Medical Receptionist

1. Exhibits effective interpersonal skills and professional attitudes by demonstrating the ability to communicate with authority figures and peers; follow work rules and expectations appropriately; maintain confidentiality; and recognize an appropriate business appearance.
2. Demonstrate the ability to express thoughts clearly, concisely, and appropriately in verbal and written format by consistently using correct mechanics, grammar, format, and message approach (direct, indirect).
3. Demonstrate the use of critical thinking skills to analyze and solve business problems by demonstrating the ability to define problems, find relevant information, synthesize and evaluate information, and implement decisions.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in keyboarding speed and accuracy and knowledge of correct document formatting.
5. Demonstrate technical competency by utilizing a wide range of software applications necessary for business office operations; demonstrates initiative in learning to use new technology, and applies new technology accurately in office settings.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of roles and functions of various professionals; collaborate and problem-solve as part of the office team.
7. Demonstrate ability to set priorities, organize work, and sequence tasks appropriately, and consistently complete projects on a schedule.
8. Demonstrate the ability to perform mathematical calculations necessary in business applications including accounting, by working with percentages; decimals and fractions; understanding accounting principles as they are applied to business office bookkeeping; and using formulas for creating spreadsheets and databases.
9. Develop and evaluate customer service skills by ascertaining the characteristics of a customer service organization and using customer service skills in servicing customers professionally. The Medical Receptionist diploma continues from the certificate with additional technical coursework therefore preparing students with a wider range of job-specific skills.

In this fast-growing health care field, the medical receptionist functions in physicians’ offices, health clinics, outpatient facilities, medical laboratories, hospitals, health insurance companies, medical supplies and equipment businesses, and pharmaceutical companies.

Minnesota Law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with patients and residents at a health care facility licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health have a background study conducted by the state.

Job duties/skills may include the following: transcribing medical documents/reports, composing and processing correspondence, accounting payments and posting charges, coding of diagnoses and procedures, processing insurance claims, coordinating patient care, scheduling patient appointments, recording and relaying messages, maintaining various financial records, maintaining patient files, making calls for physicians and other healthcare personnel, arranging hospital admissions, scheduling surgeries, using automated record system to access, entering and editing patient information, and arranging physicians’ meetings and conferences.

Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Program Sequence

Students can choose to complete the Office Specialist programs part-time. Part-time students will take longer to complete their program than students who follow the full-time sequence. Because every course may not be offered each semester, it is important for part-time students to reach out to their faculty advisor for help in planning their long-term, part-time course sequence.

Below, new students can find the first semester part-time course options. After the first semester, work with your faculty advisor to plan future semesters. 

First Semester Course Options

ADSC 1003, COMP 1002, INTS 1000

View Course Schedule

Options differ depending on whether you plan to start in the fall or spring semester.

Medical Office Specialist
AAS degree

Health Unit Coordinator
Certificate

Medical Coding Specialist
Diploma