Medical Secretary Apprentice

Summary

Responsible for performing a broad range of secretarial and administrative duties, and for providing comprehensive administrative support to the multidisciplinary team.

Wage

£11,778 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

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Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Monday – Friday, 8.00 – 14.00.

30 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 July 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Log referrals onto patients’ EMIS records and via “e-referrals” or other secondary care referral systems.
Ensure that correspondence is signed and sent out promptly or electronically attached.
Keep files of data and correspondence as necessary and, in doing so, help maintain the administrative filing system.
Update patients’ computer records by entering new information (e.g. new problem codes, home visit details etc. as dictated by G.P.’s) onto the EMIS computer system as appropriate.
Deal with enquiries about referrals and other follow-up care from patients (either on the telephone or in person), hospitals and other health professionals.
Obtain information requested by the doctors (e.g. hospital speciality waiting times, chasing of diagnostic test results, availability of specialists at various hospitals).
Assist patients by giving helpful information and advice as appropriate and within the remit of your role as medical secretary.
Assist with cover for medical secretary colleagues during sickness/holiday absence.
Any other tasks as detailed by the Doctors, Business Manager or Office Manager.

Where you'll work

Roper Lane
Thurgoland
Sheffield
S35 7AA

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

BARNSLEY COLLEGE

Your training course

Business administrator (level 3)

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What you'll learn

Course contents

Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Your training plan

Delivery to be completed on-site and off-the-job training either at Barnsley College or your place of work. Student to complete a Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Administrative skills
Team working
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience

About this company

We are a group of GP surgeries across Penistone, Thurgoland and Silkstone. We are the second largest GP Practice in Barnsley. The role of Medical Secretary will be based at our Thurgoland branch in a team of 5.

After this apprenticeship

Initial responsibilities will be centred around the receipt of, scanning and processing of documentation from external clinical providers, onto the clinical system. When comfortable with this function, there will be the opportunity to train in all Medical Secretary responsibilities, e.g. Audio and copy type referral letters and other correspondence for the clinical and senior management teams.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BARNSLEY COLLEGE

Amanda ogley

a.ogley@barnsley.ac.uk

01226216166

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000323332.

Apply now

Closes in 6 days (Thursday 12 June 2025 at 11:59pm)

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