Job Description
General Summary/Purpose:
The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) in ambulatory practice areas function as integral members of the interdisciplinary team. The CMA is responsible for direct patient care and clinic operations, including the maintenance of the environment of care and supplies/equipment. The CMA shares the responsibility with other clinicians in ensuring a safe environment for the patient while providing quality care and a positive patient experience. The CMA functions clinically under the authority of the physician within the scope of their certification. The CMA reports to the Clinic Manager, who is responsible for the administrative supervision and direction of staff, orientation and annual assessment of competencies and the assurance to clinic specific policies and procedures. CMA’s may be asked to float between other JHU Dermatology clinics where care is similar and/or competence is evaluated suggesting the individual is capable of providing complete and correct patient care.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
- The CMA must demonstrate competency in all skills related to the performance of patient care. Highly effective written and verbal communication skills. Effective time management and organizational skills. The CMA must be able to:
- Operate electronic monitoring equipment,
- Ability to use computer keyboard functions to input and obtain data, Determine appropriate information and resources needed related to clinical situation,
- Organize and summarize information.
- Requires successful interpersonal and communication skills with patients, families, physicians and other health care team members in order to foster optimal quality of outpatient care.
- General computer use.
- General physiological monitoring equipment including but not limited to vital signs machine (automated & manual) height, weight, cardiac monitor, ECG, Point-of–care equipment, sterilization equipment, scopes and emergency equipment, etc.
- The CMA is able to identify signs indicative of a changing patient care situation and notifies the appropriate individual based on the issue. The CMA demonstrates problem-solving skills and critical thinking as they perform patient care activities, provides guidance for and acts as a role model in the clinical area.
- Identifies and recommends opportunities for improvement in order to ensure patient safety and quality outcomes.
- Under the direction of the Clinic Manager, takes appropriate clinical actions using available resources, to achieve positive outcomes for patients, visitors, and staff.
- Independently prioritizes daily tasks and assignments.
- Follows established policies and procedures. Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.
Minimum qualifications (mandatory):
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.
- Graduation from an accredited Medical Assistant training program required.
- Successful completion of CMA certification with the credentials of RMA, NCMA, NRCMA, CCMA or CMAA, prior to hire.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience as a CMA, preferably in dermatology
Special knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Familiarity with medical terminology
- Sound documentation skills
- Knowledge of aseptic technique, basic wound care, and dressing change principles
- Knowledge of medication administration (oral and injection)
- Knowledge of patient transport and positioning techniques
- EPIC preferred
Technical qualifications or specialized certifications:
- Must maintain certification/ registration throughout employment.
- Valid CPR certification required upon hire and recertification required every two years.
Any specific physical requirements for the job:
- Works in a clinical environment where there are limited physical discomforts due to temperature, noise, dust, etc.
- Possible exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous materials, pharmacological agents, with little likelihood of harm when established health precautions are followed.
- Requires standing up for up to 100% of work-time and lifting and/or transferring heavy instruments (routinely 30 lbs. or more) from one location to another with little likelihood for injury if proper body mechanics and procedures are followed.
- Requires the use of protective safety devices including, but not limited to, safety glasses, hearing protection and infection prevention clothing/apparatus.
- Requires lifting and/or positioning patients and transporting wheelchairs and related equipment.
- May require contact with aggressive and/or combative patients.
- Employees in this position will be required to adhere to work availability and unit scheduling requirements.
CMA may engage in roles that are procedural based or within an environment with mixed requirements.