Medical Secretary Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Although they are not nearly as visible in the health care process as doctors or nurses, the medical secretary performs many valuable tasks that have the potential to greatly enhance the positive experience that patients have at the doctor’s office or hospital. Prior to and after the medical procedures are completed, it is necessary to have patients and their family members complete certain paperwork so that the treatment can be added to their permanent medical record and correct billing can commence. Medical secretaries are required to not only understand medical terminology and office procedure, they are also required to interact well with patients and explain billing processes that are often complex. Those who are interested in becoming medical secretaries should have good communications skills and be able to handle many different tasks at once.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$27,900
Salary Range
$21,000 - $32,300

Work Environment

Although medical secretaries can be employed in a number of different settings, it is most common for them to work in public health clinics, hospitals, private doctor’s practices and insurance companies. They are typically seated for most of the day, and are often required to enter information into the computer while also on the phone.

High School Preparation

Individuals who think that they might enjoy the responsibilities of the medical secretary are encouraged to spend their high school career developing their knowledge of communications methods and the medical industry. Supporting courses include algebra, office management, business computer applications, book keeping, and public education. It is also helpful to have a strong knowledge of word processing, data entry, accounting, and information technology.

Requirements

Although there are no formal requirements for becoming a medical secretary, it is hard to get employment without being able to demonstrate your knowledge of the medical industry and the secretarial arts. As such, many people interested in obtaining this position often enroll in administrative programs at the associate’s degree level. When possible, taking courses that specifically relate to administrative duties in the medical field are desirable. Students should seek out programs that offer internships or job placement services.

Career Outlook

Experts have predicted that on the whole, the health care industry will experience marked growth in the next ten years. This means that all those professions that support the medical industry, like the medical secretary, should experience growth in the number of positions available as well. Those candidates that will be the most highly sought after in the next few years will be the ones that have knowledge of new medical and communications technologies, and can work well with a medical team.

Professional Organizations

Professional Secretaries International World Headquarters
10502 NW Ambassador Drive
P. O. Box 20404
Kansas City, MO 64195-0404
Phone: (816) 891-6600
www.main.org/psi