How To Become a Medical Receptionist: Everything You Need to Know

A medical receptionist, also known as a medical secretary, is a vital part of any healthcare team. Doctors, nurses and other medical administration staff members rely on medical receptionists to ensure the smooth operation of any medical facility.
The healthcare industry is one of the most significant growth industries in the foreseeable future. Medical receptionists are in high demand in Australia, meaning it’s a career offering job security.
This article will guide you through the ins and outs of how to become a medical receptionist, including the salary, qualifications and required training for this line of work.
How to become a medical receptionist
- 1. Study
- 2. Gain work experience in admin
- 3. Polish your resume
- 4. Apply for medical receptionist roles
Study to gain medical receptionist qualifications
Although it isn’t required to have a formal qualification to become a medical receptionist, the field is highly competitive. Having a degree under your belt can put you ahead of your peers in securing a job. Medical receptionists may be able to receive on the job training if they’re lucky enough, but few places will hire job seekers who lack knowledge or experience about the career.
There are many short courses and vocational training courses that will help you learn about medical terminology, administration, and the industry as a whole. Some of these courses include:
- Medical Reception Certificate
- Certificate IV in Health Administration (HLT47315)
- Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical)
- Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical) (BSB31115)
These qualifications will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to become a medical receptionist. They’ll also look desirable on your job application, along with any previous work experience in office administration, such as an administrative assistant.
Key skills of a medical receptionist
There are two types of skill sets required to be a successful medical receptionist: soft skills, and industry-related technical skills.
If you’re interested in becoming a medical receptionist, you may already possess some of these soft skills, and maybe even some of the technical skills, too. If not, there’s no need to worry. All of these skills can be learned through certificate programs including a health administration or medical receptionist course, and your abilities will be strengthened with experience.
It’s important to add these essential skills and qualities to your resume once you’ve acquired them to show potential employers you’re perfect for the job. Prioritise adding skills that align with the role and showcase your strengths.
Some of the skills required of a medical receptionist include:

Medical receptionist salary
According to Labour Market Insights, the average salary for a medical receptionist is $56,784. Salary can vary depending on your level of experience, the location and size of the medical facility or doctor’s office.
Another effect on salary can be the size of the workload, which varies between medical offices. Hours may vary for part-time, full-time and casual employees.

Industry outlook
There’s no better time to jump into a medical receptionist career, as medical receptionists are in high demand. Job growth within the industry is fast compared to other sectors, which means medical receptionists can easily find career development opportunities and upskill, particularly if they are experienced.
A career as a medical receptionist can be flexible with many choosing to work part-time or as shift workers. It’s now even more accessible for job seekers to develop the skills needed to become qualified through the numerous online courses or courses offered through government funding.
A job as a medical receptionist can be a highly rewarding career path. Completing a business course can help a medical receptionist advance to high-level administrative positions, such as a medical practice manager, office manager or healthcare executive.
Others may prefer to direct their career towards patient care and pursue other branches of clinical healthcare and health services, such as a medical assistant or nursing.
Whatever the choice may be, working as a medical receptionist will give you the opportunities to move into various other roles once you have gained enough experience.
Medical receptionist job positions are everywhere. The best way to apply is to go into doctor’s offices, hospitals and other healthcare services. This way you can show them your enthusiasm and hand them your resume in person. Available positions for medical receptionists are also available on job listings websites, such as Indeed and LinkedIn.
Keen to start your career as a medical receptionist?