A Medical Secretary is a specialized administrative professional who manages office operations within healthcare settings. They handle patient communications, schedule appointments, maintain records, and support medical staff with administrative tasks.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Projected Growth: 6.7% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 85 900
Direct AI exposure: 37% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 85% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Administrative Assistants. According to the wage tables, average income is $55K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $40K per year | $47K per year | $55K per year | $65K per year | $77K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $10K below the national average. | ||||
Medical Secretaries work in various healthcare environments, including hospitals, private clinics, and specialized medical offices. Their roles often involve interaction with patients and medical professionals, requiring a balance of administrative skills and empathy in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment.
Medical Secretaries are essential in the healthcare system, serving as a vital link between patients and medical professionals. They ensure smooth operation of medical offices by managing schedules, patient records, and communication. Their role requires a strong understanding of medical terminology, healthcare procedures, and billing practices.
The occupation demands excellent organizational and communication skills, as Medical Secretaries interact frequently with patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. They must be adept at multitasking and handling sensitive information with discretion and empathy.
In this role, adaptability is key due to the ever-evolving nature of healthcare practices and technology. Medical Secretaries play a critical role in enhancing patient care through efficient administrative support, contributing significantly to the overall patient experience and the efficiency of healthcare providers.
Typically, a high school diploma is required, with additional training in medical terminology and healthcare procedures. Post-secondary education or certifications in medical secretarial studies, which can take 1-2 years, are highly beneficial.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.