Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program

Medical Assistant Apprentice Initiative

The MA Apprentice is enrolled in an apprenticeship program that will prepare them to become a Certified Medical Assistant. Apprentices are expected to work full-time in the clinic and log 2000 on-the-job (OTJ) training hours over a 12-month period. All clinical skills are taught under the guidance of a 1:1 coach. Apprentices also complete 200 hours of online didactic training that may include online instruction, educational readings, videos, quizzes, projects and more. The online component is completed typically in the evenings and/or on weekends.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required. Enrollment with a participating Federally Qualified Health Center in the Medical Assistance Apprenticeship Initiative sponsored by the North Carolina Community Health Center Association.

Skills: Excellent customer service, oral and written communication skills required. Compassion for patients required. Must be able to work well in a team environment. Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment, with ability to anticipate future needs. Basic computer user skills required. Must have access to the internet outside of clinic.

Travel required: Must have reliable transportation to travel to all CRCHC Sites

Physical Requirements:

· Continuous walking, standing and moving about.

· Frequently bends, kneels and crouches.

· Frequently lifts, pushes or otherwise moves and positions patients or other objects, exerting up to 50 lbs.

· Repetitive movement of hands and fingers – typing and/or writing.

· The ability to talk, hear and smell.

· Possible exposure to hazardous fumes, airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, bodily fluids, etc.

Key Responsibilities

1. Greets variety of patients and escorts to the exam room; informs patient of time delays throughout visit.

2. Prepares patients for provider, anticipates needs of provider to maintain efficient patient flow.

3. Performs vital signs and other patient procedures, exams, patient education, etc.

4. Accurately document all aspects of patient encounters.

5. Perform phlebotomy and laboratory procedures as directed by the provider.

6. Perform and document injections and immunizations.

7. Ensure exam rooms are clean, stocked, and ready for patients.

8. Clean, prepare and sterilize instruments.

9. Obtain prescription refills under the direction and authorization of the provider.

10. Manage internal and external referrals and required documentation.

11. Observe and follow required safety protocols, including handling and disposal of sharps, use of personal protective equipment, exposure to blood borne pathogens, and general safety of employees and patients.

12. Answer telephones, schedule patients, and support care team members.

13. Navigate care throughout the encounter process.

14. Protect patient privacy and always comply with HIPAA regulations.

15. Participate in quality improvement activities.

16. Other duties as assigned.