What are the main disadvantages of medical secretary training?
After training as a medical secretary, you will be able to carry out demanding secretarial work in healthcare institutions independently and competently and have the necessary understanding. You know the most important specialist terms in medicine, healthcare and hospitals. You are familiar with the basics of anatomy, pathology and pharmacology. You are just as familiar with the social insurance system as you are with practice organization. You write medical documents and letters independently and accurately.
The main disadvantages of medical secretary training are:
The qualification after the medical secretary training is not a federal certificate and is not federally recognized.The course is completed with the school's own certificate, a diploma from the Swiss Hospital Association (H+ supplement) or, in some cases, a diploma from the Swiss Commercial Association. The course can also be a good opportunity to re-enter professional life.
At the certificate level, schools are free to determine the course content and admission requirements,as these are not regulated - unless they are regulated by the association. If the examinations are supervised by an association, these certificate examinations and title offers are regulated.
The training costs of around CHF 3,500 to CHF 6,000 are not subsidized by the federal government,as this is not a federal qualification. Your employer may cover part of the costs. It is worth clarifying this.
Even after training as a medical secretary, the focus of her work lies in the commercial area, as she lacks comprehensive basic medical training.In some cases, simpler practical activities such as taking blood samples or applying pressure dressings can also be carried out. Further training is required for laboratory or X-ray work. Specialization as a practice manager or senior medical secretary are further interesting development opportunities.
In principle, medical assistants can be employed in many areas of the healthcare sector. They are usually employed in group practices, clinics, hospitals and health insurance companies. If they are employed in a hospital, the person working there is often referred to as a hospital secretary.
