Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a Medical Secretary? | A medical secretary is anyone who works as a secretary directly for a medical clinician or medical department in any part of the NHS, private practice, academic institution or industry. Medical secretaries work in hospitals, clinics, general practice, private practice, universities and other health related organisations. Their main task is to provide a comprehensive secretarial support to medical practitioners. |
| What do Medical Secretaries do? | Medical secretaries provide support to medical staff by typing clinical and other correspondence, either from shorthand or dictation. They deal with patient queries, and organise the Consultant's diary[ies]. They may maintain a waiting list of patients awaiting treatment and organise tests and investigations. |
| What kind of training will I need? | Most employers of medical secretaries now insist on a Medical Secretarial qualification [see courses]. Good English and communication skills are also necessary. This is in the form of a good general education. NVQ Business Administration Level III may be required or past working experience in an office environment. Word processing is necessary, at least to RSA Level II. Shorthand and medical terminology are desirable. Some Trusts may offer the opportunity to study the BSMSA Certificate in Medical Secretarial Studies if there is a proven high level past experience of office skills. |
| What is the salary range for medical secretaries? | A Band 3 Medical Secretary earns from £15,190 to £18,157 and a Band 4 Medical Secretary earns from £17,732 to £21,318. Secretaries are now expected to work 37½ hours per week as of 1 December 2007 when the period of protected hours ceased. There are now new roles being implemented on a higher scale. |
| How do I get started? | School Leavers and under 18s: Obtain word processing and business administration/office qualifications from your local college. |
| Where do Medical Secretaries work? | Medical secretaries work in hospitals, clinics, general practice, private practice and universities and other health related organisations. |
| What does BSMSA stand for? | British Society of Medical Secretaries and Administrators (BSMSA), an organisation for medical secretaries and administrators that provides a network and professional support throughout your medical secretarial career. |
| If I have a problem with regard to my career who should I contact? | Contact the BSMSA Office on 0131 466 0682 and speak to our Administrator or leave a message. Your query will be passed to a relevant officer who will return your call so give a clear message, leaving your name, contact number and brief outline of your query. Your query will be answered within 24 hours [weekdays].
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| If I want to find out more about my career who do I contact? | Contact Ann Rhodes, Chairman of the Training and Development Group, on 01706 342474, email: Ann.Rhodes@pat.nhs.uk or via the BSMSA Office on 0131 466 0682 |
| Can the BSMSA resolve issues within the Trust with regard to medical secretaries? | The BSMSA works closely with other agencies to help resolve issues that may arise within a Trust. If you feel you have a problem please contact the BSMSA Office for guidance. We will do our best to help with any professional issues. |
| Can I find out about medical secretaries in other Trusts? | The BSMSA tries hard to gather information and network this to its members. However, if you have a particular query please let us know and we will either try to help directly or obtain information. |
