Medical Assistant Co-op

Beth Israel Lahey Health•Waltham, MA

About The Position

The Medical Assistant Co-op student works under the general supervision of a designated supervisor and, where applicable, in collaboration with a clinical overseer. The role assists in delivering high-quality, safe clinical care and supports patient care and operational flow by performing clerical and clinical duties within the scope of the student's training and the needs of the practice and patient population. The position is intended for someone enrolled in a technical school's Medical Assistant Co-op program seeking hands-on experience. The Medical Assistant provides delegated care within their scope and competence, contributes to patient assessment, collaborates with the care team, and follows applicable policies, procedures, and practice guidelines. The role supports patient and family education, patient safety, regulatory readiness, and continuity of care. Clinical duties include rooming patients, collecting and documenting information in the electronic health record, obtaining vital signs, communicating findings and concerns to providers, preparing patients and equipment for examinations, supporting visits and procedures, and preparing and labeling specimens for transport.

Requirements

Concurrent vocational or technical training in Nursing.
0–1 years of related work experience.
Basic computer familiarity and ability to navigate web-based applications at a basic level.
Ability to read and write English to understand basic safety instructions, take direction, and communicate with patients, families, and staff.
Ability to understand spoken English and communicate in basic English with patients, families, and staff about routine matters.
Ability to follow general instructions and procedures; work is monitored by a supervisor or manager.
Ability to make decisions based on specific instructions, standard practices, and established procedures.
Ability to address routine problems by following clear directions and procedures and identify opportunities for process improvements.
Basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures; specialized knowledge is not required.
Ability to interact respectfully with employees, professional staff, and external contacts and provide timely, respectful customer service.
Competence to provide patient care to young adults (ages 16–30), middle-aged adults (ages 30–60), and elderly patients (ages 60 and older).
Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently, and to stand or move around for most of the shift.
Must be vaccinated against influenza as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Provide safe, organized care for assigned patients and families.
Participate in culturally competent care planning, including identifying patient problems, expected outcomes, and preventive measures.
Provide age-specific care and perform duties delegated by a provider, RN, or LPN within the scope of practice and competence.
Contribute information provided by patients or families to the assessment of health status.
Collaborate and communicate with nurses, physicians, colleagues, patients, and families to support quality and continuity of care.
Participate in and support patient and family education.
Follow unit policies, procedures, and setting-specific practice guidelines; support patient safety and regulatory compliance and readiness.
Greet, identify, transport, and/or escort patients to examination rooms.
Obtain and document all elements of the Medical Assistant rooming standards in the electronic health record.
Report findings to the provider as needed and pend orders for provider signature using the Pended Order workflow.
Ask about and document the chief complaint, symptoms, and duration; obtain patient history; and review the medication list.
Ask whether patients need medication refills and queue refill requests in the electronic health record.
Document drug and other allergies and smoking history.
Measure and document height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature.
Observe patients, document and report findings, alert the provider when the patient is ready, and communicate pertinent clinical information.
Notify the provider about abnormal vital signs, elevated pain scores, or safety concerns.
Assist the provider with visits and care, including preparing special equipment, instruments, and supplies.
Provide instructions about diagnostic tests and procedures after the provider has educated the patient.
Prepare and label specimens obtained by the Medical Assistant or provider for transport according to the Labeling Policy.