Medical Assistant II – UI Health Care Neurology Clinic 100%25

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Medical Assistant II – UI Health Care Neurology Clinic

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Healthcare Operations Support

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for patient care operations within the UI Health Care Neurology Clinic, focusing on direct patient support and administrative tasks to ensure a seamless patient experience.

• The Medical Assistant II will be instrumental in managing clinic workflow, supporting clinical staff, and maintaining patient records, contributing to the overall efficiency of the neurology practice.

• A key aspect involves direct patient interaction, including taking medical histories, administering routine medications, and identifying needs for immunizations, all within established protocols.

• This position requires adaptability to float between specialties and clinic locations as needed, showcasing a versatile skill set within the broader UI Health Care system.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Medical Assistant II," the responsibilities and requirements suggest a role that bridges direct patient care with essential administrative and operational support within a specialized clinic. The emphasis on patient-centered care, workflow facilitation, and record management points to a need for individuals who are not only clinically competent but also highly organized and detail-oriented. The "II" designation likely implies a level of proficiency beyond entry-level, possibly including some independent task management and a broader understanding of clinic operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care support within the Neurology Clinic, including taking patient histories, recording vital signs, and documenting medication records and allergies.

• Facilitate patient flow through the clinic by coordinating with patients, families, and internal staff, ensuring efficient management of appointments and clinic schedules.

• Assist licensed independent practitioners and registered nurses with patient examinations and treatments, including the administration of routine medications as permitted for certified medical assistants.

• Manage and maintain internal and external medical records, ensuring accurate, complete, and accessible data for all patient appointments and care plans, utilizing the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.

• Identify patient vaccination needs and administer routine immunizations according to established protocols and patient population requirements.

• Perform essential clerical tasks, including answering patient calls, scheduling appointments, and relaying information between departments and external entities.

• Initiate and assist with obtaining insurance prior authorizations for procedures or medications, ensuring patient access to necessary treatments.

• Drive and operate University vehicles as required, ensuring compliance with UI Fleet Safety Standards for patient transport or supply delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed highlight the dual nature of the MA II role: direct patient interaction and crucial administrative support. The mention of "routine medications not requiring a high level of skill or nursing judgment" implies specific protocols must be followed, and the "Driver's License and ability to meet UI Fleet Safety Standard" suggests potential needs beyond typical clinic duties, possibly involving inter-clinic transport or supply management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Certification or registration as a Medical Assistant; OR

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

• One year of experience as a Medical Assistant is highly desirable.

• Previous work experience utilizing customer service skills is a plus. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in taking patient histories, recording vital signs, and documenting medication records and allergies.

• Ability to administer routine medications according to established protocols and scope of practice for certified medical assistants.

• Skilled in identifying vaccination needs and administering immunizations.

• Competence in managing internal and external medical records, ensuring data accuracy and completeness within EMR systems.

• Strong clerical skills, including answering phones, scheduling appointments, and managing patient inquiries.

• Ability to initiate and assist with insurance prior authorizations.

• Valid Driver's License and ability to meet UI Fleet Safety Standards.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Skills:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential.

• Knowledge of medical terminology.

• Previous experience with Epic EMR system.

• Previous experience in a Neurology clinic setting.

• Demonstrated experience fostering a welcoming and respectful work environment.

• Adaptability to different clinical environments and patient populations.

• Experience with customer service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirements offer multiple pathways, indicating flexibility in candidate background. The emphasis on a driver's license and fleet safety standards is unusual for a standard MA role and suggests potential logistical responsibilities. The "II" designation, coupled with the preference for a CMA and prior experience, implies that candidates with demonstrated proficiency and certifications will be more competitive.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Patient Flow Optimization: Showcase examples of how you have contributed to improving patient throughput in a clinical setting, perhaps through efficient rooming processes or effective communication with clinical staff.

• Medical Records Management: Demonstrate your ability to maintain accurate and organized patient records, highlighting experience with EMR systems (e.g., Epic) and your understanding of data integrity and confidentiality.

• Medication and Immunization Administration: Provide documentation or case studies illustrating your proficiency in administering medications and immunizations, including adherence to protocols, dosage calculations, and patient education.

• Prior Authorization Process: Detail your experience in navigating insurance prior authorization processes, including documentation, communication with payers, and tracking approvals to ensure patient access to care.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Improvement: Be prepared to discuss how you've identified inefficiencies in clinical workflows and proposed or implemented improvements, particularly in areas like patient check-in/check-out, room turnover, or information gathering.

• Patient Interaction Protocols: Document your approach to patient interactions, focusing on empathy, clear communication, and adherence to established patient care protocols for history taking, vital signs, and patient education.

• System Utilization: Detail your experience using EMR/EHR systems (especially Epic) for tasks such as scheduling, patient charting, medication reconciliation, and order entry, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a healthcare role, a portfolio would likely focus on process efficiency, patient care protocols, and EMR proficiency. Applicants should be prepared to discuss specific instances where they improved processes, managed patient data effectively, and handled administrative tasks like prior authorizations. The emphasis on adaptability suggests a need to showcase how they've learned and applied new processes quickly.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the University of Iowa's Pay Grade 9 structure and typical Medical Assistant II compensation in Iowa City, IA, an estimated annual salary range of $36,000 - $48,000 is expected. This range is subject to adjustment based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the final determination of the pay grade placement.

• The University of Iowa utilizes a merit-based pay plan (Merit Alpha Matrix), indicating that compensation is tied to performance and position within the established pay bands. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance options.

• Dental insurance coverage.

• Life insurance policies.

• Disability insurance.

• Generous employer contributions into retirement plans (e.g., mandatory retirement plan).

• Paid vacation leave.

• Paid sick leave.

• Free on-site parking. Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week, Full-time.

• Schedule: Monday – Friday, variable hours between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM.

• No weekends, on-call duty, or holidays required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is estimated based on the provided Pay Grade 9 and general market data for Medical Assistants in Iowa. The University of Iowa's comprehensive benefits package is a significant draw, particularly the employer contributions to retirement and paid time off. The specified working hours offer a predictable schedule, which is attractive for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)

Company Size: Large (University system with over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers)

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, indicating a long-standing institution with established traditions and a robust infrastructure.

Team Structure:

• The Neurology Clinic is part of the University of Iowa Community Clinics (UICC) and UI Health Care.

• The Medical Assistant II will work within a patient care team, reporting to a licensed independent practitioner, RN, Nurse Manager, or other licensed designee.

• Collaboration is emphasized, with expectations to work closely with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff to ensure efficient patient care delivery.

• The role requires adaptability to float to other patient specialties and clinic locations, suggesting a flexible and integrated team approach across UI Health Care. Methodology:

• Patient-Centered Care: The clinic emphasizes providing personalized, compassionate care by developing relationships with patients and understanding their care history.

• Data-Driven Operations: Accurate record-keeping and data management are critical for patient care, diagnosis, and treatment planning within the EMR system.

• Collaborative Workflow: The team functions through a coordinated effort, with MAs facilitating patient flow and supporting clinical staff.

• Continuous Improvement: The "II" designation and the need for adaptability suggest an environment that values learning and continuous professional development.

Company Website: https://uiowa.taleo.net/careersection/2b/jobdetail.ftl?job=26005358&lang=en

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Iowa Health Care is a large, established academic medical center. This implies a structured environment with a strong focus on research, education, and comprehensive patient care. The "WE CARE" values (Welcoming, Excellence, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment) provide a clear framework for the expected workplace culture and professional conduct.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a foundational to mid-level support position within the healthcare operations framework. It offers direct exposure to clinical workflows and patient management, serving as a stepping stone for further specialization or advancement within healthcare support roles.

Reporting Structure: The Medical Assistant II reports to various licensed clinical staff, including Licensed Independent Practitioners (LIPs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and Nurse Managers. This multi-layered reporting structure indicates a need for clear communication and the ability to adapt to different leadership styles and priorities within the clinic.

Operations Impact: The MA II directly impacts operational efficiency by ensuring smooth patient flow, accurate record-keeping, and effective support for clinical staff. Their role is crucial in optimizing the patient experience, reducing wait times, and allowing physicians and nurses to focus on higher-level clinical tasks. By managing administrative processes like prior authorizations, they also contribute to patient access to necessary treatments and the financial health of the clinic.

Growth Opportunities:

• Clinical Specialization: Potential to specialize within neurology or other clinics, gaining deeper expertise in specific patient populations and conditions.

• Advanced Certifications: Opportunity to pursue Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential if not already held, or other specialized healthcare certifications.

• Leadership Potential: With experience, potential to move into Lead Medical Assistant roles or supervisory positions within clinic operations.

• Cross-Training: Exposure to various clinic settings and patient needs can lead to broader skill sets and increased versatility within UI Health Care.

• Further Education: The academic environment may provide opportunities or support for pursuing further education in healthcare administration or nursing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" designation suggests a path for growth from a more basic MA role. The academic setting of UI Health Care likely offers structured professional development and potential for advancement within a large healthcare system. The emphasis on adaptability also points to a role where learning new skills and processes is encouraged.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site within a busy academic medical center's outpatient clinic setting. The Neurology Clinic focuses on diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of neurological disorders.

Office Location(s): Primarily based at the UI Health Care Neurology Clinic in Iowa City, IA, with the potential to float to other patient specialties or clinic locations within the UI Health Care system as clinical needs dictate.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring the MA II to be adaptable and efficient.

• Collaboration is key, with frequent interaction with physicians, nurses, other medical assistants, and administrative staff.

• Access to modern clinical equipment and the University of Iowa's Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system (likely Epic) is provided.

• The environment demands adherence to strict hygiene and safety protocols common in healthcare settings. Work Schedule:

• The schedule is Monday to Friday, with variable hours between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM.

• This role does not require weekend, on-call, or holiday coverage, offering a consistent weekday work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within an academic medical center like UI Health Care means exposure to complex cases and a high volume of patients. The potential to float implies a need for strong organizational skills and the ability to quickly acclimate to different clinic settings and patient needs. The predictable weekday schedule is a significant perk.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review focusing on meeting minimum eligibility requirements, including education, certification status, and driver's license. Resumes will be meticulously checked against desired qualifications.

• Skills Assessment/Interview: Candidates may undergo an interview process that assesses clinical knowledge, patient interaction skills, and understanding of clinic operations. This could include scenario-based questions related to patient care, record management, and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Discussion: If a portfolio is submitted or requested, candidates will likely discuss specific examples of their work, focusing on process improvements, EMR proficiency, and patient care initiatives.

• Team/Cultural Fit: Interviews will likely assess alignment with UI Health Care's "WE CARE" values (Welcoming, Excellence, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment) and the ability to adapt to a busy, collaborative clinic environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Adaptability: Since floating is a requirement, showcase instances where you quickly learned new systems or adapted to different clinical environments.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use numbers to demonstrate impact – e.g., "Reduced patient wait times by X%," "Managed records for X number of patients daily," "Successfully processed X prior authorizations per week."

• Showcase EMR Proficiency: If you have Epic experience, make it prominent. Detail specific tasks you performed within the system that are relevant to the MA II role.

• Demonstrate Patient-Centered Approach: Include examples that illustrate your commitment to providing compassionate and personalized care, aligning with UI Health Care's mission.

• Address All Requirements: Ensure your portfolio or resume explicitly addresses every required and desirable qualification mentioned in the job description.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions about handling difficult patient interactions, managing competing priorities, or responding to medical emergencies within the scope of an MA.

• Process Improvement Discussion: Think about how you would improve patient flow or documentation processes in a neurology clinic setting.

• EMR Navigation: If possible, practice navigating a similar EMR system to demonstrate quick learning capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a thorough review of the resume against qualifications. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their experience with EMR systems, patient care protocols, and their ability to adapt to different clinical settings. Highlighting the "WE CARE" values in responses will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System: Highly likely to be Epic, given the context of a large academic medical center. Proficiency in EMR for patient charting, scheduling, medication management, and order entry is essential.

• Clinical Equipment: Standard medical equipment for vital signs monitoring, basic diagnostic procedures, and patient examination (e.g., thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, EKGs, otoscopes).

• Communication Systems: Internal phone systems, potentially secure messaging platforms for inter-departmental communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• EMR reporting functionalities for patient demographics, appointment statistics, and basic clinical data tracking.

• While MAs typically don't perform deep analytics, understanding how their data input contributes to clinic performance metrics is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• The EMR system often integrates CRM-like functions for patient management and communication.

• Basic automation may exist within the EMR for appointment reminders or follow-up tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Epic is the dominant EMR in large healthcare systems like UI Health Care. Familiarity with Epic, or the ability to quickly learn it, is a critical technical skill. The role requires proficiency with standard clinical diagnostic and patient care tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Welcoming: Actively foster an inclusive environment where all patients, colleagues, and trainees feel heard and respected, promoting dignity and well-being.

• Excellence: Strive for personal and collective bests in delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare and supporting educational and research endeavors.

• Collaboration: Engage proactively with healthcare systems, providers, and internal teams, recognizing teamwork and compassion as foundational to effective work.

• Accountability: Uphold ethical standards, act with integrity, take responsibility for actions, and address errors constructively.

• Respect: Create a safe, valued, and respected environment for everyone, prioritizing the well-being and success of all community members.

• Empowerment: Support fair access to healthcare and education, and champion opportunities for personal and professional growth for staff and learners.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to work seamlessly with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff, ensuring smooth patient care transitions and information exchange.

• Patient-Centric Teamwork: All collaborative efforts should prioritize patient needs and outcomes, fostering a cohesive approach to care delivery.

• Open Communication: The culture encourages clear, respectful, and timely communication to address patient needs, operational challenges, and process improvements.

• Supportive Environment: The "Welcoming" and "Respect" values suggest a supportive atmosphere where team members assist each other to achieve common goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "WE CARE" values are central to the University of Iowa Health Care's culture. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their work ethic and interpersonal skills align with these principles, particularly regarding patient interaction, teamwork, and professional conduct.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Adapting to Diverse Patient Needs: Neurology patients present a wide range of complex conditions, requiring MAs to be sensitive, patient, and adept at handling varied patient temperaments and physical needs.

• Managing High Patient Volume: As part of a large academic medical center, the clinic likely experiences a high patient volume, demanding efficient time management and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

• Floating Between Specialties: The requirement to float to different clinics or specialties necessitates rapid learning of new protocols, patient populations, and potentially different EMR configurations.

• Navigating Complex EMR System: Mastering the full functionality of a comprehensive EMR like Epic, including its intricacies for various clinical tasks, can be challenging but rewarding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Clinical Training: Opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge of neurological conditions and treatments through direct exposure and potential internal training sessions.

• EMR Proficiency Enhancement: Advanced training or self-directed learning to become highly proficient in Epic and other relevant healthcare IT systems.

• Certification Support: Potential for the institution to support or reimburse for obtaining or maintaining Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credentials or other relevant certifications.

• Career Ladder Progression: Clear pathways for advancement within UI Health Care, such as Lead MA roles, administrative support in specialized departments, or transition into nursing programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of a large healthcare system but are framed here with a focus on how they offer opportunities for skill development and professional growth. Highlighting adaptability and a proactive learning approach will be key for candidates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adapt quickly to a new clinical environment or learn a new EMR system. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on adaptability and learning agility.)

• "How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple patient needs and administrative duties simultaneously in a busy clinic?" (Assess time management and organizational skills.)

• "Walk us through your process for obtaining an insurance prior authorization. What challenges have you encountered, and how did you overcome them?" (Evaluate understanding of administrative processes and problem-solving.)

• "How would you handle a patient who is anxious or distressed before a neurological examination?" (Gauge patient interaction skills and empathy.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our 'WE CARE' values, which resonate most with you, and how do you demonstrate these values in your daily work?" (Assess cultural fit and alignment with institutional principles.)

• "What do you know about UI Health Care and our Neurology Clinic specifically?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you contribute to a welcoming and respectful team environment?" (Evaluate collaboration and interpersonal skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio (or resume if no formal portfolio is required) logically, perhaps by skill area (e.g., Patient Care, EMR Management, Administrative Processes) or by project/case study.

• Quantify Impact: For each example, aim to include metrics or specific outcomes that demonstrate the value you brought.

• Highlight Adaptability: If discussing specific projects, emphasize how you learned new processes or adapted to changing requirements, especially relevant for the floating aspect of the role.

• Connect to Neurological Care: If you have relevant experience or insights into neurology, weave that into your presentation.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key information efficiently and answer questions thoroughly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only clinical competence but also alignment with the University of Iowa's core values and the specific demands of the role, such as adaptability and strong communication. Candidates should be ready to provide concrete examples from their experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Medical Assistant II position:

• Submit your application through the provided University of Iowa Taleo portal link.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your educational background (MA program, certification, or relevant healthcare profession program), any certifications held (e.g., CMA), and specific experience in clinical settings, EMR usage (especially Epic), patient history taking, medication administration, and prior authorization processes. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Address Qualifications Explicitly: Carefully review the "Minimum Eligibility Requirements," "Special Qualification/License," and "Highly Desirable/Desirable Qualifications." Tailor your resume and cover letter (if applicable) to directly address each point, demonstrating how you meet or exceed them.

• Showcase Adaptability: Prepare to discuss instances where you have successfully adapted to new work environments, patient populations, or clinical processes, as this is a key aspect of the role.

• Prepare for Value Alignment: Be ready to articulate how your work ethic and approach align with the University of Iowa Health Care's "WE CARE" values during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.