How to Become a Medical Transcriptionist

The Basics

Medical transcriptionists create reports and other administrative documents from physicians’ dictated recordings. In addition to transcribing, you’ll edit information for grammar errors and proper usage of medical terms in a patient’s records. You’ll need an in-depth knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, medical procedures and treatments, and pharmacology—as well as a high degree of attention to detail. Medical transcriptionists must also be aware of the legal standards and requirements that apply to health records.

Where you’ll work: Hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, nursing homes, public health agencies and home health care agencies. Some medical transcriptionists work at home as employees of transcription businesses or as independent contractors.

Education and Training

In addition to your degree, you’ll need to complete a certified medical transcription training program, usually a 6-month to the 2-year certificate, diploma or associate’s degree program.

Graduates must understand medical terms, their meanings, spelling, and pronunciation, and possess hands-on transcription experience.

Coursework generally includes the following subjects:

•     English composition and grammar
•     Computer applications
•     Medical terminology
•     Pathology
•     Anatomy and physiology
•     Medical transcription skills 

Medical Transcriptionist Certification

Certification is optional but highly recommended. Medical transcriptionists who pass the national exam given by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) will earn the title Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT). Every 3 years, CMTs must earn continuing education credits to be re-certified.

Source: allalliedhealthschools.com