Medical Assistant Trainee – High School to Healthcare

Major Responsibilities:

• Complies with the medical assistant scope of practice per organization guidelines. 
• Learns to prepare and room the patient for an exam by obtaining vital signs and gathering/documenting/updating pertinent health information (i.e. chief complaint, allergies, medications). Organizes and prepares exam rooms, lab and work areas including cleaning, stocking, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment. 
• Learns how to perform laboratory procedures (i.e. strep test, wound culture, specimen collection, etc.) using principles of aseptic technique and standard precautions/infection control guidelines. 
• Learns how to assist the physician/advanced practice clinician (APC) with procedures and surgeries such as pelvic exams, allergy scratch testing, EMG, cautery, colposcopy, etc. 
• Learns how to administer routine medications under physician/APC orders, which may include but are not limited to immunizations, antibiotics, vitamins and topical agents. 
• Learns how to provide simple patient instruction and refers questions to appropriate care team members. Learns how to effectively communicate with physician/APC, care team members and patients to ensure smooth clinic flow and delivery of timely and accurate information. 
• Learns how to perform basic clinical tasks and observes advanced skills based on the specialty, which may include removal of sutures and staples, straight catheterization, audiograms, laboratory procedures (i.e. throat/nose culture, drug screen), phlebotomy – butterfly, venous heel stick, EKG, spirometry, Holter monitor application, etc. Learns to perform various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique. 
• Learns to complete routine quality control and monitoring of equipment. Learns appropriate techniques for cleaning, sterilizing and caring for instruments and other equipment. 
• Learns about patient-centered initiatives, care management, process improvement and lean methodology. 
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards. 

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) required at start of employment.

Education Required:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited or approved program in Medical Assistant. Completion of foundation courses including medical terminology, basic vital signs in both adult and pediatric populations, and medication administration including identification of basic drugs, their uses and how to administer via the various routes.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Progression of skill competency will be tested by the medical assistant program instructor or clinical leader before performance in the clinical setting. 
• Exhibits communication and interpersonal skills; ability to develop rapport and maintain positive, professional relationships with a variety of patients, staff, and physicians. 
• Proficient computer skills including keyboarding, navigation within a Windows operating system, and use of electronic mail. 
• Demonstrates customer service skills that support a positive patient experience. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, crawl, kneel, climb, and reach above shoulders throughout the workday. 
• Must be able to: lift up to 50 lbs from floor to waist; lift up to 20 lbs over the head; carry up to 40 lbs a reasonable distance. 
• Must be able to: push/pull with 30 lbs of force; perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs with a second person present;
• Will be exposed to the following hazards on a frequent basis: mechanical, electrical, chemical, blood, and body fluids.
• Will be required to wear protective clothing and equipment as needed.
• Must have functional speech, vision, hearing, and touch with the ability to use fine-hand manipulation skills.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job. Some equipment may not be operated without the assistance of an adult.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.