Medical Assistant Program Essential Functions

Vision requirements:

• Ability to read instruments, scales, charts and graphs, prepare and maintain records.
• Ability to see in color, read fine print on labels, medication orders, instrument measurements, medical charts and computer monitors.
• Recognize emergency situations and be able to take effective and appropriate action.

Hearing/Speech Requirements:

• Sufficient/correctable hearing ability to interview and take patient histories, respond to patients and co-workers, and provide medical instruction.
• Ability to accurately hear patient heart/blood pressure sounds.

Motor Skills:

• Fine motor skills necessary to carry out diagnostic and clinical procedures.
• Ability to manipulate clinical and laboratory instruments and syringes with sufficient fine motor control to operate in a safe manner to avoid patient injury.
• Manual dexterity to perform phlebotomy, electrocardiography and medication administration safely and accurately.

Physical Strength and Endurance:

• Ability to support patients when ambulating and assist patients in and out a wheelchair and on and off an exam table.
• Ability to stand, walk and sit for long periods of time; ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, pull and reach equipment and patient supplies.

• Physically be able to respond to emergency situations in a timely fashion.
• Physical strength needed to perform CPR for an extended period of time.

Communication Skills:

• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, confidentiality and respect when speaking with patients, peers, faculty and staff.
• Ability to handle difficult interpersonal situations in a calm and tactful manner.
• Utilize strong patient assessment skills, including assessing nonverbal communication. 
• Ability to obtain and document patient history and current complaints.
• Effectively communicate in spoken and written English with patients and members of the health-care team, using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.
• Communicate effectively via phone, receiving, organizing, prioritizing and transmitting important information, and perform medical transcription.
• Ability to understand and work under the direction of the physician and carry out written and verbal instructions.

Intellectual and Cognitive Abilities:

• Ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, integrate and apply information.
• Ability to problem solve clinical situations.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to read and understand technical and professional materials.

Technical aptitude:

• Ability to use multi-line telephones, computer, fax, and copier
• Strong keyboarding skills (35+wpm) and Microsoft Windows
• Ability to quickly learn to use hospital clinical equipment
• Proficiency in charting, documentation and using electronic health record systems.

Environmental Safety:

• Ability to protect self and others from environmental risks and hazards.
• Ability to follow proper hand-washing, germicide and bodily fluid precautions and techniques.

Professional Attitude and Demeanor:

• Demonstrate professional demeanor and behavior, exhibiting compassion, integrity and concern for others.
• Perform duties in an ethical manner in all dealings with peers, faculty, staff and patients.
• Possess the emotional and mental health necessary to effectively apply knowledge, and exercise appropriate judgment in the care of patients.
• Learn to function effectively under stress, and face the uncertainties and ambiguities inherent in clinical/patient situations.
• Ability to present a professional appearance.
• Ability to self-evaluate and implement measures to maintain own physical and mental health and emotional stability.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in changing environments.
• Develop mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and other healthcare workers.
• Ability to demonstrate respect for individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds, religion and/or sexual orientation

Accessibility and Accommodations:

Lane Community College (LCC) is dedicated to providing inclusive learning environments. The Center for Accessible Resources (CAR) coordinates all academic accommodations for students at LCC. If you anticipate or experience academic barriers due to a disability, to request assistance or accommodations, contact the Center for Accessible Resources at (541) 463-5150 or accessibleresources@lanecc.edu.