50%25 Medical Assistant II - UI Heart and Vascular Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Medical Assistant II - UI Heart and Vascular Center

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Part-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Support / Medical Administration

Date Posted: 2026-06-18T16:47:49

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Entry to Junior Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for the efficient operation of the UI Heart and Vascular Center's Outpatient Clinic, focusing on patient flow and direct patient care support.

• Responsibilities encompass both clinical duties, such as assisting with examinations and administering medications, and administrative tasks like managing medical records and scheduling.

• The position requires a commitment to patient satisfaction and continuity of care, with potential travel to surrounding community clinics.

• This is a part-time role, offering a structured schedule without nights, weekends, or holidays, appealing to those seeking work-life balance within a leading healthcare institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original job title "50%25 Medical Assistant II" has been interpreted as a 50% part-time role, commonly referred to as a Medical Assistant II. The "II" designation typically indicates a level above entry-level, suggesting some foundational experience or advanced training is expected, aligning with the 0-2 year experience level. The core duties described are typical for a Medical Assistant II in an outpatient cardiology setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Facilitate seamless patient flow through the clinic by interacting effectively with patients, families, and healthcare staff.

• Assist healthcare professionals during patient physical examinations, including taking patient histories, reviewing medication records, and documenting allergies and immunizations.

• Manage and maintain internal and external medical records, ensuring accuracy and completeness for patient appointments and care continuity.

• Administer routine oral, rectal, or injectable medications that do not require advanced nursing judgment, provided the individual has completed formal accredited training.

• Perform routine laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood work, and conduct electrocardiograms (EKGs) and X-rays as required.

• Identify and address vaccination needs for various patient populations.

• Execute clerical tasks including answering phones, scheduling appointments, and relaying information to other departments.

• Assist in the process of obtaining insurance prior authorizations for medical procedures and prescriptions.

• Collaborate closely with nursing staff to ensure timely and thorough patient work-ups and follow-ups, including post-procedure calls, delivery of normal test results, fasting instructions, appointment reminders, and management of faxed documents.

• Prepare patient education materials and packets, and coordinate the acquisition of outside medical records and laboratory results.

• Partner with Clinical Technicians across various clinic specialties to optimize the patient experience and ensure efficient clinic operations.

• Actively participate in daily huddles to discuss patient care, address issues, and plan upcoming clinic activities.

• Demonstrate accountability for achieving high levels of patient satisfaction.

• Contribute to the discharge planning process to ensure continuity of care and proper identification of the patient's primary healthcare provider.

• Maintain flexibility to alter work schedules as necessary to meet clinic and patient needs.

• Travel to other outreach community clinics within a 2-hour radius as required to support business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been detailed by expanding on the provided bullet points to include specific actions and contexts relevant to a Medical Assistant II role in a specialized cardiology clinic. Emphasis has been placed on patient interaction, clinical support, administrative efficiency, and collaboration within the healthcare team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Certification or registration as a Medical Assistant from an accredited institution; OR

• Completion of a recognized one-year Medical Assistant program; OR

• Completion of a health care profession program with a curriculum that includes pathophysiology, medical terminology, basic pharmacology, and medication administration (including dose calculation and psychology).

• Uploading educational transcripts is required if not certified/registered or a program graduate. Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a direct patient care or clinical support role.

• Experience in cardiovascular services or a similar specialty is desired. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in patient intake, including taking medical histories and vital signs.

• Competency in administering routine medications as per protocol.

• Skill in performing basic laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures (e.g., EKG, blood draws).

• Strong understanding of medical record management and electronic health record (EHR) systems.

• Ability to effectively manage clinic administrative tasks, including phone etiquette and appointment scheduling.

• Knowledge of insurance prior authorization processes.

• Familiarity with patient education material delivery.

• Valid Driver's License and adherence to the University Fleet Safety Program. Preferred Skills:

• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).

• Previous experience in cardiovascular services or a related specialty.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective patient and team interaction.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

• Proficiency in utilizing healthcare-specific software and technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been structured to clearly delineate between mandatory requirements and preferred attributes. The "Minimum Eligibility Requirement" has been rephrased for clarity and common industry understanding. The "Special Qualification Requirement" regarding the driver's license has been elevated to a required skill due to its explicit mention.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of patient intake forms, medical record summaries, or documentation templates used in previous roles.

• Include case studies or anonymized examples of how you managed patient flow or resolved scheduling conflicts to improve efficiency.

• Demonstrate understanding of medication administration protocols and safety checks through documented procedures or training certificates.

• Provide evidence of successful collaboration with healthcare teams, perhaps through anonymized communication logs or project contributions. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented or improved patient registration or check-in processes.

• Demonstrations of your workflow for managing patient inquiries, appointment scheduling, and follow-up communications.

• Evidence of participation in process improvement initiatives related to clinic operations or patient care pathways.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested beyond a resume and cover letter, the nature of the role implies a need to demonstrate practical skills. This section infers a potential expectation for candidates to be able to discuss their experience with processes and systems during interviews, hence the guidance on what would constitute relevant experience to highlight.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on University of Iowa Health Care's compensation structure for Medical Assistant II roles in Iowa City, IA, and considering the 50% part-time nature of the position, the estimated annual salary range is approximately $23,000 - $30,000. This equates to an hourly rate of approximately $15.00 - $19.50, depending on experience and qualifications.

• The University of Iowa is a state employer, and specific salary bands are often determined by internal grading systems and collective bargaining agreements, if applicable. Benefits:

• Pro-rated health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• Paid time off (PTO) accrual, likely prorated for part-time status.

• Retirement savings plan options (e.g., IPERS for state employees).

• Employee assistance programs.

• Access to University of Iowa facilities and potential discounts.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

• Tuition assistance programs may be available for eligible employees. Working Hours:

• This is a 50% part-time position, equating to approximately 20 hours per week.

• The schedule is Monday through Friday, with no nights, weekends, or holidays. Specific daily hours will be determined by clinic needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information was not provided. The estimate is based on general market data for Medical Assistant II roles in Iowa City, IA, factoring in the part-time status and the typical compensation structure for a large public university healthcare system. Benefits are inferred based on standard offerings for part-time employees at such institutions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Academic Medical Center, Healthcare, Cardiology & Vascular Services. UI Heart and Vascular Center is a recognized leader, ranked by U.S. News & World Report, indicating a culture focused on high-quality patient care, innovation, and clinical excellence.

Company Size: University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 individuals, signifying a large, complex organization with extensive resources and a diverse workforce. This scale suggests structured processes and opportunities for specialization.

Founded: While the exact founding date of the UI Heart and Vascular Center isn't specified, the University of Iowa was founded in 1847, providing a long history of medical education and patient care.

Team Structure:

• The Medical Assistant II will be part of the UI Heart and Vascular Center's Main Campus Outpatient Clinic team.

• This team likely includes physicians, advanced practice providers (NPs, PAs), registered nurses, clinical technicians, and administrative staff.

• The Medical Assistant II will report to a clinic supervisor or manager, collaborating closely with nursing staff and other clinical technicians.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working with various departments within the hospital system to ensure comprehensive patient care and administrative efficiency. Methodology:

• The clinic operates with a patient-centered methodology, prioritizing patient outcomes, experience, and satisfaction.

• Data-driven decision-making is likely employed, with a focus on clinical performance metrics and operational efficiency.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key to managing patient volume and ensuring timely care delivery in a busy outpatient setting.

• Automation and efficiency practices are expected to be integrated where possible to streamline administrative and clinical processes.

Company Website: https://www.uihealthcare.org/heart-vascular-center/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company culture and team structure details are inferred from the provided description of the UI Heart and Vascular Center and its standing as a leading academic medical institution. The emphasis on "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives." suggests a mission-driven environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the "Medical Assistant II" level, indicating a step beyond entry-level. It requires a solid foundation in medical assisting principles and the ability to perform a range of clinical and administrative tasks with moderate supervision. This is an operational support role crucial for the daily functioning of the clinic.

Reporting Structure: The Medical Assistant II will report to a Clinic Supervisor or Manager within the UI Heart and Vascular Center's Main Campus Outpatient Clinic. They will work closely with and take direction from physicians, nurses, and other senior clinical staff on a daily basis.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts operational efficiency by ensuring smooth patient flow, accurate record-keeping, and timely patient preparation for examinations and procedures. By handling routine tasks efficiently, the Medical Assistant allows physicians and nurses to focus on more complex patient care needs, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to gain in-depth experience in cardiovascular patient care, potentially leading to specialization in areas like EKG interpretation, cardiac monitoring, or assisting with specific cardiac procedures.

• Advanced Certification: Pursue advanced certifications in medical assisting or related healthcare fields to enhance expertise and career prospects.

• Internal Mobility: Potential to move into other roles within the University of Iowa Health Care system, such as a Medical Assistant III, Lead Medical Assistant, or administrative support positions in different departments, leveraging acquired experience and institutional knowledge.

• Continuing Education: Access to the University's resources for professional development, workshops, and training programs to stay current with medical advancements and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth analysis is based on typical progression paths for Medical Assistants within large healthcare systems and the specific context of an academic medical center known for its leadership in cardiology.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role within a busy outpatient cardiology clinic located at the University of Iowa's main campus. The environment is fast-paced, demanding, and requires constant interaction with patients and healthcare professionals.

Office Location(s): Primarily at the Main Campus Outpatient Clinic in Iowa City, Iowa. The role also requires travel to surrounding Outreach community clinics within a 2-hour radius, necessitating reliable transportation.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is a clinical setting requiring adherence to strict hygiene and safety protocols.

• Close proximity to colleagues (nurses, physicians, other MAs) is expected, fostering a collaborative and team-oriented atmosphere.

• Access to medical equipment, charting systems (likely an EHR), and other necessary clinic technology will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct patient interaction in exam rooms, waiting areas, and potentially via phone for follow-ups.

Work Schedule: A 50% part-time schedule, approximately 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with no nights, weekends, or holidays. This offers a predictable schedule conducive to managing personal commitments while contributing to essential healthcare operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to a clinical setting within a major hospital system, emphasizing the fast-paced nature and the requirement for on-site presence and travel.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review applications and resumes. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications will be contacted.

• Phone/Video Interview: A preliminary interview to assess general qualifications, communication skills, and interest in the role and UI Heart and Vascular Center.

• On-site Interview: This will likely involve meeting with the hiring manager (Jordan Adam), potentially a nursing supervisor, and perhaps a peer Medical Assistant or Clinical Technician. Expect questions focused on clinical skills, patient interaction scenarios, and understanding of clinic operations.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): While not explicitly mentioned, a practical assessment for basic clinical skills (e.g., vital signs, EKG setup) could be incorporated.

• Final Interview/Offer: If successful, a final discussion and job offer may follow.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't mandatory, be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience that align with the job responsibilities.

• For the resume and cover letter, clearly highlight any certifications, program completions, or relevant coursework as per the requirements.

• Be ready to articulate how your experience with patient history, medication administration, record management, and patient scheduling demonstrates your capability for this role.

• Use the cover letter to express your interest in the UI Heart and Vascular Center and why you are a good fit for their mission and patient care standards. Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions asking how you would handle specific patient interactions (e.g., an anxious patient, a patient with a complex medication history) or clinic operational challenges (e.g., managing a sudden influx of patients, dealing with a scheduling error).

• Process Explanation: Be ready to explain your process for tasks like preparing a patient for an exam, administering medication, or managing patient records.

• Teamwork and Communication: Prepare examples of how you have effectively communicated with physicians, nurses, and other team members, and how you handle constructive feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and preparation tips are inferred based on standard hiring practices for clinical roles in large healthcare institutions, emphasizing practical skills and behavioral competencies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) System: Proficiency in navigating and utilizing an EHR system is essential for managing patient charts, documenting care, and accessing patient information. Specific systems used by UI Health Care may include Epic or Cerner, though this is not specified.

• Medical Equipment: Familiarity with standard medical equipment for patient examinations and diagnostics, such as blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, EKG machines, centrifuges, and basic laboratory testing equipment.

• Scheduling Software: Experience with patient scheduling systems to manage appointments efficiently.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to access and interpret basic patient data within the EHR for patient care purposes is necessary.

• Ability to contribute to clinic flow metrics by accurately recording patient times and services. CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, managing patient communication and follow-ups can be seen as a form of patient relationship management.

• Understanding of any internal clinic automation tools for tasks like appointment reminders or fax management.

• Experience with systems for insurance authorization tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred based on the typical tools and systems used in a modern hospital outpatient clinic environment, with a focus on EHRs and essential medical equipment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: A strong commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care and ensuring a positive patient experience is paramount.

• Excellence and Innovation: Striving for the highest standards in patient outcomes, as recognized by national rankings, and embracing advancements in cardiovascular medicine.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: A culture that values interdisciplinary collaboration, where every team member's contribution is respected and essential for patient success.

• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding ethical standards, taking responsibility for actions, and ensuring transparency in all patient interactions and operational processes.

• Efficiency and Optimization: A drive to continuously improve clinic workflows and patient throughput to deliver timely and effective care.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Expect a collaborative environment where communication and coordination between Medical Assistants, nurses, physicians, and other clinical support staff are frequent and essential.

• Proactive Communication: The ability to proactively communicate patient needs, concerns, and status updates to the care team is crucial.

• Shared Responsibility: A culture where team members support each other to manage patient load and ensure all clinic tasks are completed efficiently.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to providing and receiving feedback to continuously improve processes and patient care.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are inferred from the University of Iowa's stated mission, its reputation as a leading healthcare institution, and the inherent collaborative nature of clinical operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The outpatient clinic can be demanding with fluctuating patient volumes and urgent needs, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Travel Requirements: Balancing primary clinic duties with travel to outreach clinics can present logistical challenges and require adaptability.

• Handling Diverse Patient Needs: Managing a wide range of patient conditions and emotional states within the cardiology setting requires empathy, patience, and clinical acumen.

• Navigating Complex Systems: Becoming proficient in the University's EHR and other internal systems can be challenging initially.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Clinical Skills: Opportunities to deepen knowledge and skills in cardiovascular care through hands-on experience and potential specialized training.

• Professional Certifications: Support and resources to pursue advanced certifications like BLS, ACLS (if applicable), or specialized medical assistant credentials.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Potential to learn about other areas of healthcare operations within the larger UI Health Care system.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced physicians, nurses, and senior medical assistants within the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed within the context of a busy, specialized clinical environment and the career trajectory of a Medical Assistant.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Clinical Scenarios: "Describe your process for preparing a patient for a physical exam, including taking vital signs and medical history." "How would you handle a patient who is anxious about an upcoming procedure?" "What steps do you take to ensure accuracy when administering medication?"

• Operational Efficiency: "How do you prioritize tasks when multiple patients need attention simultaneously?" "Describe a time you identified an issue with clinic flow and what you did about it." "How do you ensure accurate documentation in a patient's medical record?"

• Teamwork and Communication: "How do you communicate critical patient information to a physician or nurse?" "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a difficult colleague. How did you manage it?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "Why are you interested in working for the UI Heart and Vascular Center specifically?" "What does 'Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.' mean to you in the context of this role?"

• Work Environment: "What are your expectations for a team environment in a busy clinic?" "How do you handle feedback from supervisors or peers?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume & Cover Letter: Ensure these documents clearly highlight your MA certification/program completion, any relevant experience (especially cardiology), and your understanding of the required duties.

• Verbal Examples: Be ready to provide specific, STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples for each key responsibility mentioned in the job description. For instance, if discussing managing medical records, describe a specific instance of organizing or retrieving records efficiently.

• Demonstrate Understanding: Articulate your understanding of the importance of accuracy, patient safety, and efficient clinic operations in a cardiology setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on typical clinical and behavioral questions relevant to a Medical Assistant role, emphasizing practical skills, patient care, and operational awareness.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Medical Assistant II position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the University of Iowa's Taleo career portal.

• Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume to highlight your Medical Assistant certification/program completion, relevant clinical skills (patient history, vital signs, medication administration, EKG, lab work), and any experience in cardiology or outpatient settings. Craft a cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the UI Heart and Vascular Center and addresses how your skills align with the role's responsibilities and the company's mission.

• Educational Documentation: If you have not completed a formal Medical Assistant program or are not certified/registered, ensure you upload copies of your educational transcripts as indicated.

• Prepare for Interview: Review common Medical Assistant interview questions, focusing on clinical scenarios, patient interaction, and operational tasks. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method to showcase your experience and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss your understanding of patient care in a cardiology setting.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the UI Heart and Vascular Center's reputation, services, and their commitment to patient care. Understand the significance of their national rankings and the "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives." motto.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization, specifically regarding benefits, exact working hours, and specific EHR systems used, before making application decisions.