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Medical Secretary
Medical secretaries perform a variety of clerical tasks and assume minor executive responsibilities in order to keep the office running smoothly. Their main purpose is to conserve the employer's time by organizing the office and by taking over some administrative details.
| Some of their responsibilities include: |
| • | Taking hand or machine dictation |
| • | Transcribing medical notes for patient records or research reports |
| • | Writing and typing routine letters and memoranda |
| • | Making copies of correspondence or other printed matter |
| • | Opening and sorting the mail |
| • | Receiving and placing phone calls |
| • | Keeping records and time cards |
| • | Making appointments |
| • | Bookkeeping and billing patients |
Some medical secretaries are trained in specific areas of medicine. Their familiarity with the terminology may allow them to specialize in ophthalmology, dermatology, pathology, or one of several other specialties.
Medical secretaries work alone or with other employees in a large office. These secretaries are employed by physicians or other health care professionals, hospitals, clinics, local or state health departments, group medical practices, or by medical research departments. They may supervise other clerical personnel and may be supervised by an office manager or nurse.
Educational Requirements
Most employers require applicants to have a minimum typing speed of 50 to 60 words per minute and dictation skills of 80 words per minute. These speeds vary with employers. A knowledge of medical terminology is required. Other desired skills include competence in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. When applying for a job, some employers may require typing and dictation tests.
Ways to explore or gain experience in the medical secretarial field include summer or part-time jobs as clerical workers in places which employ medical secretaries. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Secondary vocational education programs in business/office education and medical secretarial programs are availalbe in community colleges or vocational centers. Subjects helpful in preparing for this occupation include: business computer applications, composition (writing), cooperative office education, English, introduction to business, record keeping, shorthand, typing and word processing.
Educational Programs
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