Ciara Johnson
Belleville
Summary
Dynamic healthcare professional with over 10 years of experience across clinical, behavioral health, correctional, insurance, and administrative sectors. Expertise in phlebotomy, medication administration, prior authorizations, housing coordination, Epic documentation, and patient-centered care. Proven track record of maintaining compliance and operational efficiency in fast-paced environments. Seeking new opportunities in Atlanta, GA to leverage skills and contribute to impactful healthcare solutions.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Medical Assistant III
Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, MO
06.2023 - Current
- Submit and track prior authorizations for chemotherapy, specialty medications, imaging, and procedures
- Verify insurance eligibility and benefits prior to services
- Communicate with commercial and government payers for approvals
- Monitor Epic authorization workqueues and upload clinical documentation
- Ensure compliance and accurate EMR documentation
- Managed electronic health records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of patient information.
- Coordinated patient scheduling and follow-up appointments to optimize clinic workflow.
- Educated patients on treatment plans, medications, and preventive care measures.
- Maintained strict confidentiality while handling sensitive patient information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
- Completed thorough chart reviews to ensure proper documentation of all pertinent medical information.
- Called and faxed pharmacies to submit prescriptions and refills.
- Contributed to successful health outcomes by effectively communicating between patients and providers about treatments, medications, or follow-up instructions.
- Improved patient experience by promptly greeting, preparing, and escorting individuals through their visits.
- Performed essential administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, updating records, and coordinating referrals.
- Collaborated with the healthcare team to create personalized care plans for patients.
- Increased efficiency in the workplace by organizing and maintaining a clean and functional work environment.
- Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
- Liaised with patients and addressed inquiries, appointment requests and billing questions.
Medical Assistant / Housing Administrative Specialist
Chestnut Health Systems
01.2023 - Current
- Provide clinical support within a behavioral health setting
- Coordinate housing placements and maintain housing documentation for clients
- Assist with medication coordination and client intake processes
- Maintain accurate electronic documentation and case records
- Collaborate with case managers, providers, and community resources
- Built strong relationships with patients through effective communication skills that foster trust in the clinic''s commitment to quality care.
- Maintained a safe and clean clinical environment by adhering to infection control guidelines and disposing of biohazardous waste properly.
- Ensured patient safety and comfort during examinations, effectively addressing concerns and answering questions.
- Boosted patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and promptly addressing needs during visits.
Group Lead Phlebotomist
CSL Plasma
O'Fallon, IL
06.2021 - 06.2023
- Performed venipuncture and donor screening
- Led donor floor operations and staff coordination
- Ensured regulatory compliance and quality standards
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance staff knowledge and operational effectiveness.
- Led team in efficient plasma collection processes to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Oversaw daily operations, optimizing workflow to meet production targets while maintaining quality assurance.
- Collaborated with management on strategic initiatives aimed at expanding donor recruitment efforts within local communities.
- Led by example, demonstrating commitment to the company''s mission and consistently delivering high-quality work.
- Delegated tasks strategically and monitored progress for timely completion.
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
- Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
- Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
- Assembled tourniquets, needles, and blood collection devices to prepare work trays.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
- Organized daily work based on collection priority.
- Conducted venipuncture and other CT procedures.
- Collected, labeled, and processed blood samples for variety of tests, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery to laboratory.
- Trained new phlebotomists in proper blood collection techniques and safety protocols, elevating overall quality of care.
- Reduced patient wait times by implementing effective appointment scheduling system.
- Monitored patients for adverse reactions post-venipuncture, ready to provide immediate care if needed.
- Identified veins suitable for venipuncture with precision, minimizing discomfort for patients.
- Improved patient comfort and trust with compassionate communication and professional bedside manner.
- Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
- Drew blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
- Assisted in training and onboarding new phlebotomists.
- Participated in quality assurance and competency assessment initiatives.
Medical Assistant
St. Louis County Government
Clayton, MO
01.2022 - 01.2022
- Worked under physicians and nurses in a correctional healthcare setting
- Obtained vital signs on inmates and documented findings
- Performed blood draws and specimen handling
- Administered medications as ordered
- Completed detailed charting and maintained compliance with protocols
- Administered patient care, including vital signs monitoring and medication administration.
- Assisted in managing electronic health records for accuracy and compliance.
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
- Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
- Wound Care
Medical Assistant
Planned Parenthood
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Provided clinical and administrative support to ensure efficient center operations
- Delivered direct patient care following clinical workflow guidelines
- Provided empathetic, non-judgmental educational counseling to patients
- Ensured informed consent and documented patient decisions
- Assisted providers during medical examinations and procedures
- Coordinated patient scheduling and follow-up appointments to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Supported clinical staff with procedures and patient education, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Improved clinical workflow with introduction of electronic health records system.
- Streamlined patient check-in process, reducing administrative burden for medical staff.
- Collected and documented patient medical information such as blood pressure and weight.
- Measured patient pulse oximetry.
- Helped improve patient outcomes by educating and advising on relevant treatments and care.
- Administered patient care, including vital signs monitoring and medication administration.
Phlebotomist
CSL Plasma
O'Fallon, IL
10.2014 - 11.2019
- Performed routine and specialty blood draws
- Operated pheresis machines
- Educated donors on procedures and safety protocols
- Managed donor documentation and registration
Medical Assistant
Concentra Urgent Care
St Louis, MO
10.2010 - 10.2014
- Greet and prepare patients for exams, including taking vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiratory rate)
- Perform ancillary testing as ordered (e.g., injections, vaccines, phlebotomy, pulmonary function tests, audiograms, respirator fit testing)
- Conduct rapid screening tests (influenza, strep, glucose, etc.)
- Triages and dispositions patients based on clinician direction
- Assist providers during examinations and treatments
- Prepare for and assist clinician with procedure setup and injury care
-
- Apply bandages, dressings, splints as ordered
- Dispense medications and medical equipment per clinician orders and state regulations
- Perform DOT and non‑DOT drug and alcohol testing
- Maintain, operate, and calibrate medical devices and equipment
- Complete quality assurance activities on equipment and testing processes
- Stock and clean exam rooms; ensure supplies are available
- Notify supervisor if supplies or equipment issues arise
- Assist in keeping the facility neat and orderly
Education
Associate of Arts - In Progress
Washington University in St. Louis
05-2026
Medical Assistant Diploma -
St. Louis College of Health Careers
Skills
- Medical terminology
- Immunization administration
- HIPAA compliance
- Laboratory specimen collection
- Reliable Trustworthy Records Management Phlebotomy Conflict management Warehouse experience Inventory/Supplies Microsoft Office EKGs CPR & First Aid Venipuncture Laboratory Experience Call Center Injections Medical Reception Patient Care Communication skills Customer Support Distribution center Medical Records Triage Medical Terminology Clerical Compassionate Efficient Blood Draws HIPAA Epic Writing skills Appointment Scheduling Data Entry EMR Systems Vital Signs Insurance Verification
- Patient scheduling
- Minor surgical assistance
- Phlebotomy techniques
- Clinical documentation
- First Aid Certification Certified Medical Assistant Driver's License RMA AED Certification BLS Certification CPR Certification
Accomplishments
- Recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty.
- Recognized for outstanding dedication to patient care.
Certification
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- BLS / CPR / AED
- First Aid Certified
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Registered Medical Assistant III
Washington University School of Medicine
06.2023 - Current
Medical Assistant / Housing Administrative Specialist
Chestnut Health Systems
01.2023 - Current
Medical Assistant
St. Louis County Government
01.2022 - 01.2022
Group Lead Phlebotomist
CSL Plasma
06.2021 - 06.2023
Medical Assistant
Planned Parenthood
01.2019 - 01.2021
Phlebotomist
CSL Plasma
10.2014 - 11.2019
Medical Assistant
Concentra Urgent Care
10.2010 - 10.2014
Associate of Arts - In Progress
Washington University in St. Louis
Medical Assistant Diploma -
St. Louis College of Health Careers