Ambulatory Care Assistant (Medical Assistant) at WVU Medicine - Cheat Lake

Role Overview

The Ambulatory Care Assistant, functioning as a Medical Assistant (MA), plays a vital role in the Cheat Lake Physicians outpatient clinic. This position provides essential clinical and clerical support to medical staff, ensuring efficient patient care and smooth clinic operations. The MA assists providers with patient examinations, administers medications, performs basic lab tests, and maintains accurate patient records. The role demands a high degree of professionalism, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing excellent patient service.

Day in the Life of an Ambulatory Care Assistant

Each day as an Ambulatory Care Assistant is dynamic and patient-focused. Here’s a glimpse of typical responsibilities: * **Patient Preparation:** Escorting patients to examination rooms, collecting vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration), and updating medical histories in the electronic health record (EHR). * **Clinical Support:** Assisting physicians during examinations, administering injections and medications as directed, and performing basic laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood glucose monitoring. * **Specimen Collection:** Collecting and processing various patient specimens (e.g., blood, urine, swabs) for laboratory analysis, adhering to strict protocols to ensure accurate results. * **Documentation:** Accurately documenting patient information, test results, and medication administration in the EHR. * **Patient Communication:** Answering patient questions, providing pre- and post-procedure instructions, and relaying messages between patients and providers. * **Scheduling:** Scheduling patient appointments, coordinating referrals to specialists, and managing the clinic's appointment schedule. * **Inventory Management:** Monitoring and maintaining inventory levels of medical supplies and equipment, placing orders as needed. * **Quality Control:** Performing quality control checks on laboratory equipment and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. * **Clerical Tasks:** Handling phone calls, processing paperwork, and maintaining patient files. * **Compliance:** Adhering to all WVU Medicine policies and procedures, including HIPAA regulations and infection control protocols. This multifaceted role ensures that patients receive timely and efficient care while supporting the medical team in delivering high-quality services.

Why Cheat Lake, West Virginia?

Cheat Lake, located in the scenic Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and community spirit. As an Ambulatory Care Assistant at Cheat Lake Physicians, you'll enjoy: * **A Close-Knit Community:** Cheat Lake boasts a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, where neighbors support each other and community events are a regular occurrence. * **Outdoor Recreation:** The area is renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and swimming. Cheat Lake itself is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. * **Affordable Living:** Compared to many metropolitan areas, Cheat Lake offers a lower cost of living, making it an attractive place to live and work. * **Excellent Schools:** The area is served by reputable schools, making it a great place to raise a family. * **Proximity to Morgantown:** Cheat Lake is located just a short drive from Morgantown, WV, home to West Virginia University and a vibrant arts and culture scene. * **Access to Healthcare:** Working at WVU Medicine provides access to a network of leading healthcare professionals and resources. The combination of a fulfilling career and a desirable lifestyle makes Cheat Lake an excellent place to call home.

Career Path for Ambulatory Care Assistants at WVU Medicine

WVU Medicine is committed to employee growth and development, offering numerous opportunities for Ambulatory Care Assistants to advance their careers. Potential career paths include: * **Senior Medical Assistant:** With experience and demonstrated proficiency, MAs can advance to senior positions, taking on additional responsibilities such as training new staff, mentoring colleagues, and leading quality improvement initiatives. * **Clinical Supervisor:** Experienced MAs can pursue supervisory roles, overseeing the daily operations of a clinical area, managing staff, and ensuring quality patient care. * **Specialized Medical Assistant:** MAs can specialize in specific areas of medicine, such as cardiology, dermatology, or pediatrics, gaining advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen field. * **Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN):** WVU Medicine offers tuition assistance programs to support MAs who wish to pursue further education and become LPNs or RNs. * **Healthcare Management:** With additional education and experience, MAs can transition into healthcare management roles, such as clinic manager or practice administrator. WVU Medicine provides ongoing training and development programs to help employees achieve their career goals. The organization also encourages employees to participate in professional organizations and seek certifications to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Salary and Benefits

The estimated salary range for an Ambulatory Care Assistant (Medical Assistant) in the Cheat Lake, WV area is $30,000 to $45,000 per year. Actual salary may vary based on experience, education, and certifications. WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * **Health Insurance:** Medical, dental, and vision coverage. * **Paid Time Off (PTO):** Vacation, sick leave, and holidays. * **Retirement Plan:** 401(k) or 403(b) with employer matching. * **Life Insurance:** Basic and supplemental life insurance options. * **Disability Insurance:** Short-term and long-term disability coverage. * **Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA):** Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare expenses. * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and support services. * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Financial assistance for continuing education. * **Wellness Programs:** Programs to promote employee health and well-being. * **Employee Discounts:** Discounts on WVU Medicine services and products. WVU Medicine is committed to providing competitive compensation and benefits to attract and retain talented employees.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is a values-based organization that is committed to providing high-quality patient care, fostering a positive work environment, and promoting employee growth and development. Key aspects of the WVU Medicine culture include: * **Patient-Centered Care:** A focus on providing compassionate and patient-centered care. * **Teamwork:** A collaborative work environment where employees work together to achieve common goals. * **Respect:** Respect for patients, colleagues, and the community. * **Integrity:** Ethical and transparent business practices. * **Innovation:** A commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. * **Diversity and Inclusion:** A diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. * **Employee Well-being:** A focus on employee health and well-being. WVU Medicine strives to create a supportive and rewarding work environment where employees can thrive and make a difference in the lives of others.

How to Apply

To apply for the Ambulatory Care Assistant (Medical Assistant) position at Cheat Lake Physicians, please follow these steps: 1. Click the "Apply" button at the top of this page. 2. Complete the online application form, providing all required information. 3. Upload your resume and cover letter. 4. Submit your application. WVU Medicine is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. **What are the minimum qualifications for the position?** * High school diploma or equivalent, graduation from a Medical Assistant program (or equivalent experience), and BLS certification are required. 2. **Is certification as a Medical Assistant required?** * Registration or certification as a medical assistant is preferred but not required. 3. **What are the working hours for this position?** * Working hours will vary and may include day, evening, and weekend shifts, depending on the needs of the clinic. Specifics will be discussed during the interview process. 4. **What is the dress code for Ambulatory Care Assistants?** * Ambulatory Care Assistants are required to wear scrubs and closed-toe shoes. Specific guidelines will be provided during orientation. 5. **What kind of training is provided for this position?** * WVU Medicine provides comprehensive training for all new employees, including orientation, clinical skills training, and ongoing professional development opportunities. 6. **What opportunities are there for advancement at WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine offers numerous opportunities for advancement, including senior medical assistant positions, supervisory roles, and specialized medical assistant positions. Additionally, there are programs to support employees who wish to pursue further education and become LPNs or RNs. 7. **What is the culture like at WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine is a values-based organization that is committed to providing high-quality patient care, fostering a positive work environment, and promoting employee growth and development. 8. **Are there opportunities for community involvement at WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine is actively involved in the communities we serve and offers numerous opportunities for employees to participate in community outreach programs. 9. **What is the policy on vaccinations at WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine has a comprehensive vaccination policy to protect the health and safety of our patients and employees. Specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process. 10. **Who can I contact if I have questions about the position or the application process?** * You can contact the WVU Medicine Human Resources department at [Insert HR Contact Information Here] with any questions about the position or the application process.