Medical Assistant - Non-Certified at WVU Medicine Podiatry (Morgantown, WV)

Role Overview

Are you passionate about patient care and looking for an opportunity to start or grow your career in the medical field? WVU Medicine is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Medical Assistant to join our Podiatry team in Morgantown, West Virginia. In this role, you will play a vital part in providing exceptional care to our patients, working under the direction and supervision of our experienced physicians and nursing staff.

As a Medical Assistant, you will be responsible for a variety of clinical and administrative tasks, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our podiatry practice. From greeting patients and preparing them for their appointments to assisting with exams and procedures, you will be an integral member of our healthcare team.

A Day in the Life of a Medical Assistant

Here’s what a typical day might look like for a Medical Assistant in our Podiatry clinic:

• 8:00 AM: Arrive at the clinic, prepare exam rooms by ensuring cleanliness and stocking necessary supplies. Review the day's schedule and patient charts.
• 8:30 AM: Greet the first patients of the day, escort them to exam rooms, and take their vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. Document all information accurately in the patient's electronic health record (EHR).
• 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Assist the podiatrist with patient examinations and procedures, such as wound care, nail trimming, and injections. Prepare instruments and equipment, and ensure a sterile environment.
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch break.
• 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Continue assisting with patient care, including scheduling follow-up appointments, setting up referral contacts, and educating patients on post-treatment care instructions. Answer phone calls, take messages, and respond to patient inquiries.
• 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Perform administrative tasks, such as data entry, filing, and processing insurance paperwork. Assist with closing duties, including depositing cash and preparing the clinic for the next day.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of West Virginia, offering a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Home to West Virginia University (WVU), Morgantown boasts a lively atmosphere with a strong sense of community.

Here are a few reasons why you might love living and working in Morgantown:

• Affordable Living: Compared to many other cities in the United States, Morgantown offers a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget.
• Outdoor Recreation: Surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, Morgantown provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
• Cultural Attractions: From art galleries and museums to live music venues and theaters, Morgantown offers a diverse range of cultural attractions to explore.
• Friendly Community: Morgantown is known for its welcoming and friendly residents, making it easy to feel at home.
• Career Opportunities: As a major healthcare provider in the region, WVU Medicine offers numerous career opportunities for healthcare professionals in Morgantown.

Career Path for Medical Assistants at WVU Medicine

WVU Medicine is committed to the professional growth and development of our employees. As a Medical Assistant, you will have opportunities to advance your career through continuing education, specialized training, and promotion to higher-level positions.

Here are a few potential career paths for Medical Assistants at WVU Medicine:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): Obtain certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or another recognized certifying body.
• Specialized Medical Assistant: Pursue specialized training in a specific area of healthcare, such as cardiology, dermatology, or oncology.
• Lead Medical Assistant: Supervise and train other medical assistants, ensuring the smooth operation of the clinic or department.
• Medical Office Manager: Oversee the administrative and clinical operations of a medical office, including managing staff, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Registered Nurse (RN): Pursue a nursing degree and become a registered nurse, providing direct patient care and administering medications.

Salary and Benefits

WVU Medicine offers a competitive salary and benefits package to our employees. The salary for a Medical Assistant in Morgantown, West Virginia, typically ranges from $30,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Retirement plan with employer matching
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness programs

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for our employees. We value teamwork, respect, and a commitment to excellence in patient care.

Here are a few aspects of our culture that you can expect as a member of the WVU Medicine team:

• Teamwork: We work together to provide the best possible care for our patients.
• Respect: We treat each other with respect and dignity.
• Excellence: We strive for excellence in everything we do.
• Innovation: We embrace innovation and new ideas.
• Compassion: We care about our patients and their families.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining the WVU Medicine team as a Medical Assistant, we encourage you to apply online through our careers website. To apply to this position and be considered, click the Apply button and complete the application in full.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the minimum qualifications for this position?

   The minimum qualifications include a High School Diploma or equivalent, graduation from a Medical Assistant Program OR one (1) year of clinical experience, and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 30 days of hire.

2. Is certification required for this position?

   While not required, completion of a healthcare education course work and one (1) year of healthcare experience is preferred. Obtaining certification as a Medical Assistant (CMA) is highly encouraged and can lead to career advancement opportunities.

3. What are the physical requirements for this position?

   This position requires the ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly. The ability to bend, stoop, reach, and be capable of normal rotation, standing, and walking for an 8-12 hour shift is also required.

4. What is the working environment like?

   The working environment involves working closely with others, potentially working protracted or irregular hours, and exposure to biohazards and infectious diseases. The role may also require working with hands in water and traveling between facilities.

5. What skills are important for this position?

   Important skills include the ability to use and care for all equipment including printers, embossers, and computers, as well as the ability to effectively communicate with staff and patients.

6. What are the core duties and responsibilities of this position?

   Core duties include greeting and escorting patients, preparing exam rooms, assisting with exams and procedures, scheduling appointments, educating patients, maintaining quality control logs, ensuring medical equipment is in working condition, assisting with medical documentation, and performing administrative tasks.

7. What opportunities for advancement are available?

   Opportunities for advancement include becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), specializing in a particular area of medicine, becoming a Lead Medical Assistant, Medical Office Manager, or pursuing a career as a Registered Nurse (RN).

8. Does WVU Medicine offer tuition reimbursement?

   Yes, WVU Medicine offers tuition reimbursement for continuing education to support the professional development of our employees.

9. What is the dress code for Medical Assistants at WVU Medicine?

   The dress code for Medical Assistants typically involves wearing scrubs or a uniform, along with appropriate footwear. Specific details about the dress code will be provided during the onboarding process.

10. Who can I contact if I have questions about this position?

    If you have any questions about this position or the application process, please contact the WVU Medicine Human Resources department.