Medical secretary

What does a medical secretary do? – Tasks and work environment

Medical secretaries play a central role in healthcare and are responsible for administration, documentation, and information management. Tasks include writing medical notes, handling referrals, booking appointments, registering diagnoses, and assisting doctors and other healthcare staff with various administrative duties. The work is often done in close collaboration with both healthcare professionals and patients, where high accuracy and confidentiality are essential. The work environment is primarily office-based, typically at hospitals, health centers, or private clinics, characterized by sometimes high pace with demands for efficiency and organization.

Salary development over time

The salary for medical secretaries has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,700 SEK per month, increasing to 30 800 SEK in 2023 and reaching 32 000 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.8 percent during the period, with an average annual growth of just over 3 percent. This trend reflects an increasing demand for skilled administrators in healthcare, while employers need to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain staff. Salary development is also influenced by factors such as education level, experience, and regional differences, but overall the profession maintains a stable position in the job market.

Medical secretary salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 32 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,400 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, pre-secondary education)
• Lowest salary for women: 28,900 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 35,600 SEK/month (public sector, both men and women)
• Hourly wage: 192 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women and men have, on average, the same salary (men 32100 SEK, women 32 000 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a medical secretary, a vocational education in medical secretarial work or healthcare administration is usually required. The education provides knowledge of medical terminology, record systems, and administrative routines within healthcare. Practical experience is often advantageous and can be gained through internships during training or through trainee positions. Admission requirements vary, but a high school diploma is generally a minimum requirement.

• Vocational training: Medical secretary/healthcare administrator (1.5–2 years)
• Certifications: Courses in medical terminology and record systems
• Internships: Often included in the training
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent
• Tips: Choose training with strong collaboration with working life

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, medical secretaries are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, extra vacation days, flex-time agreements, and opportunities for skills development. Some employers also provide subsidized lunches, pension contributions beyond legal requirements, and access to occupational health services. Compensation for unsocial hours may occur if the work involves shift work or on-call duties.

Challenges and competition

The job market for medical secretaries is characterized by high demand, but the profession also faces certain challenges. Recruitment difficulties are reported by many employers, while the proportion of part-time workers and those leaving the profession is relatively high. Technological developments increase demands for digital skills and adaptability, especially as new record systems and administrative tools are introduced. Despite good job prospects, competition for attractive positions can be significant in some regions.

Tips for those aspiring to become a medical secretary

To succeed as a medical secretary, it is beneficial to have a structured work approach and a keen eye for detail, as documentation and information management require precision. Being service-oriented facilitates collaboration with patients and healthcare staff, while digital skills are important for quickly mastering new record systems and routines. Good communication skills aid contact with colleagues and patients, and flexibility is an asset when the workday involves unexpected tasks. A desire to learn and develop continuously is advantageous, especially in a rapidly changing industry. Finally, actively seeking internships or part-time jobs during training helps build experience and networks.

Key facts about medical secretaries

• Education level: Vocational training (1.5–2 years)
• Work environment: Office-based within healthcare
• Demand: Good opportunities nationwide
• Typical work arrangement: Full-time, daytime
• Special skills: Medical terminology and record systems

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, medical secretaries can develop into specialized roles such as team leaders, trainers in record systems, or administrative coordinators. Some choose to further their education in healthcare administration or move into managerial positions within healthcare support functions. The Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts that job opportunities will remain strong over the next five years, although the demand nationally is expected to stay unchanged. The digital transformation and increasing complexity of healthcare administrative processes may, however, increase the need for further education and specialization in the future. Currently, there are 758 job openings in the field, further confirming the strong job market.

Frequently asked questions about medical secretaries

• What does a medical secretary earn?
  - The average salary for a medical secretary is 32 000 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - No, women and men have, on average, the same salary in this profession.
• What education is required to become a medical secretary?
  - A vocational education in medical secretarial work or healthcare administration lasting 1.5–2 years is most common.
• What is the job market like for medical secretaries?
  - Job opportunities are plentiful, with currently 758 vacant positions nationwide.
• What tasks does a medical secretary perform?
  - Tasks include managing medical records, scheduling, registering diagnoses, and providing administrative support to healthcare staff.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a medical secretary?
  - The highest salary is 35,600 SEK (public sector), and the lowest is 27,400 SEK (municipal sector, with pre-secondary education).
• What personal qualities are important in this profession?
  - Accuracy, organization, digital skills, and good communication are key qualities.