How to Write a Medical Receptionist Resume (With Examples)

Updated 15 July 2023

If you're looking at applying for a medical receptionist job, it's important to know how to create a resume. A resume provides prospective employers with an overview of your relevant skills, qualifications and experience. In addition, learning how to create a high-quality resume can help you stand out from other candidates during the application process. In this article, we review how to write a medical receptionist resume, describe what a medical receptionist does and provide a template and sample to help you create your resume.

How to write a medical receptionist resume

Whether it's your first time creating a medical receptionist resume or you have years of experience, you can follow these steps to help you create an effective document:

1. Begin with your resume objective

A resume objective comprises one to two sentences that summarise why you're the right candidate for the role. Explain your interest in the role and highlight your relevant qualifications. For example, if you have experience as a medical receptionist, include the number of years and any specific achievements, appropriate education or certifications. If you're starting your career, describe why you're interested and any skills you have that match the job description.

2. Decide on the format

Keep your medical reception resume between one and two pages, depending on your experience. Ensure the layout is clear and easy to read, so employers can scan and quickly identify your expertise, skills and how to contact you. Use headings, spacing and choose a plain, easy to read font. Check the job description to determine if the employer prefers a specific file type and upload the requested format when you apply.

3. Write about your experience

List your work experience in reverse order (starting with your most recent job). Include your job title, the company name, the location and the dates that you worked there. Be sure to detail any significant accomplishments or responsibilities in bullet format under each role so the reader can quickly determine if you're a good fit.

If you have no work experience, include any details about extracurricular activities, volunteering or academic achievements that you think apply to the skills of a medical receptionist.

4. Include your education or certifications

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

There are no specific education or qualifications required to become a medical receptionist, though there are several courses you could consider that may give you an advantage when applying for jobs. Some institutions offer a Certificate of Medical Reception online or in-person that offer specific modules related to working as a medical receptionist. If you're looking to improve your general administration skills, another option is a Certificate III in Business Administration.

5. Highlight your relevant skills

Highlight the skills you have that apply for a medical receptionist role. Where possible, include examples of those skills by either listing specific tasks or accomplishments. For instance, if you changed a process that saved money for the clinic, include the details to demonstrate your impact.

If you don't have a lot of experience, think about any transferable skills you have relevant to working as a medical receptionist, such as communication, organisation, and time management.

6. Customise your resume

To get an employer's attention, target your resume to match the job description. Create different versions of your resume, tailored for each job application. Thoroughly scan the job description and aim to mention the specific skills or requirements that the company is seeking in your resume. Use the same language and keywords as the job description.

What is a medical receptionist and what do they do?

A medical receptionist ensures a medical clinic or hospital runs smoothly. The role requires a lot of attention to detail and a genuine patient focus. Being a medical receptionist involves regular contact with doctors, nurses and other medical staff, often delivering messages and communicating with patients.

Below is a list of the typical responsibilities of a medical receptionist:

Greeting patients and visitors
Scheduling appointments and keeping appointments on time
Helping patients to complete necessary documentation
Answering calls and responding to enquiries
Processing payments and communicating with private health funds and Medicare
Comforting patients when required
Cleaning the waiting room area and sterilising equipment
Monitoring and ordering a range of items, from medical supplies to stationery
Arranging internal meetings with key members of staff
Liaising with other medical departments and specialists as needed

Skills to include on a resume for a medical receptionist position

When writing your resume, consider the skills that prospective employers are looking for in the applicant. Check the job description thoroughly. Include in your resume any skills you have that are in the job description. Here's a list of some skills worth highlighting for a medical receptionist:

Attention to detail: Having this skill usually makes you more efficient as your work tends to be free from mistakes. Medical receptionists with this skill are valuable, since they may handle many tasks daily.
Organisational skills: Medical receptionists often have multiple tasks at once. Being organised can help them accomplish their various tasks and keep track of what tasks are outstanding.
Communication: For a medical receptionist, active listening is an important skill to have. Active listening involves understanding the request when you receive it, and showing empathy when dealing with patients is also crucial.
Budgeting: Medical receptionists look after budgeting for purchasing items and reconciling accounts.
Time management: When dealing with multiple patients and doctors, ensuring everyone is on time is crucial. Scheduling appointments effectively requires understanding how the doctor or team of doctors manage their appointments and assisting them with their time management.
Discretion: Dealing with a patient's personal information requires confidentiality. Doctors adhere to strict patient-doctor confidentiality.

How much can you earn as a medical receptionist?

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.

The average salary for a medical receptionist is $50,359 per year in Australia. Salaries may vary based on where you live, whether you're working in a public or private clinic or hospital and if you have any additional responsibilities.

Template for medical receptionist resume

Here is a template you can use to create a resume for medical receptionist roles:

[Full name] [Street address] [Email address] [Phone number]

Summary [Summarise your related experiences and what attracts you to this specific medical receptionist role. Keep this to one or two sentences.]

Certifications

[Detail certifications you have that are relevant to the job description.]

Skills
[Include a bullet list of skills relevant to the job description and any transferrable skills that are specific to the role.]

Experience

[Company and location]
[Job title and length of employment]
[Overview of responsibilities]

Education
[School name and location] [Name of program/degree and length of study]

[School name and location]
[Name of program/degree and length of study]

Example resume for a medical receptionist role

Here is an example to help you write your resume:

Sophie Anders
72 Stephens Street
Coorparoo, QLD, 4000
03 1234 5678
sanders@email.com.au

Summary
Highly organised and caring medical receptionist with four years of experience in private practice. I am passionate about working at a private clinic specialising in pediatrics, where I can bring my love of children and patient care together.

Certifications

• AMA Medical Reception Course, January 2020

Skills

Attention to detail
Highly organised
Multi-tasking
Proficient in MS Office Suite and various CRM programs
Office administration

Experience
Medical Receptionist
Taylor, Jones and Morrison Medical Clinic, Brisbane
January 2017-present

Scheduling patient appointments across a team of six doctors, ensuring minimal wait times Training of other administrative staff
Managing all incoming mail
Managing all invoices and payments
Ordering all stock for the clinic, including equipment and stationery
Reviewing preferred suppliers for stock purchases, resulting in cost savings of 22% from the previous year's orders.

Junior Medical Receptionist
Johnson Family Medical, Brisbane Bayside
March 2016-December 2016

Answering phones and scheduling patient appointments
Reception and administrative support to four doctors and Office Manager
Updated client records using CRM software
Following up with patient care (for example, scheduling follow up appointments when required)

Education
Brisbane High School, Queensland
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), 2015.

How to Write a Medical Receptionist Resume (With Examples)