Are you interested in starting a new career in the growing field of medical office support? If so, this blog will help you learn about different types of employment opportunities available in medical offices today.
Medical offices offer many types of jobs. The level of skill and experience you will need to have to find a job in a medical office will vary based on the position and the employer. You may only need to have common clerical abilities such as typing, data-entry, and phone skills to qualify for some entry level Receptionist or Scheduler jobs. More advanced occupations, such as Medical Secretary or Administrator positions, typically require specialized knowledge of medical terminology, electronic medical records systems, and insurance and billing procedures.
Medical Office Job Titles
Here is a list of a few of the many job titles that are offered by medical offices, hospitals, and other health care industry employers today:
- Billing Coordinator
- Documentation Specialist
- Medical Coder
- Medical Office Administrator
- Medical Office Specialist
- Medical Receptionist
- Medical Secretary
- Medical Scheduler
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Patient Account Representative
- Patient Coordinator
You can search any of these job titles at ONetOnLine.org to learn more about the job and the skills and education required to perform the position.
Medical Secretary Job Description and Qualifications
The government website O-Net OnLine offers the following job description in their summary report on Medical Secretary jobs:
“Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.”
Other titles may be used to describe a position that fulfills the same or similar job functions. A medical practice in Hendersonville, North Carolina recently came to us seeking candidates for a Nursing Office Administrative Assistant position. The person filling this job would be responsible for secretarial and receptionist duties in their office. The minimum qualifications they were looking for included:
- Experience working in a healthcare setting
- Certificate or diploma from a secretarial training program
- Computer proficiency (including word processing, Excel, and Access skills)
- Organizational skills and effective time management
- Communication skills (the ability to read, write, and edit reports and correspondence)
- The ability to accurately and efficiently transcribe dictation involving medical terminology
- Interpersonal skills (must be able to deal effectively and courteously with diverse groups)
- Ability to communicate empathy and understanding through voice and manner
Job Growth is Expected in this Field
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the Job Outlook for Medical Secretaries is very good. “Employment of medical secretaries is projected to grow 21 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.” The report goes on to say that, though the exact number of medical secretary jobs that will be created in the future will depend on growth of the healthcare industry, recent federal health insurance reform and increased demand from the aging baby boom generation are expected to drive growth in the medical sector.
Most experts agree that it is a safe bet that healthcare industry employers’ need for workers with secretarial and administrative skills will continue to rise. Even if you do not currently have any skills or experience in this field, you can start now. By the time you complete a course of study and gain entry level work experience there is a great chance that you’ll have many good, permanent jobs in medical offices to apply to.
Friday Services Can Help You Find the Medical Office Job that is Right for YOU
Friday Services matches job seekers with job opportunities offered by medical offices and hospitals across Western North Carolina. We may be able to help you get your foot in the door in a new career. Ready to get started? Take a look at office jobs that Friday Services is currently seeking applicants for. We might have the perfect position for you! If there is not a position available currently, submit your application here. One of our staffing professionals will be in touch with you shortly to begin discussing your career goals and the pathways you can take to reach them.
Soon we will share with you our tips on how to get an office job in a medical practice or hospital!
