Medical Secretary

Your Fit

Income

$45K

Preparation

Some

Growth

6.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Medical Secretary?

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.

Sample job titles:

Medical Receptionist, Medical Secretary, Unit Clerk, Unit Support Representative

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Medical Secretary.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Medical Secretary earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$35K per year	$38K per year	$45K per year	$50K per year	$60K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $4.86K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Medical Secretary do?

Work environment

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.

Quick task list

Schedules and confirms patient appointments.
Maintains medical records and handles billing procedures.
Prepares correspondence and reports for medical staff.
Assists patients with forms and documentation.
Manages office supplies and coordinates with other healthcare providers.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Clinical Medical Secretary: Working directly in patient care settings, focusing on patient interactions and clinical documentation.
Executive Medical Secretary: Assisting senior medical executives, managing complex schedules, and handling confidential information.
Medical Legal Secretary: Specializing in legal aspects of healthcare, preparing legal documents, and assisting in medical law practices.
Medical Transcriptionist: Focusing on converting voice-recorded medical reports into written texts.
Medical Insurance Secretary: Specializing in handling medical insurance claims, billing, and liaising with insurance companies.

Description

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.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a key role in patient care and healthcare delivery.
Working in a dynamic and vital sector.
Opportunities for interaction with diverse groups of people.
The satisfaction of supporting healthcare professionals and patients.

You might make a good Medical Secretary if you are...

Organized and efficient, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Compassionate and empathetic, with strong interpersonal skills.
Detail-oriented, especially in handling medical documents and patient data.
Able to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Interested in the healthcare sector and willing to continuously learn medical terminology and procedures.

Pros:

Direct impact on patient care and satisfaction.
Opportunities for employment in a variety of healthcare settings.
Stable job market due to the essential nature of healthcare services.
Potential for advancement into higher administrative or healthcare roles.

Cons:

Can be stressful due to the fast-paced nature of healthcare settings.
Emotional demands of dealing with ill or distressed patients.
Often requires multitasking and managing large volumes of work.
Need to continuously update skills with changes in healthcare technology and procedures.

How to become a Medical Secretary

Typical education

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.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Health Sciences to understand basic medical concepts.
Business and Computer Applications for administrative skills.
English and Communication for effective patient and staff interactions.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in healthcare settings to gain early exposure.
Joining clubs focused on health and wellness.
Developing customer service skills through part-time jobs or community service.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a certificate or associate degree in medical secretarial studies or a related field.
Gain experience through internships in medical offices or hospitals.
Consider certifications in medical transcription or medical office management for specialized roles.

More resources

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) - Offers resources and certification for health information professionals.
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) - Provides education and certification information for medical assistants.
O*NET Online - Detailed information about the Medical Secretary occupation.
International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) - Offers networking and educational resources for administrative professionals in various fields, including healthcare.

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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.