Medical Assistant-Apprentice

Our Mission

All of us, for each of you, every time.

Our Vision

Together, serving as the trusted regional healthcare partner.

Our Values

Listen Love Respect Excel Innovate

Samaritan Clinic Medical Assistant - Apprentice Opportunity!

Medical Assistant Apprentices are responsible for providing direct patient care and will practice up to the skills learned and approved to practice through the Apprentice program guidelines.

MA Apprentices will apply current healthcare concepts and assist with routine or general clinical responsibilities that may contribute directly and indirectly to patient care under the supervision of the MA-C, RN and / or Provider.

May work up to the documented level of academic and clinical competence accomplished in the individual’s Apprenticeship program.

The apprentice is expected to participate in all required apprenticeship activities. Successful completion of the Apprenticeship program and the national MA-C certification test, in conjunction with remaining an employee in good standing, will qualify Apprentices for entry into the regular job classification as an MA-C.

Samaritan will work with student on work schedule to prepare for certification and program completion.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES :

• Shadows Medical Assistant - Certified coach per Washington Association of Community Health (WACH) guidelines.
• Completes WACH course work and follows all requirements of program.
• Greets variety of patients and escorts to exam room; informs patient of time delays throughout visit.
• Prepares patients for provider; anticipates needs of provider to maintain efficient patient flow.
• Performs phlebotomy and laboratory procedures as directed by provider.
• Performs and documents immunizations.
• Ensures exam rooms are clean, stocked, and ready for patients.
• Cleans, prepares, and sterilizes instruments.
• Assists provider with procedures, exams and patient education.
• Assists with prescription refills under the direction and authorization of provider.
• Manages appropriate patient referrals and required documentation.
• Observes and follows 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.
• Answers telephones, schedules patients, and supports care team members.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Ensures no injuries to self or others by following safe work practices and policies. This includes, but is not limited to : security and safety, understanding of chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS), equipment, infection control, fire, disaster, safe lifting and body mechanics.
• Ensures self-compliance with organization policies and procedures, as well as labor agreements.
• Ensures the interface with team members and other support groups is conducted in a courteous and efficient manner conducive with the organization's values.
• Conducts self in a professional manner and ensures personal appearance meets the standards necessary to perform the job function while representing the organization.
• Ensures that additional accountabilities, as may be required by management, be handled in a manner necessary to meet organizational standards.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS :

• High school diploma or GED, and must be 18 years of age or older.
• Previous experience as a MA registered or MA phlebotomy preferred.
• Demonstrated coursework or experience working with medical terminology and / or in a medical setting preferred.
• Ability to provide proof of 7 hours of HIV / AIDS training from WA State Department of Health- approved trained provider within 3 weeks of hire date.
• Current (Healthcare Provider HCP level) CPR certification or ability to complete within two months of hire.
• Proficiency in the use of computer programs and equipment utilized in the clinic setting.
• Basic math and effective reasoning skills for application in a clinical setting.

COMPETENCIES :

• Demonstrates competency on skills and use of equipment listed on department specific checklist.
• Critical thinking skills : Seeks resources for direction, when necessary. Performs independent problem solving. Decision-making is logical and deliberate.
• Performs actions that demonstrate accountability. Exercises safe judgment in decision-making. Practices within legal and ethical guidelines.
• Demonstrates competency in ability to care for customers / patients across the age continuum.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Frequent prolonged standing / walking. Occasional lifting, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, pushing and pulling.
• Occasional heavy lifting (lift / carry up to 50 lbs.).
• Maneuver and / or transfer patients.
• Manual dexterity and mobility.
• Ability to read and understand patient charts, provider orders, tests results, etc.
• Ability to communicate using verbal and / or written skills for accurate exchange of information with physicians, nurses, health care professionals, patients and / or family, and the public.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employee(s) assigned to this position.

They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions and skills, knowledge, and abilities required of employee(s) so classified.

Job duties and requirements may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of education, experience, and skills required to perform the functions of this job.

The job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Samaritan reserves the right to change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions & Apprenticeship Overview

So, how does an apprenticeship work?

If you apply and are selected, you'll be a full-time employee of Samaritan Healthcare. The program includes 12 months of training followed by a 2-year employment commitment, but we would love it if you stayed longer!

Paid apprenticeship?

The MA-AP is a paid position that is union and benefit eligible.

Wait? Certified?

The last part of this program is passing the Certified Medical Assistant exam to become a MA-C. This will be scheduled after all required hours and coursework have been completed.

Once you have passed this exam, you will apply for certification through Department of Health.

How much does the program cost? What about materials?

All costs of tuition are covered by us! Because of this investment, if you leave during your 3-year commitment (one-year training and two subsequent years of MA-C employment), the $3,750 tuition fee is immediately due for repayment to Samaritan Healthcare.

The Washington Association for Community Health (WACH), our program sponsor, will supply all necessary educational materials.

Where will I work?

Each apprentice will be assigned to a coach (preceptor) and will follow their schedule. In the final months of your programs, you'll be placed in your final location based on clinic needs.

This could be the Pioneer or Patton clinic and you could be moving to a new full-time schedule.