How to become a medical receptionist

A medical receptionist is the first point of contact for patients in NHS healthcare settings (most often GP surgeries). 

They provide front-desk support, run the appointment and reception systems, and communicate between patients, GPs, nurses, pharmacists and other services. Day-to-day, you’ll find a medical receptionist performing a range of roles, including (but not limited to): 

  • Monitoring the flow of patients through clinics
  • Handling queries via phone, email and online consultation tools
  • Booking GP, nurse or other primary-care appointments
  • Arranging home-visit requests
  • Managing administrative tasks (repeat prescription requests, referrals/letters, fees for non-NHS work) and updating patient records on the practice system.

While this might sound like a lot of responsibility (and it is!), becoming a medical receptionist can be a fulfilling, patient-facing role that allows you to help those in need. 

Formal education

Generally, there are no nationally fixed entry requirements for medical receptionist roles in UK primary care. Practices usually look for candidates with strong literacy, numeracy and IT skills, plus a friendly, customer-focused demeanour. 

Many adverts ask for GCSE English and maths (or equivalent) and offer on-the-job training for the rest.

GCSE’s

Most employers prefer GCSEs (or equivalents), especially English and Maths, because the job centres around accurate communication, appointment booking, reading referral letters and using clinical systems. 

As a rule of thumb, you’ll see requirements like GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A–C)* for advanced apprenticeships or for direct entry to many receptionist posts.

Certificates/diplomas 

While in no way mandatory, sector-recognised admin/medical courses help you evidence job-ready skills. Here’s a quick run-down: 

  • AMSPAR (Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists) qualifications: Long-established in primary care administration, including the Level 2/3 Diploma in Medical Administration and Level 2/3 Certificate/Award in Medical Terminology. These are well-known to GP practices and often appear in person specifications.
  • Business Administration (Level 3) apprenticeship: A route to paid employment where students can gain a nationally recognised standard. 
  • Medical & Clinical Administration — QLS Level 3: If you’d like a structured online course to build knowledge (before or alongside) applying, the Distance Learning Centre (DLC) offers a Medical & Clinical Administration – QLS Level 3 course. It’s a self-paced course designed for individuals in medical reception/administration roles. 

Gain relevant experience

Most NHS employers value front-of-house or admin experience because it proves you can handle busy phones, queues, records and difficult conversations calmly. 

Adverts regularly ask for service or reception experience (sometimes essential, often ‘desirable’) plus confident IT skills. Great roles include: 

  • Receptionist or call-centre agent (any sector)
  • Administrative assistant/clerical officer (NHS or other)
  • Bank (temporary) admin/reception shifts

If you’re starting out, short placements help you prove patient-facing professionalism. 

  • T Level industry placements (Business & Administration route): These placements see students spend 315+ hours with an employer. 
  • ‘Get Into’ pre-employment programmes (Prince’s Trust): 4–10-week courses that combine classroom learning and on-site experience. 
  • ‘Step into Work’ (selected NHS regions): An NHS-designed, pre-employment route that places adults into entry-level roles after a short, NHS-specific curriculum (typically completed over 6–12 weeks.
  • Supported internships (for 16–24s with an EHC plan/SEND): A structured, work-based study with job-coach support. Many NHS Trusts host placements (often in administration). 

Find a job

Now that you’ve gained experience and relevant qualifications, it’s time to look for positions! 

Start with the big UK boards and the NHS’s own site. Search for terms like ‘medical receptionist’, ‘GP receptionist’, ‘care navigator’, ‘receptionist administrator’ and save each search as an alert:

Choose Distance Learning Centre as your provider of online courses

Ready to learn? Build job-ready skills for GP reception and medical administration with Distance Learning Centre! Start with our Medical & Clinical Administration – QLS Level 3 course! 

You’ll develop core reception and administrative competencies, like managing appointments and understanding medical terminology. It’s the perfect way to study from home and move towards your first role in primary care.

Our courses are well-suited for students who prefer to learn at their own pace. This programme (and many others) can be delivered online with flexible, start-anytime study.