Medical or Health Care Receptionist
A medical or health care receptionist is on the front desk of a medical or health centre. They are the first person a client will see when they arrive at the clinic, or speak to if they call the clinic. A medical or health care receptionist may work by themselves or in a team, and do some, or all of the following:
- Answer client’s preliminary questions
- Arrange appointments
- Organise schedules
- Liaise between medical professionals and patients
- Answer phones
- Organise and file patient records
- Taking payment
- Process mail and emails
- Explain procedures and complete client forms
- Ensuring stock levels are maintained
Opportunities:
A medical or health care receptionist may be employed by doctors, osteopaths, physiotherapists, psychologists, naturopaths, acupuncturists, chiropractors, hospitals, radiologists, elderly care facilities, and other health care facilities.
As long as there are health care professionals, there will be a need for medical and health care receptionists. With the ageing population there is an increase in the number of health and medical facilities opening up, and therefore there is an increase in the number of jobs available for receptionists.
Many practices will operate only in business hours, however some may also be open in evenings and weekends.
Medical and health care receptions may advanced there career into clinic management, medical assistant, and (through additional study) nurse positions.
Risks and challenges:
In a busy clinic a health and medical receptionist may find the environment stressful at times.
The receptionist will be constantly exposed to sick people, so will need to take care with hygiene, and make sure they have a strong immune system to avoid contracting illnesses.
The receptionist will often be dealing with people who are feeling unwell, and may be rude or emotional to deal with at times. The receptionist will need to be caring and patient when dealing with people in these situations.
How to become a Medical and Health Care Receptionist:
A good starting point is a course in Medical Terminology (eg. http://www.thecareersguide.com/product.aspx?id=525)
Important skills necessary for a medical and health care receptionist are office skills, and an ability to communicate with medical professionals and patients. These can be developed through experience, as well as through education. There are many vocational education courses that may be appropriate.
A knowledge of health sciences and medical terminology will also be advantageous to aid with comprehension and communication within the clinic. Again there are a number of vocational short courses that will provide this knowledge.
First aid and CPR training will be useful and may be essential.
You will need to develop an attitude of empathetic caring, whilst remaining calm in stressful situations.
Other related jobs might include:
• Legal Receptionist
• Nutritionist
• Nutrition Counsellor
• Counsellor