Medical Receptionist Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties & Sample Template)

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 If you’ve Googled “medical receptionist job description template,” chances are you’ve seen dozens of articles that all look the same.

Bullet points. Generic phrases. No personality.

And here’s the problem—those kinds of posts don’t actually help you attract great candidates. They just check boxes.

But if you’re hiring a medical receptionist, you’re not looking for someone who can just answer phones or file paperwork. You’re looking for someone who makes patients feel welcome, handles pressure calmly, and keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

That takes more than a list of duties—it takes the right kind of person. And to find that person, you need a job post that actually connects.

🔗 Before you go further, we highly recommend reading our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It breaks down why generic posts fail—and what you can do instead to stand out and hire better.

In this article, we’ll show you how to apply those principles specifically to the medical receptionist role.

You’ll learn:

  • What this role really involves (beyond the job title)

  • Two great job description templates (experienced + entry-level)

  • A real-world breakdown of what makes them effective

  • What to avoid in bland, outdated job posts

  • Pro tips that make your post more human, clear, and trustworthy

So whether you’re hiring for a busy clinic, dental office, or private practice, this article will help you write a job description that attracts the right talent—not just anyone who’s “available.”

Smart Hiring Starts Here WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results

What A Medical Receptionist Actually Does - Their Duties Explained

Before we get into templates, let’s define what a medical receptionist really does—in plain English.

A medical receptionist is the first point of contact for patients at a clinic, hospital, or private practice. They’re the face and voice of your healthcare facility—welcoming visitors, answering phones, scheduling appointments, handling paperwork, and supporting the entire medical team behind the scenes.

But this role goes far beyond just “managing the front desk.”

A great medical receptionist is:

  • Calm under pressure (especially when the waiting room is full)

  • Compassionate toward nervous or distressed patients

  • Organized enough to juggle phone calls, forms, and schedules—all at once

  • A clear communicator who can work with both patients and professionals

In short, they keep things running smoothly while making sure every patient feels heard, respected, and taken care of.

🩺 Whether someone is calling with a medical concern or walking in for an appointment, the receptionist sets the tone for their entire experience. That’s why emotional intelligence, patience, and professionalism are just as important as technical skills.

This is what your job post should reflect—not just what they’ll do, but how much it matters.

Two Great Medical Receptionist Job Description Templates

✅ Option 1: For Experienced Medical Receptionists

📌 Job Title:
 Medical Receptionist for Busy Family Health Practice

📍 Location: Kansas | On-site| Full-Time
 💼 Type: Full-Time | In-Person
 💰 Salary: $21–$25/hour (based on experience)
 🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

A Quick Hello from Our Team
 🎥 Watch this short 1-minute video from our Clinic Director to learn what it’s like to work here and why we’re hiring.

About Us:
 At Havenwood Family Practice, we’ve spent over a decade supporting our community with thoughtful, relationship-based care. We believe patient experience starts at the front desk—and we’re now hiring a dependable, friendly, and experienced medical receptionist to be that first point of contact.

What You’ll Be Doing:
 You’ll help create a calm, organized experience for every patient. From scheduling appointments to managing paperwork, you’ll play a critical role in helping the clinic run smoothly.

  • Greet patients in person and over the phone with warmth and professionalism
  • Schedule and confirm appointments efficiently
  • Manage patient records and intake paperwork
  • Support the billing process (insurance info, copays, etc.)
  • Keep the front desk organized and the clinic flowing

What We’re Looking For:

  • 2+ years experience in a medical or clinical front desk role
  • Confident communicator with a clear, compassionate phone manner
  • Familiarity with EMR systems (e.g., Athena, Epic, etc.)
  • Organized, adaptable, and detail-oriented
  • Professional presence—calm under pressure
  • Bonus: Experience working in pediatrics or family care

Why Work With Us:
 We’re a tight-knit team that values clarity, kindness, and accountability. This role isn’t just about checking people in—it’s about helping them feel seen and supported from the moment they walk in.

  • Competitive pay
  • Paid time off + sick leave
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Monthly team lunches & wellness perks
  • Opportunities for advancement

How to Apply:
 We use WorkScreen to ensure every applicant gets a fair and skills-based review.
 📥 Click here to apply and complete a short practical assessment—it only takes a few minutes, and we’ll respond to every application.

🌱 Option 2: For Entry-Level or Willing-to-Train Candidates

📌 Job Title:
 Friendly & Organized Medical Receptionist – No Experience Needed (We’ll Train You!)

📍 Location: Kansas | On-site| Full-Time
 💼 Type: Entry-Level | In-Person
 💰 Salary: $16–$18/hour (starting)
 🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Meet the Team First
 🎥 Watch this 1-minute video from our front desk team—they’ll give you a quick look into what the job is like and what kind of teammate we’re looking for.

About Us:
 Willowbridge Medical is a growing, community-focused outpatient clinic that puts people first. We believe great receptionists aren’t just task-doers—they’re relationship builders. That’s why we’re open to training the right person. If you’re warm, organized, and eager to learn, this could be a great fit—even if you’ve never worked in healthcare before.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Greet and check in patients
  • Answer phone calls and assist with appointment scheduling
  • Keep patient files updated and organized
  • Help with billing and insurance paperwork (we’ll teach you)
  • Create a positive, welcoming front-desk experience

What We’re Looking For:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Polite, clear communication (in-person and phone)
  • Comfortable with basic computer tasks
  • Friendly and dependable—shows up on time
  • Willing to learn and take feedback
  • Bonus: Any customer-facing experience (retail, hospitality, etc.)

Why Join Willowbridge:

  • We invest in people, not just résumés
  • You’ll be trained, supported, and given room to grow
  • You’ll work in a team that values kindness and patience
  • We promote from within and reward consistency

Benefits:

  • Paid training
  • PTO after 90 days
  • Monthly bonuses
  • Daily team check-ins for support

How to Apply:
 We use WorkScreen to make hiring more fair and transparent.
 📥 Click here to apply, complete a short skills-based assessment, and we’ll keep you posted every step of the way.

Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.

Why These Medical Receptionist Job Posts Work

Both job posts above follow a structure that attracts real, qualified applicants—not just anyone sending out mass applications. Here’s why they work (and how you can apply these principles to any job post):

✅ 1. The Job Title Is Clear and Purpose-Driven

Instead of a vague title like “Receptionist,” we used:

Medical Receptionist for Busy Family Health Practice
 Friendly & Organized Medical Receptionist – No Experience Needed

Why it works:

  • It immediately signals the setting (medical, not generic office work)
  • It hints at the environment (fast-paced, friendly, etc.)
  • For the entry-level version, it removes intimidation and invites more confident, curious applicants—even those without experience

✅ 2. There’s a Warm, Human Introduction

Each post opens with an “About Us” section that highlights:

  • The company’s mission
  • The tone and culture of the workplace
  • Why the role exists and how it contributes to the bigger picture

This builds emotional connection and helps applicants see why the job matters—not just what it is.

✅ 3. The Posts Include a Real Video

🎥 Adding a Loom or YouTube video from the hiring manager or receptionist team is a game-changer.

Why it works:

  • Makes the post more personal and trustworthy
  • Helps applicants get a feel for the team vibe before applying
  • Stands out visually in a sea of plain-text job ads

✅ 4. There’s Transparent Salary and Schedule Info

Both job posts state:

  • The pay range
  • Expected work hours
  • Whether the role is full-time or entry-level

Why it works:

  • Builds trust early
  • Attracts candidates who are aligned with the offer
  • Reduces time-wasting applications from people outside your budget or schedule

✅ 5. Responsibilities Are Described as Impactful, Not Just Tasks

Rather than just “answer phone calls” or “schedule appointments,” we framed duties in terms of their importance:

“You’ll help create a calm, organized experience for every patient.”

Why it works:

  • It shows why the task matters
  • It elevates the role and makes the candidate feel valuable
  • It attracts people who care about how they show up at work—not just what they do

✅ 6. The Hiring Process Is Respectful and Clear

Instead of the usual “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted,” both posts say:

“We review every application and will update you regardless of the outcome.”

And they explain why WorkScreen is being used—to ensure fairness and assess real skills.

Why it works:

  • Shows respect for the candidate’s time
  • Signals professionalism
  • Helps reduce drop-off and builds goodwill

✅ 7. Each Post Ends With a Strong, Human CTA

Instead of “Submit your CV,” they say:

“Click the link below to apply and complete a short practical assessment—it only takes a few minutes, and we’ll respond to every application.”

Why it works:

  • It’s clear, friendly, and non-intimidating
  • Gives applicants visibility into what happens next
  • Increases follow-through from qualified applicants

Example of a Bad Medical Receptionist Job Description (And Why It Fails)

This is the kind of post you’ll find all over the internet—and the kind top candidates scroll right past.

❌ Generic Job Post Example

Job Title:
 Receptionist

Company:
 City Clinic

Location:
 In-Person | Full-Time

Job Summary:
 We are seeking a medical receptionist to manage front desk operations and assist with administrative tasks. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Answer phones and schedule appointments
  • Greet patients and manage check-in
  • File patient records and update system
  • Perform general office duties as required

Requirements:

  • High school diploma
  • 1–2 years receptionist experience
  • Good communication and time management skills

How to Apply:
 Send your resume and cover letter to: hr@cityclinicjobs.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

⚠️ Why This Post Doesn’t Work

❌ 1. The Job Title Is Vague and Uninspired

“Receptionist” doesn’t say what kind, where, or why it matters.

There’s no mention of the medical environment or the kind of clinic—so applicants don’t know if it’s a pediatric office, dental practice, or hospital front desk.

❌ 2. The Introduction Is Cold and Generic

“We are seeking a medical receptionist to manage front desk operations…”

This doesn’t speak to the applicant—it speaks at them. It’s just filler with no sense of mission or team.

❌ 3. There’s No Context, Culture, or Personality

There’s no mention of:

  • Who the company serves
  • What it’s like to work there
  • The values or tone of the workplace

It reads like a robot wrote it—and sounds like a job that could be anywhere.

❌ 4. The Responsibilities Are Just a To-Do List

There’s no framing of impact. Saying “File patient records” or “Perform general office duties” doesn’t help the applicant understand why they’re doing it—or how it contributes to patient care.

❌ 5. There’s No Mention of Compensation or Benefits

Leaving out salary, perks, or schedule details creates unnecessary friction. Serious applicants want clarity—vague posts attract less motivated or low-fit candidates.

❌ 6. The Application Process Feels Dismissive

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.”

This gives the impression that the employer doesn’t respect applicants’ time. There’s no timeline, no sense of what to expect, and no indication that the process is thoughtful or fair.

❌ 7. There’s No Call to Action—Just a Cold Email

A simple “send your resume” at the end does nothing to encourage action or excitement.

Bottom line: This job post might get some applicants, but they’ll likely be unmotivated or mismatched. It misses the opportunity to sell the role, the team, and the impact.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out

These aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re trust-builders, differentiators, and sometimes the reason a great candidate chooses your post over another.

Here are some smart additions you can include in your medical receptionist job description to attract thoughtful, high-quality applicants:

✅ 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants

Help applicants feel safe and confident when applying. A simple sentence like this can build immediate trust:

🛡️ “We take applicant privacy seriously. We’ll never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any point in the hiring process.”

This is especially helpful in industries where job scams are common (like healthcare and admin).

✅ 2. Mention Time Off or Flex Days

Candidates value work-life balance—even in front desk roles. If your clinic offers flexible leave, say so:

🌴 “Enjoy up to 14 paid days off per year so you can rest, recharge, or take care of personal matters without stress.”

Even a small PTO offer signals that you respect your staff’s well-being.

✅ 3. Call Out Training & Growth Opportunities

If you promote from within or invest in staff development, highlight it. It encourages better-fit, long-term candidates to apply.

📈 “We invest in your growth with ongoing training, mentorship, and the potential to grow into office management or patient coordinator roles.”

Especially important for entry-level job posts—this opens the door for high-potential, low-experience applicants.

✅ 4. Include a Video From the Team or Hiring Manager

We’ve already included this in the templates, but it’s worth repeating: a short, friendly video makes your post 10x more human and memorable.

🎥 A 45–60 second Loom or YouTube clip can showcase your workspace, introduce the hiring manager, or let a current receptionist describe their experience.

No production needed—just honesty and warmth.

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

✅ 5. Add a Line About How You Treat Applicants

Set your job post apart by showing you actually care about the hiring experience:

🤝 “We review every application and make sure to follow up with all candidates—because we believe everyone deserves clarity, not silence.”

This shows you’re respectful, professional, and worth working for.

Should You Use AI to Write Your Job Post?

The short answer? Yes—but only if you use it wisely.

With tools like ChatGPT and built-in AI writers from platforms like Workable or Manatal, it’s tempting to generate a job post in one click and call it done.

But here’s the problem:

❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone

If you use AI to write your medical receptionist job post without giving it any real context, you’ll likely end up with something that looks like this:

  • Vague job titles
  • Cold, generic intros
  • No culture, no personality
  • Zero understanding of what makes your team or patients unique

And that leads to bad results:

  • You attract low-effort, mass-applying candidates
  • You miss out on emotionally intelligent, team-fit applicants
  • Your job post blends in with dozens of other lifeless listings

Remember: AI is only as good as the input you give it.

✅ The Right Way to Use AI When Writing Job Descriptions

Think of AI like a skilled assistant—not the author.

Start by feeding it the raw ingredients you already know, such as:

  • What your company does
  • What makes your culture different
  • What kind of person would thrive in this role
  • What the receptionist will actually do (in your words)
  • What you’re offering (salary, benefits, growth)
  • What values matter most in your workplace

Then give it a prompt like:

“Help me write a job post for our clinic, [Company Name]. We’re hiring a [Job Title] to help with [Brief Overview of Responsibilities].
 Our team culture is [Describe Values & Environment].
 We want to attract candidates who are [Describe Ideal Traits].
 We offer the following: [Insert Salary + Benefits].
 Here’s how our hiring process works: [Explain].”

You can even add:

“Please write this in a warm, human tone like the examples in this article.”

🛠️ Want to Take It Further?

Here’s a smart workflow:

  1. Write a rough draft or bullet points manually

     

  2. Feed it to AI to improve clarity, tone, or flow

     

  3. Edit it again for accuracy and culture-fit

     

That’s how you get a polished job description that reflects your values—and actually connects with real people.

Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description Template?

Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)

📌 Job Title: Medical Receptionist – Be the Warm Welcome Our Patients Deserve at [Company Name]

 📍 Location: In-Person | Full-Time| [Location]
 💰 Salary: $XX–$XX/hour (based on experience)

🎥 Watch a 1-minute intro video from our team

About Us
 We’re a fast-paced family care clinic known for compassionate care, clear communication, and a team that genuinely supports each other. We’re looking for a medical receptionist who brings calm, clarity, and kindness to our front desk—because you’re not just greeting patients; you’re setting the tone for their entire visit.

What You’ll Do

  • Welcome patients in-person and over the phone
  • Schedule, confirm, and reschedule appointments
  • Maintain accurate records and assist with billing
  • Support clinical staff with admin needs
  • Keep our front office organized and efficient

What We’re Looking For

  • Prior receptionist experience (medical preferred)
  • Strong communication and multitasking skills
  • Friendly, proactive, and dependable
  • Bonus: Familiarity with EMR systems

Why Join Us

  • Competitive salary + paid time off
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Room to grow and develop within the team
  • Supportive culture where people feel seen and appreciated

How to Apply
 We use WorkScreen to make our hiring process fair and efficient.
 📥 Apply here, complete a short practical task, and we’ll respond to every applicant.

[Insert application link]

🧱 Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format

📌 Job Title: Medical Receptionist at [Company Name]
 📍 Location: In-Person | Full-Time| [Location]
 💰 Salary: $XX–$XX/hour

Job Summary:
 We are hiring a medical receptionist to manage front desk operations, assist patients, and support administrative workflows in our outpatient clinic. The ideal candidate is friendly, organized, and experienced in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities:

  • Greet and check in patients
  • Answer phones and schedule appointments
  • Verify insurance information and assist with billing
  • Maintain patient records and documentation
  • Collaborate with nurses and clinical staff as needed

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1–2 years receptionist or admin experience
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Proficiency with EMR systems is a plus
  • Excellent attention to detail and time management

Benefits:

  • PTO and paid holidays
  • Health and dental coverage
  • Weekly team lunches and wellness perks
  • Professional development support

How to Apply:
 Click here to apply via WorkScreen [insert application link]
 All applicants will be reviewed, and we respond to every candidate.

Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step

Once you’ve written a clear, thoughtful job post that reflects your culture, you’re only halfway there.

Because even the best job description can still attract the wrong kind of applicants—AI-generated résumés, mass applications, or candidates who look great on paper but can’t perform in the real world.

That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.

Here’s How WorkScreen Helps You Hire Smarter:

✅ Quickly Identify Your Top Candidates

No more guessing based on résumés alone. WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—so you can instantly see who’s truly qualified.

✅ Send One-Click Skill Tests

Workscreen helps you use one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world abilities, not just job history. Whether it’s communication, organization, or attention to detail, you’ll get a clear picture of who can actually do the work.

✅ Eliminate Low-Effort, AI-Generated Applications

With built-in anti-cheat and anti-AI systems, WorkScreen helps filter out low-effort copy-paste applicants, one-click submitters, and those using AI tools to game the process—so you only focus on serious, high-quality candidates.

✅ Give Applicants a Better Experience

Your candidates deserve clarity, speed, and respect. WorkScreen’s process is smooth, transparent, and designed to treat applicants like people—not numbers in a spreadsheet.

🎯 Next Step: Sign up at WorkScreen.io, create your job post, and share your custom link across platforms. We’ll handle the evaluation part—so you can focus on interviewing only the best. No demos. No learning curve. Just smart, simple, skills-first hiring.

FAQ

The average salary for a medical receptionist varies by location, experience, and healthcare setting.

In the United States:

  • Entry-level roles typically range from $15–$18/hour

  • Experienced medical receptionists can earn $20–$25/hour, or more in high-cost areas or specialty clinics

In the UK:

  • Starting salaries often fall between £19,000–£22,000/year

  • Experienced candidates can earn £24,000–£28,000/year, particularly in private practices or busy hospitals

💡 Tip: Always list a salary range in your job post. It builds trust and helps filter applicants who are aligned with your budget.

Technical skills are important—but soft skills are often what set great receptionists apart.

Here are the top soft skills to look for:

  • Emotional intelligence: staying calm, reading tone, handling difficult patients with empathy

  • Clear communication: both verbal and written, especially for relaying medical information

  • Time management: juggling calls, patients, and admin tasks without dropping the ball

  • Attention to detail: especially when dealing with insurance, billing, or records

  • Adaptability: clinics can be unpredictable—great receptionists stay flexible

  • Professionalism: punctual, composed, and trustworthy even during peak hours

🧠 Behavioral interview questions are great for assessing these traits (e.g., “Tell me about a time you dealt with a frustrated patient.”)

Yes—always.

Including a salary range:

  • Attracts more serious, aligned candidates

  • Builds transparency and trust

  • Reduces time spent on applicants who are far outside your budget

Not listing salary is one of the top reasons great applicants skip over job posts entirely.

Aim for 500–800 words.

That’s enough space to:

  • Explain your company and culture

  • List responsibilities in plain English

  • Show why the job matters

  • Be clear about pay, schedule, and expectations

  • Guide applicants on what happens next

💡 Too short = feels like you’re not trying. Too long = people won’t read it. Stick to helpful, human, and skimmable.

Only if it adds value.

For a medical receptionist role, you might instead ask for:

“A short note (3–4 sentences) telling us why you’re interested in this role and what makes you a good fit.”

This gives you insight without scaring off strong candidates who might be busy or applying quickly.

WorkScreen helps filter out low-effort, AI-generated responses with built-in detection tools.

On your own, here are signs to watch for:

  • Generic phrasing that doesn’t reference your clinic or job specifics

  • Overly polished language that doesn’t match their résumé

  • Fast submissions minutes after the post goes live

💡 Add a question to your application that requires lived experience, like:

“Describe a time you stayed calm under pressure. What happened, and how did you handle it?”

These are harder for AI to fake—and easier for real humans to answer.

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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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