Medical transcriptionists listen to dictated medical recordings made by health professionals and type the recording out into hardcopy to become part of the patient’s medical record. They usually listen to the dictated documents on a headset and pause the recording with a foot pedal when needed. Usually a computer is used to input the text, and it is edited fro grammar and clarity. The documents are then returned to the physician to review, before being added to the medical record
Salary and Outlook
Many medical transcriptionists work from home, while others work in hospitals or doctors' offices. Jobs are expected to increase 14 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is faster than average. The salary for medical transcriptionists is good with a median wage of $14.40 per hour in 2006. The lowest salary was $10.22 and the highest was $20.15 per hour. Many transcriptionists work a 40-hour week, however those that work from home may work evenings, weekends, or longer hours.
Education
Employers will prefer to hire transcriptionists who have completed post secondary education programs in vocational schools, community colleges, or by online or distance learning programs. A good understanding of anatomy and medical terminology is also required. Completion of a 2-year Associate’s degree or a 1-year certificate program is strongly encouraged. Courses should include anatomy, medical terminology, legal issues related to health care documentation, and English grammar and punctuation.
There are two certifications for those wishing to become certified in medical transcription: the Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) and the Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT). Recent graduates of medical transcription programs or those who have less than 2 years experience in acute care medical transcription may become a RMT after passing the certification exam. The CMT certification is earned after passing a certification examination and 2 years experience in acute care transcription including surgical transcription and the use of different report types. To keep certification current, continuing education credits must be earned every three years.
After gaining experience, medical transcriptionists can advance to become supervisors, work from home, or do editing, consulting, or teaching. Some may even start their own business. Some may also take additional training to add medical billing, or coding to their list of skills.
If your are looking for a career in the medical field, but don’t want to have direct contact with patients, then medical transcription can be a very lucrative way of entering the workforce in a limited amount of time.
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