Occupation AtlasMedical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
O*NET · 43-6013.00
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
42 more
Dental Front Office Coordinator · Dental Office Receptionist · Dental Receptionist · Dental Secretary · Front Desk Agent · Front Desk Receptionist · Guest Service Representative · Hospital Admissions Clerk · Hospital Receptionist · Hospital Secretary · Hospital Unit Clerk · Insurance Verifier · Intake Coordinator · Medical Administrative Assistant · Medical Administrative Specialist · Medical Biller Coder · Medical Billing Coder · Medical Billing Specialist · Medical Front Desk Receptionist · Medical Front Desk Specialist · Medical Front Office Receptionist · Medical Office Clerk · Medical Office Receptionist · Medical Office Secretary · Medical Office Specialist · Medical Office Worker · Medical Receptionist · Medical Records Clerk · Medical Scheduler · Medical Secretary · Physician Office Specialist · Psychiatric Secretary · Reception Tech · Reception Technician (Reception Tech) · Scheduler · Secretary · Surgery Scheduler · Unit Clerk · Unit Support Representative · Verification Specialist · Ward Clerk · Ward Secretary
Compare with another occupationCompare with Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CSEConventional · Social · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional6.67
- S Social4.13
- E Enterprising3.17
- I Investigative3.02
- R Realistic2.29
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (57%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (47%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (55%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Service OrientationImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- WritingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
Show the other 23
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- InstructingImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- PersuasionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- NegotiationImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.3Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.3Level —
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
11 core · 4 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate staff.Importance 4.6
- Schedule and confirm patient diagnostic appointments, surgeries, or medical consultations.Importance 4.5
- Receive and route messages or documents, such as laboratory results, to appropriate staff.Importance 4.5
- Greet visitors, ascertain purpose of visit, and direct them to appropriate staff.Importance 4.5
- Maintain medical records, technical library, or correspondence files.Importance 4.5
- Transmit correspondence or medical records by mail, e-mail, or fax.Importance 4.5
- Complete insurance or other claim forms.Importance 4.5
- Interview patients to complete documents, case histories, or forms, such as intake or insurance forms.Importance 4.4
- Operate office equipment, such as voice mail messaging systems, and use word processing, spreadsheet, or other software applications to prepare reports, invoices, financial statements, letters, case histories, or medical records.Importance 4.4
- Perform bookkeeping duties, such as credits or collections, preparing and sending financial statements or bills, and keeping financial records.Importance 4.2
- Perform various clerical or administrative functions, such as ordering and maintaining an inventory of supplies.Importance 3.6
Show the other 4
- Compile and record medical charts, reports, or correspondence, using typewriter or personal computer.Importance 4.6
- Transcribe recorded messages or practitioners' diagnoses or recommendations into patients' medical records.Importance 4.6
- Schedule tests or procedures for patients, such as lab work or x-rays, based on physician orders.Importance 4.3
- Prepare correspondence or assist physicians or medical scientists with preparation of reports, speeches, articles, or conference proceedings.Importance 3.7
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.4Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 4.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Economics and AccountingImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
Show all 33
- MathematicsImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.3Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- PsychologyImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- BiologyImportance 1.7Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.6Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- ChemistryImportance 1.5Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.5Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.5Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level —
- DesignImportance 1.4Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.4Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.4Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.4Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Near VisionImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
Show all 52
- Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Far VisionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- OriginalityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Speed of ClosureImportance 1.9Level 1.8
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.9
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Processing InformationImportance 4.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 4.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.0Level 2.6
Show all 41
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.5Level 2.9
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.3Level 2.9
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.1Level 2.6
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.0Level 2.7
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.8Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.7Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.4Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.4Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.4Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.5Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
49 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (3)
- Henry Schein Dentrixhot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
Hot (10; 3 more marked hot above)
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- Epic Systems
- Google Docs
- Intuit QuickBooks
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (36)
- Accounts payable software
- Accounts receivable software
- Addressing software
- Allscripts Payerpath
- Allscripts Professional PM
- Amazing Charts
- Billing software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- CPSI CPSI System
- Data entry software
- Database software
- dBASE Plus
- Electronic health record EHR software
- Email software
- eMDs Medisoft
- Google Drive
- Graphics software
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- HMS
- IDX Groupcast
- Intuit QuickBooks Point of Sale
- McKesson Lytec
- MEDENT
- Medical condition coding software
- Medical procedure coding software
- MEDITECH Medical and Practice Management MPM Suite
- Microsoft Exchange
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Publisher
- Microsys MicroMD
- NaviMedix NaviNet
- Patterson Dental Supply Patterson EagleSoft
- PracticeWorks Systems Kodak WINOMS CS
- Scheduling software
- Web browser software
- Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance CMS Secure Net Access Portal C-SNAP
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +0.8, Writing +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Service Orientation −0.6, Systems Analysis +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Telephone Operators
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing −0.8, Coordination −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Average difference 0.2 points · Service Orientation −0.7, Active Learning +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Customer Service Representatives
Average difference 0.2 points · Negotiation +1.1, Persuasion +0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Receptionists and Information Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +0.8, Management of Personnel Resources −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
New Accounts Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion +0.9, Mathematics +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +0.9, Writing +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.