Medical Assistant- Gap Year Program

Medical Assistant – Gap Year Program

Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery (MNOFS)

Launch Your Healthcare Career with One of Minnesota's Premier Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Practices

Are you planning to attend medical school, dental school, physician assistant school, nursing school, or another healthcare professional program?

The Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery Gap Year Program is designed for motivated college graduates seeking an exceptional clinical experience before beginning professional school. This is far more than a traditional Medical Assistant position. It is a structured, hands-on program that provides direct patient care experience, physician mentorship, and exposure to advanced surgical procedures that few healthcare practices can offer.

As a member of our clinical team, you will work alongside board-certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons while gaining the knowledge, confidence, and experience that will prepare you for the next stage of your healthcare career.

Why Choose MNOFS?

At Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery, you'll experience healthcare at the intersection of medicine, dentistry, surgery, and anesthesia.

Our Gap Year Medical Assistants gain firsthand experience with:

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Dental implant surgery
• Wisdom tooth removal
• Intravenous (IV) sedation and anesthesia
• Surgical assisting and sterile technique
• Patient assessment and clinical documentation
• Cone Beam CT imaging
• Surgical instrumentation and sterilization
• Healthcare teamwork and professionalism
• Practice operations and patient experience

This experience provides a unique foundation that few clinical positions can match.

What You'll Do

As a Gap Year Medical Assistant, you will become an essential member of our surgical team.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Welcome and prepare patients for examinations and surgical procedures
• Obtain medical histories and record vital signs
• Assist surgeons during office-based surgical procedures
• Prepare treatment rooms and maintain sterile technique
• Set up and organize surgical instruments and equipment
• Monitor patient flow throughout the day
• Provide pre-operative and post-operative patient education
• Document clinical information in the electronic medical record
• Assist with Cone Beam CT imaging and diagnostic records
• Sterilize instruments and maintain infection control standards

Administrative Responsibilities

• Schedule patient appointments and follow-up visits
• Assist with patient communications
• Maintain clinical inventory and supplies
• Support daily office operations
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives

Professional Development Opportunities

Our goal is to help prepare you for a successful career in healthcare.

Participants may receive opportunities for:

• Direct mentorship from Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
• Career guidance from experienced healthcare professionals
• Exposure to complex surgical procedures
• Insight into private practice medicine
• Opportunities to strengthen professional school applications
• Letters of recommendation for outstanding performers
• Coaching on interviewing and professional development

Who We're Looking For

We seek exceptional individuals who are:

• Planning to apply to medical, dental, PA, nursing, or other healthcare professional schools
• Passionate about patient care
• Curious and eager to learn
• Dependable and professional
• Compassionate and team-oriented
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced clinical environment
• Strong communicators with excellent interpersonal skills

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree completed prior to employment
• Intention to pursue a healthcare professional career
• Strong academic record
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work full-time for a minimum of 12 months (18–24 months preferred)

Preferred

• Previous patient care, healthcare, or customer service experience
• CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Biology, Chemistry, Health Sciences, Neuroscience, Psychology, or related majors

No prior Medical Assistant certification is required. Comprehensive on-the-job training is provided.

What You'll Gain

By the end of the program, participants will have developed:

• Extensive direct patient care experience
• Confidence working in a surgical environment
• Strong clinical communication skills
• A deep understanding of healthcare professionalism
• Experience working closely with physicians and surgical teams
• Skills that distinguish applicants to professional schools

Benefits

• Competitive hourly compensation
• Paid training
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health and wellness benefits (for eligible employees)
• Uniform allowance
• Continuing education and professional development
• Mentorship from experienced surgeons and clinical leaders
• A collaborative, supportive team environment

About Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery

Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery is one of the region's leading oral and maxillofacial surgery practices, providing advanced surgical care throughout the Twin Cities. Our board-certified surgeons specialize in dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma, oral pathology, bone grafting, and office-based anesthesia.

We are committed to delivering exceptional patient care while helping develop the next generation of healthcare professionals.

If you are looking for a meaningful gap year that will prepare you for a lifetime in healthcare, we encourage you to apply.

Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you planning to apply to medical school, dental school, PA school, or another healthcare professional program? If yes, please specify.
• What is your expected availability during your gap year?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $23