Medical Trancriptionist Resources
Medical Transcriptionist Careers
In the medical field, physicians and other health care professionals don't always have time to write out their own reports, letters, and other administrative paperwork. Instead, they use recordings to get all their thoughts and necessary information down. The recordings are then turned over to trained transcriptionists to relay the verbal message into writing. Although the job of medical transcriptionists can include a number of different types of tasks (especially for those who work in offices), their primary duty is to listen to these dictated recordings and type out the necessary information.
A Medical Transcriptionist's Job
Due to the incredible complexity of medical jargon and the necessity of filling out paperwork according to a standard and recognizable format, well-trained medical transcriptionists are in high demand on the job market. Their degree of specialization is only increased when taking the recording technology into consideration; most transcriptionists use a device that allows them to listen to a headset, use a foot pedal for pausing and starting the recording, and then type up the necessary information. They may be called on to use digital equipment, the Internet, or speech recognition programs. In addition, because oral speech is not the same as written text, medical transcriptionists also have to edit what they hear to make sense in the context of the paperwork or correspondence.
The types of documents that are transcribed depend largely on the job of the transcriptionist. Those who work in a physician's office may work primarily on examination reports and referral letters, while the self-employed might spread themselves out to work on autopsy reports, operative reports, and consultation reports.
Medical Transcriptionist Training
The vast majority of medical transcriptionists receive formal training through a vocational school, community college, or online learning program. Education options range from a one-year certification to a two-year Associate degree; the primary difference between the two is the additional general education courses required for the Associate degree.
Students can expect learn anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, legal and ethical issues, proper technology usage, and English grammar.
Choosing an Educational Course
Prospective medical transcription students are encouraged to choose programs that are approved by the Approval Committee for Certificate Programs through the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity and the American Health Information Management Association. Graduates of approved programs are eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) exam. After two years of experience, professionals can then sit for the Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) exam. Both certifications substantially increase job and income prospects. Check out our listing of Health Care Schools by State.
Online Training Options
Online learning courses are incredibly popular for those looking to enter the medical transcription field, since the work is often isolated or performed at home (so educational training with the same options are preferred). However, all students should first check with the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity prior to taking any educational course. Their website lists all nationally approved educational institutions, including distance learning and online options.
Current Job Market
Although job prospects for medical transcriptionists are higher than the national average, the popularity of at-home career options make this field more difficult to find work in than most other health-related careers. The right education and certification are a great way to get past any initial barriers to employment.
Medical transcriptionists can expect to make between $12 and $18 per hour. Those who work in laboratories, hospitals, and business support services typically make more than those working in physician offices.
How to Increase Wages as a Medical Transcriptionist
As medical transcriptionists become more experienced, they are better able to spot mistakes in medical reports. This makes them highly sought after, since the legal (and moral) ramifications of making errors in patient care can be costly and catastrophic. Specialization is also a great way for medical transcriptionists to increase their income and eligibility, since particular fields (such as radiology or oncology) can require more sophisticated terminology.
Medical transcriptionists have more options for job locations than many others in similar health care fields. They may work in physician offices, hospitals, transcription companies, medical libraries, government facilities, or even from home. This latter option is becoming increasingly more popular among young parents, entrepreneurs, and others looking for a way to reduce the amount of time spent away from home.
Related Articles
Medical Assistant Career
Medical Billing and Coding
Pharmacy Technician
Health Care Administrator
Medical Imaging Career
Dental Assistant Career
Medical Transcriptionist
Phlebotomy Career
Complete List of Career
Find a Top Ranked Medical Trancription School Near You
