Medical receptionist job description
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed medical receptionists about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Tasks and responsibilities for a medical receptionist
What does a medical receptionist do? A medical receptionists responsibilites can include:
- Greeting and booking patients into the system
- Scheduling appointments
- Medical billing and processing payments for services
- General administration duties
- General clinic housekeeping
- Monitoring stock levels and placing orders
- Answering patient enquiries
- Updating medical records
How to become a medical receptionist
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Study
There is a variety of online courses you can choose from. There are medical administration courses like Foundation Education’s Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical Administration) or a Certificate such as Careerhouse’s Medical Reception Certificate — both provide you with skills and confidence in a medical receptionist role and make you more attractive to potential employers. With a lot of medical receptionist online courses on offer, most study models can be flexible and can fit around your already busy life.
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Apply for a medical receptionist role
Hands-on experience is the best way to learn, and an entry-level job as a medical receptionist will give you real-life industry experience and can help to elevate your skills. You can even start part-time or work weekend shifts while you study.
Pathway options
Although some people make a role in medical reception their permanent career, it can also be a great place to build your knowledge and move on into other opportunities within the health care sector.
Some career pathways could be:
Junior
-
Medical receptionist
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Business (BSB30120)
-
Medical practice assistant
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting (HLT47715)
-
Dental assistant (practice administration)
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (HLT45015)
Mid
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Practice manager
Most common qualification: Diploma of Practice Management (HLT57715)
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Clinical coder
Most common qualification: Diploma of Clinical Coding (HLT50321)
Explore related qualifications
Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical)
This business administration course provides you with the core skills and knowledge for employment within administration in any sector and has added specialised skills for medical administrative assistants.
This course, on average, takes a year (full-time) to complete but can also be achieved in a traineeship environment and takes longer. This course can be delivered on campus, online or a combination of both. You can enrol in some courses at any time, and some providers offer payment plans.
3 providers offer this course
Medical Reception Certificate
This short course provides the required skills and knowledge for a support role in a medical centre. It covers record-keeping, using specific medical software, medicare policies and the day to day tasks of a clinic setting.
This course can be self-paced over and up-to six months, is delivered online and course providers offer payment plans for course fees.
Related subjects
Administration and assistant level positions in healthcare are in abundance. All areas of healthcare require enthusiastic, empathetic and organised individuals to complement their teams.
Some other subjects to explore:
Related articles
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Read MoreReviews
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
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Fulisia
Sep 11 2021It sure does have its challenges but it's so rewarding overall.
What are the best parts of the job?
• Work environment and atmosphere • The team • The challenges and meeting the expectations • Meeting the patients and getting to know them • Growth, there’s always room to grow • Communication • Rewards • A great sense fulfilment and joy working in a clinic environment.
What's the most challenging part?
• When patients become impatient. • As a medical receptionist, we are the middle man between doctors and the patients. If a patient becomes irritated and upset, we’re not to take it personally. People generally are seeking answers to their problem. We just need to direct them the best possible way and offer the care that they require. The solution is always best handle with a professional GP. It’s so important that patient care is a priority as well as making sure we communicate it properly towards all parties involved. • I find it’s so rewarding working as a medical receptionist. It sure does have its challenges but you just need to remember that it’s all part of job. Deal with, process it and keep moving forward.
Zach
Aug 31 2021Always am motivated to be better at my role
What are the best parts of the job?
I love coming into work everyday, I am given the ability to organise appointments for people in need to see a qualified doctor which can help them on the path to recovery. Every day I am motivated to do better than the day before and perform the task I do every day that little bit better
What's the most challenging part?
Within COVID it has hands down been the most extreme time to work in this industry but all challenges come with their upsides! Time management is essential as well as good understanding of medical terminology and having a grip on that is the only way to survive.
effie
Sep 17 2021Career advancement opportunities in a fantastic role.
What are the best parts of the job?
I love working with such a great team. Career advancement is also fantastic. I have worked as a medical receptionist / reception manager for four years and use my skills every day.
What's the most challenging part?
Patients venting their frustrations at me, especially during COVID time.
