Medical Assistant - UI Health Care North Liberty Pediatrics Clinic 80%25

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Medical Assistant II (MA II)
Company: University of Iowa Health Care
Location: North Liberty, Iowa, United States
Job Type: Part-time, Regular
Category: Healthcare Operations / Clinical Support
Date Posted: August 12, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-level to Junior (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This part-time Medical Assistant II (MA II) role is crucial for supporting patient care within the University of Iowa Community Clinics (UICC), primarily focused on Pediatrics but with potential to float to other specialties like Family Medicine.
• The position involves a blend of direct patient care, technical procedures, and essential clerical functions, ensuring a seamless patient experience from arrival to departure.
• Successful candidates will operate under the direct supervision of licensed independent practitioners (LIPs), Registered Nurses (RNs), or other designated healthcare professionals, upholding high standards of patient service and clinical support.
• Key to this role is the ability to adapt to varying clinical needs and provide compassionate, patient-centered care across different clinic settings within the UI Health Care network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description indicates this is an MA II role, typically implying some foundational experience or specialized training beyond an entry-level MA. The emphasis on "patient centered" and "compassionate care" aligns with core values in healthcare operations, highlighting the importance of patient experience and service quality.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care, including taking vital signs, patient history, and assisting with examinations and procedures, adhering to established clinical protocols.
• Perform technical skills such as phlebotomy, administering immunizations, and conducting basic diagnostic tests as directed by supervising clinicians.
• Manage patient flow within the clinic, ensuring efficient scheduling, check-in/check-out processes, and timely communication with patients and families.
• Maintain accurate and organized patient records, utilizing Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems like EPIC, and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA).
• Assist with clinic administrative tasks, which may include managing medical supplies, preparing examination rooms, and handling patient inquiries via phone or in person.
• Collaborate effectively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare team members to deliver coordinated and comprehensive patient care.
• Float to other patient specialties or clinic locations as needed to support operational demands and ensure consistent service delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities are clinical, the role inherently involves operational efficiency. Responsibilities like managing patient flow, maintaining records in an EHR, and supporting administrative tasks are critical for the smooth functioning of the clinic, reflecting the operational aspect of clinical support roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Certification OR Registration as a Medical Assistant.
• OR Completion of a recognized one-year Medical Assistant Program.
• OR Completion of a health care profession program with relevant coursework (pathophysiology, medical terminology, basic pharmacology, medication administration, psychology).

Experience:

• While specific years are not mandated for the MA II title, the role benefits from foundational clinical experience. The provided salary range and "MA II" designation suggest that candidates with 0-2 years of relevant experience will be considered, with compensation scaling based on demonstrated experience.

Required Skills:

• Clinical Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to perform essential medical assistant duties, including vital signs, patient history, basic procedures, and assisting physicians.
• Technical Skills: Competency in phlebotomy and immunization administration.
• EHR/EMR Proficiency: Ability to navigate and document within electronic health record systems, with a strong preference for EPIC experience.
• Communication Excellence: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective patient and team interaction.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Patient Focus: A patient-centered approach, demonstrating compassion, respect, and a commitment to providing high-quality care.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience working within a pediatric clinic setting.
• Demonstrated experience with the EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Experience in Family Medicine or other ambulatory care settings.
• Prior experience with phlebotomy and immunization administration.
• Ability to demonstrate autonomy and sound judgment in patient care situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "MA II" title and the inclusion of "desired" and "desirable" qualifications suggest a tiered approach to candidate evaluation. While basic certification is required, experience with specific systems like EPIC and in particular specialties like Pediatrics significantly enhances a candidate's profile, aligning with typical operational needs for efficiency and specialized patient care.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Clinical Competency Demonstration: Evidence of proficiency in core Medical Assistant skills, such as vital sign measurement, patient intake, and assisting with procedures. This could be demonstrated through certifications, training completion records, or specific project examples.
• EHR/EMR Workflow Examples: If possible, showcase familiarity with EHR systems by describing or providing anonymized examples of patient record management, charting, or order entry processes. Experience with EPIC is a strong plus.
• Process Improvement Contribution (if applicable): Highlight any instances where you contributed to improving clinic workflows, patient flow, or operational efficiency, even in a supporting capacity. Quantifiable results are highly valued.
• Patient Interaction Protocols: Demonstrate understanding of patient communication best practices, including handling inquiries, providing instructions, and ensuring patient comfort and privacy.

Process Documentation:

• Patient Intake & Workflow Management: Illustrate understanding of the end-to-end patient journey within an ambulatory clinic setting, from scheduling and registration to clinical encounter and discharge.
• Clinical Task Execution: Detail the steps involved in common medical assistant tasks, such as preparing patients for examinations, performing basic diagnostic tests, or administering medications/vaccinations, emphasizing accuracy and safety.
• Record Keeping and Data Integrity: Showcase knowledge of accurate medical record documentation, adherence to coding standards (if applicable), and the importance of data integrity within EHR systems for clinical decision-making and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be standard for all MA roles, candidates are encouraged to highlight relevant experiences and skills that demonstrate their operational capabilities in a clinical setting. This includes showcasing proficiency with relevant systems (like EHRs), understanding of patient flow, and any contributions to process improvement, which are key in healthcare operations. The mention of "work samples" in the job description further emphasizes the need to demonstrate practical skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The stated salary range for this position is $40,903.92 - $60,760.80 per year (at 100% time).
• As this is an 80% position (32 hours/week), the prorated annual salary would be approximately $32,723.14 - $48,608.64.
• The specific salary within this range will be determined based on the candidate's years of relevant experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes health, dental, and life insurance options.
• Financial Security: Disability insurance and robust retirement plans with generous employer contributions (double-match retirement mentioned).
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid vacation and sick leave policies.
• Work-Life Balance: Monday-Friday schedule with no weekends, on-call, or holiday shifts.
• Convenience: Free on-site parking available.
• Professional Development: Access to university-provided resources for training and growth.

Working Hours:

• This is an 80% FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) position, totaling 32 hours per week.
• The schedule is variable, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
• No weekend, on-call, or holiday shifts are required, promoting a predictable work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is presented as a range for 100% time, requiring prorating for this 80% position. The extensive benefits package, particularly the "double-match retirement" and "generous leave policies," are significant advantages for operations professionals seeking stability and comprehensive support. The predictable, weekday-only schedule is also a strong draw for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)
Company Size: Large (University of Iowa employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers)
Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with UI Health Care evolving over time to become a comprehensive academic medical center. This long history signifies stability and a deep-rooted commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within the University of Iowa Community Clinics (UICC), specifically the North Liberty Pediatrics Clinic.
• Medical Assistants work as integral members of patient care teams, reporting to licensed independent practitioners (LIPs), RNs, or nurse managers.
• Collaboration is emphasized, with MAs interacting closely with physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and administrative staff to ensure seamless patient care delivery.
• The potential to float means exposure to different clinic teams and operational dynamics across Pediatrics, Family Medicine, and other specialties.

Methodology:

• The clinic operates with a patient-centered approach, focusing on personalized and compassionate care.
• Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement are inherent in an academic medical setting, though specific operational methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma are not explicitly detailed for this role.
• Emphasis is placed on adherence to clinical protocols, efficient workflow management, and the use of technology (EHR) to support care coordination.

Company Website: https://uiowa.edu/
UI Health Care: https://uihealthcare.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Iowa Health Care is a large, established institution with a strong academic mission. This context suggests a structured environment with established protocols and a focus on quality. The "WE CARE" core values (Welcoming, Excellence, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment) are central to the organizational culture and provide insight into expected behaviors and team dynamics for operations professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a Medical Assistant II (MA II), typically representing an intermediate level for medical assistants, acknowledging a degree of foundational skill and potential for independent task execution within defined parameters. It's an entry to junior-level role within the broader healthcare operations spectrum.
Reporting Structure: The MA II reports to a Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP), Registered Nurse (RN), or Nurse Manager/Assistant Nurse Manager, forming a direct line of supervision within the clinical team.
Operations Impact: Medical Assistants are critical to the operational efficiency of outpatient clinics. By managing patient flow, handling technical and clerical tasks, and ensuring accurate record-keeping, they directly contribute to patient throughput, clinician productivity, and the overall patient experience, which impacts departmental performance and patient satisfaction scores.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in pediatric care, or gain experience in other specialties through floating assignments.
• Advanced Certifications: Opportunities to pursue further certifications (e.g., Certified Medical Assistant - CMA) or specialized training relevant to clinic operations or patient care.
• Internal Mobility: As part of a large academic medical center, there are potential pathways to other clinical or administrative support roles within UI Health Care.
• Leadership Potential: While not a direct leadership role, demonstrating excellence in efficiency, patient care, and teamwork can lay the groundwork for future opportunities in charge positions or supervisory roles within clinic operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The MA II title and the context of a large academic institution suggest opportunities for skill development and potential internal advancement. Candidates looking at career progression in healthcare operations should view this role as a foundational step into clinical support operations, with pathways to more specialized or supervisory roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Clinical outpatient setting within the UI Health Care network.
Office Location(s): Primarily the UICC North Liberty Pediatrics Clinic, with potential for rotation to other UI Health Care clinics such as Pediatrics, Family Medicine, and Specialty/Outreach Clinics in the Iowa City/North Liberty area.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, typical of a busy medical clinic.
• MAs will work closely with a clinical team in examination rooms, patient waiting areas, and potentially a nursing station or administrative support area.
• Access to essential medical equipment, diagnostic tools, and the primary Electronic Health Record (EHR) system (EPIC) is provided.
• The environment fosters collaboration among team members to ensure efficient patient care delivery.

Work Schedule:

• The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for 32 hours per week.
• The absence of weekends, on-call duties, or holiday shifts provides a structured and predictable work environment, conducive to managing personal commitments alongside professional responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement means candidates should be prepared for a traditional clinic setting. The potential to float to different locations within the UI Health Care network implies a need for adaptability and familiarity with various clinic operational setups.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of submitted resumes and applications to assess minimum eligibility requirements and desired qualifications. Applicants must upload a resume detailing relevant experience.
• Potential Work Sample Review: The job posting explicitly states, "Staff may be required to receive a passing score on work samples to be considered for this position." This indicates a practical assessment of clinical skills may be part of the evaluation.
• Interview(s): Candidates may undergo one or more interviews, potentially including a panel interview with clinical staff or a hiring manager. Focus will be on clinical competency, understanding of patient care protocols, teamwork, and alignment with the "WE CARE" values.
• Background Check: Successful candidates will undergo a criminal background check and may need to self-disclose conviction history.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume Focus: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your MA certification/registration or program completion, any previous clinical experience (especially in pediatrics or family medicine), and specific technical skills (phlebotomy, immunizations).
• Highlight Operational Contributions: If you have examples of improving patient flow, streamlining documentation, or enhancing clinic efficiency, include these as bullet points or brief descriptions. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Showcase EHR Proficiency: Explicitly mention any experience with EHR systems, particularly EPIC. If you have examples of managing patient records, scheduling, or using specific EHR modules, be ready to discuss them.
• Address "WE CARE" Values: Prepare to discuss how your approach to patient care and teamwork aligns with the University of Iowa's core values (Welcoming, Excellence, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment).

Challenge Preparation:

• Clinical Skills Assessment: Be prepared for practical demonstrations or scenario-based questions related to common MA tasks, such as taking vital signs, preparing patients, or handling specific patient interactions.
• Behavioral Questions: Anticipate questions about teamwork, handling difficult patients, conflict resolution, and prioritizing tasks in a busy clinic. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
• Company Knowledge: Research UI Health Care's mission, values, and services to demonstrate your interest and understanding of their operational environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "work samples" is a critical differentiator for this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate practical skills rather than just discuss them. A well-structured resume that clearly articulates qualifications and any operational contributions will be key for the initial screening.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) System: Primarily EPIC. Proficiency or prior experience with EPIC is highly desired and will be a significant advantage. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate knowledge of EHR functionalities for patient charting, scheduling, order entry, and record management.
• Clinic Management Software: Likely integrated with the EHR for scheduling, patient registration, and billing support.
• Medical Equipment: Standard clinical equipment for vital signs monitoring (thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters), diagnostic tools (otoscope, ophthalmoscope), and procedure support.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While MAs may not directly run complex reports, they contribute data that feeds into clinic operational analytics. Accurate data entry and adherence to documentation standards are crucial for reporting on patient throughput, appointment adherence, and service quality.

CRM & Automation:

• In a clinical setting, patient management is handled through the EHR, which functions similarly to a CRM for tracking patient interactions and health histories. Automation might be present in scheduling reminders or patient portal communications, managed through the EHR system.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Electronic Health Records (EHRs), particularly EPIC, is a key technical requirement. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with EHR systems and how they use them to manage patient data and support clinical operations efficiently.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: The primary operational value is ensuring a positive and effective experience for every patient, reflecting the "Welcoming," "Respect," and "Excellence" core values.
• Efficiency and Accuracy: Operational success hinges on precise execution of clinical tasks, accurate record-keeping, and smooth patient flow, aligning with "Excellence" and "Accountability."
• Team Collaboration: The interconnectedness of the clinic team requires strong "Collaboration" and mutual respect among all members to achieve shared operational goals.
• Professionalism and Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, maintaining patient confidentiality, and demonstrating accountability in all actions are paramount, reflecting the "Accountability" and "Respect" values.
• Adaptability: The ability to "float" to different specialties requires a flexible and adaptable approach to diverse patient needs and operational demands.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: MAs work seamlessly with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff, requiring open communication and a shared commitment to patient care objectives.
• Process Adherence and Improvement: While adhering to established protocols is key, there's an underlying encouragement for team members to contribute to improving workflows and patient care processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: The academic environment promotes learning and sharing of best practices among team members to enhance collective operational effectiveness and clinical expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "WE CARE" values are deeply embedded in the organizational culture. Candidates should demonstrate how their professional approach aligns with these values, particularly in how they collaborate, prioritize patient needs, and contribute to a positive and efficient clinic environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Patient Volume: Clinics often experience high patient loads, requiring efficient time management and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Floating Between Specialties: Adapting quickly to the specific needs and workflows of different patient populations (e.g., Pediatrics vs. Family Medicine) can be challenging but also offers broad learning experiences.
• Balancing Clinical and Clerical Tasks: Effectively managing direct patient care alongside administrative duties requires strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• EHR Proficiency: For candidates without prior EPIC experience, mastering the system efficiently will be a learning curve.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Clinical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to refine and expand clinical skills through hands-on experience in a variety of patient care scenarios.
• Specialty Exposure: Gain valuable experience in pediatric care and potentially other specialties, broadening your healthcare knowledge base.
• Professional Growth: Access to UI Health Care's training resources, workshops, and potential mentorship programs can support career development.
• System Proficiency: Develop advanced skills in using a leading EHR system (EPIC), a highly transferable skill in the healthcare industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in clinical operations roles. The growth opportunities, particularly around specialty exposure and EHR proficiency, offer significant value for career progression in healthcare support functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Clinical Scenarios: "Describe how you would handle a pediatric patient who is anxious about receiving an immunization." "Walk me through the steps you take to prepare a patient for a physical examination." "How do you ensure patient privacy when discussing medical information?"
• Operational Efficiency: "How do you prioritize tasks when multiple patients require your attention simultaneously?" "Describe a time you identified a potential issue in a clinic workflow and what you did about it." "How do you ensure accuracy in patient record keeping and charting?"
• Teamwork & Values: "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?" "Describe a situation where you had to demonstrate respect for a patient's cultural background or personal beliefs." "How do you embody the 'Excellence' value in your daily work?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of UI Health Care's mission and the "WE CARE" values.
• Research the specific services offered at the North Liberty Pediatrics Clinic and UI Health Care in general.
• Consider how your personal work style and values align with the university's culture of academic excellence and patient-centered care.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume Walkthrough: Be ready to succinctly walk through your resume, highlighting relevant experience, certifications, and skills, particularly those related to the "Highly Desired" and "Desirable Qualifications."
• Work Sample Preparation: If work samples are requested, ensure they are clean, accurate, and demonstrate your core MA competencies. Practice explaining the context and your role in the task.
• STAR Method Application: For behavioral questions, use the STAR method to provide clear, concise, and impactful examples of your past performance.
• Questions for the Interviewer: Prepare insightful questions about the clinic's operations, team dynamics, patient population, and opportunities for professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "work samples" is a key indicator. Candidates should focus on being prepared to demonstrate practical skills. Understanding and articulating how one embodies the "WE CARE" values will be crucial for cultural fit assessment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Medical Assistant II position:

• Submit Your Resume: Upload a comprehensive resume through the application portal that clearly details your qualifications, certifications, relevant experience (especially in pediatrics), and technical skills (EHR/EPIC, phlebotomy, immunizations).
• Address Qualifications: Ensure your resume and any accompanying cover letter explicitly address how you meet both the minimum requirements and the desired qualifications listed in the job description.
• Prepare for Work Samples: Be ready for practical assessments of your clinical skills, as indicated in the job posting. Familiarize yourself with common MA procedures and documentation standards.
• Research UI Health Care: Understand the organization's mission, values ("WE CARE"), and the services provided by the UICC, particularly the Pediatrics clinic.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer questions related to clinical scenarios, operational efficiency, teamwork, and cultural fit, utilizing the STAR method where appropriate.

⚠️ 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.