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How to Become a Medical Secretary

Medical secretaries are the calm at the centre of the storm—part office wizard, part healthcare hero. If you love organising, supporting others, and making sense of complex information, this could be the perfect career path for you.

Whether you’re booking appointments, typing up consultant letters, or managing patient queries, you’re the person who keeps the practice running like clockwork. Think of yourself as the GP’s right-hand, combining elite admin skills with a reassuring voice at the end of the phone.

What is a Medical Secretary?

A medical secretary is the administrative backbone of a healthcare setting. From GP surgeries to hospitals and private clinics, they manage the paperwork, people, and processes that keep things moving.

You’ll handle everything from booking appointments and managing diaries to preparing letters, updating patient records, and liaising with medical professionals. It’s a fast-paced, people-focused role that blends office skills with genuine purpose.

In short, you’re the behind-the-scenes co-ordinator who helps ensure patients receive timely care, and doctors can focus on what they do best.

Responsibilities of a Medical Secretary

How to Become a Medical Secretary

Gain recognised qualifications:
Start with a course like the Medical Secretary Diploma, which covers medical terminology, admin procedures, and audio transcription.

Develop office experience:
Working in general administration, reception, or customer service helps build confidence and transferable skills.

Practice medical terminology:
Get familiar with the language of healthcare—it’s essential for understanding and producing accurate documentation.

Apply for entry-level roles:
Look out for junior admin or receptionist roles in healthcare settings. These are great stepping stones.

Continue learning:
The NHS and private employers value CPD (Continuing Professional Development), so always look for ways to upskill.

Courses to get you started

Medical Secretary Diploma
From £1,240 when paying in full. ☀️SUMMER DISCOUNT: £1,007.50 when you pay in full.

AMSPAR Medical Terminology Course
From £580 when paying in full.

Medical Secretary Diploma Short Course
From £840 when paying in full. ☀️SUMMER DISCOUNT: £682.50 when you pay in full.

📚 All courses are CPD-accredited and NCFE CQ certified. Available 100% online with flexible study and expert tutor support from Lewis College. 

Required Skills & Qualities

🗣️ Excellent written and verbal communication
😊 A friendly, professional manner
🔍 Strong attention to detail
💻 Good IT skills, especially with Microsoft Office
🧘 The ability to stay calm under pressure
📚 A basic understanding of medical terms
Great time management
🤐 Discretion and confidentiality

Salary Expectations

Medical secretary salaries vary depending on your location, experience, and whether you’re working in the NHS or private sector. Entry-level roles typically start around £20,000 per year, while experienced secretaries can earn upwards of £28,000.

Factors that affect pay include:

  • Experience and qualifications
  • Location (e.g. London weighting)
  • NHS banding vs private employment
  • Specialised vs general practice settings
  • Additional skills like audio typing or coding

What to Expect

As a medical secretary, you’ll be part of a team that’s truly making a difference. You’ll juggle tasks, solve problems on the fly, and offer reassurance to patients when they need it most. No two days are ever the same, and you’ll go home knowing your work has real impact.

It’s a career that suits those who thrive on structure, purpose, and people. If you’re ready to step into a role that blends admin excellence with heart, you’re in the right place.

👉 Explore our medical secretary courses now and take your first step toward a rewarding healthcare career.

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