Becoming a Medical Secretary is a great career option if you're organised, like admin work, and want to work in a healthcare setting. It’s a valued role in GP clinics, hospitals, and private practices across Ireland.
As a Medical Secretary, you'll help doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff by handling the admin side of things, such as:
Booking appointments and managing calendars
Typing letters, reports, and referrals
Updating patient records
Dealing with emails and phone calls
Organising invoices and medical insurance paperwork
Good organisation and time management
Strong communication skills
Knowledge of medical terminology (or willingness to learn it)
Computer literacy (emails, Word, spreadsheets, etc.)
Accuracy and discretion when handling patient information
There’s no one set path, but employers typically look for:
A good standard of education (Leaving Cert or equivalent)
A relevant course or qualification, such as:
Medical Secretary Diploma
Medical Terminology
Office Administration – Medical Secretary specialism
Medical Secretary Diploma with City & Guilds/AMSPAR Level 2 Qualification City & Guilds/AMSPAR Level 2 Qualification is a course run by Pitman Training Centre.
Entry-level admin roles in healthcare settings (like GP clinics or HSE offices)
Voluntary work or temp admin jobs to build your CV
Receptionist roles are often a stepping stone
With experience and additional training, you could move into:
Senior Medical Secretary roles
Personal Assistant (PA) to Consultants
Medical Office Manager or Practice Manager positions
Starting salary: around €24,000–€28,000 per year
With experience: €30,000–€38,000+
Senior roles in hospitals or private practices can earn more
