With an ever increasing worldwide population, society has had to make several adjustments to meet the medical needs of the populace explosion. The number of hospitals, medical laboratories, and physicians’ offices are on the rise, ergo the need for well-trained medical support staff is at an all-time high. Medical receptionists play a key role in these institutions to provide prompt and accurate service to patients.
What is a Medical Receptionist?
A medical receptionist, sometimes referred to as a medical administrative assistant, often provides the initial point of contact and therefore lasting impressions of an establishment. Once a patient, vendor, pharmaceutical representative, or other visitor contacts the practice by phone or in person, the medical receptionist is responsible for a successful interaction by delivering excellent service and care. Depending on the size of the office, he may work for a single doctor or be responsible for an entire clinic and may manage both front desk obligations and other in-house duties.
Why Should I Pursue this Career?
Like most workers within the healthcare industry, medical receptionists can look forward to strong job development in the coming years. Healthcare establishments will always be in need of friendly faces to man the front lines and perform administrative tasks. Many people find this occupation to be a fulfilling and rewarding experience; add that to job security and this profession could last one until retirement age.
Also, there are several occupations within the medical field and working at this entry-level position is an excellent way to get on-the-job training. With your foot in the door, a background steeped in experience will increase the chances of getting another job within the medical realm. An added bonus is the professional contacts and networking opportunities that will be created; these references could be the difference between an invitation to interview and a rejection letter. In today’s uncertain job market, any advantage should be used to the fullest extent.
What Skills are Required?
Since the medical receptionist is the main contact point within an office, most employers prefer a person with a friendly and empathetic nature coupled with professional objectivity. The perfect set of skills includes a pleasant disposition, sociable personality, natural aptitude to multitask, and an innate ability to maintain composure in stressful situations. Keep in mind that all employers are searching for different qualities; it is important to be flexible and showcase your abilities.
As in most jobs, it is important to be an independent worker that can complete duties without heavy supervision but also a team player that can pull together with cohorts to accomplish more difficult or detailed tasks. Other important assets include multiple phone system experience and computer literacy of basic and medical use applications.
What Type of Education Do I Need?
Unlike most medical professional fields, there is no legally required certification or training to become a medical receptionist. As long as the prospective worker has good communication skills along with basic computer and multi-line phone systems competencies, he is qualified to seek employment. However, there are training certification programs available through technical, vocational, and online colleges that will prepare one for working in a healthcare environment. These certificates can be acquired in one to two years and is an ideal advantage in the competitive job market.
In summary, becoming a medical receptionist requires a good attitude and a strong willingness to obtain numerous occupational skills. With all of these factors working in your favor, earning a satisfying position in the field of healthcare is firmly within your reach.