Tara Forrest

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant with 3+ years of experience supporting patient care and clinic operations across rural healthcare, internal medicine, family medicine, and urgent care. Experienced in patient assessment, phlebotomy, injections, EKGs, medication administration, specimen collection, care coordination, and EHR documentation. Proficient with NextGen, PowerChart, and eClinicalWorks, with experience in referrals, prior authorizations, medical coding, and insurance processes.

Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology with laboratory experience in microbiology, hematology, immunology, virology, and parasitology.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) - Synchrony Medical Group - Tehachapi, CA

(2025-07 - 2026-07)

• Provided clinical support in a rural internal medicine practice, supporting providers with daily patient care and clinic operations.
• Roomed and triaged patients, obtaining vital signs, chief complaints, medication histories, and pertinent clinical information.
• Assisted with examinations and procedures; performed phlebotomy, specimen collection, injections, EKGs, medication administration, and immunizations within scope of practice.
• Documented patient histories, medications, clinical findings, and services accurately in the EHR.
• Coordinated laboratory testing, referrals, imaging, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments; communicated with pharmacies, laboratories, specialists, and outside healthcare organizations.
• Provided patient education and assisted with prior authorizations, medical records, forms, infection control, and patient safety.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) - Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley - Tehachapi, CA

(2025-02 - 2025-06)

• Provided direct patient care and clinical support in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Roomed patients, obtained vital signs, documented medical histories, and completed medication reconciliation.
• Assisted with examinations and procedures; performed phlebotomy, specimen collection, EKGs, injections, and other clinical procedures within scope of practice.
• Documented encounters and care plans in the EHR; coordinated laboratory testing, referrals, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments.
• Communicated with patients, providers, pharmacies, laboratories, and multidisciplinary teams while maintaining HIPAA, infection-control, and safety standards.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) - Bakersfield Family Medical Center - Tehachapi, CA

(2023-01 - 2024-01)

• Supported physicians with direct patient care, clinical documentation, and daily medical office operations.
• Conducted patient assessments and gathered clinical information to support provider evaluation and treatment.
• Managed patient records, responded to patient and staff inquiries, and provided timely information by telephone.

Medical Assistant Extern - Priority Urgent Care - Bakersfield, CA

(2022-07 - 2022-08)

• Assisted providers with medical procedures and routine patient care; escorted and prepared patients for examinations.
• Obtained and documented vital signs, verified and scheduled appointments, and managed high-volume telephone communication.
• Performed back-office clinical and administrative duties and provided patient education as directed by providers.

Bachelor of Science - Human Biology - California State University, Bakersfield (2023-01 - 2024-12)

Associate Degree - Human Biology - Bakersfield College (2019-08 - 2022-05)