Our In Demand Career Spotlight Series will focus on careers in the medical and dental industries where demand for skilled workers outpaces supply. At Advantage Career Institute Medical & Dental School, you can be certified for these in demand careers in just four months, with the hands-on training, skills and credentials you’ll need for your new career.
In this month’s blog post, we will be discussing the unit secretary position.
What Does a Unit Secretary Do?
A unit secretary, also called a unit clerk, is an important member of a medical or dental team who performs administrative and other supportive tasks in a specific department, or unit, of a healthcare facility. For example, a unit secretary might work in a large hospital, where they would cover the emergency room or radiology department. Unit secretaries are often the first person a patient speaks to when they call or visit the office, and are responsible for representing the physician and their practice in a positive and professional way.
Some of the tasks of a unit secretary may include:
- Answering the phone and greeting patients and visitors in person.
- Being familiar with the requirements and procedures of their specific unit.
- Scheduling patient appointments.
- Assisting with patient check in and check out.
- Medical transcription tasks, such as transcribing audio notes from physicians.
- Recording important patient information, including insurance information. Assisting with billing and coding and updating electronic health records (EHR).
- Obtaining necessary documents from patients and preparing paperwork.
- Relaying information between patients and staff members, providing them with necessary updates.
- Referring patients to outside agencies when unable to meet their needs.
- Making sure patients have proper post-treatment instructions when checking out, if necessary.
- Obtaining payment information and handling payments.
Important Skills for Unit Secretaries
Some of the skills and characteristics employers look for in a unit secretary include:
- Excellent communication skills on the phone, written, and in person.
- Computer experience including Microsoft Office, scheduling software, electronic health records, and billing and coding.
- A knowledge of medical terminology and abbreviations.
- The ability to multitask and manage your time effectively in your unit.
Interested in Unit Secretary Training in New Jersey?
There has never been a been a better time to begin a career in the healthcare field. According to the NHA, Unit Secretaries and other Medical Administrative Assistants are experiencing a job growth rate of 22.5%, which is much faster than the national average of 7.4% across all industries.
By completing our Medical & Dental Administration Assistant Program, our students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career as a unit secretary. Contact us today to learn more about this exciting career opportunity and take the next step towards an in demand job in a growing industry.
