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Medical assistant job description

Updated March 14, 2024
10 min read

Medical assistants are individuals in the healthcare industry who work closely with and provide general assistance to doctors in a hospital or clinical setting. They prepare patients for consultations by taking vital signs and pertinent measurements, asking about symptoms or concerns, and directing patients to the proper rooms.

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Example medical assistant requirements on a job description

Medical assistant requirements can be divided into technical requirements and required soft skills. The lists below show the most common requirements included in medical assistant job postings.
Sample medical assistant requirements
  • Completion of a Medical Assistant program from an accredited institution
  • Current certification as a Medical Assistant
  • Knowledge and ability to use electronic health records and medical software
  • Ability to take vital signs and perform basic medical procedures
  • Understanding of medical terminology and anatomy
Sample required medical assistant soft skills
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Ability to multitask and manage time effectively
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a medical team

Medical assistant job description example 1

Dignity Health medical assistant job description

Dignity Health Medical Foundation, established in 1993, is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation with care centers throughout California. Dignity Health Medical Foundation is an affiliate of Dignity Health – one of the largest health systems in the nation - with hospitals and care centers in California, Arizona and Nevada. Today, Dignity Health Medical Foundation works hand-in-hand with physicians and providers throughout California to provide comprehensive healthcare services to the many communities we serve.

As Dignity Health Medical Foundation continues to grow and establish new premier care centers, we provide increasing support and investment in the latest technologies, finest physicians and state-of-the-art medical facilities. We strive to create purposeful work settings where staff can provide great care, while advancing in knowledge and experience through challenging work assignments and stimulating relationships. Our staff is well-trained and highly skilled, qualities that are vital to maintaining excellence in care and service.

The Medical Assistant (MA) position is responsible for knowing his/her professional scope of practice as defined by the California Business and Professional Code and for satisfactorily completing the Dignity Health Medical Foundation orientation period that includes demonstrating skills and behaviors that meet a fully competent level of performance. The MA maintains a clean, organized, and safe environment, and performs patient care services that support the physician / provider's practice under the clinical supervision of the Physician, Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician’s Assistant, or Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Assisting in prepping patients for examinations or procedures, assisting with procedures, relaying instructions from the physician to a patient or authorized person, and collecting patient data

Documenting patient concerns, patient concerns, patient messages, and care provided to the patient in the patient’s medical record for the physician's review

Administrating medications specifically directed by the physician and performing accurate vital sign measurements and documentation.

This position may have access to third party credit card information and transaction systems (cash registers, point of sale devices, applications supporting credit card transactions, and reports or other documents containing credit card information) from single transactions or a single card at a time.
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Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma (or equivalent) required Satisfactory completion of a formal Medical Assistant program pursuant to the Division of Allied Health Professions or military training that is equivalent to an accredited Medical Assistant program (determination by Dignity Health Medical Foundation H.R. department in conjunction with the State Division of Allied Health Professions) required Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills required Medical terminology, familiarity with CPT and ICD-10 coding procedures and reference tools, and pharmacology appropriate to the Medical Assistant scope of practice required Current BLS certification required (must be certified through the American Heart Association)
Preferred Qualifications:
Six (6) months of experience in an outpatient setting as a Medical Assistant preferred Certification must be obtained through one of the private agencies approved by the Medical Board of California: American Association of Medical Assistants (preferred) American Medical Technologists California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants Multi-skilled Medical Certification Institute, Inc. (NCCT) Familiarity with an electronic practice management system preferred
**This position is represented by the SEIU-UHW.**
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Medical assistant job description example 2

Ochsner Health medical assistant job description

This job performs appointment scheduling and medical assistant functions within a clinic setting. Provides individualized, direct patient care of assigned patients under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider and assists in the implementation of the delivery of health care services.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Education
Required - High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred - Completion of a Medical Assistant training program
Work Experience
Preferred - Related experience in a clinic or medical office setting

Certifications
Required - Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association
Preferred - Certification in Healthcare Access Manager (CHAM), Certification in Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA), Certification as a Medical Assistant (or other medical specialty-based certification)
Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information. Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard. Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process. Skills to effectively present information and respond to questions from patients and customers, with proficiency. Ability to work collaboratively with other departments. Ability to exercise sound judgment in handling/escalating difficult situations.

Job Duties
Provide excellent customer service to all patients, guests, and family members. Ensures all patient required forms are completed and other paperwork/documents are gathered and accurate. Efficiently inputs patient/guarantor demographic and financial information; explains insurance benefits and collects co-pays, deductibles and self-pay portions due. Performs vital signs and other screenings, obtaining height, weight, allergy and medication history and other assessments. Prepares patient for exam, explaining any procedures before they are performed and answering the patients' questions. Schedules and reschedules patient appointments by phone or in person, including transferring patients to the appropriate departments for scheduling and updating necessary information. Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style. Other related duties as required.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.

Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.

The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where peatients enter; workds directly with patients; and/or works with specimends that could contain diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to all communicable diseases.
Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.
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Medical assistant job description example 3

Sutter Health medical assistant job description

  • 1 year basic clinical and practical experience as typically acquired in a similar environment.


SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

  • General knowledge of various medical procedures, views, and equipment.
  • Basic understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology.
  • Competent and validated in basic Medical Assisting skills such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for exam, and administering injections.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of data and instructions, furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Possess written and verbal communications skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including non-medical people.
  • Well-developed time management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize assignments and work within standardized operating procedures and scientific methods to achieve objectives and meet deadlines.
  • General knowledge of computer applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook) and electronic health record (EHR).


Ability to

  • -prioritize assignments and work within standardized policies, procedures, and scientific methods to achieve objectives and meet deadlines.
  • -work independently, as well as be part of the team, including accomplishing multiple tasks in an environment with interruptions.
  • -identify, evaluate and resolve standard problems by selecting appropriate solutions from established options.
  • -build collaborate relationships with peers and other healthcare providers to achieve departmental and corporate objectives.

Job Shift:

Varied

Schedule:

Full Time

Shift Hours:

10

Days of the Week:

Friday, Monday, Thursday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Weekend Requirements:

None

Benefits:

Yes

Unions:

No

Position Status:

Non-Exempt

Weekly Hours:

40

Employee Status:

Regular

Number of Openings:

1

Sutter Health Affiliates are equal opportunity employers EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Schedule/Shift: Regular/ Days
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Updated March 14, 2024

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.