Medical Assistant-Surgery Full Time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Palos Heights, IL

2d

About The Position

The Medical Assistant supports physicians, nurses, and other licensed medical staff by facilitating efficient patient flow, assisting with patient care activities, and performing related administrative functions. The role is responsible for maintaining safe, clean patient care areas, promoting patient satisfaction through professional and friendly interactions, and safeguarding patient confidentiality. The Medical Assistant follows Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, values, Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.

In this surgery-focused position, the Medical Assistant prepares patients and exam rooms, obtains and documents vital signs and visit information, and promptly reports significant changes or acute symptoms to the provider and registered nurse. The role assists practitioners with medical and surgical procedures, maintains equipment and supplies, and performs delegated specialty procedures safely and efficiently. The Medical Assistant also communicates with patients and the care team, supports clinic operations, and completes other duties assigned by the Supervisor or Manager.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current certification from an accepted medical assistant certifying body, or written proof of eligibility to sit for one of the five listed certification exams (AAMA, AMT, NCCT, NHA, or NRCMA).
• Complete one of the listed medical assistant certifications within the first six months of employment, with up to two test attempts; certification is a condition of employment.
• Sign an onboarding acknowledgement that certification must be attained within six months.
• American Heart Association-accredited Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification.
• Zero to two years of experience in a relevant role.
• Strong computer skills.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant training program.
• One to two years of ambulatory care experience.
• Experience with an electronic medical record.

Responsibilities

• Escort patients to exam rooms, identify patients using two identifiers, and prepare them for examination.
• Obtain accurate vital signs and document the reason for the visit; update or confirm allergies, smoking history, and pharmacy information.
• Promptly inform the provider and registered nurse of significant changes in vital signs or acute symptoms.
• Anticipate and set up equipment and supplies needed for visits; clean and prepare exam rooms for the next patient.
• Respond to needs, prioritize tasks, and support efficient patient flow.
• Assist practitioners with medical and surgical procedures in accordance with established protocols, including ECGs, venipuncture, immunizations, procedure tray setup, specimen collection, and CLIA-waived testing as directed by a provider.
• Prepare and stock exam rooms, following protocols for disinfecting and sterilizing equipment and instruments.
• Participate in environmental safety rounds.
• Maintain vaccine and medication inventory; monitor and maintain equipment and instruments according to clinic guidelines.
• Assist with ordering supplies and properly dispose of expired items.
• Follow office opening and closing procedures.
• Interact with patients professionally and in a friendly manner to promote patient satisfaction.
• Accept and perform delegated responsibilities positively, offer assistance to others, attend and participate in staff meetings, and communicate appropriately with patients and the care team in person and by phone.
• Perform delegated procedures common to the specialty area safely, effectively, and efficiently.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Supervisor or Manager.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, and 401(k) matching.
• A wide range of benefits intended to support employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events. See the company benefits information for details; eligibility depends on employment classification.

What This Job Offers

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