Ward clerks fulfil a wide range of duties to ensure hospital operations run smoothly. From completing administrative and clerical tasks to helping patients and guests feel more comfortable, they perform essential responsibilities in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
Given that many medical facilities operate 24 hours a day, ward clerks often work at night and on weekends. Wages for this profession can vary depending on your level of experience and location, but the average ward clerk salary in Australia is between $44,917 and $61,923 according to PayScale.
If you want a rewarding career in healthcare where no two days are the same, completing a HLT37315 Certificate III in Health Administration will help you acquire the skills needed to work as a ward clerk. Learn more about this role and if it could be the right career choice for you.
What are the responsibilities of a ward clerk?
Ward clerks typically work in the administrative arm of a hospital, providing support to doctors, nurses and other staff members. They juggle several responsibilities on a day-to-day basis, requiring advanced multitasking skills.
Typical duties for a hospital ward clerk might include:
- Managing patient intake and discharge paperwork
- Organising and updating medical records
- Serving as the contact point for patients and families
- Fielding phone calls
- Helping visitors find their way around the hospital
- Providing medical staff with clerical support.
Top Traits of a Ward Clerk
Communication Skills
Ward clerks need to speak with medical professionals, administrative team members, patients and visitors, often in busy and emotionally charged circumstances. This requires advanced verbal communication skills to help minimise stress in staff and members of the public. Having the written communication skills to perform administrative duties such as updating medical records is also essential.
Compassion
Working in any healthcare setting requires compassion, as you’ll be close to sick or injured people and their loved ones. Ward clerks need highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to empathise with patients to ensure they feel comfortable while receiving medical care.
Administrative Skills
From managing paperwork to answering phones, administrative skills are essentially any task that relates to managing a business. Ward clerks need these skills to maintain a high level of organisation and efficiency in the workplace.
Ward Clerk Qualifications
Even though only a high school diploma is required to work as a ward clerk, many employers will look favourably on applicants with a formal qualification. Completing a ward clerk course can improve your chances of finding employment in this profession by helping you stand out from the crowd.
Designed to develop the foundational skills you’ll need as a ward clerk, a HLT37315 Certificate III in Health Administration will help you gain knowledge of medical terminology and develop your understanding of work health and safety processes in medical settings.
Upon graduating from this course, you’ll be equipped to provide administrative support in a range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, medical clinics and aged care homes.
Learn more about what’s involved with being a ward clerk by reading our article What Does a Ward Clerk Do in a Hospital?
Learn more about studying a HLT37315 Certificate III in Health Administration with Foundation Education by calling our friendly and helpful team on 1300 616 197.
