Healthcare is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the United States, and medical secretaries are an integral part of any medical office or practice. While doctors and nurses may be the most recognizable medical professionals, not all healthcare professionals wear scrubs or lab coats. Medical secretaries are a perfect example of healthcare professionals who work behind-the-scenes to ensure patients have access to the quality care they deserve.
CNI College Medical Assisting School
CNI College’s Medical Assisting School is a great place for those interested in becoming a medical secretary to get a head start. Although specialized training isn’t required for a medical secretary position, any additional experience or expertise can only help when searching for a job. As a part of the program, students will be prepared for entry-level work in a variety of positions, including as a medical secretary. Students will graduate with hands-on training and a vast understanding of the medical assisting field.
Medical Secretary Job Description
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical secretaries support physicians and medical scientists in an administrative capacity. While the role sounds cut and dry, the official duties of a medical secretary can range from updating patient records to writing research reports. Although the responsibilities of a medical secretary vary from employer to employer, typical responsibilities of a medical secretary include scheduling patient appointments, drafting letters and sending them to the appropriate recipients, compiling medical charts, receiving lab results, and operating office equipment. Medical secretaries work in a wide range of environments, including hospitals, general practices, research establishments and community healthcare centers. The primary function of a medical secretary is to keep things running smoothly at all times and help their employer with a variety of tasks. Medical secretaries who work in small environments may have to take on more responsibilities. Regardless of the size of practice, medical secretaries are required to keep patient files updated and backed up.
Medical Secretary Job Outlook
Demand for medical secretaries is expected to grow 36 percent between 2012 and 2022, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Expansion of the health care and social assistance industries, in conjunction with the ever-growing population, is likely the reason for this growth. Other initiatives, such as the Affordable Care Act, will also boost the demand for medical secretaries since it increases the share of Americans with access to health insurance.
Medical Secretary Benefits
Typically, medical secretaries work in a comfortable office setting, although some time will be spent in a reception environment interacting with patients and members of the general public. Most medical secretaries work a 9-to-5 schedule and have weekends free; part-time hours are usually available, if desired.