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What does a Unit Secretary do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A unit secretary is a medical office worker who is responsible for a variety of clerical duties. They may work in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. Unit secretaries are often the first point of contact for patients and their families. They may answer phones, schedule appointments, and keep track of medical records. Unit secretaries may also be responsible for billing and coding medical insurance claims.

Unit Secretary job duties include:

  • Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate staff.
  • Greet patients and visitors.
  • Schedule appointments and maintain appointment calendars.
  • Prepare patient charts and files.
  • Collect patient information, such as insurance data, medical histories and test results.
  • Transcribe medical reports.
  • Prepare bills and collect payments.
  • Perform clerical duties, such as filing, typing and proofreading.
  • Stock supplies and maintain inventory levels.

Unit Secretary Job Requirements

A Unit Secretary is responsible for providing clerical support to the nursing staff on a patient unit in a hospital. They perform a variety of tasks, including answering phones, transcribing physician orders, maintaining medical records, and scheduling appointments. Most Unit Secretaries have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education or certification. Previous experience working in a healthcare setting is often preferred.

Unit Secretary Skills

  • Medical Terminology
  • Good Typing Skills
  • Excellent Communication Skills
  • Ability to Multi-task
  • Good Organization Skills
  • Detail Oriented
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Good people skills
  • Computer skills
  • Faxing
  • Scanning
  • Copying

Related: Top Unit Secretary Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Unit Secretary

A Unit Secretary is a medical professional who provides clerical support to a healthcare unit. They are responsible for maintaining medical records, scheduling appointments, and handling insurance paperwork. Unit Secretaries often work closely with nurses and doctors to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

If you are interested in becoming a Unit Secretary, there are a few things you should know. First, you will need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some Unit Secretaries may also choose to pursue further education, such as an Associate’s degree or certification in medical office administration.

Next, it is important to have strong communication and organizational skills. As a Unit Secretary, you will be responsible for interacting with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals on a daily basis. It is essential that you are able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. You should also be able to multitask and stay organized in order to keep the unit running smoothly.

Finally, it is beneficial to have some experience working in a healthcare setting prior to becoming a Unit Secretary. This can help you better understand the needs of the unit and the patients being treated there. If you do not have any previous experience working in healthcare, consider volunteering at a local hospital or clinic before applying for a position as a Unit Secretary.

If you have the necessary education and skills, and are interested in working in healthcare, then becoming a Unit Secretary may be the perfect career choice for you!

Related: Unit Secretary Resume Example

Related: Unit Secretary Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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