Medical Transcription Training Programs

Medical transcription is the process of converting voice-recorded reports into written texts that become permanent medical records. Physicians or other medical professionals dictate information – such as that acquired during patient encounters – and medical transcriptionists (MTs) listen to the recording and transcribe it according to industry protocols. Training for the job – and the job itself – are usually quite flexible, and professionals may be able to set their own hours and work from home. Following is a look at how to train to be a medical transcriptionist, and what to expect on the job.

FAQ

Find Medical Transcription Programs

Students interested in a career as a medical transcriptionist have several educational pathways available to them. To find a program that suits your particular needs, use the search tool below to narrow the options using criteria such as program type and location.

Medical Transcriptionist Schools & Training

While not required, most employers prefer that medical transcriptionists have some postsecondary education to train them specifically in the practice. Generally speaking, students can choose from two options. A traditional, two-year associate degree program will include basic liberal arts education along with specialty training in medical transcription. Those wishing to accelerate their entry into the field may prefer a one-year certificate program. Here’s a closer look at each:

Medical Transcriptionist Certificate

Coursework for MT certificate programs centers on two major areas: training in transcription itself, and a comprehensive understanding of the medical terminology integral to the process. Below are descriptions of several sample courses offered by MT certificate programs.

Associate Degree

In addition to coursework specific to medical transcription itself, as outlined above, associate degree programs with medical transcription training often include courses such as:

Timeline to a Medical Transcription Career

Individuals interested in medical transcription must undertake a few key steps on their way to starting a career. Here’s a look at what to expect:

Medical Transcription Careers At-a-Glance

When patients go to a doctor or the hospital, their symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment plans must all be documented. This process can be complex, as patients often see a number of medical professionals who contribute information. Many professionals – doctors in particular – save time by recording their observations and directions verbally, dictating a voice recording that must be transcribed into written form by a medical transcriptionist. MTs typically work for hospitals, physicians in private practice, or transcription services businesses. Approximately 10 percent of MTs, especially those with a number of years’ experience, work from home. Here’s a detailed look at the medical transcriptionist career:

Medical Transcription: Career Basics

Until recently, medical transcriptionists used audio playback equipment to listen to voice recordings, and computer software to transcribe them into written form. Today, however, many transcriptionists employ speech recognition software to produce an initial written draft of a record, and then review and edit that draft for accuracy to create a final record.

Medical Transcription: In Depth

Medical transcription work requires a number of skills, including a command of English language and grammar, attention to detail, and excellent typing and computer skills. Accuracy is vital to the jobs of medical transcriptionists, as the documents they produce become part of a patient’s official medical records, and other medical professionals rely on them. When listening to recordings, they must be able to:

Medical Transcription Career & Salary Outlook

The growing use of speech recognition software, combined with a competitive job market overall, have created a challenging career outlook for medical transcriptionists. Nevertheless, the need for MTs remains, as doctors and other medical professionals will continue to need their dictated notes transcribed. In addition, a steady increase in healthcare services means more tests and procedures for patients and, in turn, more documents to be transcribed. Several factors contribute to successful employment as an MT, including specific clients and employers, geographic location, and experience.

Industries with the Most Medical Transcriptionists

TOP 5 STATES WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONISTS

HIGHEST-PAYING STATES (AND DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA) FOR MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONISTS

Source: BLS.gov

Boosting Salary with Professional Certifications

While professional certification is not a requirement to work as an MT, it can nonetheless be a big plus when seeking employment. Certification verifies that an MT’s skills have been tested and validated by a reputable professional association.

There are two major professional certifications for MTs in the U.S., both offered by the AHDI:

Additional Resources

• American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) The AHIMA is a professional association of health information management professionals worldwide. It advocates for the implementation of electronic health records, as well the promotion of ethical and appropriate use of health information.


• Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (ADHI) The ADHI is the principal association in the U.S. for professionals working in the healthcare documentation field, including medical transcriptionists. ADHI advocates for members through education and professional development, and offers professional credentialing.


• Bureau of Labor Statistics Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, the MT Occupational Handbook provides a clearinghouse of governmental facts and stats on the MT profession, including data for job growth, estimated salaries, work environment, and training and education requirements.


• CareerOneStop - Medical Transcriptionists Occupation Profile This federal government site provides comprehensive information on the MT profession. Includes a brief career video.


• O*NET OnLine Summary Report for Medical Transcriptionists A database of occupational information, the MT page on O*NET offers data about MT education, careers, job tasks, and required skills.