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: 2026-06-24T11:13:16

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the efficient operation of the UI Health Care Sleep Clinic, focusing on direct patient care and clinical support functions.

• The Medical Assistant II will manage patient flow, assist with examinations and treatments, and ensure accurate medical record maintenance, directly impacting patient experience and clinical throughput.

• Responsibilities include administering routine medications, performing basic diagnostic tests, and coordinating with healthcare providers to optimize patient care delivery.

• This position requires a strong understanding of clinical protocols, patient history management, and effective communication within a healthcare setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input job title is "Medical Assistant II," this enhancement focuses on the "Operations" aspect by framing the role's impact on patient flow, record management, and clinical efficiency, which are core to healthcare operations. The "II" designation implies a level of experience beyond entry-level, suggesting a need for established clinical skills and potentially some level of independent problem-solving within defined protocols.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Facilitate the smooth flow of patients through the clinic by effectively interacting with patients, families, and staff, ensuring timely appointments and efficient transitions between care stages.

• Assist physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses with physical examinations and related treatments, including taking patient histories, documenting medication records, allergies, and immunization status.

• Manage internal and external medical records to ensure accurate, complete, and readily accessible data for patient appointments and provider consultations.

• Administer routine oral, rectal, or injectable medications that do not require advanced nursing judgment, adhering to strict protocols for certified medical assistants or those who have completed formal accredited training.

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

• Identify vaccination needs for specific patient populations and administer immunizations in accordance with established protocols.

• Perform essential clerical tasks, including answering phones, scheduling appointments, providing information to patients and other departments, and managing patient inquiries.

• Assist in obtaining necessary insurance prior authorizations for procedures, medications, or durable medical equipment, ensuring compliance with payer requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed responsibilities have been structured to highlight operational aspects such as patient flow management, data integrity (medical records), process adherence (medication administration, lab tests), and administrative coordination (scheduling, prior authorizations). This framing emphasizes the role's contribution to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the clinic's operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Certification or registration as a Medical Assistant OR completion of a recognized one-year Medical Assistant Program.

• Alternatively, completion of a healthcare profession program with a curriculum incorporating pathophysiology, medical terminology, basic pharmacology, medication calculation, and psychology.

• Educational transcripts must be uploaded during the application process. Experience:

• Minimum of one year of Medical Assistant experience is preferred.

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

• Proficiency in patient care techniques and procedures.

• Strong medical record management skills, including accurate documentation and data retrieval.

• Competency in administering routine medications as per certification and training.

• Ability to perform basic laboratory tests (e.g., urinalysis, blood work) and diagnostic procedures (e.g., EKGs).

• Skills in patient history taking, medication reconciliation, and immunization tracking.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency in scheduling appointments and managing clinic calendars.

• Knowledge of insurance prior authorization processes. Preferred Skills:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential.

• Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology.

• Experience with durable medical equipment (DME) relevant to sleep disorders.

• Experience in an ambulatory care or clinic setting.

• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirements are detailed to include alternative pathways, reflecting a common practice in healthcare roles where practical experience and certification can substitute for traditional degrees. The distinction between required and preferred skills helps candidates prioritize their application focus and preparation. The inclusion of "durable medical equipment" knowledge is inferred from the sleep clinic context and potential patient needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documentation of patient interaction workflows, highlighting efficiency improvements in patient intake and care coordination.

• Examples of medical record management processes, demonstrating accuracy, completeness, and adherence to privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA).

• Case studies showcasing proficiency in administering medications and performing diagnostic tests, including adherence to safety protocols.

• Evidence of successful insurance prior authorization processes, illustrating understanding of payer requirements and effective communication strategies. Process Documentation:

• Workflow design and optimization for patient check-in, vital signs collection, and rooming procedures.

• Implementation of standardized protocols for medication administration, laboratory testing, and EKG performance.

• Measurement and analysis of patient throughput and appointment scheduling effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a clinical support role, a formal "portfolio" in the traditional sense might not be expected. However, candidates are often asked to demonstrate their capabilities through resume details and interview discussions. This section frames what "evidence" of skills and experience might look like, focusing on process-oriented contributions and operational efficiency, which is crucial for a Medical Assistant II role in a busy clinic.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the "Pay Grade: 9" and the University of Iowa's compensation structure for medical support staff, a projected annual salary range for a Medical Assistant II in Iowa City, IA, typically falls between $38,000 and $52,000. This estimate considers factors like experience level (2-5 years), specialized skills, and the cost of living in the region. Actual compensation will be determined by the University's specific pay scales and the candidate's qualifications. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Protection for employees and their families.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick leave accrual.

• Retirement Plans: Significant employer contributions to retirement savings plans.

• Work-Life Balance: Scheduled work hours with no evenings or weekends, and a one-hour lunch break.

• Convenience: Free on-site parking at clinic locations.

• Professional Development: Access to resources for career growth within UI Health Care.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

• 32-40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, 0800 - 1700, with a one-hour lunch break. No evenings or weekends are scheduled.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical public university pay scales for similar roles in the Midwest region. The benefits are detailed based on standard offerings from large academic medical centers and the explicit mentions in the job description. The "Pay Grade: 9" is a key indicator for internal university compensation structures, which is factored into the estimate.

🎯 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 its health care system evolving over time to become a comprehensive academic medical center.

Team Structure:

• The Medical Assistant II will likely be part of a specialized clinical team within the Heartland Drive Sleep Clinic.

• This team includes physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and potentially other allied health professionals.

• The Medical Assistant II typically reports to a Clinical Supervisor, Nurse Manager, or designated physician/provider.

• Close collaboration with front desk staff, schedulers, and other clinic support personnel is essential for seamless operations. Methodology:

• Patient-Centered Care: Emphasis on delivering high-quality, compassionate care with a focus on patient dignity and well-being, aligning with the "WE CARE" values.

• Data-Driven Operations: Utilization of electronic health records for patient management, appointment scheduling, and clinical documentation, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.

• Process Optimization: Continuous efforts to improve patient flow, reduce wait times, and enhance the efficiency of clinical workflows within the sleep clinic setting.

• Team Collaboration: Encouragement of teamwork and open communication among all clinic staff to ensure coordinated and effective patient care delivery.

Company Website: https://uiowa.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described through its "WE CARE" values, emphasizing a commitment to welcoming, excellence, collaboration, accountability, respect, and empowerment. This provides context for how operations professionals should approach their work and interactions within the organization. The team structure is inferred based on standard clinic operations in an academic medical setting.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is classified as a Medical Assistant II, indicating an intermediate level of experience and responsibility within clinical support operations. It requires proficiency in core MA duties and the ability to handle more complex tasks and patient interactions than an entry-level MA. Reporting Structure:

• The Medical Assistant II typically reports to a direct supervisor, such as a Clinic Manager, Nurse Manager, or a lead physician/provider within the Sleep Clinic.

• This role involves working closely with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to ensure effective collaboration. Operations Impact:

• The Medical Assistant II directly impacts the operational efficiency of the Sleep Clinic by ensuring timely patient throughput, accurate record-keeping, and effective support for clinical staff.

• Their ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain patient flow, and perform essential clinical functions contributes significantly to patient satisfaction and the overall quality of care delivered by UI Health Care.

• Efficient operations managed by MAs reduce provider burnout and allow clinicians to focus more on complex medical decision-making. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to gain experience with specialized equipment and procedures relevant to sleep medicine and advanced diagnostic testing.

• Certification: Support or encouragement to obtain Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credentials if not already held.

• Specialization: Potential to focus on specific areas within the sleep clinic, such as durable medical equipment management or patient education for sleep disorders.

• Leadership Potential: Advancement to roles like Lead Medical Assistant or opportunities within administrative or supervisory positions within UI Health Care clinics.

• Cross-Training: Possibility of cross-training in other clinic settings within UI Health Care to broaden skill sets and career options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis emphasizes how this role contributes to the operational efficiency of a healthcare provider and outlines potential pathways for professional growth within the healthcare system, focusing on skill development, certification, and potential leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Clinical Setting within an Academic Medical Center.

Office Location(s): Primarily based at the Heartland Drive Sleep Clinic in Coralville, IA, with potential for assignments in surrounding clinic locations based on clinical need and operational requirements.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is a dynamic clinical environment requiring adaptability and efficiency.

• It involves direct interaction with patients, healthcare providers, and other clinic staff, fostering a collaborative team atmosphere.

• Access to essential medical equipment, diagnostic tools, and electronic health record systems is standard.

• The environment supports a patient-centered approach, emphasizing compassion and respect in all interactions. Work Schedule:

• The schedule is designed for work-life balance, with fixed daytime hours (Monday-Friday, 0800-1700) and no evening or weekend shifts. This allows for predictable personal time and reduces the operational complexity of shift coverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description highlights the clinical setting, the collaborative nature of the team, and the specific benefits of the work schedule, which are important considerations for operations professionals seeking stability and predictability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess minimum eligibility requirements and alignment with job responsibilities.

• Phone/Video Interview: A preliminary discussion with HR or the hiring manager to gauge general qualifications, communication skills, and interest in the role and UI Health Care.

• On-Site Interview: This typically involves meeting with the hiring manager (e.g., Shaye-Short) and potentially other team members (e.g., lead MA, physician, or nurse). Expect questions assessing clinical skills, patient interaction scenarios, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with UI Health Care's "WE CARE" values.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): May include a practical demonstration of basic clinical skills or a scenario-based assessment related to patient care or record management.

• Final Decision: Based on overall assessment of qualifications, experience, and fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio may not be required, be prepared to discuss specific examples of your experience that demonstrate the required qualifications.

• Resume Emphasis: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience in patient history taking, medication administration, diagnostic testing (EKGs, blood work, urinalysis), electronic health record usage, and patient communication.

• Scenario-Based Answers: When asked behavioral or situational questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide concrete examples of your skills and problem-solving abilities. For example, describe a time you managed a challenging patient interaction or streamlined a clinic process.

• Quantify Achievements: If possible, quantify your contributions. For example, "Managed patient flow for an average of 30 patients per day," or "Successfully processed X number of prior authorizations per week."

Challenge Preparation:

• Clinical Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would handle common patient scenarios, such as addressing patient concerns, managing a patient with an unexpected reaction, or ensuring proper patient identification for procedures.

• Process Improvement: Think about how you might improve efficiency in a clinical setting. For instance, how could patient check-in be made smoother, or how could medical record documentation be made more efficient while maintaining accuracy?

• Teamwork and Communication: Prepare examples of how you collaborate effectively with physicians, nurses, and other staff, and how you handle communication with patients and their families.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, translating the job requirements into preparation strategies for the interview process, emphasizing how to showcase operational competence and clinical skills effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) System: Proficiency with a recognized EHR system (e.g., Epic, Cerner, or similar) is crucial for patient charting, order entry, and record management.

• Medical Devices: Familiarity with standard clinical equipment such as EKG machines, blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, glucometers, and potentially specialized sleep study equipment (e.g., CPAP devices for patient education).

• Laboratory Equipment: Experience with basic laboratory testing equipment for urinalysis and phlebotomy.

• Appointment Scheduling Software: Used for managing patient appointments and clinic flow.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytics roles are not typical for MAs, understanding how data from patient encounters contributes to clinic performance metrics (e.g., patient wait times, appointment adherence) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding patient relationship management principles is key to patient care. Automation within this context might refer to efficient use of EHR templates or scheduling reminders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section lists the typical technology stack for a Medical Assistant II in a healthcare setting, focusing on the systems and tools they will interact with daily to perform their operational and clinical duties.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centricity: All operational and clinical tasks are performed with the patient's well-being, comfort, and safety as the highest priority, reflecting UI Health Care's "WE CARE" values, particularly Respect and Welcoming.

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to performing all duties accurately, efficiently, and with attention to detail, ensuring high-quality patient care and operational reliability.

• Collaborative Spirit: Actively participating in team efforts, supporting colleagues, and communicating effectively to ensure seamless patient flow and integrated care delivery, embodying the "Collaboration" value.

• Accountability and Integrity: Taking ownership of tasks, adhering to protocols, maintaining patient confidentiality, and acting ethically in all professional interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff to coordinate patient care, manage schedules, and resolve issues proactively.

• Open Communication: Encouraging a culture of clear, concise, and respectful communication, both verbally and through electronic health records, to ensure all team members are informed.

• Supportive Environment: Contributing to a positive and supportive work environment where team members feel empowered to ask questions, seek assistance, and share feedback for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section elaborates on how the general company values ("WE CARE") translate into specific behaviors and expectations for operational roles like the Medical Assistant II, emphasizing patient care, teamwork, and efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Patient Volume: Handling a high volume of patients efficiently while maintaining quality of care and patient satisfaction, especially during peak clinic hours.

• Complex Patient Needs: Addressing diverse patient needs, including those with chronic conditions, communication barriers, or emotional distress, requiring empathy and adaptability.

• Navigating Evolving Protocols: Keeping up-to-date with changes in clinical protocols, medication guidelines, and EHR system updates to ensure compliance and best practices.

• Balancing Clinical and Clerical Duties: Effectively managing a wide range of responsibilities, from direct patient care to administrative tasks, requiring strong organizational and time management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Clinical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific diagnostic procedures, medication administration techniques, and patient assessment.

• Specialty Focus: Gaining in-depth knowledge and experience in sleep medicine, including understanding common sleep disorders and related treatments.

• Professional Certification Support: Potential for assistance or encouragement to achieve CMA certification or other relevant credentials.

• Cross-Training: Possibility to train in other areas of UI Health Care clinics, broadening skill sets and career horizons.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced healthcare professionals within the sleep clinic and the broader UI Health Care system.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines potential challenges and opportunities specific to the role and its environment, providing candidates with insights into what to expect and how to prepare for growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Clinical Scenarios: "Describe how you would prepare a patient for a physical examination by a physician," or "How would you handle a situation where a patient expresses significant anxiety before a procedure?" (Focus on calm, clear communication, adherence to protocol, and patient reassurance.)

• Operational Efficiency: "How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple demands simultaneously in a clinic setting?" or "What steps would you take to ensure efficient patient flow during a busy clinic day?" (Highlight time management, multitasking, and proactive problem-solving.)

• Teamwork & Communication: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult colleague or provider. How did you manage the situation?" or "How do you ensure clear communication with patients regarding instructions or follow-up care?" (Emphasize professionalism, active listening, and conflict resolution skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about UI Health Care and its mission?" (Research the "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives." slogan and "WE CARE" values.)

• "How do you embody the 'WE CARE' values in your daily work?" (Provide specific examples related to Welcoming, Excellence, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment.)

• "Why are you interested in working specifically in a sleep clinic?" (Show genuine interest in sleep medicine and patient care in this specialty.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your resume, highlighting specific experiences that align with the job requirements. For each relevant role, discuss your key responsibilities, achievements, and the operational impact you had.

• Example-Based Answers: Instead of a formal portfolio, have 2-3 specific examples ready that demonstrate your skills in patient care, medical record management, medication administration, or handling challenging situations. Detail the context, your actions, and the positive outcome.

• Highlighting Key Skills: Explicitly mention your proficiency with EHR systems, diagnostic tools, and your understanding of medical terminology and pharmacology as relevant to the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides concrete examples of interview questions relevant to the role and company, along with strategic advice on how to answer them effectively, focusing on demonstrating operational competence and cultural fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the University of Iowa's Taleo careers portal.

• Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to specifically highlight your experience in patient care, medical record management, medication administration, diagnostic testing (EKG, blood work, urinalysis), EHR system usage, and patient scheduling. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation (Verbal): Prepare to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to manage patient flow, maintain accurate records, administer medications safely, and communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Health Care's mission, "WE CARE" values, and the specific focus of the Sleep Clinic. Understand how your role contributes to their overall goals.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common Medical Assistant interview questions, focusing on behavioral and situational scenarios that showcase your clinical skills, operational efficiency, and teamwork abilities.

⚠️ 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.