Company: Clear Choice Dermatology

Department: Clinical Department

Classification: Externship / Unpaid Clinical Placement

Schedule: Per program requirements and site availability

Reports To: Office Manager / Lead Medical Assistant

Position Summary

Clear Choice Dermatology is proud to offer a hands-on externship opportunity for students completing their Medical Assisting program. The Medical Assisting Extern works alongside our clinical and administrative team to gain real-world experience in a high-functioning, multi-provider dermatology practice. This externship exposes students to the full spectrum of dermatological care — from general dermatology and minor surgical procedures to cosmetic services — while building the foundational clinical, documentation, and patient communication skills that define a successful Medical Assistant career.

At Clear Choice Dermatology, our externs are an important part of the team, not simply observers. From day one, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and participate in patient care under direct supervision, gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of a dermatology practice.

We are committed to creating an externship experience that fosters growth, builds confidence, and strengthens clinical skills in a supportive, professional environment. Our goal is for every extern to leave with meaningful experience, a deeper understanding of dermatology, and a true appreciation for the level of care and excellence that define Clear Choice Dermatology.

Externship Responsibilities

Clinical Support

• Assist with patient intake: obtain and update medical histories, document chief complaints, and prepare patients for examination under the supervision of a provider or Lead MA
• Prepare exam rooms before each patient visit; restock supplies and ensure the room is clean, organized, and properly equipped at all times
• Sterilize and maintain instruments in accordance with OSHA standards and practice infection control protocols
• Assist providers during dermatological procedures including but not limited to biopsies, cryotherapy, excisions, suture removals, wound care, and cosmetic treatments — as directed and appropriate to your training level
• Educate patients on post-procedure care, skincare regimens, and medication instructions as directed by the provider
• Shadow Dermatologists, Physician Assistants, and/or Nurse Practitioners to observe clinical workflows, patient interactions, and provider-level decision-making in real time

Documentation & Administrative Support

• Assist providers by accurately transcribing patient histories, physical exam findings, and treatment plans during clinical encounters — supporting efficient, comprehensive, and timely EHR documentation
• Support administrative duties including insurance verification, EHR updates, and daily clinic workflow preparation tasks as directed
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation of all externship hours in Paylocity, the official timekeeping system for this program — hour logs must be current and accurate at all times
• Maintain patient confidentiality in full compliance with HIPAA regulations in all clinical and administrative activities

Professional Conduct & Team Participation

• Adhere to all Clear Choice Dermatology policies, procedures, and workplace standards for the full duration of the externship
• Engage actively in team collaboration; communicate professionally with providers, Medical Assistants, front desk staff, and leadership at all times
• Demonstrate punctuality, reliability, and a positive attitude — the externship is your first professional impression in healthcare, and Clear Choice Dermatology takes that seriously
• Ask questions, seek feedback, and actively engage in every learning opportunity available; a passive extern misses what an engaged one gains
• Maintain a professional appearance in the required uniform or appropriate clinical attire throughout the externship

Externship Requirements

• Successful completion of a background screening with satisfactory results is required prior to the externship start date — no exceptions
• Documented receipt of the Hepatitis B vaccination series (or signed declination per program requirements) must be provided before beginning clinical activities
• All externship hours must be logged in Paylocity throughout the duration of the placement; this is the official timekeeping system and is required for program verification and documentation
• Externs must remain in good standing with their academic program for the duration of the externship
• Externs are expected to comply with all HIPAA, OSHA, and Clear Choice Dermatology workplace policies and will be required to acknowledge these in writing prior to starting

What You Will Gain

By the end of this externship, students will have developed practical skills and professional experience that meaningfully strengthen their readiness for employment as a Medical Assistant in a dermatology or clinical setting. These include:

• Hands-on experience with dermatological procedures and clinical protocols in a real outpatient setting
• Patient communication and education skills — including how to explain post-procedure care, medication instructions, and follow-up expectations clearly and professionally
• Familiarity with dermatology terminology, commonly used instruments, and EMR/EHR documentation workflows in a live clinical environment
• Strengthened multitasking, prioritization, and organizational skills developed in a fast-paced, high-volume practice
• Exposure to both clinical and administrative functions — giving you a complete picture of how a multi-provider dermatology practice operates
• Professional references and a foundation for future employment consideration at Clear Choice Dermatology, for students who demonstrate exceptional performance and initiative

Work Standards

• Arrive on time for every scheduled shift — punctuality is a professional expectation, not a suggestion
• Maintain a professional, respectful demeanor in all interactions with patients, staff, and providers throughout the externship
• Treat every patient interaction with the same care and confidentiality you would expect as a patient yourself
• Complete all assigned tasks with the level of effort and accuracy expected of a permanent team member
• Report any concerns, questions, or difficulties to the Office Manager or Lead Medical Assistant promptly
• Represent Clear Choice Dermatology and your academic program professionally at all times

Notice: This externship is an unpaid clinical placement for educational purposes. It does not constitute an employment relationship, implied or otherwise. Clear Choice Dermatology reserves the right to modify externship duties and expectations as needed to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and the extern. Students found to be in violation of HIPAA, workplace conduct policies, or background screening requirements will be removed from the externship program immediately.