Medical Assistant Externship

Description

About MDI Hospital

Rooted in Community. Inspired by Care.
Mount Desert Island Hospital isn’t just a place where care is delivered — it’s where care begins, where it grows, and where it connects us all. Located in the heart of Bar Harbor, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Acadia National Park, MDI Hospital is deeply woven into the fabric of island life. We’re not just serving a community — we are the community.

A Place Where You Belong.
At MDI Hospital, every team member is more than a healthcare professional — they’re a neighbor, a friend, a familiar face in the grocery store or on the hiking trail. We believe that healing happens best when people feel seen, supported, and valued. That’s why we foster a workplace where everyone belongs, where voices are heard, and where your contributions truly matter.

Small Town Heart, Big Impact.
Though we serve a small, close-knit population, our reach is wide and our impact deep. We offer a full spectrum of care — from family medicine and behavioral health to emergency services and specialty care — all grounded in compassion and clinical excellence. Our partnerships with organizations like Penn Medicine and the MDI Biological Laboratory help us bring world-class resources to our rural setting.

A Culture of Connection.
We believe that wellness is a shared journey. Whether it’s through community wellness programs, school-based health initiatives, or simply taking the time to listen, we’re here to walk alongside our patients and each other. Our team is collaborative, mission-driven, and always ready to lend a hand — or an ear.

Come Grow With Us.
Working at MDI Hospital means being part of something bigger than yourself. It means joining a team that values your well-being, supports your growth, and celebrates your unique strengths. Whether you’re new to the island or have called it home for years, you’ll find a place here — not just to work, but to belong.

This 40 hour per week Externship Program is open to applicants that have completed their medical assistant coursework and are now seeking a paid externship for the completion of their hours. This is a ( 60) day/temporary position.

Summary:

This role will assist in providing quality health care in the community, in keeping with community values and as outlined in the MDIHO Mission Statement. Provides direct and indirect assistance to providers to care for patients who present with urgent, emergent, preventive or potential health problems. Participates in the organization and management of the clinic, rendering safe patient care while maintaining a clean, safe patient environment. 

EEO Statement:

MDI Hospital and Birch Bay Retirement Village provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.

Requirements

Education, Training or Certifications Required:

• Temp/ 60 days/40 hours per week.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of MA course and seeking completion of externship hours.
• BLS certification. 

Experience Required:

• Experience in customer service.

Special Requirements:

• Emotional maturity and good people skills required.
•  Ability to work with distressed or anxious patients or family members required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing/variety of different employees.
• Team focused, ability to work and provide support to the team.  5. Intermittent weekend coverage required.

Cognitive Requirements:

• Ability to take in, process and apply clinical information in a wide variety of patient care situations.
•  Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to listen effectively to patients and employees and route them to appropriate personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to stand, walk and bend for up to 8 hours per day.
• Must be able to lift and carry 25-50 lbs.
• Must have adequate hearing, vision and manual dexterity.
•  Ability to assist patients in rising from exam table, push wheelchair patients and assist patients in rising from and returning to wheelchair.
•  Must be physically able to perform CPR.

Environment:

• Potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.
•  Potential for exposure to infectious diseases.