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Medical Secretaries

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.