Online Programs to Be a Medical Receptionist

A medical receptionist is the initial contact point between the patient and the physician. In addition to establishing a pleasant rapport and good working relationship with patients, the medical receptionist is often required to perform numerous administrative duties that enable the physician's office to operate effectively. Online programs in this area are rare but online courses are available.

View 24 Popular Schools »

Medical Receptionist Online Programs

In general, online programs specifically intended for the training of medical receptionists are rare. Certificate or degree programs that provide training for individuals to become medical secretaries or medical administrative specialists, however, always include courses that help train the aspiring medical receptionist.

Courses can include computer basics, fundamentals of billing and medical terminology. Other instruction includes methods for dealing with patients, telephone procedure, scheduling, filing procedure and records retrieval.

While there are more courses and programs dealing with the position of medical receptionist available on campus than online, online courses can serve to spur an individual's interest in pursuing a more advanced position, such as medical secretary or administrative assistant. The main advantage of online study is that the student is usually able to proceed his or her studies at his or her own pace. Before enrolling, prospective students must make sure that the computer they plan to use has the technical capabilities needed to access the courses, coursework, lectures and chat rooms needed for the online program.

Responsibilities of a medical receptionist vary from office to office, but can entail such duties as taking phone calls from patients and hospitals, scheduling appointments, explaining office policies to clients, billing, completing and filing insurance forms, coding and pulling charts.

Online Medical Office Specialist Certificate Program

Taking roughly four months to complete, this program provides training in medical terminology and medical billing. As part of the program, individuals receive instruction in all the basic administrative functions of a health care practice needed by the medical receptionist, including reception, appointment scheduling, filing, collections and general assisting

Online Medical Secretary Certificate Program

Over the course of six months, individuals receive training in administrative skills, medical terminology, anatomy, transcription, medical billing and word processing, while developing administrative skills. Courses pertinent to the aspiring medical receptionist are data entry, periodic reporting, practical economics, business writing, Microsoft Windows, medical terminology and general medical office administration.

Online Administrative Medical Specialist with Billing and Coding Program

This 8-month program includes an overview of healthcare, as well as instruction in health insurance accountability, dealing with patients, billing and reimbursement, diagnostic and procedural coding, front desk procedures and office management practices. This program prepares students to sit for the certification examination for medical billing and coding.

Online Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate Program

While placing importance on developing personal traits such as discretion, judgment, empathy, self-motivation and good communication skills, this 6-month program qualifies individuals for an entry-level position as a front-of-the-house medical administrative assistant. Courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, mathematics, computer applications for the medical office, insurance coding, medical billing and business writing train individuals in such duties as triaging appointments, preparing correspondence, bookkeeping and filing reports.

Online Associate's Degree Program in Medical Administrative Assisting

While this program provides more instruction than required to become a medical receptionist, graduates find themselves better prepared for career advancement. Courses in this program usually include medical terminology, accounting principles, anatomy and physiology, keyboarding, processing and transcription, document producing, reimbursement and medical office systems, among other subjects. Thus prepared, individuals are able to apply their knowledge to patient-healthcare provider relationships, office organization and management, information processing and records management.

Show me popular schools

Related to Online Degrees to Be a Medical Receptionist

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Medical Receptionist Certificate: Program Summary

Learn about medical receptionist certificate programs. Get information on job skills, coursework, employment growth...

Medical Receptionist: Employment Info and Requirements for Medical Reception Careers

Running a doctor's office involves more than just performing patient examinations: appointments must be scheduled and...

Career Information for Medical Receptionist Degree or Certification

Medical receptionist degree programs are designed to give students the clerical, communication and technological...

Online Medical Receptionist Certification Information

Medical receptionists work in hospitals, physicians' offices, clinics and other medical facilities. They greet...

Medical Office Receptionist Training Program Information

24 Popular Schools

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics