Certified Medical Assistant Primary Care Full-time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Orland Park, IL

6d

About The Position

The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) works in a physician office setting as a multi-skilled clinical and administrative team member. Under a physician’s supervision and/or the direction of a licensed nurse, the CMA provides direct and indirect patient care, performs laboratory and other testing, and may perform clerical functions. The CMA communicates with patients and clinical staff in an ambulatory care environment and follows Northwestern Medicine’s mission, values, policies, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards.

Hours generally begin around 8:00 a.m. and end around 6:30 p.m.; shift lengths may vary according to clinic needs. Weekends are not required. The CMA rooms patients; records histories, medications, and vital signs; prepares patients for procedures; assists with examinations and treatments; provides patient education reinforcement; and administers injections and medications as directed. The role performs point-of-care testing and other office tests and procedures, communicates normal results as permitted, maintains infection-control and documentation standards, and uses medical-record and practice-management systems. The CMA also supports teamwork, service quality, 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.
• 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.
• Proficiency in a second language.

Responsibilities

• Present a friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provide patients and customers with accurate information and timely updates; address questions and concerns or refer them to appropriate people and resources.
• Help patients and customers find their way and use service-recovery skills to address problems or service breakdowns.
• Support coworkers, communicate effectively, respect diverse opinions and styles, and contribute to a positive working relationship across departments.
• Use organizational resources efficiently, manage schedules and assignments, and complete work on time.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, cost reduction, streamlined work processes, and the growth of services.
• Room patients and provide direct patient care under physician supervision and/or the direction of an RN or LPN.
• Record medical, surgical, and family histories, medications, and vital signs.
• Prepare patients for office procedures and assist nursing and medical staff with examinations and treatments.
• Adapt care to patients’ individual needs, ages, and abilities.
• Explain treatment procedures and reinforce education provided by an RN, LPN, or physician, including medication, diet, and testing instructions.
• Administer injections and medications as directed by a physician.
• Perform point-of-care tests, including venipuncture, urine dips, finger sticks, strep and flu screens, pregnancy tests, and cultures.
• Perform other tests and office procedures, such as EKGs, pulmonary testing, and chronic-disease-management testing.
• Understand commonly performed office tests and specimens; relay normal results or read physician-documented results verbatim, and refer patient questions to an RN, LPN, or physician.
• Follow environment-of-care and infection-control policies; clean and disinfect care areas and change linens.
• Perform quality checks and troubleshoot office instruments; apply knowledge of sterilization techniques and biological indicators.
• Participate in shared governance, committees, and practice or department projects.
• Recognize and report medical or health care errors appropriately.
• Mentor and train new staff when needed and pitch in to support coworkers.
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude; handle situations maturely; prioritize and reprioritize workflow; and keep an organized workspace.
• Meet documentation standards by providing timely, accurate, current, complete, and legible records.
• Charge for all ancillary services performed.
• Participate in appropriate ongoing education, maintain and develop clinical and professional skills, and share learning with coworkers.
• Adapt creatively and flexibly to change.
• Use medical-record and practice-management systems appropriately for documentation, order entry, results, and referrals; stay informed about system updates.
• Use online resources efficiently, including Outlook, Corridors, and Team Sites.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• A wide range of benefits supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being, as well as protection for unexpected life events

What This Job Offers

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