Medical Assistant

Department
 

CSL SHS: Clinical Operations

About the Department
 

Student Wellness at the University of Chicago offers primary and acute health care needs and routine medical services to the student body, and includes the specialties of general internal medicine, family practice, gynecology, sports medicine, travel medicine, and minor urgent care. Student Health provides clinical services to eligible students and their dependents.

Job Summary
 

Provision of administrative and clinical support to medical providers and patients through a variety of tasks related to patient care management, organization and communication to ensure efficient operations of the medical clinic in the Student Wellness Center. The job provides basic technical patient care support under close supervision which includes obtaining vital signs, and administering or ordering diagnostic tests such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.

Medical Assistant (MA) performs a wide variety of nursing care services to patients under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Nurse Practitioner, or Physician. MA’s work with adolescent and adult patients. The MA reports to Nursing leadership in student health. The MA has in-person and telephone contact with patients, family members, physicians and other healthcare workers where courtesy, sensitivity and confidentiality are essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepares patients for appointment (e.g. greets patients and escorts to exam room, collects and documents vital signs; documents patient reason for visit, current medications, allergies, smoking status, and pharmacy of choice in electronic medical record). Assists patients in moving from carts, wheelchairs, etc. onto exam tables.

• Performs phlebotomy and Point of Care testing including rapid strep tests, urine dipsticks, glucose tests and urine pregnancy tests and complete required documentation in EHR.

• Performs procedural tasks (e.g. EKG’s, aerosol nebulizer treatments, basic visual acuity tests, ear and eye irrigations, peak flow testing and particulate respirator fit tests, clean and dress wounds, bites, burns; apply elastic bandages, arm slings, knee immobilizers and finger splints; fit patients for crutches and teach crutch-walking.)

• Assist providers with procedures (e.g. wound care or PAP smear).

• Maintain general appearance and cleanliness of exam rooms and nursing work station (e.g. bag soiled linen and distribute clean linen, prepare and transport instruments for sterilization, monitor level of clinic supplies, stock exam rooms and store new items upon delivery).

• Schedule patient appointments and assist with check in of patients as indicated utilizing color-coded EHR process.

• Review and/or prepare required documentation associated with patient visits.

• Assists in performing a range of patient care processes and procedures, such as preparing patients’ charts, measuring and recording patient vital signs, and assisting patients on/off stretchers, wheelchairs, and/or exam tables.

• Uses considerable on-the-job training to complete a variety of typical medical assignments-such as scheduling tests, procedures and referrals, and expediting medical results, notes, or letters.

• Works within defined processes and appropriate patient care protocol relating to the physical, psychological, and developmental needs of the patient.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED.

• Completion of medical assistant training.

Experience:

• Ambulatory care setting.

Certifications:

• Medical Assistant Certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants.

• Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.

Preferred Competencies

• Teamwork.

• Interactive communication.

• Effective and appropriate application of medical knowledge.

• Professionalism.

Working Conditions

• Ability to sit or stand for 4 hours or more.

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