60%25 IRL 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 Operations / Clinical Support

Date Posted: May 22, 2026

Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on providing essential clinical and administrative support within the UI Heart and Vascular Center, specifically for outreach community clinics.

• Key responsibilities involve direct patient interaction, assisting with examinations and treatments, and managing patient records to ensure efficient clinic operations.

• The position requires proficiency in administering routine medications, performing basic laboratory tests, and coordinating patient care activities.

• It plays a crucial part in the patient experience, contributing to the overall efficiency and quality of care provided by the Heart and Vascular Center.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is clinical in nature, its operational aspects include patient flow management, record keeping, and coordination, aligning it with operational support functions within a healthcare setting. The "60%25" designation indicates a part-time role, likely around 24 hours per week (60% of a standard 40-hour week).

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Facilitate smooth patient flow through the clinic by interacting effectively with patients, families, and staff, ensuring a positive and efficient patient experience.

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

• Manage internal and external medical records diligently to ensure accurate and complete data is readily available for patient appointments and care.

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

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

• Identify and address vaccination needs for various patient populations according to established protocols.

• Handle essential clerical tasks, including answering phones, scheduling appointments, and providing necessary information to other departments.

• Assist in obtaining insurance prior authorizations for procedures and medications, ensuring smooth administrative processes for patient care.

• Partner with nursing staff to ensure timely and thorough clinic work-ups and follow-ups, including patient calls for post-procedure care, test results, appointment reminders, and preparation of patient education materials.

• Collaborate with Clinical Technicians across different clinic specialties to optimize patient experience and clinic efficiency.

• Participate actively in team huddles to discuss and resolve issues, and to plan upcoming clinic schedules and patient care activities.

• Demonstrate accountability for patient satisfaction by providing excellent service and care during all patient interactions.

• Contribute to the discharge planning process to ensure continuity of care and proper identification of the primary provider for patients.

• Maintain flexibility to alter work schedules and travel to other outreach clinics or main campus locations as required by patient care demands and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of direct patient care and operational support, including administrative tasks, record management, and inter-departmental coordination. The travel requirement to outreach clinics highlights the need for adaptability and reliable transportation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Certification or registration as a Medical Assistant from a recognized program, OR

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Medical Assisting Certification or equivalent educational background.

• Proficiency in patient history taking, vital signs measurement, and basic clinical procedures.

• Competency in medical record management and documentation.

• Ability to administer routine medications as per protocol.

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

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

• Strong organizational and time management abilities to handle multiple tasks in a dynamic clinic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience providing direct patient care in cardiovascular services.

• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).

• Knowledge of insurance prior authorization processes.

• Experience with patient scheduling and clinic workflow optimization.

• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly define the educational pathways. The "Medical Assistant II" designation implies a level beyond entry-level, suggesting that candidates with some practical experience will be more competitive, though formal experience in cardiovascular services is listed as desired, not mandatory.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documentation showcasing patient intake processes, including history taking, vital signs, and initial assessments.

• Examples of medical record management, demonstrating accuracy, completeness, and adherence to privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA).

• Case studies or examples of administering routine medications, detailing the process, dosage verification, and patient monitoring.

• Evidence of performing basic laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures, including sample handling and result reporting.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams or descriptions of patient flow from check-in to check-out, highlighting efficiency improvements.

• Examples of how patient data is managed and updated within an EHR or other record-keeping system.

• Documentation of protocols followed for medication administration, laboratory testing, and diagnostic procedures.

• Examples of communication logs or summaries for patient follow-ups, prior authorizations, and inter-departmental coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Medical Assistant II role, a formal "portfolio" might not be a strict requirement as it would be for a more senior operations role. However, candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate their skills and experience through their resume, cover letter, and potentially through interview discussions or practical assessments. The emphasis on documentation and process adherence is critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Likely includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, potentially prorated based on the 60% employment status.

• Retirement Plan: Participation in the University of Iowa's retirement savings plan (e.g., IPERS or a 403(b) option).

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual of vacation, sick leave, and holidays, likely prorated for part-time status.

• Tuition Assistance: Potential for tuition reimbursement or discounts for employees and dependents pursuing further education at the University of Iowa.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications (e.g., BLS renewal), and continuing education relevant to medical assisting and cardiovascular care.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and work-related challenges.

• Wellness Programs: Access to various health and wellness initiatives offered by the University.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position, approximately 60% of a full-time schedule, which translates to about 24 hours per week.

• The schedule will primarily support outreach community clinics but will be variable and subject to change based on patient care demands.

• No nights, weekends, or holidays are scheduled, offering a predictable work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on common practices for similar roles in academic medical institutions. Benefits for part-time employees at universities can vary significantly; details should be confirmed with the employer. The "No Nights, Weekends, or Holidays" is a significant perk for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center, Cardiovascular Services)

Company Size: The University of Iowa is a large public research university and healthcare system, employing tens of thousands of individuals across its academic and medical campuses. This large scale offers stability and extensive resources.

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with its health care system evolving over time to become a leading academic medical center.

Team Structure:

• The UI Heart and Vascular Center likely operates with a multi-disciplinary team structure, including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical technicians, and administrative support staff.

• Reporting structure for this Medical Assistant II would typically be to a Clinic Manager, Nurse Manager, or a designated supervisor within the Heart and Vascular Center operations.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis: While not performing complex data analysis, the role contributes by accurately recording patient data, which is foundational for clinical and operational analytics.

• Workflow Planning: The role participates in daily huddles to plan clinic schedules and patient flow, contributing to efficient operations.

• Automation: Limited direct involvement in automation, but efficiency is gained through effective use of EHR systems and streamlined administrative processes.

Company Website: https://uiowa.taleo.net/careersection/2b/jobdetail.ftl?job=26003312&lang=en (This links to the job posting itself, the primary company URL is uiowa.edu)

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Iowa's status as a large academic medical center implies a culture centered on patient care, research, education, and adherence to best practices and protocols. The "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®" slogan highlights a commitment to innovation and patient well-being.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Medical Assistant II," indicating a step beyond entry-level, suggesting some foundational experience and a broader scope of duties compared to a MA I. It sits within the clinical support and patient-facing operations of the Heart and Vascular Center.

Reporting Structure: The Medical Assistant II will report to a direct supervisor within the clinic or department, likely a Clinic Manager or Nurse Manager, who oversees daily operations and staff performance.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts operational efficiency by ensuring smooth patient flow, accurate record-keeping, and timely patient preparation for examinations and treatments. It contributes to patient satisfaction through effective communication and care delivery, and supports the clinical team by managing administrative and routine clinical tasks.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to gain deeper expertise in cardiovascular care, specific procedures, and patient populations within cardiology.

• Further Certification: Support or opportunity to obtain advanced certifications, such as BLS instructor or specialized medical assistant certifications.

• Advancement: Potential to move into a Medical Assistant III role, a Lead Medical Assistant position, or explore related healthcare administrative or nursing pathways within the University of Iowa Health Care system.

• Cross-Training: Possibility of cross-training in different clinic settings or specialties within the Heart and Vascular Center.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" in Medical Assistant II suggests a progression path. Growth opportunities are tied to developing specialized clinical skills and demonstrating proficiency in operational tasks within a healthcare setting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role operates within a hospital and outpatient clinic setting, specifically associated with the UI Heart and Vascular Center's outreach community clinics and main campus clinic. The environment is fast-paced and patient-centric.

Office Location(s): The primary location is the Iowa River Landing/Outpatient Clinic, with travel required to other surrounding outreach community clinics within a 2-hour radius of the Main Campus. This necessitates reliable transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is highly collaborative, requiring constant interaction with physicians, nurses, clinical technicians, and administrative staff to ensure coordinated patient care.

• Tools and Technology: Access to Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, medical equipment for examinations and testing (e.g., EKG machines, blood pressure cuffs), and standard office equipment.

• Team Interaction: Frequent team huddles and direct communication with colleagues are integral to daily operations and patient management.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time, approximately 24 hours per week.

• The schedule is variable and designed to meet patient care demands, primarily supporting outreach clinics.

• A significant benefit is the absence of nights, weekends, or holidays, providing predictable off-hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The travel requirement is a key aspect of the work environment, necessitating a valid driver's license and ability to meet fleet safety program requirements. The schedule flexibility, while offering no nights/weekends/holidays, means hours may vary week to week.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and cover letter, ensuring they highlight relevant medical assisting skills, experience, and educational qualifications.

• Initial Screening: Review of applications to ensure minimum eligibility requirements are met.

• Interview: Likely involves a behavioral and situational interview. Candidates may be asked about their experience with patient care, handling challenging situations, teamwork, and specific clinical skills. For a MA II, practical or scenario-based questions may be used.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A practical demonstration of certain clinical skills might be requested.

• Reference Checks: Up to 3 professional references will be contacted.

• Background Check: Criminal background check and credential/education verification are standard.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal "portfolio" may not be required, candidates should prepare to discuss specific examples of their work that demonstrate:
  • Competency in patient assessment, vital signs, and history taking.
  • Experience with medication administration and patient education.
  • Proficiency in managing medical records and using EHR systems.
  • Ability to handle administrative tasks like scheduling and prior authorizations.
  • Experience in a fast-paced clinical environment and teamwork.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would handle common clinic scenarios, such as:

  • Managing a busy waiting room.
  • Addressing a patient's concerns or questions.
  • Communicating effectively with physicians and nurses.
  • Ensuring accuracy when administering medications or taking vital signs.
  • Responding to a patient needing immediate assistance.

• Emphasize your understanding of patient safety, privacy (HIPAA), and the importance of teamwork in a healthcare setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes documentation (resume, cover letter) and professional references. While a formal portfolio might not be a strict requirement, candidates should be ready to articulate their skills and experiences with concrete examples during interviews.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) System: Proficiency with a specific EHR system (e.g., Epic, Cerner, or a university-specific system) is crucial for patient charting, scheduling, and record management.

• Medical Equipment: Standard medical devices for patient assessment (e.g., stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, thermometers), EKG machines, and potentially basic diagnostic equipment for lab tests.

• Office Productivity Suite: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) or equivalent for administrative tasks, communication, and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• The EHR system often incorporates CRM-like functionalities for patient relationship management and communication.

• Automation may be present in appointment reminders and EHR workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a clinical role within a large university hospital, familiarity with robust EHR systems is highly probable. Specific system names are not mentioned, but a general understanding of EHR functionalities is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: A primary focus on providing high-quality, compassionate care to all patients, especially those in cardiology.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse healthcare professionals to achieve common patient care goals.

• Efficiency and Accuracy: Commitment to streamlining clinic workflows and ensuring precision in all clinical and administrative tasks.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement to identify areas for improvement in patient care processes and contribute to positive changes.

• Professionalism and Accountability: Upholding high standards of conduct, ethical practice, and taking responsibility for one's actions.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary: Close collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff through direct communication, team huddles, and shared patient records.

• Process-Oriented: Working within established protocols and workflows, with an openness to feedback and suggestions for process optimization.

• Supportive: A culture that encourages mutual support among team members to ensure patient needs are met effectively and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Iowa's mission and the "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®" slogan suggest a culture driven by excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to patient well-being and community health.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Variable Schedule & Travel: Adapting to a changing schedule and frequent travel between outreach clinics can be demanding.

• High Patient Volume: Managing a high volume of patients in a fast-paced environment requires excellent time management and stress resilience.

• Complex Patient Needs: Dealing with patients who have complex cardiac conditions and potentially sensitive health information requires empathy and professional handling.

• Interdepartmental Coordination: Ensuring seamless communication and coordination across different departments and clinic locations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Cardiovascular Training: Gaining in-depth knowledge and practical skills related to cardiology and heart health.

• EHR System Proficiency: Becoming an expert user of the university's EHR system.

• BLS Certification: Maintaining and potentially becoming a BLS instructor.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning about different roles and operations within the Heart and Vascular Center.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a good platform for individuals looking to specialize in cardiovascular care and gain experience within a large, reputable academic medical institution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a busy clinic schedule. How did you prioritize tasks and ensure all patients were seen efficiently?" (Focus on time management, prioritization, and patient flow).

• "How do you ensure accuracy when administering medications or performing patient assessments?" (Highlight attention to detail, adherence to protocols, and safety checks).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the UI Heart and Vascular Center and its reputation?" (Research the center's achievements, U.S. News rankings, and mission).

• "How do you contribute to a positive patient experience, especially for patients dealing with serious health conditions?" (Focus on empathy, communication, and patient-centered approach).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If asked to discuss past experiences, be ready to provide specific examples from your resume that demonstrate:

  • Your ability to perform clinical tasks (vitals, injections, EKGs).
  • Your experience in patient communication and education.
  • Your organizational skills in managing records and schedules.
  • Any instances where you improved clinic efficiency or patient satisfaction.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both clinical competence and an understanding of operational efficiency within a healthcare setting, particularly in the context of cardiovascular services.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Medical Assistant II position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your Medical Assistant certification, any relevant clinical experience (especially cardiovascular), and proficiency in patient care, record management, and administrative tasks. Use keywords from the job description.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that addresses your qualifications, your interest in the UI Heart and Vascular Center, and how your skills align with the role's responsibilities, particularly the outreach clinic aspect.

• Portfolio Preparation (for discussion): Mentally prepare to discuss specific examples from your experience that illustrate your core competencies, such as patient assessment, medication administration, EHR use, and teamwork.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Health Care system, the UI Heart and Vascular Center's achievements, and its patient-focused mission. Understand the importance of outreach clinics in their service model.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.