Skills needed to apply for an office position @ a doctor office??

I am currently going to college to get a degree in Medical Transcription. I have never worked in a doctors office, but think that would be a good experience for me to have before jumping right in and applying for MT jobs.

What exactly do I need to know, be skilled at, before applying for a clerical/receptionist position? I have worked retail in the past. I am a good typist, I am familiar with Microsoft Word, and have good computer skills.

Thanks for any info you can share!

First of all understand that MT and clerical and receptionist are three really, really different jobs.
Understand the job description when you apply.
You may be asked to train in medical billing because you know the terminology. (Don't just assume that SOB is shortness of breath, know your doctors specialty.)
I know that you probably know this but I am going to tell you anyhow.
Show up on time. That will help you keep a job faster than any other skill you have.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Depending on the office you will get lots of help or just told to figure it out. You have to be alot more capable if you have to figure it out on your own. Don't give up, just keep asking questions until you get an answer that leads you to the needed information.
Be flexible, offer to do be available to do any job necessary.
Be polite to the patients and the rest of the staff. Learn who is your immediate boss and the chain of command. If you work in a two or three person office you may only be responsible to the doctor. That can be harder to work with.
In a small office you might be asked to do some Internet work, so be familiar with how to get around medical sites.
Dress very professionally, nothing cutesy or trendy.
For your interview wear closed shoes. No toes or heals showing.
This might not have been what you were looking for, but it is all good advise.
I worked for four different doctors. Each one had their own quirks but you can work with anything once you get use to it.
Feel free to e-mail me if you want to talk more about it.

Besides Transcriptions skills you will need computer skills, telephone techniques, filing skills, use fax, write receipts, make appointments, greet public, answer questions, fill in forms, deal with physicians & nurses, other staff, to start with. Maybe even make coffee, clean patient waiting rooms, etc. called "other related duties".

Its a good idea to have some knowledge of diffirent diseases and medical conditions. Being able to answer phones and run a computer is excellent also.