Certified Medical Assistant

The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is an experienced and certified member of the ambulatory care team who provides advanced clinical and administrative support to ensure safe, efficient, and patient-centered care. Working under the general supervision of an appropriate licensed provider, the CMA performs a broad range of clinical duties including patient intake, specimen collection, point-of-care testing, vaccine administration, and assistance with procedures. The role supports the coordination of care across the clinic by ensuring accurate documentation, patient education, and communication among team members.

The CMA applies critical thinking, independent judgment within established protocols, and strong organizational skills to manage patient flow and anticipate clinical needs. The CMA demonstrates advanced competency in both direct patient care and administrative processes, ensuring compliance with safety, infection control, and regulatory standards.

In addition to core responsibilities, the CMA serves as a resource to peers, assists with onboarding and training of new staff, and contributes to quality improvement and operational excellence initiatives within the practice.

Position: Certified Medical Assistant

Department: Primary Care Clinic

Schedule: Full Time

Essential Responsibilities / Duties:

Patient Care Duties

Obtains and documents required patient information (e.g., age, weight, address, pharmacy).
Notifies clinical staff of any unusual findings or changes in patient information and/or functioning.
Assists clinical staff during procedures and exams (e.g., setting up, assisting with dressing/undressing, chaperoning, handling supplies, holding/restraining patients).
Facilitates care in patients' primary and/or preferred language by using available technologies to promote patient-centered care.
Instructs patients and families as directed (e.g., discharge instructions, procedure prep).
Obtains electrocardiograms (EKGs) when ordered by provider or standing order.
Obtains POCT as instructed and ordered by provider or standing order including A1 C, urine collection, pregnancy test, etc.
Performs phlebotomy/specimen collection and prepares specimens for delivery or drop-off.
Completes health maintenance screenings in support of the complete care of patients. Notifies provider and/or nursing of abnormal or unexpected findings from screening results.
Administers vaccines in accordance with departmental protocols, ensuring proper technique, dosage, documentation, and patient education.
Provides anticipatory guidance to patients regarding potential side-effects and post-vaccine care.
Maintains accurate immunization records and updates the electronic health record accordingly.
Verifies documentation for accuracy and completeness (e.g., lab test results, interview records, forms).
Schedules patient appointments, procedures, and surgeries.
Escorts/transports patients and families as needed to support care delivery.
Demonstrates age-appropriate communication and care skills; alerts clinical staff if patients outside the usual age range are present.
Communicates routinely with clinical staff to anticipate, prepare, and respond to patient, staff, and clinic needs on an ongoing basis to maintain clinic flow and teamwork.
Works to develop/utilize critical thinking to solve problems, anticipate needs for patient care, and respond appropriately.

Vital Signs & Clinical Documentation

Obtains and documents pulse, respiration, blood pressure, weight, and height.
Prepares records for clinic sessions, including filing at the close of session.
Obtains and enters charge information.
Completes health screenings and resource tools to support care coordination and address health gaps.

Administrative & Support Functions

Performs clerical and support duties to promote smooth clinic operations.
Answers phones and greets visitors; identify self and unit and responds or redirects inquiries appropriately.
Orders, stocks, and organize supplies and materials per budget and PAR levels.
Performs general office tasks (e.g., photocopying, delivering correspondence).
Cleans and maintains exam and clinical equipment, including safety and quality testing.
Turns over rooms between visits/procedures (e.g., cleaning, restocking).
Identifies and responds to emergency or urgent patient situations, notifying appropriate staff.
Participates in managing vaccine inventory, monitors expiration dates, and ensures proper storage and handling per CDC guidelines.

Work Rules, Standards, and Competency Compliance

Acts in a manner that supports a positive and collaborative work environment and aligns with established standards, policies, and procedures.
Resolve interpersonal conflicts effectively; seek guidance from supervisor as needed.
Accepts and acts on constructive feedback; works toward goals identified in performance evaluations.
Participates in staff meetings and quality improvement activities; reviews meeting minutes when unable to attend.
Complies with standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and regulations (e.g., DPH, Joint Commission, OSHA, fire codes).
Adheres to attendance, safety, and infectious disease control policies; consistently available on the unit.
Maintains a professional appearance and wears appropriate hospital ID identifying as a Medical Assistant.
Assists with orientation of new staff and serves as a resource to float staff.
Adapts to team needs; assists with floating, adjusting assignments, etc.
Collaborates with nursing leadership to coordinate clinic break schedules.
Provides care in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner that respects patient diversity.
Uses hospital resources efficiently and completes assignments within expected time frames.
Maintains technical competency and completes ongoing education activities.
Attends in-services and maintains accurate education records.
Completes mandatory education (e.g., safety, infection control, department-specific competencies).
Participates in required training modules focused on vaccine administration, and storage and handling.
Contributes to individual growth, professional development, and individual performance that promotes a positive work environment.
Uses training, skills, and professional experiences as a foundation to be proactive to provide consistent support to patients and clinical staff.

Other Duties

Use the hospital's RESPECT framework for decision-making and to support the division's mission.
Follow infection control and safety procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned.

The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required.

Job Requirements

Required Education and Experience:

Completion of an accredited medical assistant training program OR
Associate Degree in Medical Assisting from an approved accredited college OR
Completed alternative pathway approved by AAMA or NAHP AND
Current AAMA and/or NRCMA certification

Preferred Education and Experience (If none, please enter "N/A"):

Prior experience training, orienting and/or precepting staff
Basic computer proficiency and familiarity with electronic medical record systems preferred

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations Required (If none, please enter "N/A"):

BLS Healthcare CPR Certification

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations Preferred (If none, please enter "N/A"):

N/A

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) (If none, please enter "N/A"):

Clinical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of outpatient clinical practices, medical terminology, infection control, and patient safety standards to support high-quality, evidence-based care.
Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to perform clinical procedures such as phlebotomy, specimen collection, EKGs, and vaccine administration with accuracy, adhering to regulatory and departmental protocols.