Medical Assistant Apprentice

University of Utah Health•Centerville, UT

About The Position

The Medical Assistant Apprentice provides assistive care to patients while completing clinical training hours in a Medical Assistant training program. Under the direct supervision of staff competent in the treatments performed and the population served, the apprentice learns to facilitate efficient patient care, support licensed staff, provide basic healthcare assistance, and perform clerical functions as a multi-skilled auxiliary worker. The role is with University of Utah Health, an academic health system with five hospitals and eleven clinics, and supports its patient care, research, and education mission. The position requires attendance at assigned shifts and may involve rotating schedules, variable hours, nights, weekends, and holidays to meet the needs of a 24/7 health system. The work takes place in a healthcare setting and may involve exposure to infectious diseases, contaminated bodily fluids, blood, used needles, and other contaminants. The role may also involve working around prisoners or behavioral health patients and physical demands such as moving patients or equipment.

Requirements

Concurrent enrollment in a Medical Assisting program associated with a USHE (Utah System of Higher Education) school.
Completion of a signed MA Apprenticeship Repayment Agreement.
Obtain a current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system within 30 days of hire.
Meet additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Demonstrated availability to work variable and rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in a 24/7 patient care environment.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in the specific clinic's specialty skills within six weeks of hire; specialty skills may not be performed until basic competency testing is completed.
Ability to withstand prolonged periods on one's feet and to move and lift patients and reach for and handle equipment.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, with or without accommodation, including work that may exert up to 50 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving patients or objects.

Responsibilities

Prepare patients for examinations and diagnostic procedures, including recording vital signs and responses to standardized medical history questions.
Report observed patient concerns and changes in condition to licensed staff.
Perform department-identified CLIA-waived laboratory tests and report results to appropriate personnel.
Perform skills such as suture removal and intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal injections under supervision.
Chaperone healthcare providers during examinations when requested and assist with procedures.
Monitor and clean assigned examination rooms, unit areas, and equipment; report outdated supplies, stock levels, and needed equipment repairs, and restock items as required.
Answer telephones, forward messages, and schedule appointments, procedures, and diagnostic tests under the direction of licensed staff.
Perform routine clerical functions, including filing patient medical information, locating and compiling charts, obtaining records from other providers, and entering billing charges.
Attend and complete mandatory education on infection prevention and control, safety, CPR, equipment use, and procedures.
May perform patient phlebotomy after specialized training and in accordance with clinic procedures and physician orders.
May apply leads and monitors for diagnostic procedures such as EKG and ultrasound scans under direct supervision.
May assist with inpatient and family education by providing educational materials and general health information.
May assist with transporting patients to ancillary departments or inpatient units as directed by licensed staff.
May perform other duties based on department assignment.
Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance during assigned shifts.