Medical Receptionist
What is a Medical Receptionist?
Medical Receptionists play an important role in the delivery of care. In many situations, they are the first person a patient or community member will interact with when seeking care. It is vital that Medical Receptionists be comfortable working with the public — people of all ages, backgrounds, and personalities. Medical Receptionists must also adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality, due to the sensitive nature of their work.
Medical Receptionists take on a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:
- Scheduling
- Greet clients and visitors
- Facilitating referrals, both in and out
- Following up with patients
- General office administration — copying, faxing and filing
- OHIP billing
- Entering and updating patient information in electronic medical records
Positions can be part-time, full-time, days, evenings or weekends, depending on employer need.
- The average Medical Receptionist salary in Canada is $30,222 per year or $15.50 per hour.
- Entry level positions start at $23,400 per year
- Most experienced workers make up to $40,151 per year.
Schooling Entry Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent, including grade 12 English.
Education
Many employers require a post-secondary diploma or certificate in medical office administration.
Schooling Options
There are a variety of institutions offering education in the field of medical administration, including public and private colleges. Both in-person and online learning programs are available. They range in length from 11 months to 2 years.
Program names vary by school, but can include:
- Office Administration – Health Services (Mohawk College, Sheridan College, Centennial College)
- Medical Office Support Staff Certificate (Fleming College)
- Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate (Seneca College)
- Medical Office Administrator (Westervelt College)
The majority of these post-secondary programs include courses in medical terminology, but courses on this subject are also available outside of a post-secondary diploma program.
Professional Requirements
Due to the sensitive nature of a clinical environment, medical receptionists are often required to submit to a vulnerable sector police check as well as provide a record of up-to-date immunization record. Other requirements you may need include First Air & CPR, annual flu shots, privacy legislation training and role-specific professional development.
Professional Body
N/A