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Degrees and Schools
Many vocational schools and community colleges offer certificate and associates degree programs designed to prepare students for a career as a medical secretary. Programs usually last two years, and may require a previous course in medical terminology for admission.
Classes
A student in a Medical Secretary / Medical Administrative Assistant degree/certificates program usually divides his or her time between class and computer lab. Courses include:
- medical terminology
- processing medical insurance claims
- using word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and other office software
- managing databases and updating websites
- maintaining patient files
- using medical office software
- medical transcription
- preparing and distributing correspondence
- other general secretarial skills such as typing
- human relations and communications
- office professionalism
Online Classes and Programs
Classes in medical terminology and degree programs for medical secretaries are readily available online. If they are offered by schools that also have a campus, they are more likely to provide assistance with internships and job placement. Online courses should be part of an institution with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).
Employment Requirements
Specialized training as a medical secretary or medical administrative assistant is expected by most employers. In order to get admitted to a degree program, most schools require that students have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some may require SAT scores and/or a previous class in medical terminology.
How to Evaluate Schools
Consider asking these questions when evaluating medical secretary degree and certificate programs:
- Type of school - Is the program offered by a credible school? Some businesses offer classes designed to train students for future hire but are not a formal educational institution. They offer training that may not transfer to other schools and can be specific to the kinds of clients they have, and the tuition may be more expensive.
- Classes and subjects - Is the curriculum well balanced to include office skills, computer skills, and interacting with patients and medical professionals?
- Practical experience - Does the program offer many appealing internship opportunities? Do they assist with placement?
- Financial aid and expenses - What resources are available to help students take advantage of grants, student loans, work / study and scholarship opportunities?
- Graduate success - Over the past several years, how many graduates have found employment as medical secretaries?
Medical Secretary Job Description
Health care professionals in doctor's offices, hospitals and research facilities rely on medical secretaries to handle administrative tasks. In addition to performing tasks that secretaries in any field do, medical secretaries are specially trained to support the needs of physicians, nurses and medical researchers. Their responsibilities often include:
- Handling communications by phone, email, memos and correspondence
- Transcribing, scanning, faxing and copying
- Taking down medical histories and arranging hospitalization for patients
- Ordering supplies and negotiating with vendors
- Being familiar with insurance rules
- Following medical billing practices and office procedures
- Preparing presentations, speeches and articles
- Gathering materials for and editing scientific papers, and keeping a library
- Processing incoming and outgoing mail and packages
- Planning and scheduling meetings, travel and catering
- Managing file systems; updating spreadsheets and websites
- Troubleshooting minor software or computer problems, and maintaining office equipment
- Orienting new employees and other HR tasks
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