Career Outlook for Individuals Interested in Becoming a Medical Receptionist
Career News February 18, 2016Although it is possible to become a medical receptionist with a high school diploma, employers today prefer to employ candidates with at least an associate’s degree. To learn more about this profession, its education qualification details, certification and employment outlook, read this article to the end.
Degree Programs for those who wants to be a Medical Receptionist
Medical receptionists are people who fill and maintain healthcare records, screen and receive telephone messages from clients, set appointments for physicians and perform many other duties. The basic requirement to be a medical receptionist is a high school diploma. However, due to high competition in the market for these positions, people with formal education are more likely to get employed. Formal education can be received in form of an associate’s degree at a recognized institution. The training offers students important knowledge about medical assisting and administration.
•Education details – High school diploma or associate’s degree in medical receptionist, medical assisting or medical administration
•Estimated job growth rate – 23%
•Average salary (2012) – $29,960
Job Description of Medical Receptionists
The work of a medical receptionist is similar to that of any other front office profession. They pick and receive calls, forward messages, fill in and maintain medical records, collect payments and set up appointments for physicians. Since they deal with clients, medical receptionists should be good communicators. In addition, they should be conversant with basic office equipment and machines such as fax machines, copiers and computers. In most cases, medical receptionists are also expected to be detailed in their notes and be able to multitask.
Apart from being able to use office equipment, medical receptionists are expected to know how to interpret technical terms used in the medical fields, know some basic medical procedures, be able to work under pressure, be good at insurance processing procedures and completing invoices.
Education Qualification Details for Medical Receptionists
As we had noted earlier, education requirements for medical receptionists range from a high school diploma to an associate’s degree. Studies in this field revolve around technology, ethical codes of conduct, medical practice operations and communication. With 2 years of training in a relevant program, it is easy to get a job as a medical receptionist or medical administrator.
Job Outlook for Medical Receptionists
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for medical receptionist are expected to grow at a rate of 23% within the next few years, up to 2022. Graduates of a degree program in medical receptionists are expected to obtain jobs in the fields at doctors’ offices and elderly care homes. Also, note that as technology improves, people with degrees will continue to get higher paying jobs than those without. Experience and possession of technical skills are other conditions that might be expected of medical receptionist in the near future.
Salary Details for Medical Receptionists
There are several places where medical receptionists can look for jobs. However, the BLS notes that in 2012, medical care facilities, physicians’ offices and dentists were the biggest employers for these professionals. In addition, the BLS estimate that during the same year, a medical receptionist earned an average annual salary of $29,960.
