Certified Medical Assistant/Licensed Practical Nurse (CMA/LPN)

Job Summary

The Certified Medical Assistant/Licensed Practical Nurse (CMA/LPN) provides direct and indirect patient care in an outpatient physician-practice setting under the general supervision of the Executive Director of Physician Practices and the Clinical Supervisor, with clinical direction from the supervising physician or other authorized licensed provider. The employee supports patient intake, clinical procedures, medication-related activities, patient education, documentation, care coordination, and efficient clinic operations. Duties are assigned according to the employee’s current credential, demonstrated competency, applicable law, provider direction, and organizational policy. A CMA performs only properly delegated tasks within the medical assistant role and required supervision parameters. An LPN practices within the legal scope of practical nursing under appropriate supervision. The employee safeguards confidentiality, promotes patient safety, and complies with applicable federal, state, and local requirements, The Joint Commission standards, and organizational and departmental policies.

Standards of Performance

1. Patient Preparation: The Certified Medical Assistant is responsible for conducting comprehensive patient intake by obtaining vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. They are also tasked with recording thorough medical histories and preparing patients appropriately for examinations to ensure optimal provider workflow and patient comfort.
2. Clinical Procedures: Assists authorized providers with examinations, minor procedures, diagnostic testing, specimen collection, phlebotomy, point-of-care testing, dressing changes, suture removal, nebulizer treatments, and other approved clinical activities. Each task must be within the employee’s credentialed role, training, competency, provider delegation or order, supervision requirements, and organizational policy.
3. Medication Administration: Administers medications, immunizations, and treatments only as authorized by the employee’s credential, documented competency, provider order, applicable law, required supervision, and organizational policy. The CMA may perform only properly delegated tasks for which the employee has been trained and for which required on-site supervision is available. The LPN may administer medications and treatments within the scope of practical nursing and promptly report patient responses or changes in condition.
4. Patient Education: The Certified Medical Assistant plays a crucial role in educating patients and their families about treatment plans, medication dosages, wound care, and home care requirements. This education fosters patient independence and understanding, following provider guidance.
5. Documentation, Communication, and Triage: Maintains accurate, timely, and complete electronic health records; documents care, patient communications, medication-related actions, and provider instructions; and routes clinical concerns appropriately. The CMA collects and communicates information and follows approved protocols without independently exercising nursing judgment. The LPN participates in telephone triage and nursing follow-up within the LPN scope, established protocols, and required supervision, escalating changes in condition or issues beyond scope to the provider or supervising nurse.
6. Administrative Support: The role includes coordinating internal and external appointments, managing prescription refill requests, and completing pre-certifications for services that require insurance authorization, supporting efficient clinic operations.
7. Patient Care and Advocacy: Identifies patient needs through respectful communication, supports individualized care, and promptly reports concerns to the provider or supervising nurse. Provides culturally responsive, age-appropriate care while maintaining professional boundaries and working within the employee’s credentialed scope.
8. Quality Assurance and Compliance: The Certified Medical Assistant ensures quality of care by adhering to therapeutic standards, evaluating health outcomes against care goals, and making necessary adjustments. The Certified Medical Assistant strictly maintains compliance with federal, state, and governing agency regulations and practice standards.
9. Team Collaboration: Collaboration with physicians and the multidisciplinary team is fundamental to resolving patient problems and meeting care needs, using a team-based approach to achieve optimal health outcomes.
10. Safety and Infection Control: Maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work environment is achieved by following established procedures, rules, and regulations. The assistant calls for support from healthcare personnel as needed and strictly adheres to infection-control policies, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations.
11. Care Documentation: All patient care services are thoroughly documented in patient and departmental records, ensuring continuity among nursing teams through clear communication about actions taken, observed irregularities, and ongoing patient needs.
12. Confidentiality: Patient confidence and privacy are protected by maintaining strict confidentiality of all information and operational matters.
13. Professional Communication: Consistently maintains a cooperative, professional relationship with patients, healthcare professionals, teams, and agencies to ensure effective collaboration and patient-centered care.
14. Scope, Competency, and Other Duties: Recognizes and follows the limits of the credential held, seeks guidance when a task is unfamiliar or beyond scope, maintains required competencies and credentials, and performs other related duties as assigned that are consistent with education, training, licensure or certification, supervision, and organizational policy.

Requirements

Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. CMA candidates must have completed an approved medical assistant education or training pathway and meet the organization’s certification requirements. LPN candidates must be graduates of an approved practical nursing program.

Formal Training: The role requires formal training that emphasizes strong interpersonal communication skills. The Certified Medical Assistant must demonstrate strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment. Proficiency in both verbal and written communication is essential to ensure a clear, accurate exchange of information with patients, physicians, and other healthcare team members. These skills are vital for maintaining efficient clinic operations and supporting quality patient care.

Licensure, Certification, and Registration: Employee must qualify through one of the following pathways: (1) maintain a current Medical Assistant certification recognized by the organization, obtaining certification within twelve months of hire when permitted by organizational policy; or (2) maintain a current, unencumbered Georgia Licensed Practical Nurse license or multistate privilege valid for practice in Georgia. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required throughout employment. The employee may perform only duties authorized by the credential held.

Work Experience: Six months to one year of related outpatient, physician-practice, or ambulatory clinical experience preferred. Equivalent clinical training may be considered.