Physical Therapy Receptionist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the health and wellness sector, the role of a physical therapy receptionist is increasingly crucial.

As the demand for quality healthcare services escalates, the need for competent individuals who can manage, facilitate, and enhance our physical therapy services is also on the rise.

So, what exactly is expected of a physical therapy receptionist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the dynamics of physical therapy reception,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable physical therapy receptionist job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into it.

Physical Therapy Receptionist Duties and Responsibilities

Physical Therapy Receptionists handle the administrative tasks in a physical therapy clinic or facility.

Their duties often include interacting with patients, scheduling appointments, and handling patient records.

The daily duties and responsibilities of a Physical Therapy Receptionist include:

• Greet and welcome patients to the facility
• Answer and direct incoming phone calls
• Schedule and confirm appointments for patients
• Update and manage patient records
• Coordinate with therapists and other healthcare professionals to ensure smooth operation
• Process payments and handle billing queries
• Ensure the reception area is clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies
• Provide information about the services offered at the facility
• Assist patients with any paperwork required for their treatment
• Manage patient flow in the clinic, ensuring that appointments run on time

 

Physical Therapy Receptionist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly organized and compassionate Physical Therapy Receptionist to join our healthcare team.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for greeting patients, scheduling appointments, handling patient inquiries, and managing patient records.

As a Physical Therapy Receptionist, your primary role will be to provide excellent customer service to our patients and ensure smooth operations at the front desk.

You should have a friendly demeanor, strong organizational skills, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and visitors in a courteous and friendly manner
• Schedule patient appointments and manage appointment calendar
• Answer phone calls, handle patient inquiries, and take messages
• Maintain patient records and ensure confidentiality
• Assist patients with filling out forms and paperwork
• Collect payments and issue receipts
• Coordinate with physical therapists to ensure smooth patient flow
• Keep reception area clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience as a receptionist, preferably in a healthcare setting
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Proficiency in using computers and medical software
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Understanding of medical terminology is preferred
• Able to maintain patient confidentiality

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness programs

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Physical Therapy Receptionist
• Work Environment: Clinical setting. This role involves direct patient contact and requires long periods of sitting.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Physical Therapy Office Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $28,500 minimum to $35,500 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Physical Therapy Receptionist Do?

A Physical Therapy Receptionist works primarily in a physical therapy clinic or hospital setting.

Their main role is to manage the front desk operations and provide administrative support to the medical staff, particularly physical therapists.

They are responsible for welcoming patients and visitors, taking phone calls, and scheduling patient appointments.

They may also handle patient inquiries, whether in person, on the phone or via email, providing information about services and treatment procedures offered at the facility.

The Physical Therapy Receptionist ensures patient files are updated and well-organized, which involves recording patient information, processing insurance forms, and keeping track of billing and payments.

In some cases, they might also assist with the coordination of patient transportation for those who require it.

Ensuring a comfortable and clean reception area for patients and visitors is also part of their role.

Overall, the Physical Therapy Receptionist is crucial in maintaining smooth operations, ensuring patients are well-informed and supported throughout their physical therapy journey.

 

Physical Therapy Receptionist Qualifications and Skills

A successful Physical Therapy Receptionist should possess the following skills and qualifications in line with your job description:

• Excellent customer service skills for welcoming and assisting patients, answering inquiries and handling any complaints professionally.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage appointments, patient records, and other administrative tasks efficiently.
• Effective communication skills to interact with patients, therapists, and other healthcare professionals, understanding and conveying information accurately and clearly.
• Basic understanding of medical terminology and physical therapy procedures to better assist patients and therapists.
• Proficiency in using computer systems for data entry, patient scheduling, billing and report preparation.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate record-keeping, scheduling and information management.
• Problem-solving skills to effectively handle schedule conflicts, patient concerns, and other reception-related issues.
• Discretion and respect for confidentiality, understanding the sensitive nature of medical information.

 

Physical Therapy Receptionist Experience Requirements

Physical Therapy Receptionists typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education level to begin this career path, though some clinics may prefer a candidate with an associate’s degree in a relevant field.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience in an administrative or customer service role.

This experience can be gained through internships or part-time roles in medical offices, hospitals, or physical therapy clinics.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often have developed their administrative skills and knowledge in their previous roles.

They may have experience with scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and understanding insurance policies.

Some physical therapy receptionists may also have experience with medical billing and coding.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some managerial experience in their background and may be ready for a role with more responsibilities, such as office manager or administrative coordinator in a physical therapy clinic.

Knowledge of physical therapy terminology and procedures can be beneficial, but it is not always required.

However, candidates will need to learn this information quickly once they begin their role.

Good communication skills, both written and verbal, are also necessary for this role due to frequent interactions with patients, physical therapists, and insurance companies.

 

Physical Therapy Receptionist Education and Training Requirements

Physical Therapy Receptionists typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Familiarity with the medical field is advantageous and therefore, some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a medical office administration program or similar.

Training in physical therapy terminology can be particularly beneficial.

This can be acquired either through formal education or on-the-job experience.

Physical Therapy Receptionists must also possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills as they are often the first point of contact for patients.

Therefore, training in customer service can be beneficial.

Knowledge of medical software is often required, so computer and software training is necessary.

This may be offered on-the-job or candidates may pursue it independently.

Finally, understanding of basic office duties such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and billing procedures is essential.

This may be acquired through previous work experience or formal training programs.

While certification is not typically required, a Certified Medical Receptionist (CMR) credential can enhance employment prospects and demonstrate commitment to the profession.

 

Physical Therapy Receptionist Salary Expectations

A Physical Therapy Receptionist can expect to earn an average salary of $28,500 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary significantly based on the level of experience, the location of the clinic, and the size of the organization.

 

Physical Therapy Receptionist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Physical Therapy Receptionist need?

A Physical Therapy Receptionist needs to have excellent communication and customer service skills to interact with patients, their families, and medical staff.

They must be organized and detail-oriented to manage patient records, appointment scheduling, and insurance paperwork.

Computer literacy is required for using medical software and office applications.

Additionally, they need to have empathy and patience as they will often interact with patients in pain or discomfort.

 

Do Physical Therapy Receptionists need a degree?

A degree is not always required for this role, but a high school diploma or its equivalent is generally needed.

Some roles may require a certification in medical office administration or similar.

Knowledge of medical terminologies and experience in healthcare settings would be advantageous.

 

What should you look for in a Physical Therapy Receptionist resume?

Check for previous experience in reception or administrative roles, particularly in healthcare settings.

Familiarity with medical terms and insurance processes is a plus.

Proficiency in office software and medical management systems should be noted.

Additionally, strong interpersonal and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to handle stressful situations are beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Physical Therapy Receptionist?

A good Physical Therapy Receptionist is compassionate, understanding, and patient, as they often deal with individuals in pain or discomfort.

They should be highly organized to handle administrative tasks efficiently and have excellent communication skills to liaise between patients, therapists, and insurance companies.

The ability to handle sensitive information confidentially is also crucial.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Physical Therapy Receptionist?

The difficulty in hiring a Physical Therapy Receptionist may vary based on the specific requirements of the role and the job market.

If the role requires knowledge of medical terminology or specific software skills, it may be more challenging to find qualified candidates.

However, providing a competitive salary and a supportive work environment can attract quality applicants.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the integral role of a Physical Therapy Receptionist.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about scheduling appointments.

It’s about being the first point of contact in a journey towards better health, one patient at a time.

With our detailed Physical Therapy Receptionist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to resource for creating the most effective job listings or polishing your resume to shine.

Remember:

Every interaction is a crucial step towards a patient’s recovery.

Let’s promote better health. Together.