Medical Secretary Qualifications
Education
In order to qualify for a medical secretary position, you must have completed an associates degree in health information or a certification or vocational diploma program for medical secretaries. Your education will typically include classes in medical terminology, anatomy, medical billing, clinical and insurance procedures, medical office practices, office management, medical computer programs, and health information technology. While a degree is not required, most employers prefer to hire applicants with an associates degree.
Abilities
Medical secretaries frequently prepare reports and correspondences for physicians, so strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. You will need to be adept at basic office tasks, such as copying, faxing, and the use of standard computer programs. Good organizational and time management abilities are also important qualifications for medical secretaries. A medical office can be a busy place and you'll often have several different tasks on your plate at the same time. Knowledge of bookkeeping practices can also be very beneficial as you'll regularly be dealing with medical billing.
Experience
Some medical secretary training and degree programs will include a component of practical work experience as part of the curriculum. This can be a great way to showcase of your qualifications for potential employers. But don't be too concerned if you don't have any practical experience before entering the job market, a lot of the skills you'll need can be learned through on-the-job training. After you've had at least a couple years of professional experience you may want to look into a certification such as Administrative Professional Certification or Medical Assistant Certification.
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