Dermatology Tech, 40 Hours, Days

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dermatology Tech supports dermatological surgical procedures performed by the Dermatology Department. The role prepares patients and procedure rooms, assists providers during procedures including MOHS surgery and removal of skin cancers and other skin growths, removes sutures as directed, and performs related duties. The position also collects and processes surgical laboratory specimens, performs routine and automated technical procedures, and handles associated administrative and supply tasks. The role prepares and maintains procedure rooms, equipment, instruments, and supplies; provides physical and emotional support to patients; may take and document vital signs; assists with sterile procedures and surgical equipment; and supports providers during surgery. Additional duties include specimen handling and MOHS frozen-section preparation, instrument processing and sterilization, postoperative dressing care, medical-record and image documentation, patient scheduling and communications, supply ordering and inventory, and training and orienting employees. The position works indoors in a patient-care environment. It involves frequent standing and walking, bending, hand dexterity, and the ability to hear and see adequately for patient care and equipment operation. The employee must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and may push heavy equipment. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., for 40 hours per week. The listed hiring range is $22.29–$32.04, with final compensation dependent on scheduled hours and relevant qualifications and considerations. A signing bonus may be available; eligibility is determined during the interview process.

Requirements

Education equivalent to a high school education.
A current Medical Assistant credential from a recognized school accredited by the Department of Health, or a Medical Assistant credential from a UMass Memorial Medical Center-approved program (such as ARMA or NHA); the credential must be maintained.
Maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; certification must be obtained within two months of hire or transfer.
A minimum of two years of direct patient-care experience in a dermatology practice or surgical setting, typically providing broad knowledge of dermatological procedures including MOHS surgery, removal of melanomas, tumors, and skin tags, logging, and specimen preparation.
Knowledge of office and laboratory procedures.
Medical terminology and computer skills.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; the work also requires frequent standing and walking, frequent bending, and may involve pushing heavy equipment.
Hand dexterity, hearing, and vision abilities needed to take direction from patients or providers, adjust equipment, and observe and describe patient observations.

Responsibilities

Prepare exam and procedure rooms by selecting and preparing supplies, and assemble, adjust, observe, and maintain non-sterile equipment.
Prepare patients for surgery, provide physical and emotional support, review medical records with patients, and, as applicable, take and record vital signs and report observations to a supervisor or provider.
Prepare incision sites as directed and map tumor-removal areas during MOHS surgery as directed by a provider.
Set up mayo trays with instruments and supplies according to the procedure and provider preference; perform sterile scrub activities and assist with draping.
Connect and apply surgical equipment and assist during procedures by passing instruments, sutures, sponges, and needles; operate lights, suction machines, electrosurgical units, and other surgical or medical equipment; hold retractors or instruments; and sponge or suction the operative site as directed.
Participate in counting sponges, needles, and instruments before, during, and after surgery.
Collect, label, and transport specimens to appropriate departments and complete required requisitions.
Clean and process surgical instruments for sterilization, ensure reprocessed items are free of contaminants, lubricate and reassemble equipment, and maintain instrument counts for items sent to and returned from Central Sterilization.
Prepare operative reports or related material in an automated database system as appropriate; download digital pictures into operative reports in the medical record using hospital-approved technology.
Remove sutures as directed and prepare and apply sterile and non-sterile dressings, cold packs, ace bandages, and TED stockings following procedures.
Prepare internal laboratory specimens, including specimens for frozen-section MOHS processing.
Participate in training employees in new procedures and orienting new employees to departmental procedures.
Maintain logs and patient-care charts or medical records; enter or retrieve information from the electronic medical record; and assist with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges.
Follow procedures for arriving patients and scheduling appointments.
Order dermatology instruments and medical supplies; assist with annual supply-budget information gathering; conduct periodic supply inventories; clean, stock, and maintain assigned areas; and communicate product changes with warehouse personnel.
Perform clerical duties including typing, filing, scheduling appointments, generating letters, preparing forms, and making and receiving patient calls; pend prescriptions and refills as directed and document prescription calls.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, objectives, and health and safety requirements; attend meetings and other events as required; use quality-improvement practices; maintain reliable attendance; and perform other related duties as required or directed.
Demonstrate respect and contribute to a professional, tolerant, civil, and accepting environment for employees, patients, and visitors.