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: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Support / Clinical Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-09T09:38:48

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for the efficient operation of the UI Heart and Vascular Center's outpatient clinics, directly supporting healthcare professionals and ensuring high-quality patient care.

• The Medical Assistant II will be responsible for a blend of clinical and administrative duties, focusing on patient flow, record management, and direct patient interaction.

• A key aspect of this position involves travel to various outreach community clinics within a 2-hour radius, requiring flexibility and adaptability in work location.

• The position emphasizes a commitment to patient satisfaction and continuity of care, aligning with the high standards of the UI Heart and Vascular Center, recognized as Iowa's best heart hospital.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title "Medical Assistant II" and associated responsibilities are clinical, the prompt requests enhancement for Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, and GTM roles. This job description is for a medical role and does not align with the requested operations focus. Therefore, I will proceed by interpreting "operations" broadly as "operational efficiency within a healthcare context" to fulfill the prompt's structural requirements, while acknowledging this is a deviation from the typical revenue/sales/GTM operations focus.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Conduct patient history intake, manage medication and allergy records, and document immunizations during patient examinations.

• Maintain and manage internal and external medical records to ensure accurate and complete data is accessible for all patient appointments.

• Administer routine medications (oral, rectal, injectable) as permitted for certified medical assistants, following established protocols.

• Perform routine diagnostic tests, including urinalysis, blood work, electrocardiograms (EKGs), and assist with X-ray procedures as needed.

• Identify and address vaccination needs for specific patient populations, ensuring compliance with health guidelines.

• Execute essential clerical tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and coordinating information flow with other departments.

• Process and assist with obtaining necessary insurance prior authorizations to streamline patient access to care.

• Collaborate with nursing staff on clinic work-ups and follow-ups, including post-procedure calls, result notifications, appointment reminders, and preparing patient education materials.

• Monitor fax machines, distribute incoming faxes, and obtain external records and labs to support patient care coordination.

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

• Actively participate in daily huddles to discuss patient care issues, plan upcoming clinics, and identify operational improvements.

• Uphold accountability for achieving high levels of patient satisfaction through attentive and efficient service.

• Contribute to the discharge planning process to ensure continuity of care and proper identification of primary healthcare providers.

• Adapt work schedule to meet evolving clinic and patient needs, demonstrating flexibility.

• Travel to other outreach clinics within a 2-hour radius as required to support business needs and ensure consistent service delivery.

• Perform other assigned duties to support the operational efficiency of the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are highly specific to a clinical Medical Assistant role. To align with the prompt's operational focus, I've framed these duties in terms of workflow management, process execution, and cross-functional coordination, emphasizing the "operations" aspect of healthcare delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Completion of a recognized Medical Assistant program (certificate or degree), OR

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

• Experience in direct patient care within cardiovascular services is desired, indicating a need for practical application of clinical skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage administrative and clinical tasks in a fast-paced healthcare environment. Required Skills:

• Certification or registration as a Medical Assistant.

• Valid driver's license and ability to meet University Fleet Safety Program requirements for travel.

• Proficiency in patient history taking, vital sign measurement, and basic patient assessment.

• Competency in administering routine medications and performing basic laboratory tests (e.g., urinalysis).

• Skill in performing electrocardiograms (EKGs) and assisting with X-ray procedures.

• Experience in managing medical records and ensuring data accuracy and completeness.

• Ability to manage clerical tasks, including phone communication and appointment scheduling.

• Familiarity with insurance prior authorization processes.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective patient and staff interaction. Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in cardiovascular services.

• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).

• Demonstrated knowledge of cardiovascular patient care protocols.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and locations efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Eligibility Requirement" and "Special Qualification Requirement" are directly translated into "Education" and "Required Skills." The "Desired Qualifications" are listed under "Preferred Skills." The experience level is inferred from "Medical Assistant II" designation and typical industry progression, suggesting a need for some foundational experience beyond entry-level.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documentation of successful patient intake and examination processes, highlighting efficiency and patient comfort.

• Case studies demonstrating proficiency in administering specific medications or performing diagnostic tests, including adherence to safety protocols.

• Examples of medical record management, showcasing accuracy, organization, and compliance with healthcare data standards.

• Records of patient education materials prepared or delivered, illustrating clear communication of health information.

• Evidence of effective collaboration with nursing staff and other healthcare professionals to streamline patient care pathways.

• Demonstrations of successful insurance prior authorization processing, detailing the workflow and outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Workflow design and optimization for patient check-in, examination, and follow-up procedures.

• Implementation of standardized protocols for medication administration, diagnostic testing, and laboratory sample handling.

• Measurement and analysis of patient satisfaction metrics, identifying areas for process improvement.

• Documentation of how patient education materials are developed, disseminated, and updated for relevance.

• Procedures for managing and archiving medical records in compliance with regulatory standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is interpreted by applying general operational portfolio expectations to the specific duties of a Medical Assistant. It focuses on demonstrating process competence, efficiency, and patient care outcomes through documented examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Medical Assistant II roles in Iowa City, Iowa, and considering the University of Iowa's status as a major academic medical center, a likely salary range for this position is between $37,000 - $48,000 annually. This estimate considers the "II" level designation, indicating experience beyond an entry-level MA I, and the specialized nature of working within a Heart and Vascular Center. Benefits:

• Health insurance (details not specified, but standard for University employees).

• Professional development opportunities, including potential for advanced certifications or specialized training.

• Paid time off and holiday pay (though the role emphasizes no nights, weekends, or holidays, standard PTO would apply).

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

• Access to University of Iowa employee benefits and resources. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, likely 40 hours per week.

• The role explicitly states "No Nights, Weekends, or Holidays," indicating a predictable daytime schedule, which is a significant benefit for work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimate based on typical Medical Assistant II compensation in similar locations and institutions. Benefits are inferred from standard offerings for university employees. The "no nights, weekends, or holidays" is a key feature to highlight for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Cardiology and Vascular Services)

Company Size: Large (University of Iowa is a major academic institution with over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers, indicating a substantial healthcare division).

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, providing a long-standing history of education, research, and patient care. The UI Heart and Vascular Center is a specialized division within this larger institution.

Team Structure:

• The Medical Assistant II will be part of the UI Heart and Vascular Center team, likely working within a specific outpatient clinic environment (Iowa River Landing) and supporting outreach clinics.

• This team will include physicians, nurses, clinical technicians, administrative staff, and potentially other specialized roles within cardiology and vascular care.

• Collaboration is expected with Clinical Technicians across specialties to ensure a unified patient experience.

• The role involves reporting to a clinic supervisor or manager, with direct interaction with physicians and nurses for patient care coordination. Methodology:

• A data-driven approach to patient care, evidenced by UI Heart and Vascular Center's recognition by U.S. News & World Report based on patient outcomes, advanced technologies, and patient experience.

• Emphasis on efficient workflow planning and optimization to manage patient flow effectively across multiple clinic locations.

• Practices focused on patient satisfaction and continuity of care, ensuring a high-quality patient journey.

Company Website: https://www.uihealthcare.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company culture and team structure are inferred from the nature of a large academic medical center and the specific department. The emphasis on "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®" suggests a mission-driven environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is designated as "Medical Assistant II," typically indicating an intermediate level of experience and responsibility beyond an entry-level position. It requires a blend of clinical proficiency and operational awareness, focusing on efficient patient throughput and support.

Reporting Structure: The Medical Assistant II will report to a designated supervisor within the UI Heart and Vascular Center's outpatient clinic structure. They will work closely with and take direction from physicians and nursing staff regarding patient care activities. Collaboration with Clinical Technicians is also a key reporting relationship for operational efficiency.

Operations Impact: The Medical Assistant II directly impacts the operational efficiency of the clinic by ensuring smooth patient flow, accurate record-keeping, and timely execution of clinical tasks. Their performance contributes to patient satisfaction, effective utilization of physician and nursing time, and the overall reputation of the UI Heart and Vascular Center as a leading healthcare provider. Efficient management of administrative tasks like prior authorizations also impacts revenue cycle management indirectly.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in cardiovascular patient care, potentially leading to specialization in specific procedures or patient populations.

• Professional Development: Access to training and certifications, such as advanced BLS or specialized medical assistant certifications, supported by the University.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated performance and experience, potential to move into lead Medical Assistant roles or supervisory positions within outpatient clinics.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Experience gained from supporting outreach clinics can broaden understanding of healthcare delivery across different settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are framed around career progression within the healthcare support field, focusing on skill development and potential advancement within the University of Iowa Healthcare system.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role operates within a clinical healthcare setting, specifically outpatient clinics associated with the UI Heart and Vascular Center. This includes the primary location at Iowa River Landing and various outreach community clinics.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: Iowa River Landing Outpatient Clinic.

• Secondary: Multiple outreach community clinics within a 2-hour radius of Iowa City, Iowa. Candidates must be willing and able to travel to these locations. Workspace Context:

• The workspace involves direct patient interaction in examination rooms and clinic areas, requiring a professional and empathetic demeanor.

• Access to medical equipment, diagnostic tools (EKG machines, lab testing supplies), and electronic health record (EHR) systems is standard.

• A collaborative environment is emphasized, with regular interaction with physicians, nurses, and other clinical support staff.

• The travel component means the workspace can vary daily depending on assigned outreach clinic locations. Work Schedule:

• Predominantly daytime hours, explicitly stating "No Nights, Weekends, or Holidays." This provides a structured and predictable schedule, enhancing work-life balance.

• Flexibility to alter work schedule to meet clinic and patient needs is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description highlights the clinical setting, the travel requirement, and the structured schedule as key features.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter for minimum qualifications and alignment with the role's clinical and operational demands.

• Clinical Skills Assessment: May involve practical demonstrations or scenario-based questions to assess proficiency in clinical tasks (e.g., EKG performance, patient history taking).

• Behavioral Interview: Questions focusing on teamwork, patient interaction, problem-solving in clinical settings, and adaptability to travel requirements.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion about fit with the UI Heart and Vascular Center culture, understanding of patient care standards, and experience with clinic operations.

• Facility Tour/Meet & Greet: Potential to visit the clinic environment and meet potential team members.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Clinical Competency Showcase: Include documentation or descriptions of specific clinical procedures performed, highlighting accuracy and patient safety.

• Process Improvement Examples: If applicable, detail instances where you identified an inefficiency in patient flow or record management and proposed or implemented a solution.

• Patient Care Scenarios: Present examples of how you effectively managed challenging patient interactions or ensured comprehensive patient education.

• Record Management: Demonstrate understanding of maintaining accurate and confidential medical records, adhering to HIPAA and institutional policies.

• Collaboration Examples: Highlight instances of successful teamwork with physicians, nurses, and other staff to achieve patient care goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Problem Solving: Be prepared for questions presenting common clinic scenarios (e.g., a patient arriving late, a discrepancy in patient records, managing multiple urgent requests) and how you would address them operationally.

• Patient Interaction Simulation: Practice articulating patient instructions clearly and empathetically, especially for cardiovascular-related care.

• Understanding of Clinic Flow: Be ready to discuss how you contribute to efficient patient throughput and what factors you believe are critical for smooth clinic operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio section is adapted to a healthcare clinical role, focusing on practical skills, patient interaction, and operational efficiency within a medical setting, rather than traditional business operations metrics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) System: Proficiency with systems like Epic (commonly used in academic medical centers) for patient charting, scheduling, and record management.

• Medical Equipment: Familiarity with operating EKG machines, phlebotomy equipment, vital sign monitors, and other diagnostic tools.

• Laboratory Information Systems (LIS): For managing lab test orders and results.

• Communication Platforms: Internal messaging systems, phone systems, and potentially secure patient messaging portals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analyst role, understanding how to retrieve and interpret patient data from the EHR for clinical purposes is necessary.

• Familiarity with reports generated for clinic performance, patient wait times, or procedural volumes. CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM, the EHR system serves as the primary database for patient information and interactions, akin to a CRM in managing patient relationships.

• Automation is present in EHR workflows, appointment reminders, and potentially in lab result notifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the technological tools and systems typically used in a clinical healthcare setting, particularly within an academic medical center's outpatient operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: A core value at the University of Iowa, emphasizing empathy, respect, and prioritizing the patient's well-being and experience in all interactions.

• Excellence in Healthcare: Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice, as recognized by national rankings, and continuous improvement in patient outcomes.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Fostering a supportive environment where all team members, from physicians to support staff, work together seamlessly to deliver comprehensive care.

• Efficiency and Effectiveness: Striving for operational excellence to ensure timely patient access, effective use of resources, and smooth clinic flow, especially across multiple locations.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards, maintaining patient confidentiality, and demonstrating a high level of professionalism in all duties.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Care Teams: Working closely within multidisciplinary teams that include physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals to provide coordinated patient care.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and direct communication channels to address patient needs, operational challenges, and share essential information promptly.

• Shared Responsibility for Patient Experience: A collective effort to ensure patients feel heard, valued, and well-cared for throughout their clinic visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section interprets "operations values" and "collaboration style" through the lens of healthcare delivery and the specific mission of the University of Iowa.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Patient Needs: Adapting to a wide range of patient conditions, emotional states, and communication abilities within the cardiovascular patient population.

• Navigating Multiple Clinic Locations: Maintaining consistent performance and efficiency while traveling to and working in different outreach clinic environments with potentially varying resources.

• Balancing Clinical and Administrative Tasks: Effectively prioritizing and executing a broad range of duties, from direct patient care to record management and insurance processing, within time constraints.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Healthcare Practices: Staying updated on new medical technologies, treatment protocols, and EHR system updates relevant to cardiology and vascular care.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Clinical Training: Opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge of cardiovascular conditions, treatments, and patient management protocols.

• Certification Support: Encouragement and potential support for obtaining or renewing certifications like BLS and other relevant medical assistant credentials.

• Cross-Training: Potential to learn skills from other roles within the clinic to enhance versatility and understanding of the overall healthcare delivery system.

• Exposure to Research and Innovation: As part of an academic medical center, exposure to cutting-edge research and clinical trials may be available.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the practical demands of the role and the healthcare environment. Growth opportunities are focused on professional development within the clinical healthcare field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple patient requests simultaneously. How did you prioritize, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses operational prioritization and efficiency.)

• "How do you ensure patient comfort and privacy during examinations and procedures, especially in a fast-paced clinic?" (Focuses on patient care standards and operational protocols.)

• "Discuss your experience with electronic health records. What are the key functions you utilize, and how do they support clinic operations?" (Evaluates technical proficiency and understanding of EHR's operational role.)

• "Imagine a patient arrives for an appointment but their insurance prior authorization is missing. How would you handle this situation operationally?" (Tests problem-solving and understanding of revenue cycle touchpoints.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the UI Heart and Vascular Center and why are you interested in working here?" (Assesses research and cultural alignment.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive patient experience and uphold the values of patient-centered care?" (Probes alignment with core organizational values.)

• "Describe your experience working as part of a healthcare team. How do you ensure effective collaboration with physicians and nurses?" (Evaluates teamwork and communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Case Study Approach: Present 1-2 detailed case studies of patient interactions or operational scenarios where you demonstrated key skills (e.g., efficient patient work-up, successful handling of a complex administrative task).

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use numbers to illustrate impact (e.g., "Reduced patient wait time by X minutes through improved check-in process," or "Managed prior authorizations for an average of Y patients per week").

• Highlight Travel Adaptability: If presenting examples from different outreach clinics, emphasize your ability to adapt to new environments and maintain consistent service quality.

• Demonstrate Process Understanding: Clearly articulate the steps you take for common tasks (e.g., patient intake, medication administration) and how they contribute to overall clinic efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions and portfolio advice are tailored to assess clinical competency, operational efficiency within a healthcare context, and cultural fit for an academic medical center.

📌 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 Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific clinical skills, experience with EHR systems, and any experience with patient scheduling, record management, or prior authorizations relevant to clinic operations. Use keywords from the job description.

• Cover Letter Focus: In your cover letter, articulate your understanding of the UI Heart and Vascular Center's mission and your commitment to patient-centered care. Specifically address your ability to travel to outreach clinics and your qualifications for a Medical Assistant II role.

• Portfolio Preparation: If invited for an interview, prepare to discuss specific examples of your clinical duties, patient interactions, and any contributions you've made to improving clinic workflow or efficiency.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the UI Heart and Vascular Center's services, patient outcomes, and the University of Iowa's mission to demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of their operational context.

⚠️ 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.