MEDICAL SECRETARIES Number 177 Interest Area 13 1998
THE JOB
MEDICAL SECRETARIES are responsible for the administrative and clerical work in medical offices, hospitals, other medical facilities, or private physician offices. They keep records, answer phone calls, order supplies, handle correspondence, bill patients, complete insurance forms and transcribe dictation. They may keep financial records, handle credits and collections and other bookkeeping duties. They greet patients, schedule appointments, and obtain medical histories, arrange hospital admissions and schedule surgeries.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Medical Secretaries work in hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, and physician groups. They do their work in well-lit, pleasant surroundings but often under pressure that may involve emergency situations.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 21,050 Estimated number of workers in 2005 27,410 Projected Growth 1993-2005 30% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 5,170
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
The expected growth rate will be more than twice the average rate for all occupations in California. New jobs will account for more than half of all job openings in this field over the next decade, and a sizable number of openings will occur as workers leave the occupation to retire, change careers, or for other reasons.
Despite the anticipated job growth, most employers in recent surveys reported ease in recruiting qualified but inexperienced workers, indicating that the supply exceeds the demand in many areas. Only a few areas reported difficulty finding experienced, qualified workers. Currently, job seekers compete for available jobs, but labor shortages could develop if job growth and replacement needs occur as projected over the next several years.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The median wage for Medical Secretaries in California is $11.56. Beginners often earn the minimum wage. Beginners who have completed a training program usually earn the higher wage.
Medical Secretaries work 40 hours a week Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Most employers pay for vacation, sick leave and medical insurance. Many also pay dental insurance and partial retirement benefits. Partially paid vision and life insurance are paid by some employers; a few offer profit sharing.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Most employers require Medical Secretaries to have a high school diploma or equivalent and type between 60 and 90 words per minute. Secretaries need to know medical terms and office procedures. Computer literacy and the ability to use medical software programs are now basic requirements. These workers also need to have good written and verbal communication skills and basic math skills. The ability to complete and explain medial insurance forms is important to some employers.
Some community colleges and vocational schools offer medical secretarial training, including medical stenography, computers, typing, accounting, filing, first aid, medical terminology, and medical office procedures.
Medical Secretaries must use good judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential medical records. The work requires confidence in dealing with the public, both in person and on the telephone.
ADVANCEMENT
Promotions for secretaries who work in doctors' offices are usually limited to salary increases and more responsible duties. Medical Secretaries employed by clinics or hospitals may advance to executive secretary, medical records clerk, or into administrative jobs such as administrative assistant or unit manager.
FINDING THE JOB
Job seekers should apply directly to:
Hospitals, clinics and physician offices School or college placement centers Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department Private employment agencies.
Many employers list job openings in newspaper want ads. Networking with Medical Secretaries who are already working often leads to jobs, because employers tend to trust employee recommendations.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Professional Secretaries International 10502 NW Ambassador Drive Kansas City, MO 64195-0404 (816) 891-6600
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Secretaries No. 128 Medical Record Techs. and Administrators No. 134 Legal Secretaries No. 172 Hospital Admitting Managers and Clerks No. 409 Medical Transcriptionists No. 499 Medical Assistants No. 513
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Medical Secretary 201.362-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Secretaries, Medical 551050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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