Medical Assistant, MA

Open Door Community Health Centers•Eureka, CA

About The Position

The Medical Assistant Trainee is an on-the-job training opportunity for employees who are interested in becoming a medical assistant but have no prior experience. Trainees are expected to complete a training program and become eligible to test for MA certification. Under the direction of a primary care provider and/or registered nurse, trainees learn to assist with patient examinations and treatment, advocate for patients, and support their care within the California MA Scope of Practice. The position provides hands-on training with support from medical assistants and Clinical Coordinators. New hires start at the base wage for the position. The listed hourly wage ranges are $25.00–$28.87 for MA Trainee, $28.00–$32.35 for MA I, and $29.50–$34.10 for MA II. Hmong and Spanish speakers who pass a language exam receive a minimum of $0.75 added to their wage, with an additional $0.50 for licensure. 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 chart patient information consistently and accurately.
Ability to promote effective communication between patients and primary care providers.
Ability and desire to work as part of a team.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish constructive working relationships across diverse staff and management.
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 correspondence.
Basic computer skills, including internet, Word, and email.
Sound and responsible judgment.
Obtain 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.
Learn injection locations and the seven rights of medication administration.

Nice To Haves

Previous healthcare experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate assistance to patients in alignment with the organization’s Model of Care.
Interview patients; measure and record vital signs and other patient information in the chart.
Document chief complaints, patient intake, orthostatic vital signs, and other required information in the electronic medical record.
Perform basic autoclave tasks, including spore checks, cleaning, and wrapping or packaging instruments.
Prepare and stock examination rooms between patient visits.
Operate clinical equipment and perform tests and procedures including EKGs, oxygen saturation monitoring, vision and hearing tests, ear and eye irrigations, peak flow testing, and nebulizer treatments.
Administer medications, injections, and immunizations according to policy and practitioner or registered nurse direction, using correct dose calculations and the seven rights of medication administration.
Set up, assist with, and clean up after minor procedures.
Set up and assist with age-appropriate well-child examinations and document information accurately.
Follow universal precautions, including handwashing and use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
Perform specified point-of-care tests and quality control, and obtain laboratory specimens and cultures.
Obtain diabetic laboratory tests at the beginning of patient visits according to the diabetes health care maintenance protocol.
Schedule appointments and follow-up visits according to clinic procedures.
Keep medical areas clean and disinfected in accordance with standard medical asepsis practices.
Perform chart scrubbing and update the Health Care Maintenance function in the electronic medical record.
Complete EPIC workflows for MA duties, including intake, telephone documentation, refill encounters, PHQ, MAR, Meaningful Use, and provider in-basket messages.
Follow the organization’s 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.