No matter what you do to fill your day or what you currently do for work, it’s hard not to dream about a brighter future with a higher income, better benefits, and greater job security. While these thoughts drift in and out, the day comes when you’re ready to do what it takes to create a better tomorrow.

It’s not surprising that people working in healthcare generally enjoy a high degree of respect and job satisfaction. And because healthcare is one of the largest industries in the United States with well-defined career clusters, there’s a place for most everyone. Career clusters are groups of jobs in the same field that require similar skills, and those clusters are helpful when choosing which career pathway to take. Healthcare breaks career clusters down to these categories:

  • Biotech Research
  • Diagnostic Services
  • Support Services
  • Therapeutic Services
  • Health Informatics

At ASPIRA City College, we focus on Health Informatics, the group that features medical secretaries and related career paths. There are many good reasons to pursue a career as a medical secretary with one being excellent job prospects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for medical secretaries is projected to grow faster than average over the 2018-2029 period, so now is the time to act by enrolling in our Medical Secretary training program.

Another good reason is that there are many career doors to choose from and open. Here, ASPIRA City College explains some of the medical secretary career options that our graduates can pursue upon graduation.

Career Options for Certified Medical Secretaries

At ASPIRA City College, students have the opportunity to change their lives for the better by completing our Medical Secretary training program, which prepares them to pursue any of the following lines of work:

Medical Secretary

With employment opportunities available working for a single doctor or at multi-physician practices of all sizes and in all medical specialty areas, these medical office specialists handle all the administrative duties that keep doctors’ offices and clinics running smoothly. By interacting with and serving as the liaison between doctors, insurance companies, and patients, medical secretaries communicate test results, book appointments, manage medical records, insurance approvals, medical coding, and billing, and much more.

Further, the medical secretary position is a Bright Outlook Career known for sustainable family incomes and higher-than-average demand by employers. If you’re looking for a workplace with a team focus, and you have excellent communication skills plus are well-organized, you can find your fit as a medical secretary.

Medical Billing Clerk

Commonly employed at hospitals and clinics, medical billing clerks maintain the records of goods and services provided to patients, including their corresponding charges. They also manage patient payments and update their accounts. Depending on the facility, their job description generally entails the following:

  • Compiling accounts receivable information
  • Reviewing the data entered into an accounting system for accuracy
  • Calculating bills and preparing invoices
  • Monitoring patient accounts to identify outstanding balances or inconsistencies in financial documents

Medical billing clerks must also maintain up-to-date knowledge of insurance guidelines and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnostic codes, such as ICD-10. A diagnostic code is a combination of letters and numbers assigned to a particular diagnosis, symptom, or procedure and is essential for accurate documentation and billing. No one wants to see a medical bill they don’t understand or don’t see as justified, which is why the conscientious services of medical billing clerks are so important.

Unit Secretary

Unit secretaries work for clinics, community health centers, surgical centers, and hospitals. In hospitals and other large medical facilities, patient floors separate into units with a focus on treating certain types of medical conditions. Unit secretaries generally work in a specific unit and wear many hats, such as receptionist, intake specialist, records keeper, typist, and supplies manager. In most cases, the environment is fast-paced, and the position is considered entry-level.

In short, they keep the unit to which they are assigned organized and running smoothly. Unit secretaries report to physicians, office managers, nurses, nursing directors, and other hospital personnel. Strong interpersonal and computer skills are essential, as is knowledge of basic medical terminology.

Claims Processor

Claims processors work in the insurance industry and play an essential administrative role in healthcare. These professionals manage the medical insurance claims that patients file when seeking payment from their insurance company for doctor’s office visits or when admitted to a hospital.

When claims are submitted to insurance companies for the payment of medical charges, the processor acts on the claims filed by policyholders. They investigate the claim for accuracy, review coverage guidelines, analyze the claim for covered and uncovered charges, submit adjustments if necessary, and decide whether the insurance claim should be processed or denied. Therefore, claims processors must keep meticulous records of claims and follow up on lapsed cases.

These professionals have extensive knowledge of medical terminology, as well as experience using a computer. Since claims processors must approve or deny payment to hospitals and doctors, as well as direct reimbursement to patients, processors must have the communication skills necessary to converse with patients and healthcare providers – especially if there is a problem with the claim.

Admissions Coordinator

Whether they work at nursing homes, outpatient surgical centers, or inpatient medical facilities, admissions coordinators serve a critical role. They perform tasks like:

  • Providing relevant information to incoming patients
  • Answering patients’ questions
  • Assisting patients with their HIPAA, emergency contact forms, and insurance, as well as other confidential paperwork necessary to admit them into the facility
  • Preparing paper and electronic admission records
  • Updating the facility’s patient database

Being the patient’s first point of contact, the admission coordinator must be sympathetic, compassionate, and customer service oriented. Excellent communication and computer skills are also a must. Thanks to this position, patient admission runs smoothly so each facility can provide timely care to countless residents and patients.

Education and Credentials Employers Love to See

Upon completion, students in our Medical Secretary program receive a post-secondary diploma, qualifying them for a variety of entry-level administrative positions in the healthcare industry with the skills they need to succeed. Employers also take special note that our graduates have earned, or are eligible to sit for third party credentialing exams provided by the American Medical Certification Associations (AMCA). Recognized credentials ASPIRA City College medical secretary program graduates may earn include:

  • Electronic Health Records Certification (EHRC)
  • Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (MAAC)
  • Billing and Coding Specialist Certification (BCBS)

In addition to these qualifications, healthcare employers trust that ASPIRA City College students have received the standard of education and skills training necessary to perform their duties successfully.  ASPIRA City College opened its doors in 1974 and is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools, as well as accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Enroll in Our Medical Secretary Career Training Program

ASPIRA City College’s medical secretary career training program poses many opportunities for students who are looking to re-vamp their careers, so don’t delay getting started any longer. Plus, our campus also offers a variety of helpful student services, making it easy to get the education you need to succeed. To learn more about our program offerings, request more information or book a campus tour today.