Medical Assistant

Open Door Community Health Centers•Eureka, CA

About The Position

The Medical Assistant (MA) Trainee is an on-the-job training opportunity for employees interested in becoming a medical assistant who have no prior experience. Trainees are expected to complete a training program and become eligible to take the MA certification exam. They receive hands-on training and support from medical assistants and Clinical Coordinators while learning to assist with patient examinations and treatment under the direction of a primary care provider and/or registered nurse. The role advocates for patients and supports their care within the California MA Scope of Practice. The position performs patient intake and charting, clinical testing and procedures, medication and immunization administration, room preparation and disinfection, appointment scheduling, and electronic medical record workflows. The trainee is expected to complete the Medical Assistant Apprentice Program and pass the MA Certification Exam within one year of employment. CPR certification is required within 90 days of hire, and injection certification must be obtained within six months of employment. The MA Trainee reports directly to the Back Office Manager and is part of the Clinical Services team. There are no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to consistently and accurately chart patient information.
Ability to promote effective communication between patients and primary care providers.
Ability and desire to work as part of a team to enhance patient and staff experiences.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish constructive working relationships with management and employees from varied and diverse backgrounds.
Ability to handle difficult or confrontational situations calmly, consistently, and equitably.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to complete routine paperwork and write professional, quality correspondence.
Basic computer skills, including internet, Word, and email.
Sound and responsible judgment.
CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
Complete the Medical Assistant Apprentice Program and pass the MA Certification Exam within one year of employment.
Obtain injection certification within six months of employment.
Knowledge of injection locations (SQ, IM, and ID) and the seven rights of medication administration.

Nice To Haves

Previous healthcare experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Deliver compassionate assistance to patients in alignment with ODCHC’s Model of Care.
Interview patients; measure and record vital signs, including pulse, temperature, blood pressure, weight, and height, using age-appropriate tools.
Chart patients’ chief complaints and required intake elements, perform basic MA charting, and document orthostatic vital signs in the EMR.
Perform basic autoclaving tasks, including spore checks, cleaning the autoclave, and wrapping and packaging instruments.
Prepare examination rooms between visits and keep them consistently stocked.
Operate EKG, oxygen saturation monitors, vision and hearing testing equipment, and equipment for ear and eye irrigations, peak flow testing, nebulization, and blood pressure measurement.
Administer medications, injections, and immunizations according to ODCHC policy and practitioner or registered nurse direction, applying correct dose calculations and the seven rights of medication administration.
Set up, assist with, and clean up after minor procedures, including Pap tests, wet mounts, rapid strep tests, mole removals, and minor lacerations.
Set up and assist with age-appropriate well-child exams and CHDP, including immunizations and accurate documentation.
Follow universal precautions, including handwashing and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
Perform HCG, Micral, and Rapid Strep testing and quality control according to site-specific laboratory guidelines; obtain specimens and cultures for the laboratory.
Obtain diabetic laboratory tests at the beginning of patient visits as specified by the DM HCM protocol.
Schedule appointments and follow-up visits according to clinic procedures.
Keep medical areas clean and disinfected according to standard medical asepsis practices.
Perform chart scrubbing and update the Health Care Maintenance function in the EMR.
Perform EPIC workflows for MA duties, including standard intake, telephone call documentation, refill encounter preparation and routing, PHQ, MAR, Meaningful Use, and management of provider in-basket staff messages.
Follow ODCHC attendance policy and comply with HIPAA, HITECH, California privacy regulations, and the California MA Scope of Practice.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as designated by the supervisor.