What is a Medical Receptionist Certificate?

Participation in a Medical Receptionist Certification program teaches students the basics of performing administrative duties as they relate to working in a hospital, clinic, or physician's office.

Responsibilities of Medical Receptionists

Different levels and areas of work will require different responsibilities as a medical receptionist. In general, however, those wishing to pursue their Medical Receptionist Certificate should be amenable to performing the following tasks:

• Data Entry
• Escorting Patients to Their Assigned Rooms
• Explaining Federal and State Regulations and Rules
• Scheduling Appointments and Greeting Patients
• Payment and Billing Procedures
• Verifying Patient Insurance Information

Coursework

Students pursuing a Medical Receptionist Certificate will learn how to present excellent customer service to patients and other visitors while being able to work well with doctors and other clinical and hospital staff. Subject matter covered in a Medical Receptionist Certificate program could include:

• Communications for Business
• Computer Programs and Applications
• Medical Laws and Ethics
• Medical Terminology
• Workplace Human Relations

Skills Acquired

Upon obtaining certification as a medical receptionist, students will be able to utilize the communication skills learned to effectively interact with patients in a healthcare setting. Students receiving their Medical Receptionist Certificate will have better developed medical-clerical skills and be able to manage and perform tasks using many different computer applications.

Career Outlook

The job market is expected to be favorable for medical receptionists over the next decade, with preference and higher salaries going to those with certifications or some postsecondary work and job experience.

Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, www.bls.gov, medical receptionists earned a higher average hourly wage than receptionist in other areas. Average hourly earnings for medical receptionists in dentist offices were among the highest at $12.37. The BLS website also stated that across the medical field, average hourly wages for medical receptionists ranged from $10.92 to $12.37.