What's the Job Description of a Medical Scheduler?
Are you interested in fulfilling administrative roles in a medical office? Do you have good communication skills and a knack for time management? If so, a job as a medical scheduler might be right for you. Read on to find out about the job duties, educational requirements, and salary statistics for medical schedulers.
Career Overview
A medical scheduler, also known as a medical appointment scheduler or a medical scheduling technician, is a type of administrative specialist. As a medical scheduler, you'll set up exams for patients and handle customer service inquiries. Part of your job will also involve ensuring there is enough time between appointments to allow physicians to complete certain medical examinations and procedures. Other clerical duties may include maintaining databases, faxing and scanning patient histories, answering phones, and updating patient account information.
It's also your responsibility to act in a courteous manner and maintain your composure when dealing with angry or irritated patients. Additionally, you may refer some patients to other staff members or physicians. You will need to know how to process the required referral forms when necessary.
Important Facts About Medical Schedulers
| On-the-Job Training | Typically lasting a few days to a week |
| Key Skills | Customer service focused, problem solving, critical thinking, clear written and spoken communication, time management, good judgment and decision making, computer competency |
| Work Environment | Physicians' offices, hospitals, dentists' offices, outpatient care centers |
| Similar Occupations | Administrative assistants, front desk receptionists, medical assistants, office assistants, office managers |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 8% decline (for all secretaries and administrative assistants)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Educational Requirements
Typically, one is only required to have a high school diploma or GED in order to become a medical scheduler. Many of the administrative and communication skills required for this job can be acquired through work experience. However, there are postsecondary training programs for medical administrative professionals and medical office assistants. These educational programs may cover topics like medical terminology and transcription, patient and staff scheduling techniques, common medical office procedures, and office software programs. Completion of such a program could aid in securing employment in a competitive job market.
Salary Statistics
According to January 2023 figures on PayScale.com, most medical schedulers earned between $13.14 and $20.79 per hour. Their total yearly income, including bonuses and overtime pay, ranged from $31,000-$51,000.
PayScale.com also found that medical schedulers with less 0-5 years of experience reported earning between $13.14 and $20.79 per hour. Those with 20 or more years of experience reported earning between $14.74 and $25.86 per hour.