Explore unit group

Version:
NOC 2006 Version 1.0

1414 – Receptionists and Switchboard Operators

Receptionists and switchboard operators greet people arriving at offices, hospitals and other establishments, direct visitors to appropriate person or service, answer and forward telephone calls, take messages, schedule appointments and perform other clerical duties. They are employed by hospitals, medical and dental offices and in other offices throughout the public and private sectors.

Profile

Index of titles Example job titles

  • Admitting clerk
  • Answering service operator
  • Appointment clerk
  • Business receptionist
  • Clerk switchboard operator
  • Clerk, hospital admissions
  • Dental office receptionist
  • Dental receptionist
  • Doctor's office receptionist
  • Emergency admitting clerk
  • Front desk clerk (except hotel)
  • Hospital admissions clerk
  • Hospital admitting clerk
  • Hospital receptionist
  • Information desk clerk
  • Medical clinic receptionist
  • Medical office secretary-receptionist
  • Medical receptionist
  • Office reception clerk
  • Office receptionist
  • Operator, switchboard
  • Operator, telephone answering service
  • Reception clerk
  • Reception clerk, office
  • Receptionist
  • Receptionist-clerk
  • Receptionist-secretary
  • Receptionist-switchboard operator
  • Receptionist-telephone operator
  • Receptionist-typist
  • Receptionist, hospital
  • Receptionist, medical clinic
  • Secretary-receptionist, medical office
  • Switchboard operator
  • Switchboard operator, clerical
  • Telephone answering service operator
  • Telephone clerk
  • Telereceptionist
  • Voice communication system operator
  • Admitting clerk
  • Answering service operator
  • Business receptionist
  • Dental receptionist
  • Front desk clerk (except hotel)
  • Hospital admitting clerk
  • Medical receptionist
  • Reception clerk
  • Receptionist
  • Switchboard operator
  • Telereceptionist

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
    • Receptionists greet people coming into offices and other establishments, direct them to the appropriate contacts or services, and provide information in person and by phone and may perform clerical duties and maintain front desk security and security access lists.
    • Hospital admitting clerks interview patients to obtain and process information required to provide hospital and medical services.
    • Medical and dental receptionists greet patients, schedule appointments, using manual or computerized systems, receive and record payment for services, and direct patients to appropriate areas.
    • Switchboard operators operate a telephone system or switchboard to answer, screen and forward telephone calls, taking messages and providing information as required; and may perform clerical duties.
    • Answering service operators answer telephones and record and relay messages.
    • Front desk clerks in a variety of institutional and commercial settings direct customers to appropriate areas, record bookings, handle credit card checks, receive payment, issue receipts, arrange tour reservations and deal with emergency situations.

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • On-the-job training may be provided.

Additional information

  • Some receptionists are required to be bilingual or multilingual to perform their duties.

Exclusions

Breakdown summary

Broad occupational category
1 – Business, Finance and Administration Occupations
Skill level
C – Occupations usually require secondary school and/or occupation-specific training.
Major group
14 – Clerical Occupations
Minor group
141 – Clerical Occupations, General Office Skills
Version
NOC 2006 Version 1.0