You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:

• T level in Management and Administration
• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Medical Administration
• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Medical Terminology

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

You can get into this role through a business administrator advanced apprenticeship.

This typically takes 18 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off the job study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

If you already work in a healthcare setting, for instance, as a receptionist or clerical assistant, it may help you move into a medical secretary role if you take a relevant qualification while you're working.

The Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR) and the British Society of Medical Secretaries and Administrators (BSMSA) offer:

• Level 2 Certificate and Diploma in Medical Administration
• Certificate in Medical Terminology

If you want to apply directly for jobs, employers will expect you to have some GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English.

You'll find it useful to have a typing or word processing qualification like an RSA certificate before you look for work. Some organisations may also want you to have knowledge of medical terminology.

You'll need:

• administration skills
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

In this role you could:

• handle questions from patients, staff and consultants
• organise a doctor's diary, book consulting rooms and meetings
• make travel arrangements
• manage a waiting list of patients
• update patient records and deal with confidential information
• send samples for medical testing and record the results
• type letters, clinical reports, minutes of meetings and do filing
• monitor an office budget and deal with invoices

You could work in an office, at a GP practice or in an NHS or private hospital.