Patient Care Associate (PCA)

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) in a medical office setting provides direct patient support and clinical assistance to providers and nursing staff in an ambulatory care environment. This role is responsible for preparing patients for visits, obtaining and documenting clinical information, assisting with basic procedures, and supporting efficient patient flow throughout the practice. The PCA contributes to a positive patient experience by delivering compassionate, professional care while ensuring clinical areas are safe, organized, and compliant with regulatory standards.

Education/Training

• High school diploma or equivalent is required

Licenses/Certification:

•     N/A

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a medical office, ambulatory care, or healthcare preferred (or equivalent clinical experience)
• Ability to obtain and accurately document vital signs and basic patient information 
• Knowledge of medical terminology and basic clinical procedures
• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR/EHR) systems and basic computer skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with patients, families, and healthcare team members
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational policies
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and ability to follow established policies and procedures

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Previous experience in an ambulatory or outpatient medical office setting
• Familiarity with multiple EMR/EHR systems
• Customer service experience in a healthcare or patient-facing environment
• Knowledge of infection control practices and basic safety protocols
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Ability to work as part of a collaborative healthcare team
• Comfort in supporting diverse patient populations, including pediatrics, adults, and geriatric patients

Essential Job Functions:

• Clinical responsibilities include rooming patients, taking vitals, triage of patient phone calls, review charts, scheduling patients, responding to provider messages
• Prepares exam rooms for providers between patient contact
• Obtain prior authorizations (Office visits, Prescriptions, and procedures/surgeries)
• Assist in the in-bound/out-bound referral process
• Assist in scheduling new and established patient appointments as needed
• Communicates well over the phone with patients and other healthcare professionals using professional communication skills and promotes leading practices phone standards
• Evaluate patient phone calls
• Assist in inbox management according to SMA policy
• Monitor and work appropriately in Electronic Medical Record environment and office workflows
• Ability to adapt in a busy office environment to meet care standards
• Understanding of supply management processes and needs
• Greet and check in patients, verify demographics and insurance information, and ensure accurate patient records in the EMR/EHR system.
• Prepare patients for examinations and procedures, including taking vital signs, height, weight, and other routine measurements.
• Assist providers and nursing staff during patient visits and minor procedures.
• Document patient information, clinical observations, and visit details accurately in the EMR/EHR.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized clinical environment, including disinfecting rooms and equipment between patients.
• Ensure compliance with infection control, safety, and privacy regulations (including HIPAA).
• Provide patient education and instructions as directed by the provider or nurse.
• Schedule and confirm patient appointments, follow-up visits, and referrals as needed.
• Support efficient patient flow by coordinating with clinical and administrative staff.
• Respond to patient inquiries, both in-person and by phone, in a professional and timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care and clinic operations.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Age and Diversity Related Criteria:   

Consistently treats patients, colleagues, and visitors with dignity and respect, while being sensitive to the differing needs of all age groups, backgrounds, characteristics, and cultures.

Ability to Fulfill Job Expectations:

Must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including required work hours, locations, and physical demands, without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves or other individuals in the workplace, and with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during patient care and clinic operations.
• Ability to sit as needed while completing documentation or administrative tasks.
• Ability to lift, move, and assist patients or equipment up to 25–50 pounds, depending on clinic needs.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to assist patients or access supplies and equipment.
• Manual dexterity to perform tasks such as taking vital signs, administering tests, or handling specimens.
• Sufficient vision and hearing to accurately assess patient conditions, read instruments, and communicate effectively with patients and team members.
• Ability to safely use office and clinical equipment, including computers, phones, and medical devices.
• Tolerance to work in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to cleaning solutions and occasional patient bodily fluids, with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

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Salary Range:$17.64-$26.58

Sturdy Memorial Hospital is an equal employment opportunity employer. There is no discrimination because of race, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status or disability.