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
