What are the main disadvantages of medical secretary training?

After completing the medical secretary training course, you will be able to carry out demanding secretarial work in healthcare institutions independently and competently and have the necessary understanding. You will be familiar with the most important medical, healthcare and hospital terminology. You are familiar with the basics of anatomy, pathology and pharmacology. You will be familiar with the social insurance system as well as practice organization. You will be able to write medical documents and letters independently and accurately.

The main disadvantages of medical secretary training are:

1. The degree after the medical secretary training is not a federal certificate and is not federally recognized. The training 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 way of re-entering professional life.
2. At the certificate level, schools can determine the course content and admission requirements autonomously, 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.
3. 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.
4. Even after training as a medical secretary, the main focus of work is in the commercial area, as there is no 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 chief 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.

Provider of medical secretary training