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 Operations / Clinical Support

Date Posted: April 17, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This Medical Assistant II role is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of the UI Heart and Vascular Center's outpatient clinics, particularly at the Iowa River Landing location.

• The position requires a blend of clinical support and administrative tasks to facilitate comprehensive patient care and efficient clinic workflow.

• Responsibilities include direct patient interaction, assisting with examinations and treatments, and managing medical records.

• A key aspect of this role involves travel to surrounding outreach community clinics within a 2-hour radius, requiring flexibility and reliable transportation.

• The role emphasizes patient satisfaction and seamless care coordination within a leading cardiac care facility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is distinctly focused on clinical support within a specialized medical department (Cardiology/Vascular). While it involves operational elements like patient flow and record management, its primary function is direct patient care, differentiating it from traditional Revenue or Sales Operations roles. The "II" in Medical Assistant II suggests a level beyond entry-level, likely requiring some demonstrated proficiency or specific certifications. The travel component is a significant operational consideration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Facilitate the smooth flow of patients through the clinic by interacting effectively with patients, families, and staff.

• Assist healthcare professionals with patient examinations and related treatments, meticulously documenting patient history, medication records, allergies, and immunizations.

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

• 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, including urinalysis and blood work, and conduct electrocardiograms (EKGs) and X-rays 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 relaying information to other departments.

• Assist in obtaining necessary insurance prior authorizations for treatments and procedures.

• Collaborate closely with nursing staff to ensure timely and thorough patient workup and follow-up, including post-procedure calls, communicating normal test results, and preparing patient education materials.

• Monitor fax machines and ensure proper distribution of faxes, as well as obtain outside medical records and labs.

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

• Participate actively in daily huddles to discuss issues, plan upcoming clinics, and ensure coordinated care.

• Demonstrate accountability for patient satisfaction through attentive care and effective communication.

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

• Adapt work schedule to meet clinic and patient needs, including potential travel to other clinics as required by business demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of clinical and administrative duties essential for clinic operations. The emphasis on patient flow, record management, and direct patient interaction are core operational functions within a healthcare setting. The travel requirement adds a logistical operational layer.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Certification or registration as a Medical Assistant, OR

Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to manage patient flow and coordinate care.

• Experience in a clinical setting, ideally with cardiovascular services, is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Certification or registration as a Medical Assistant (CMA, RMA) or completion of a recognized MA program.

• Proficiency in patient care and vital sign assessment.

• Skill in managing medical records, including EMR/EHR systems.

• Ability to administer routine medications as per scope of practice.

• Competency in performing basic laboratory tests (e.g., urinalysis, blood work).

• Proficiency in conducting electrocardiograms (EKGs).

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

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in cardiovascular services or cardiology.

• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).

• Experience with insurance prior authorization processes.

• Knowledge of patient education material preparation.

• Familiarity with EMR/EHR systems specific to the University of Iowa Healthcare.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirements are specific to medical assistant training or equivalent health care programs, indicating a specialized skill set. The "II" designation implies that while entry-level experience is acceptable, candidates with some demonstrated competency or specific certifications (like BLS or cardiovascular experience) will be more competitive. The driver's license requirement is a critical operational need due to the travel aspect.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal "operations portfolio" in the traditional business sense may not be expected, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific healthcare processes.

• Demonstrations of efficiency improvements in patient flow or administrative tasks are valuable.

• Examples of accurate medical record management and data handling.

• Evidence of successful patient education delivery and communication strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to accurately document patient encounters, vital signs, and administered treatments within electronic health record (EHR) systems.

• Understanding of workflow design for efficient patient check-in, examination, and check-out processes.

• Familiarity with protocols for routine laboratory tests, EKG procedures, and medication administration.

• Experience in managing and organizing patient medical records in compliance with healthcare regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a clinical role like this, the "portfolio" focuses on practical experience with healthcare processes and systems rather than strategic operational deliverables. Candidates should be ready to articulate their proficiency in core clinical and administrative workflows through examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

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

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Access to employee assistance programs (EAP).

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

• Tuition assistance programs may be available for eligible employees.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• The schedule emphasizes "No Nights, Weekends, or Holidays," providing a significant work-life balance advantage.

• Specific shift hours will be determined by clinic operational needs and may vary slightly, but will fall within standard business hours.

• Occasional travel to outreach clinics may require adjustments to the daily schedule, but overall weekend/night work is excluded.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "No Nights, Weekends, or Holidays" is a significant benefit and a key differentiator for this role, indicating a structured and predictable work schedule. Salary is an estimate based on typical public university healthcare systems in the Midwest for this level of role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)

Company Size: The University of Iowa employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers, indicating a large and complex organizational structure. The UI Heart and Vascular Center is a significant department within this larger institution.

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, providing a long-standing history and established reputation in education and healthcare.

Team Structure:

• The Medical Assistant II will be part of the UI Heart and Vascular Center, specifically supporting the Iowa River Landing Outpatient Clinic and traveling to other outreach clinics.

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

• The reporting structure would typically be to a Clinic Manager or Nursing Supervisor, with direct collaboration with physicians and nurses.

Methodology:

• Patient care delivery at UI Health Care emphasizes evidence-based practice and a patient-centered approach.

• Emphasis on efficient patient flow, timely appointments, and comprehensive follow-up.

• Data-driven improvements are likely pursued through quality improvement initiatives and patient satisfaction metrics.

• Collaboration and communication are key to ensuring continuity of care across different settings and providers.

Company Website: https://uiowa.edu/ (University of Iowa) and likely a specific URL for the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of working for a large academic medical center like the University of Iowa implies a structured environment with established protocols, a commitment to research and education, and a focus on high-quality patient care. The "best heart hospital in Iowa" designation highlights a standard of excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Medical Assistant II, positioning it as an experienced clinical support role. It is a vital component of the healthcare operations, directly impacting patient throughput and satisfaction. It's not a traditional "operations" role focused on business strategy or revenue, but rather on the operational efficiency of clinical service delivery.

Reporting Structure: The Medical Assistant II typically reports to a Clinic Manager, Nursing Supervisor, or Lead Medical Assistant within the UI Heart and Vascular Center. They work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff.

Operations Impact: The Medical Assistant II's impact is measured by:

• Ensuring efficient patient flow, reducing wait times and improving clinic throughput.

• Contributing to high patient satisfaction scores through effective care and communication.

• Maintaining accurate and complete patient records, which is critical for continuity of care and regulatory compliance.

• Supporting clinical staff by performing essential tasks, allowing them to focus on more complex patient needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and skills in cardiovascular care, potentially leading to certifications in phlebotomy, EKG interpretation, or other relevant areas.

• Leadership Potential: With experience and demonstrated performance, opportunities may arise to become a Lead Medical Assistant, mentor new staff, or take on additional responsibilities within clinic operations.

• Further Education: The academic setting may offer pathways or support for pursuing further education in nursing or other healthcare professions, leveraging existing experience and institutional resources.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize within the UI Heart and Vascular Center, focusing on specific sub-specialties or patient populations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is primarily within the clinical support and healthcare operations domain, rather than moving into broader business operations. The academic environment provides potential for advanced training and specialization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position operates within a busy outpatient clinic setting at the UI Heart and Vascular Center, specifically at the Iowa River Landing clinic, with required travel to other outreach community clinics. The environment is fast-paced and patient-focused.

Office Location(s):

• Primary location: Iowa River Landing outpatient clinic.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace involves direct patient interaction in exam rooms, clinical areas, and administrative spaces.

• Access to necessary medical equipment, diagnostic tools (EKG machines, lab testing supplies), and charting systems (EHR).

• Collaborative environment with shared responsibility for patient care and clinic efficiency.

Work Schedule:

• Predominantly Monday through Friday, with a strong emphasis on "No Nights, Weekends, or Holidays."

• The schedule is 100% full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility to adjust daily start/end times or travel routes may be necessary to accommodate clinic and patient needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, requiring adaptability due to patient volume and the travel aspect. The emphasis on avoiding nights, weekends, and holidays is a significant perk for work-life balance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter, marking them as "Relevant Files."

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed against minimum and desired qualifications.

• Phone/Video Interview: A preliminary interview may be conducted to discuss experience, qualifications, and suitability for the role, including specific questions about patient care, EMR usage, and travel willingness.

• On-Site Interview: Candidates may be invited for an in-person interview at the clinic. This could involve meeting with the hiring manager (Jordan Adam) and potentially other team members.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A practical assessment might be included, such as a demonstration of EKG setup, vital sign measurement, or a mock patient interaction.

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

• Background & Credential Verification: Criminal background checks and verification of educational credentials will be conducted.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume: Highlight specific clinical skills (EKG, phlebotomy, medication administration), patient care experience, and any experience with EMR/EHR systems. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed patient flow for X number of patients daily").

• Cover Letter: Personalize this to address the specific requirements of the UI Heart and Vascular Center, mention your interest in cardiology, and clearly state your understanding of the role's responsibilities, including the travel component. Explicitly mention your certification status or completion of a recognized MA program.

• Documentation of Processes: While not a formal portfolio, be prepared to discuss specific patient care protocols you've followed, how you manage patient records, your experience with prior authorizations, and any instances where you improved clinic efficiency or patient satisfaction. Use concrete examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss scenarios related to patient care, handling difficult patients or family members, managing clinic workflow during busy periods, and ensuring accuracy in medication administration and record-keeping.

• Prepare to explain how you would adapt to working in different clinic environments when traveling.

• Understand the importance of the UI Heart and Vascular Center's reputation and patient-centered care philosophy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes clear documentation (resume, cover letter) and the ability to articulate practical experience. The reference and background checks are standard for healthcare roles. The "portfolio" here is more about demonstrating competency through experience rather than a curated set of work samples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) System: Proficiency with the University of Iowa's specific EHR system (likely Epic or a similar enterprise solution) is essential for managing patient charts, documenting encounters, ordering tests, and communicating within the care team.

• Medical Equipment: Familiarity with operating and maintaining standard medical equipment such as blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, thermometers, EKG machines, centrifuges, and any point-of-care testing devices.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• The EHR often serves as the primary system for patient data management, akin to a CRM in healthcare.

• Automation may be present in EHR workflows for reminders, follow-ups, or pre-authorization processes, which the MA will interact with.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology is the EHR system. Proficiency here is paramount. Other tools are standard medical practice equipment. The role interacts with automated processes embedded within the EHR.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: A primary value, focusing on the patient's well-being, comfort, and satisfaction above all else.

• Excellence and Quality: Commitment to providing the highest standard of care, as evidenced by the hospital's national rankings.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively with physicians, nurses, and other staff to ensure seamless patient care.

• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding ethical standards, maintaining patient confidentiality, and taking responsibility for one's actions and contributions.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: As an academic institution, there's likely a culture that values learning, adopting new practices, and contributing to the advancement of medicine.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary: Medical Assistants collaborate closely with a diverse team of healthcare professionals.

• Proactive Communication: Open and timely communication is key, especially when coordinating patient care, sharing information, or addressing issues.

• Supportive Environment: The "No Nights, Weekends, or Holidays" policy and emphasis on patient satisfaction suggest a supportive work environment that values work-life balance for its staff.

• Process-Oriented: Collaboration often revolves around ensuring smooth clinic workflows, efficient patient handoffs, and shared responsibility for patient outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is rooted in academic medical excellence, patient advocacy, and strong teamwork within a structured environment. The emphasis on work-life balance is a significant cultural aspect.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Patient Volume: Managing a steady stream of patients, each with unique needs and potential complexities, requires efficient time management and multitasking.

• Travel Demands: Regularly traveling to different outreach clinics can be demanding and requires adaptability to new environments and potentially different patient populations or facility setups.

• Handling Diverse Patient Needs: Interacting with patients across a spectrum of health conditions and emotional states requires empathy, patience, and strong interpersonal skills.

• Navigating EMR/EHR Systems: Ensuring accurate and timely documentation in complex systems, especially under time pressure.

• Insurance Authorization Processes: Dealing with the administrative burden and potential delays associated with obtaining prior authorizations can be frustrating.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Clinical Skills: Opportunity to deepen knowledge and skills in cardiology and vascular care.

• Certification Support: Potential for the institution to support or reimburse for certifications like BLS, ACLS, or specialized MA certifications.

• Cross-Training: Possibility of cross-training in other areas within the UI Heart and Vascular Center or related departments.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced physicians, nurses, and lead medical assistants within a renowned academic medical center.

• Exposure to Advanced Medicine: Working in a leading heart hospital provides exposure to cutting-edge treatments and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are typical for clinical roles but are amplified by the travel requirement. Growth opportunities are strongly linked to clinical specialization and leveraging the resources of a major academic health system.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience with patient flow management in a busy clinic setting. How do you prioritize tasks when multiple patients need attention simultaneously?"

• "How do you ensure accuracy when administering medications or performing diagnostic tests like EKGs?"

• "This role requires travel to outreach clinics. Describe your experience with travel for work, and how you manage time and logistics when working in different locations."

• "How do you handle a situation where a patient is anxious or upset?"

• "Tell me about your experience with [specific EMR system used by UIowa]. How do you ensure accurate documentation?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for the UI Heart and Vascular Center specifically?"

• "The UI Heart and Vascular Center is ranked among the best. What does this reputation mean to you as a healthcare provider?"

• "This role avoids nights, weekends, and holidays. How important is this type of work schedule to you, and how does it contribute to your ability to provide excellent patient care?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your resume, highlighting relevant clinical experiences, certifications, and any instances where you improved processes or patient outcomes.

• Scenario-Based Answers: Instead of a formal portfolio, use your resume and cover letter as a guide to answer situational questions with concrete examples from your past roles.

• Highlight Key Skills: Emphasize your proficiency in EKG, phlebotomy, medication administration, EMR usage, and patient communication.

• Address Travel: Clearly articulate your comfort and capability with the travel requirement, perhaps sharing an example of managing logistics in a previous role if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating clinical competence, reliability, strong communication skills, and a clear understanding of the unique demands of this role, including travel and working within a top-tier medical institution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Medical Assistant II position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UIowa Taleo system.

• Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight your Medical Assistant certification or equivalent training, specific clinical skills (EKG, phlebotomy, medication administration), experience with EMR/EHR systems, and any patient care experience, especially in cardiology or vascular services. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the UI Heart and Vascular Center, addresses why you are a good fit for a Medical Assistant II role, and explicitly acknowledges and confirms your understanding of and willingness to meet the travel requirements to outreach clinics.

• Prepare for Interview Questions: Review common Medical Assistant interview questions, focusing on behavioral and situational scenarios related to patient care, clinic operations, EMR usage, and teamwork. Be ready to discuss your experience with the specific duties listed.

• Research the Institution: Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Health Care and the UI Heart and Vascular Center, including their mission, values, and any recent achievements or recognitions (like the U.S. News & World Report rankings). This demonstrates 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.