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The Global Insight

What qualifications do I need to be a medical secretary?

Author

James Olson

Updated on March 20, 2026

Relevant subjects include a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Medical Administration. You’ll usually need: 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 course. 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) for a level 3 course.

Are medical secretaries in demand?

Demand & Outlook for Medical Secretaries This means careers in healthcare are increasing. Medical secretaries are within that growth, with a projected employment increase of 22% through 2016. This translates to about 129,000 new jobs.

What are the qualities of a good medical secretary?

What key personal attributes should a good Medical Secretary have?

  • Excellent organisational skills.
  • Keen attention to detail.
  • Good level of written and spoken communications.
  • Good level of IT and typing skills.
  • Good initiative and ability to make decisions.
  • Ability to stay calm under pressure.

    Is a medical secretary a stressful job?

    Very busy and stressful work environment but at the same time extremely rewarding.

    How long is a medical secretary course?

    The programme integrates theoretical learning with practical skills. During the practical session of 18 months, these vital skills will be applied in the secretarial environment to build a successful career.

    What are the duties of a medical secretary?

    The Medical Secretary will perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties will include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.

    What does a medical secretary wear?

    A Medical Assistant typically wears scrubs. In addition to scrubs, it is sometimes suggested that a Medical Assistant wear a long sleeve shirt or t-shirt underneath for an extra layer of warmth. Some employers may provide scrubs, while others require you to supply them yourself.

    Is medical secretary a career?

    Medical secretaries manage the daily ebb and flow of patients through a doctor’s office. Job prospects are particularly good for those looking to work in physicians’ offices and surgical hospitals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9.5 percent employment growth for medical secretaries between 2019 and 2029.

    What are the skills of a medical secretary?

    Some skills a Medical Secretary should have include:

    • Prior experience as a Medical Secretary or similar administrative role.
    • Multitasking and organizational skills.
    • Knowledge of medical coding, medical office procedures, regulations and medical terminology.
    • Patience and discretion.
    • Familiarity with the basics of bookkeeping.

    How long does it take to become a medical secretary?

    Medical Secretaries must have a minimum of 2 to 4 years of administrative work experience, depending on their level of education, and pass an examination.

    What do you need to know about being a medical secretary?

    A medical secretary should have good computer skills in order to accurately and efficiently process patient information, including payments and insurance claims, manage the office database and patient records, and manage the physician’s schedule.

    What kind of equipment does a medical secretary use?

    They use a variety of office equipment, including computers, fax machines, scanners, and multi-line telephone systems, to do their jobs. Medical secretaries also apply their knowledge of medical terminology, health insurance rules, and medical billing procedures.

    What kind of work does a secretary do?

    Secretaries manage the clerical work in offices for a wide range of businesses and organizations. You’ll need to be able to schedule appointments; manage files, data, and correspondence; and do basic bookkeeping. You’ll also perform other tasks needed to support the work of supervisors and staff.

    Who is the receptionist in the doctor’s office?

    Dawn Rosenberg McKay is a certified Career Development Facilitator. She is a former writer for The Balance Careers. Medical secretaries perform clerical duties in a doctor’s or other health professional’s office.