Job Description of an Admissions Clerk

The title of admissions clerk applies most frequently to workers in hospitals or other health care facilities, providing a point of initial contact for patients who are being admitted or otherwise accessing the services of the institution. The title, admissions clerk, is also used for employees who work for the admissions or registrar's office in schools, colleges and universities. The duties may vary depending on the need of the employer but are primarily administrative and clerical in scope.

Initial Contact

Admissions clerks are often one of the first contacts a prospective patient or student has in the health facility or school. They often set appointments for interviews or initial meetings. They must have good people skills, be able to communicate well and answer questions, provide all necessary paperwork, and help the person fill out that paperwork accurately in order to gather the admitting information required by the facility, such as admissions forms, applications, legal or other paperwork.

Interviews

The admissions clerk is often responsible for contacting and interviewing a prospective patient or student in person, by phone or other means to ensure he or she understands the procedures required for admittance. The admissions clerk will gather information, such as the prospect's name and contact information. In hospitals, for example, the admissions clerk will ensure that emergency notification, physician, insurance company and payment information is all properly recorded and filed for appropriate future use.

Facility Guide

The admissions clerk will explain the rules and regulations of the institution to the prospect. He or she will provide information on such things as hours, access, directions, special services, fees and payment schedule. When a patient or student is ready to be admitted, the admissions clerk will arrange for the person to find, or be escorted to, their assigned room or department.

Administration

Admissions clerks gather, file and maintain the many records required in their office. These may include such things as admissions forms, correspondence and contact information. They also maintain the many pieces of information provided to the prospects, such as brochures or fee schedules. In addition, admissions clerks may be responsible for gathering and compiling a range of data related to the patients or prospects, such as hospital census records. Some admission clerks may help coordinate interaction between other departments. They may also be involved in recruitment or helping to organize or maintain a calendar of events for outreach activities.

Job Qualifications

The basic qualification for an admissions clerk is a high school diploma, although some employers prefer college or prior job experience as well. Since an admissions clerk deals directly with the public on a regular basis, it's important that the employee have the ability to interact well with many different types of people with tact and a polite attitude. They should have excellent communication skills in person and on the phone. They also need to be well-organized and have the appropriate computer or other skills specifically required by the employer.

Pay Scale

Admission clerks earn an average median pay of approximately $11 to $15 an hour depending on their experience, the facility's size and the general pay levels of that specific location in the country. For example, in general, major cities and large employers will have a higher pay scale.

Schedule and Hours

The admissions clerk may work full- or part-time and, depending on the hours of the institution, may be required to work some weekends or evenings, or attend special activities related to customer service.