Hiring a skilled medical receptionist is crucial to the smooth running of any medical practice. Medical receptionists are often the first point of contact for patients, and their professionalism can set the tone for the entire patient experience.
Medical receptionist is a role that is growing in demand in Australia. If you’re looking to hire a competent medical receptionist, here’s how you can find the right candidate and ensure they are fully trained for the role.
Where Do I Find a Good Medical Receptionist?
To find a good medical receptionist in Australia, you can utilise various recruitment channels tailored specifically to the healthcare sector. Job boards such as SEEK, Indeed, and LinkedIn regularly feature listings for medical receptionists, helping you reach a wide pool of candidates.
Additionally, specialised healthcare recruitment agencies like HealthcareLink and Healthcare Australia can connect you with pre-screened candidates who already have experience in medical reception. You can also reach out to local TAFE colleges and vocational training institutions that offer medical receptionist courses.
Many of these institutions have job placement programs or recent graduates who are eager to find employment.
For a more personal approach, leverage your professional network. Industry forums, medical practice management groups, such as those run through Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and word-of-mouth referrals from colleagues can often lead to promising candidates. Don’t forget to consider internal recruitment—your existing staff members may know someone suitable for the role.
What Questions Should I Ask for Hiring a Medical Receptionist?
When interviewing potential medical receptionists, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are a good fit for your practice. Here are some key questions to consider:
– What experience do you have working in a medical or healthcare environment?
This will help you gauge their familiarity with medical terms, systems, and patient care standards.
– How do you handle challenging behaviours in patients, such as people who are frustrated, agitated or upset?
Medical receptionists often deal with patients who may be anxious, upset, or unwell. It’s important to hire someone who can maintain professionalism and empathy in such situations.
– Can you describe your experience with medical software or practice management software?
Proficiency in medical software like “Best Practice”, “MedicalDirector”, or “PracSoft” is crucial for the daily operations of a clinic.
– How do you prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment?
Medical receptionists juggle many responsibilities—answering calls, scheduling appointments, processing payments, and more. It’s vital that they have good time management skills.
What Steps Do You Take to Ensure Patient Confidentiality?
As medical receptionists handle sensitive patient information, a solid understanding of privacy laws and confidentiality protocols is non-negotiable.
These questions can help you assess a candidate’s practical experience and ensure they have the right attitude for the role.
What Courses Should Be Given to a Medical Receptionist?
While some medical receptionists may come with prior experience, providing additional training can ensure that they meet the specific needs of your clinic. There are several medical receptionist courses available in Australia that can help equip candidates with the skills they need.
For example, the courses here at Medical Reception Academy offer specialised topics that cover everything from Triage, Infection control, Customer service and General Practice Accreditation.
Many TAFE institutions also provide Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical), which offers a broad foundation in healthcare administration, including patient record management and billing systems.
In-house training is also essential. Medical practices often have unique procedures, and it’s important to familiarise new hires with your specific workflow, patient management systems, and protocols for dealing with patient information.
How Long Does It Take to Train a Medical Receptionist in a Clinic?
The time it takes to train a medical receptionist can vary depending on their previous experience and the complexity of your clinic’s operations. If the receptionist is completely new to the medical field, expect the training to take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.
If the candidate has already completed a relevant course or has some experience in a medical setting, the training process could be quicker—around 1 to 2 weeks for a basic orientation. However, you may still need additional time to train them on specific software systems, clinic policies, and patient interaction procedures.
To ensure a smooth transition, it’s a good idea to pair new receptionists with a senior staff member who can act as a mentor during their initial weeks.
Feel free to read our article about characters required for a good medical receptionist if you are looking for one for your clinic.
In summary
Hiring a good medical receptionist is an investment in the efficiency and reputation of your medical practice. By casting a wide net through job sites, recruitment agencies, and training institutions, asking the right interview questions, and providing thorough training, you can ensure that your new hire is well-equipped to handle the demands of the role.
And with resources like our Medical Reception Academy course library, you can feel confident that your receptionist has access to ongoing education and professional development to excel in their career.
Feel free to contact us on 0432 537 973 for more information.