Medical Secretaries
Description OES Code: 55105
Perform secretarial duties utilizing specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties include taking dictation and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence using a typewriter, word processor, or personal computer. Duties may also include preparing and sending bills to patients or recording appointments.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $10.27
25th Percentile $11.36
50th Percentile $13.53
75th Percentile $16.96

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $7.21
25th Percentile $7.90
50th Percentile $9.45
75th Percentile $10.78

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
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.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 18,800
Projected Employment 2008 23,700
Percent Change 1998-2008 26.1%
Separations 1998-2008 3,500

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 200
Projected Employment 2006 210
Percent Change 1999-2006 5%
Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

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.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Job seekers should apply to:

Hospitals, clinics and physicians 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 ads. Networking with medical secretaries who are already working often leads to jobs, because employers tend to trust employee recommendations

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education 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. 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.

Skills & Other Requirements
Among skills and abilities specific to the occupation of Medical Secretary are: Apply Interpersonal Communication Techniques, Compile / Maintain Medical Records, Inventory Medical Supplies and Instruments, Keep Records & Maintain Files, Make Appointments, Manage Records, Organize & Work With Detailed Office or Warehouse Records, Organize Office Processes, Post Medical Insurance Billings, Process / Prepare Business / Government Forms, Review Journals / Publications for Doctors, Transcribe Handwritten Information, Understand and Use Medical Terminology, Use Coding and Abstract Data In Automated Medical Records System, Use Computer / Word Processing / Desktop Publishing / Spreadsheet Software, Use Correct Grammar, Shorthand, Punctuation, Spelling, Use Proofreading Symbols, Use Office Equipment & Telecommunications Equipment, Compose Business Correspondence, Maintain Libraries, Schedule Appointments, and Understand Governmental Billing Regulations.

References
California Occupational Guide #177

Related Occupations: Secretaries, Medical Records Techs. and Administrators, Legal Secretaries

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)