Medical Assistant II - UI Health Care Sleep Clinic 80-100%25

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Medical Assistant II - UI Health Care Sleep Clinic

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Operations / Clinical Support

Date Posted: September 16, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role serves as a crucial link in patient care within an ambulatory clinic setting, directly supporting healthcare providers in the UI Health Care Sleep Clinic.

• Responsibilities encompass patient flow management, clinical assistance, medical record maintenance, and administrative support, ensuring efficient clinic operations.

• The position requires adherence to established clinical protocols and the safe administration of medications and performance of diagnostic tests.

• This role is integral to delivering high-quality patient care and maintaining operational efficiency within the specialized Sleep Clinic.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Medical Assistant II," the "0-2 years" experience level suggests it's an entry-level to junior role within the MA II classification, potentially focusing on candidates with foundational MA training and some practical experience. The description emphasizes a broad range of clinical and administrative duties typical of a medical assistant in an outpatient setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Provide direct patient care assistance during physical examinations and treatments, including taking patient histories, updating medication records, and verifying allergies and immunization status.

• Manage and maintain internal and external medical records to ensure accurate and complete patient data is readily accessible for appointments and care delivery.

• Administer routine oral, rectal, or injectable medications under supervision, adhering to protocols for certified or formally trained medical assistants.

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

• Identify and address vaccination needs for specific patient populations according to established guidelines.

• Execute essential clerical tasks, including managing phone communications, scheduling patient appointments, and relaying information between departments.

• Assist with the process of obtaining necessary insurance prior authorizations for patient treatments and procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are a blend of direct patient care, clinical support, and administrative functions, typical for a medical assistant role. The emphasis on medication administration and diagnostic tests highlights the need for careful execution and adherence to protocols. The inclusion of insurance prior authorizations points to the administrative complexity of healthcare operations.

🎓 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 elements of a Medical Assistant program (e.g., pathophysiology, medical terminology, basic pharmacology, medication administration, psychology). Educational transcripts must be uploaded during the application process. Experience:

• Minimum of one year of Medical Assistant experience is preferred. Required Skills:

• Certification or registration as a Medical Assistant (or equivalent program completion).

• Proficiency in performing technical patient care duties as outlined in the responsibilities.

• Ability to administer routine medications under supervision, following specific training guidelines.

• Competence in performing basic laboratory tests (e.g., urinalysis) and diagnostic procedures (e.g., EKGs).

• Skill in managing electronic medical records (EMR) and maintaining accurate clinical documentation.

• Strong patient history taking and patient interaction capabilities.

• Knowledge of immunization administration protocols.

• Effective communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare staff.

• Basic understanding of insurance prior authorization processes.

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

• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Skills:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) designation.

• Minimum of one year of direct Medical Assistant experience in a clinical setting.

• Experience with durable medical equipment (DME).

• Knowledge of medical terminology.

• Previous work experience utilizing strong customer service skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirements are broad, allowing candidates from various accredited programs. The preference for a Certified Medical Assistant and prior experience aligns with the "II" in the job title, suggesting a desire for candidates who can quickly contribute. The driver's license requirement is unusual for an on-site clinic role unless it involves occasional travel between clinic locations or for specific patient needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples of their clinical processes and patient interaction strategies during interviews.

• Demonstrated ability to manage patient flow and optimize clinic schedules efficiently.

• Examples of accurate and organized clinical documentation and medical record management.

• Evidence of successful medication administration and routine diagnostic test execution.

• Experience with or understanding of insurance authorization workflows and their impact on patient care. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be ready to articulate their understanding of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for common medical assistant tasks.

• Ability to describe their approach to patient intake, vital sign collection, and assisting with examinations.

• Understanding of safety protocols for medication administration and specimen handling.

• Familiarity with EMR system workflows for data entry, retrieval, and patient communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Medical Assistant role, a formal portfolio is less common than for operations or analytics roles. However, candidates are expected to demonstrate their process knowledge and efficiency through their resume and interview responses. The emphasis is on practical application of clinical and administrative processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the "Pay Grade: 9" for the University of Iowa and typical salary structures for Medical Assistants in Iowa City, IA, an estimated annual salary range for this position would be between $38,000 and $48,000.

• This estimate considers the experience level (entry-level to junior), the full-time nature of the role (80-100% FTE), and regional salary data for similar positions in healthcare. The University of Iowa's compensation structure will be the definitive factor. Benefits:

• Comprehensive fringe benefit package including:

  • Paid vacation

  • Sick leave

  • Health insurance options

  • Dental insurance options

  • Life insurance options

  • Disability insurance options

  • Generous employer contributions into retirement plans

  • FREE on-site parking Working Hours:

• 80-100% FTE (32-40 hours per week).

• Standard work schedule: Monday – Friday, 07:45 AM - 04:45 PM, with a one-hour lunch break.

• No evenings or weekends required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general industry standards for Medical Assistants in the specified region and the provided pay grade information. The University of Iowa's official salary bands for Pay Grade 9 will determine the actual compensation. The benefits package is comprehensive and a significant draw for this role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)

Company Size: Large (University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers).

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with UI Health Care evolving as its comprehensive academic medical center.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the UI Health Care Sleep Clinic team, located at Heartland Drive.

• The Medical Assistant II will work under the direct supervision of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or registered nurses.

• Collaboration is expected with other clinical staff, administrative personnel, and potentially other departments within the University of Iowa Health Care system. Methodology:

• The clinic operates with a patient-centered approach, focusing on efficient patient flow and quality care delivery.

• Emphasis is placed on adhering to established clinical protocols and utilizing Electronic Medical Records (EMR) for documentation and data management.

• The "WE CARE" core values (Welcoming, Excellence, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment) guide the organizational culture and daily interactions.

Company Website: https://uihc.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Iowa Health Care is a large, established academic medical institution. This implies a structured environment with robust policies and procedures. The "WE CARE" values are central to the expected work culture, emphasizing patient well-being, teamwork, and professional conduct.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Clinical Support / Medical Assistant II

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to supervising clinical staff (Physician, PA, NP, or RN).

Operations Impact: The Medical Assistant II plays a vital role in the efficiency and patient experience of the Sleep Clinic. By managing patient flow, assisting with procedures, and handling administrative tasks, they directly contribute to the clinic's ability to provide timely and effective care, impacting patient satisfaction and provider productivity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to gain experience in a specialized clinic (Sleep Clinic), performing a variety of clinical and administrative tasks. Potential to deepen knowledge in specific diagnostic tests and patient care protocols relevant to sleep disorders.

• Advancement: Potential for progression to Medical Assistant III or other roles within UI Health Care, depending on performance, experience, and further certifications. Continued education and specialized training can open doors.

• Professional Certifications: Encouragement to pursue or maintain certifications (e.g., CMA) which can enhance career prospects within healthcare.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team, gaining insight into different healthcare roles and specialties.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a clinical support role, the "II" designation and the comprehensive responsibilities suggest a foundation for future growth within the healthcare system. The emphasis on patient care and operational efficiency within a specialized clinic offers valuable experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Outpatient Clinical Setting (Heartland Drive Sleep Clinic).

Office Location(s): Coralville, IA (and potentially surrounding clinic locations based on clinical need and hours).

Workspace Context:

• Fast-paced clinic environment requiring efficient multitasking and adaptability.

• Close collaboration with a team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other support staff.

• Access to standard medical equipment, diagnostic tools, and an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.

• Work involves direct patient contact, requiring adherence to infection control and patient safety protocols. Work Schedule:

• Predominantly Monday through Friday, 07:45 AM to 04:45 PM, with a one-hour lunch. This schedule offers a consistent work week without evening or weekend commitments, providing good work-life balance for a clinical role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in a specialized clinic means candidates should be comfortable with direct patient interaction and a typical outpatient healthcare workflow. The lack of evenings and weekends is a significant advantage for work-life balance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit a resume that clearly addresses all required and desired qualifications. Educational transcripts must also be uploaded.

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for minimum eligibility requirements, including education and any required certifications.

• Phone/Video Interview: Candidates may undergo an initial screening interview to discuss experience, skills, and fit for the role.

• On-site Interview: This will likely involve meeting with the hiring manager (e.g., clinic supervisor) and potentially other team members. Expect questions about clinical skills, patient interaction, problem-solving, and understanding of the clinic's operations.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): The interview process might include a practical assessment of basic clinical skills or a scenario-based question to evaluate problem-solving abilities.

• Background Check: Successful candidates will undergo a criminal background check.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio is not requested, be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate:

  • Your approach to patient intake and history taking.

  • How you manage patient flow and scheduling.

  • Examples of accurate clinical documentation.

  • Instances where you administered medications or performed diagnostic tests.

  • How you handle patient inquiries or challenging patient interactions.

  • Your understanding of EMR systems. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to answer questions about how you would handle common clinic scenarios, such as:

  • Managing multiple patient demands simultaneously.

  • Dealing with a patient who is anxious or upset.

  • Ensuring accuracy in medication administration or specimen collection.

  • Communicating effectively with a physician about a patient's condition.

  • Your understanding of the "WE CARE" values and how you would apply them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes thorough documentation (resume, transcripts). Interview preparation should focus on concrete examples of clinical and administrative competencies, aligning with the "WE CARE" values and the specific duties of a Medical Assistant II in a sleep clinic.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Medical Records (EMR) System: Proficiency with an EMR system is essential for managing patient data, scheduling, documentation, and communication. The specific system used by UI Health Care would be important to highlight if known.

• Clinic Management Software: For scheduling appointments, managing patient flow, and administrative tasks.

• Basic Medical Equipment: Stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, EKG machines, centrifuges, specimen collection kits, etc.

• Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Experience with sleep study-related DME may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how patient data contributes to clinic performance metrics (e.g., patient wait times, appointment completion rates) is valuable. CRM & Automation:

• The EMR system often incorporates CRM-like functionalities for patient relationship management. Automation may be present in appointment reminders or data entry processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with EMR systems is paramount. Candidates with experience in specific EMR platforms used by large healthcare organizations (like Epic, Cerner) would have an advantage. Familiarity with medical terminology and diagnostic equipment is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Welcoming: Create an environment where patients and colleagues feel accepted, respected, and valued.

• Excellence: Strive for the highest quality in patient care, clinical support, and administrative tasks.

• Collaboration: Work effectively with physicians, nurses, and other clinic staff, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.

• Accountability: Take ownership of responsibilities, ensure accuracy in tasks, and act with integrity.

• Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity and consideration, promoting a supportive and safe workplace.

• Empowerment: Contribute to a positive patient experience and support colleagues in their roles.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated patient care.

• Open communication is encouraged to address patient needs and clinic operational challenges.

• Team members are expected to support each other to maintain workflow efficiency and provide excellent service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "WE CARE" values are deeply embedded in the organizational culture. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their professional conduct and patient interactions. A collaborative and respectful approach is essential for success in this team-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace and Volume: Managing a high volume of patients and diverse tasks in a busy clinic setting can be demanding.

• Complex Patient Needs: Dealing with patients who have specific health conditions, like sleep disorders, may require specialized knowledge and empathy.

• Navigating EMR Systems: Efficiently using and troubleshooting EMR systems to maintain accurate records and workflows.

• Balancing Clinical and Administrative Duties: Effectively switching between direct patient care and clerical tasks while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Clinical Exposure: Gaining hands-on experience in a sleep clinic environment, understanding the diagnostics and patient management for sleep disorders.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuing education, workshops, and potential cross-training within UI Health Care.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced physicians, PAs, NPs, and RNs, providing valuable insights into patient care and healthcare operations.

• Certification Support: Potential support or encouragement for obtaining and maintaining professional certifications like CMA.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for a career in healthcare support. The challenges are typical of a busy clinical setting, while the growth opportunities are tied to the extensive resources of a major academic medical center.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience with patient history taking and how you ensure accuracy."

• "How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple patient demands and administrative duties simultaneously?"

• "Walk me through your process for administering a routine medication, including safety checks."

• "How do you ensure accurate documentation in an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system?"

• "Describe a time you had to handle a difficult patient interaction. What was the outcome?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do the 'WE CARE' values mean to you, and how would you apply them in this role?"

• "Why are you interested in working for the University of Iowa Health Care, specifically in a Sleep Clinic setting?"

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?"

• "What are your expectations regarding work-life balance in a healthcare role?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your resume that highlight your clinical skills, patient interaction abilities, and administrative efficiency.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers when asked about past experiences.

• Highlight any experience with EMR systems, diagnostic equipment, or medication administration.

• Emphasize your understanding of patient safety and confidentiality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Focus on demonstrating practical skills, patient-centered communication, and alignment with the "WE CARE" values. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to handle the core responsibilities of a Medical Assistant II.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Medical Assistant II position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UI Talent Acquisition portal.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your education, certifications, and specific experience relevant to the required and desired qualifications. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed daily patient flow for an average of X patients").

• Portfolio Preparation: While no formal portfolio is required, be ready to discuss specific clinical scenarios, process improvements you've contributed to, and examples of patient care from your experience during the interview.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method. Practice articulating how you embody the "WE CARE" values.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Health Care system, its mission, and the "WE CARE" core values. Understand the general purpose of a Sleep Clinic.

⚠️ 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.