Medical Assistant/Certified Medical Assistant - Dermatology

QUALIFICATIONS

Required: Must receive certification (CMA or equivalent from one of the following: AAMA, AMT, NHA, NCCT) within 15 months of hire, (1 year experience + 3 months certification window) AHA CPR certification required by end of month from 60 days of hire and maintained. Previous patient care experience preferred. Positive, cheerful attitude.  Self-starter, whom is a flexible and caring individual.  Demonstrates accuracy in documentation.  Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.  Must maintain strict confidentiality of patient information.   

Required: Certification through one of the listed organizations within 15 months of employment:CMA--American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) RMA--American Medical Technologists (AMT) CCMA--National Healthcareer Association (NHA) NCMA--National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)Required 1 year of MA experience and 3 months certification preparation time.

Preferred: Demonstrates competence in relation to the defined mission, vision, values and strategic plan of the organization.  This will be apparent by ongoing completion of any or all of the following: proficiency testing, skill demonstration, practice of core standards for service excellence, and documentation review. 

TYPICAL PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

Medium physical/mental demands as needed in the completion of duties. Able to follow instructions and accept direction.  Must be able to work independently, as well as with medical providers, patients, family members and other co-workers.  Must be able to prioritize work demands and organize time efficiently.  Must be able to work in multi-specialty settings.  Must have the ability to work within time constraints, in high stress situations and with multiple tasks.  Must be able to remain calm under stress.  Excellent problem-solving skills.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

    Process and prepare the patient for assessment and treatment, by the medical clinician, in a timely manner.

__  Assist medical clinician with office procedures.

__  Daily sorting of incoming patient reports/results for medical clinician’s review. 

__  Clean, maintain and care for instruments, equipment and all work areas including preparing instruments to send to sterile processing.

__  Send approved prescriptions, under the direction of the medical clinician, to pharmacies or patients.

__  Accurately administer injections, immunizations and/or medications, under the direction of the medical clinician.

__  Telephone counseling of patients under direct supervision of the medical clinician.

__  Respond to patient calls in a timely manner.

__  Order and restock examination rooms with medical supplies.

__  Schedule appointments for patient procedures and examinations and prioritize referrals.

__  Accurately and timely documentation of all care/education/conversations provided to patient

__  Obtain pertinent information and records for patients referred to medical clinician.

__  Convey a warm, caring environment for patients and staff

__  Willingness to be flexible and adaptive to different situations with regards to patients, medical clinician, co-workers and leadership.

__  Maintain competency in all position responsibilities including tracking of training for certification. 

__ This position may require additional procedural training for Mohs equipment and procedures, see requirements below.

MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

__  Performs other duties as assigned.

MOHS LAB (Moderate Complexity):

__ Qualifications 

      Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent and have: 

• Successfully completed a formal training program for histotechnicians or Mohs technicians, OR
• At least six months of documented laboratory training in histology or experience performing moderate complexity testing in a laboratory.

Position Summary:

 The Mohs Technician (Lab Assistant) performs moderate complexity testing in support of Mohs micrographic surgery. Duties include tissue processing, slide preparation, staining, labeling, and supporting the surgeon in the real-time analysis of skin cancer margins. The technician ensures quality and efficiency in specimen handling and plays a vital role in patient care by facilitating rapid, accurate histological evaluations.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Specimen Processing and Testing

• Accurately receives and labels patient specimens.
• Properly orients, embeds, freezes, and sections tissue for Mohs histology.
• Performs staining procedures using H&E and other dermatologic stains as required.
• Prepares, labels, and delivers slides for surgeon review.
• Follows laboratory SOPs for all moderate complexity testing steps.

1. Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Maintains equipment logs, temperature logs, and stain logs as required.
• Performs daily quality control checks and documents results.
• Notifies the Laboratory Director or Technical Consultant of any quality concerns or deviations from protocol.
• Participates in proficiency testing and ongoing competency evaluations as required by CLIA.

1. Safety and Laboratory Maintenance

• Follows all OSHA and laboratory safety guidelines, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Disposes of biological and chemical waste in compliance with federal and state safety regulations.
• Assists with the cleaning and maintenance of laboratory instruments and cryostats.

1. Recordkeeping and Documentation

• Accurately documents all testing activities, results, and quality control measures.
• Assists in maintaining slide and block archives according to laboratory policy.
• Participates in regular audits and inspections as scheduled.

1. Additional Responsibilities

• Assists with reagent preparation, inventory management, and supply ordering.
• Supports surgical and lab staff with timely turnaround of slides.
• Participates in continuing education and training as assigned.

Supervision and Oversight: 

The Mohs Technician performs duties under the supervision of the Laboratory Director or Technical Consultant, in accordance with CLIA regulations for moderate complexity testing.

Addendum: Scope of Practice for Moderate Complexity Personnel (Mohs Technician / Lab Assistant) 

In accordance with CLIA regulations, personnel performing moderate complexity testing are not authorized to perform certain high-complexity tasks, including but not limited to: 

• Inking of surgical margins
• Gross examination or gross dissection of tissue specimens

These tasks involve interpretation and clinical judgment and are considered high complexity under CLIA guidelines. Therefore, only personnel qualified under CLIA to perform high complexity testing (e.g., Laboratory Director, Technical Supervisor, or appropriately trained Pathologist or Mohs Surgeon) may perform grossing or inking of tissue specimens.

All Mohs Technicians/Lab Assistants must operate within the defined scope of their role and training and under the appropriate supervision, with documentation of competency and ongoing compliance.

 MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS

•  Performs other duties as assigned.