Medical Transcription

Medical transcriptionists listen and type out the dictated reports of physicians and other professionals in the health care industry. A course in medical transcription educates on the use of a headset and foot pedal to key the text into a personal computer or word processor, as well as editing afterward for grammar and clarity. The medical reports could include discharge summaries, medical histories, physical examinations, consultations, autopsies, diagnostic-imaging studies, progress notes, and referral letters.

Medical transcriptionists should not be confused with the medical billing and coding specialist, which is responsible for the input of financial and other sensitive medical record entries.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median salary of approximately $15 an hour for medical transcriptionists in 2008. The lowest reported salary was $10 an hour and the highest over $22 an hour. Medical and diagnostic laboratories paid the highest for medical transcriptionist services. Completing a course in medical transcription increases salary overall.

Training and Qualifications

The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity, or AHDI, awards two certifications: Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) and Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT). Medical transcriptionists that have recently graduated from an educational program, course in medical transcription, or have minimal experience (1-2 years) may pursue an RMT. The CMT requires over 2 years of experience and an acute understanding of medical transcribing. Both involve passing an examination.

The constant evolution of medicine demands that RMTs and CMTs recertify every 3 years. RMTs are also required to earn 30 continuing education credits in required categories before their 3-year cycle, and CMTs must complete online medical transcription classes and final exam during the 3-year cycle.

Graduates from an ACCP-approved course in medical transcription may participate in a Registered Apprenticeship Program sponsored by the Medical Transcription Industry Association, which is affiliated with the US Department of Labor. This apprenticeship provides further on-the-job training and technical instruction for medical transcriptionists starting their profession.

Medical transcriptionists combine medical terminology with a mastery of the English language; strong grammar, punctuation, and proficiency with computers are quintessential to the medical transcriptionist. Hearing acuity is also necessary. Because of the rigorous demands, even after certification, many employers will have applicants take a proficiency test. Online medical transcription classes prepare the medical transcriptionist for a computer-heavy profession.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical transcriptionists have a steady job growth rate of 11% in the decade of 2008 and 2018. The demand for medical transcriptionists is higher when they are certified. The highest factor in the job growth of medical transcriptionists lies in the aging population and the proportionally greater amount of medical treatments, tests, and procedures that older patients receive and are documented.

Advancement

Advancement opportunities are available for medical transcriptionists in the form of management, home-based work, editing, consulting, and teaching. They also transition into medical billing and coding or health information technicians and administrators further into their career. Online medical transcription classes or a campus-based medical transcription course help make this advancement possible.

Learn More

To learn more about online medical transcription classes or a campus-based medical transcription course in your area, fill out the following form. Alternatively, check out the information about medical billing and coding specialists.