Medical Assistant III - Surgery (West County Clinic)

Washington University in St Louis • Saint Louis, MO

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Assistant III works in a patient care setting and may lead Medical Assistants I and II or serve as the primary clinical resource in a large multi-physician practice. The role supports the department’s clinical operations by preparing and maintaining examination rooms and charts, obtaining reports and records, directing patient flow, and helping ensure the smooth operation of the clinical office.

The position involves direct patient interaction and clinical support, including obtaining vital signs, conducting EKGs, performing phlebotomy, verifying medications, and assisting with examinations, procedures, and laboratory tests. The Medical Assistant III may administer medications as ordered by a physician or nurse practitioner, and may assist with non-narcotic medication renewals and authorizations under standing orders and department guidelines.

The role also supports communication, documentation, care coordination, staffing, training, and the management of supplies and equipment. The employee maintains required competencies and regulatory compliance, participates in quality improvement and continuing education activities, and performs other duties as assigned. The work is in a normal office and direct patient care environment, with exposure to blood-borne pathogens and use of protective devices.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent high school certification, or a combination of education and/or experience.
• Registered or Certified Medical Assistant with three years of related work experience. Related fields may include military medic, emergency medical technician, Nurse’s Aide, physical therapy or nurse technician, and certified athletic trainer.
• Medical Assistant credentials must be obtained through an in-person proctored exam from NHA, AAMA, or AMT. In-person proctored credentials from other certifying bodies may be accepted with Human Resources approval.
• Alternatively, graduation from an accredited nursing program, such as RN or LPN, or a comparable allied health training program, with at least one year of relevant experience.
• Provide proof of Medical Assistant certification or registration with successful completion of the certification exam within six months of hire, or sooner if required by the hiring manager. Online-proctored exams do not satisfy this requirement.
• Basic Life Support certification. Online certifications without a skills assessment component do not satisfy this requirement.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made when requested, absent undue hardship.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of Medical Assistant work experience.
• One year of supervisory work experience.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
• Communication, interactive communication, and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Experience with electronic medical records (EMR) and telephone communications.

Responsibilities

• Interact directly with patients and perform clinical tasks such as obtaining vital signs, conducting EKGs, performing phlebotomy, and verifying medications.
• Prepare for office hours by obtaining charts, scheduling tests, and preparing examination rooms.
• Assist with examinations, procedures, and laboratory tests.
• Assist with renewal and authorization of non-narcotic medications under standing orders and department guidelines, as applicable.
• Administer medications, including vaccines and intramuscular or subcutaneous injections, as ordered by physicians or nurse practitioners.
• Schedule and assign work to other Medical Assistants to support appropriate staffing, as applicable.
• Assist with orienting and training new Medical Assistants.
• Direct patient flow, assist with special procedures and treatments, and complete requisitions.
• Route phone messages, patient questions, and telephone communications to appropriate personnel.
• Assist with care coordination, including communicating test results to patients, scheduling appointments and follow-ups, assisting with physician return calls, and scheduling surgeries, diagnostic procedures, and admissions.
• Monitor new and return patient contacts, including appointment and follow-up scheduling.
• Complete required paperwork and documentation in a timely manner.
• Answer basic patient and family questions about treatments, diagnoses, and procedures.
• Complete requisitions and orders according to WashU guidelines, as applicable.
• Monitor supply inventory and ensure adequate supplies, equipment, and garments are available and comply with regulations.
• Clean and stock examination rooms and sterilize instruments.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and comply with OSHA, state, and federal regulations and standards.
• Maintain skills and competencies and participate in in-services, staff programs, continuing education, and cross-training according to established standards and WashU policies.
• Participate in quality improvement activities to support appropriate clinical outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays or coinsurance.
• Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• Eligible employees may participate in a defined contribution 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, with employee and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Wellness resources, including wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, an employee assistance program, financial resources, and access to dietitians.
• Four weeks of caregiver leave to bond with a new child and family care resources.
• Tuition coverage for employees and their families, including dependent undergraduate tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years of employment, subject to eligibility and policy.

What This Job Offers

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