5 Facts About the Certified Medical and Hospital Secretary – Facts from the Educational Counseling Office

The training program for certified medical and hospital secretaries combines basic medical knowledge with business and organizational skills. You will learn to professionally handle administrative tasks in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and clinics.

Typical course content includes:

• Medical Terminology:Understand and correctly use technical terms and abbreviations.
• Anatomy and Pathology:Learn about the basics of the human body and common diseases.
• Medical Correspondence:Prepare medical reports, referrals, and other documents according to guidelines.
• Patient Administration:Coordinate appointments and manage patient information.
• Insurance and Tariff Systems:Learn the basics of health and accident insurance as well as medical billing.
• Communication and Computer Science:Use digital tools and communicate professionally.

Depending on the school, the continuing education, further training program for hospital secretaries covers additional topics such as data protection, health law, and digital processes in the healthcare sector.

The training program to become a certified medical and hospital secretary is ideal for people who enjoy organizing, work meticulously, and are interested in the healthcare sector. Many programs are also open to career changers without a background in medicine.

This is particularly aimed at:

• Commercial clerks:Who would like to apply their administrative skills in the healthcare sector.
• People changing careers:Those who are looking to change careers.
• Healthcare professionals:Who would like to complement their medical knowledge with administrative skills.
• Women and men returning to the workforce:Those who are looking for new opportunities after taking a career break.

Depending on the educational provider, requirements may include a completed high school or vocational education, a good command of German, computer skills, or relevant professional experience. Organizational skills, discretion, and a passion for working with people are also important.

Tip:Compare the admission requirements of different schools, especially if you're aiming for a VSH Health or H+ degree.

The duration of the training program to become a medical and hospital secretary (certified) varies depending on the educational provider, the teaching model, and the desired degree. Many programs can be completed while working.

Key facts:

• Duration of training:Often one to two semesters, or longer for more extensive courses.
• Intensive Courses:Some can be completed in as little as a few months.
• Costs:Depending on the scope of the training, several thousand francs—for example, around CHF 4,000 to CHF 7,000 or more.
• Types of classes:In-person classes, evening and weekend courses, as well as some online or hybrid classes.
• Additional costs:Course materials and external diploma exams may be billed separately.

When considering a hospital secretary training program, you should take into account not only the duration but also the scope of the curriculum and the graduation requirements.

Tip:Check whether external exam fees are already included in the course price.

After completing your training as a medical and hospital secretary (certified), you can earn various certificates or diplomas, depending on the educational provider. These differ in terms of the responsible body, exam requirements, and recognition.

The main degree options:

• School-issued certificate or diploma:Issued by the respective educational institution.
• VSH Health:Certificate Program: “Medical and Hospital Secretary (Medical Office Manager) VSH Health.”
• H+:"H+ Medical Administrative Secretary" diploma upon passing the diploma exam.

New examination regulations for the H+ diploma exam have been in effect since 2026. A prior VSH Health certification is not generally required. None of the three certifications is a federal professional certificate or a federal diploma.

Tip:Before you register, find out what degree you will receive and whether any additional exams are required.

By completing a training program to become a certified medical and hospital secretary, you can qualify for administrative and organizational roles in the healthcare sector. The types of positions available to you depend on your educational background, work experience, and the degree you’ve earned.

Typical workplaces include:

• Hospitals and Clinics:Secretariats for doctors, departments, or chief physicians.
• Medical Practices:Patient reception, scheduling, and practice administration.
• Outpatient clinics and medical centers:Patient Administration and Document Management.
• Rehabilitation and long-term care facilities:Medical correspondence and administrative tasks.
• Health and Accident Insurance:Administrative duties in the healthcare sector, depending on qualifications.

The continuing education program for medical secretaries offers individuals with a business background, in particular, the opportunity to specialize in healthcare administration. It can also be a valuable addition to the careers of professionals in the medical field.

Tip:Look for a program with practical course content and a degree that aligns with your career goals.

1. To train as a hospital secretary, I need basic medical training.
   No. Many training programs are also open to career changers without a medical background. In particular, people with a business background can qualify for administrative roles in the healthcare sector by completing the appropriate continuing education, further training.
   
   
2. A medical secretary performs the same duties as a medical practice assistant (MPA).
   No. While medical and hospital secretaries primarily perform administrative and organizational tasks, training to become a medical practice assistant (with a Federal VET Diploma) also includes medical-technical and clinical duties.
   
   
3. To take the H+ diploma exam, I must first earn a VSH Health diploma.
   No. A VSH Health degree is not generally a prerequisite for the H+ diploma exam. Since the 2026 exam reform, separate admission and exam requirements have been in effect.
   
   
4. A part-time continuing education program to become a medical secretary is worth less than a full-time program.
   Not necessarily. What matters most are the course content, the scope of instruction, the hands-on exercises, and the degree or certificate earned. Part-time courses can also provide solid preparation for administrative roles in the healthcare sector.
   
   
5. As a hospital secretary, I can only work in a hospital.
   No. Medical practices, group practices, clinics, outpatient clinics, and medical centers also offer potential job opportunities. Which positions are right for you depends on your qualifications and work experience.
   
   
6. After completing my training as a medical and hospital secretary (certified), I'll automatically find a job.
   No. Depending on your background, a certificate or diploma can improve your career prospects, but it does not guarantee a job. In addition to your degree, practical experience, business knowledge, and personal skills play an important role.

Conclusion:The continuing education, further training program to become a certified medical and hospital secretary offers various entry points into the medical secretarial field. Therefore, be sure to compare not only the duration and cost, but especially the course content, admission requirements, and degree options.