As a medical transcriptionist, you transcribe dictated recordings from health care professionals into medical materials like physical exam reports, discharge summaries and medical histories. Typically, you will transcribe information using a headset, a foot pedal to stop the recording whenever you need to and a computer. Generally, post-secondary education, such as an associate's degree, is one option to meet employer's requirements. However, there is a shorter way to get into the career.
Pursue a Certificate
Employers want to hire medical transcription applicants with some postsecondary training. So pursue a certificate in medical transcription. The completion of the certificate takes approximately one year instead of a two year associate's degree. You can pursue the medical transcriptionist certificate online, at distance-learning programs, vocational schools or community colleges.
Make sure the certificate program has been approved by the Approval Committee for Certificate Programs (ACCP). Although accreditation is not required for medical transcription programs, according to BLS, it could be required if you want to seek voluntary certification from the Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) or the Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT).
Once you're in the certificate program, you'll learn about health care documentation legal issues, medical terminology and anatomy. These programs may include internships or supervised on-the-job work.
Know the Job
You need an extensive knowledge of medical terminology. Thus, you need to know terms connected with treatments, medicines and procedures to diagnose patients. Also, you must be well-educated in other areas of the job. For instance, you need an excellent knowledge of grammar and punctuation. Employers, according to Career Overview will require pre-employment exams to test your English and hearing acuity competency. In addition, you'll need to demonstrate a working knowledge of word-processing.
Tags: medical transcription, associate degree, certificate program, health care, medical terminology
