Medical secretaries and administrative assistants keep healthcare offices running smoothly. You'll handle scheduling, records, and patient communication. The work is in demand, requires a high school diploma, and you can start without a four-year degree.
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Medical secretaries and administrative assistants support doctors, dentists, and healthcare teams by managing the day-to-day operations of medical offices. You'll schedule patient appointments, maintain medical records, process information, and communicate with patients and staff. Your work involves using computers to enter data, answer phones, handle correspondence, and coordinate between patients and healthcare providers. You'll need strong attention to detail since accuracy in medical records is critical. You'll also greet patients, answer their questions, and help create a welcoming environment in the office.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants earn a median of $45,930 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 85,900 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a high school diploma or equivalent to start. Most positions require some job training, which you can get on the job or through short-term programs at community colleges or vocational schools. These programs typically cover medical terminology, office software, records management, and healthcare administration basics. Some employers prefer candidates with prior administrative experience or certification, though it's not always required to begin. Starting in an entry-level administrative role can also lead into medical office work as you gain experience and learn healthcare-specific skills.
Many people enter this field directly from high school or through short certificate programs, so your path depends on what's available in your area and how quickly you want to start. Use Pathly can map the medical secretary and administrative assistant path that fits you to explore your options and build a plan with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a medical secretary and administrative assistant, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable following procedures. You enjoy working with people, communicating clearly, and keeping information accurate and in order.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).