Medical Secretaries: Schools and Careers

Medical Secretaries - Career Information

Medical Secretaries

Medical secretaries, also known as medical administrative assistants, perform secretarial tasks that require specific knowledge of clinic, hospital or laboratory procedures as well as medical terminology. A medical secretary is responsible for billing patients, scheduling appointments, creating and recording medical reports and charts. Medical secretaries manage the front office.

A medical secretary needs to have knowledge about insurance rules and billing practices. A large number of medical administrative assistants are employed in physician offices, hospitals and clinics. Some medical secretaries work in medical information and medical emergency departments of large companies. They also work in the research laboratories of drug companies, government agencies and health organizations.

Responsibilities

• Interview patients to gather information for documents, case histories and various forms
• Schedule patient diagnostic appointments, medical consultations and surgeries
• Answer telephones
• Receive and provide laboratory results to staff members
• Maintain medical records and technical library
• Complete insurance and other claim forms
• Transcribe dictation
• Order supplies

Job Characteristics

Medical secretaries spend a lot of time at their desk. They often have to move quickly from one situation to another. They typically work form 35 to 40 hours a week. Medical administrative assistants often deal with patients, thus good communication and interpersonal skills are beneficial. They also need good organizational skills.

Employment Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics medical secretary employment growth should be faster than average from 2006 to 2016. In 2006 medical secretaries had a median annual salary of $28,090. The highest paid 10% earned over $40,870.

Salaries vary significantly due to differences in experience, skills and level of responsibility. Those with certification may be given a higher salary. Medical secretaries can advance in their careers with additional experience and education. They can become medical assistants or technicians. Many medical office managers began their careers as medical administrative assistants.

Education, Certification, and Licensing

Most medical secretary jobs require a high school diploma and general secretarial skills and knowledge in the field. Most medical secretaries partake in specialized training programs that provide the training in the industry's language. Some employers provide training in medical terminology.

Medical administrative assistants should have good word processing and bookkeeping skills. Basic secretary training is often required. Classes are offered at community colleges and vocational schools.

Resources

• American Association of Medical Assistants
• International Association of Administrative Professionals
• National Health Council

Major Employers

The top employers are physician offices, clinics and hospitals.

Schools for Medical Secretaries are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Medical Secretaries by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Medical Secretaries, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.