assistant experience or completion of an accredited Medical Assisting Program.
• American Heart Association-accredited Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification.
• Completion of a phlebotomy class or equivalent experience.
• Basic computer knowledge and the ability to type proficiently and accurately.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to assess when an interpreter is needed and use interpreter services effectively.
• New graduates or hires must obtain certification or registration within one year of hire. Accepted credentials include CMA through AAMA; RMA through AMT; NCMA through NCCT; CCMA through NHA; or NRCMA through NAHP. An active Illinois RN or LPN license is accepted in lieu of CMA certification.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Medical Assisting.
• Second-language proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Present a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provide accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers, address concerns promptly, and assist with directions or finding appropriate resources.
• Use service-recovery skills to resolve problems or service breakdowns.
• Support coworkers across departments, communicate effectively, respect diverse opinions, and acknowledge others’ contributions.
• Use organizational and departmental resources efficiently; manage schedules and complete assignments on time.
• Contribute to continuous-improvement efforts, cost reduction, streamlined processes, and service growth.
• Room patients and provide direct patient care under physician supervision and/or RN/LPN direction.
• Record medical, surgical, and family histories, medications, and vital signs; prepare patients for office procedures and assist with routine examinations and treatments.
• Adapt care to individual patient needs, age, and abilities.
• Explain treatment procedures and reinforce patient education provided by an RN/LPN or physician, including information about medication, diets, testing, and the After Visit Summary.
• Administer injections and medications as directed by a physician.
• Perform point-of-care testing, including venipuncture, urine dips, finger sticks, strep and flu screens, pregnancy tests, and cultures.
• Independently perform other tests or office procedures, such as EKGs, pulmonary testing, and chronic disease management testing.
• Understand the purpose, process, and results of tests and lab specimens commonly used in an office setting.
• Relay normal test results to patients or read results verbatim from physician documentation; refer patient questions to an RN, LPN, or physician.
• Follow Environment of Care and infection-control policies; clean and disinfect care areas, change linens, perform quality checks, and troubleshoot office instruments.
• Apply knowledge of sterilization techniques and biological indicators for sterilization.
• Participate in shared governance, committee work, and practice or department projects.
• Know how to identify and report medical or health care errors.
• Support, mentor, and train coworkers as appropriate and contribute as an integral team member.
• Communicate clearly, maintain positive working relationships, and handle situations maturely and professionally.
• Prioritize and reprioritize workflow while maintaining an organized workspace.
• Meet documentation standards by providing timely, accurate, current, complete, and legible records.
• Charge for all ancillary services performed.
• Participate in appropriate continuing education and other learning activities to maintain and develop clinical and professional skills; share relevant learning with coworkers.
• Adapt creatively and flexibly to change.
• Use medical record and practice-management systems appropriately for documentation, order entry, results, referrals, and other job duties; stay informed about system updates and apply them in daily work.
• Use online resources efficiently, including Outlook, Corridors, and Team Sites.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, and 401(k) matching.
• A wide range of benefits intended to support employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED