NATIONAL DIPLOMA: MEDICAL SECRETARY (N4 – N6)
Foreword: This programme is a gateway into the interesting world of medicine, laboratories and hospitals. It’s an excellent career prospect for organised professional people who like the prospect of a career in the medical profession, without having to work with blood / broken bones, or sick & injured people.
How do I become a medical secretary?
- Enroll at Kunokhanya Training Academy
- Complete your studies (up to N6)
- Work in a secretarial/admin position, preferably in the medical field (18 months / 2000 hours)
- If you have prior experience, these hours may count.
- Submit proof of your work experience in order to receive your Diploma
What are the minimum admission requirements?
- NSC / N3 / Grade 12
When can I register?
- There are two intakes per year: January and June.
- Registration closes on the last day of intake month
When do I write examinations?
- Examinations are conducted in June and November every year
- Students write examinations set by the National Department of Education and receive a Department of Education Certificate. To qualify for a National Diploma, students need to obtain and complete 18 months relevant practical experience. The National Diploma can be used as entry to university degrees.
What jobs do I do as a medical secretary?
The medical secretary works closely with doctors, specialists or other medical professionals, assisting with typing and filing memos, submitting samples for lab tests, x-rays, filing and faxing of prescriptions, and confidential patient information. They also play a role with managing the appointment book for patients, theatre bookings, and may also deal with debtors, creditors and medical aid companies.
A Day in a Medical Secretary's Life:
On a typical day a medical secretary's tasks might include:
- answering telephones
- scheduling appointments
- routing phone calls to appropriate staff
- taking messages
- typing correspondence
- preparing financial reports
- transcribing written information
- greeting patients
- helping patients complete intake forms
- completing insurance forms
- receiving laboratory results and routing them to appropriate staff
- maintaining medical files
- communicating with insurance companies
- communicating with the offices of other healthcare providers
- maintaining inventory of forms and supplies
- preparing bills
- coordinating staff members' schedules
- receiving payment from patients
Need assistance with gaining practical work experience?
While you are busy with your course, or after you have completed your studies, you can sign up for the DHET’s free placement service – https://webapps.dhet.gov.za/iWIL – so that your profile can be matched with a suitable employer offering opportunities for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) or Workplace Based Learning (WBL) in your field of study.
