What will I do in this job?

If you choose to become a Medical Transcriptionists, you will:

• translate and edit recorded dictation by physicians and other healthcare providers regarding patient assessment and treatment
• use headsets and transcribing machines to listen to recordings
• transcribe a variety of medical reports about emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries
• need good English grammar and punctuation skills
• need familiarity with personal computers and word processing software
• need good listening skills

After reviewing and editing for grammar and clarity, the transcribed reports are retuned in either printed or electronic form to the dictator for review and signature, or correction. These reports eventually become part of the patient’s permanent medical record. To understand and accurately transcribe dictated reports into a format that is clear and understandable, the Medical Transcriptionist must understand the language of medicine, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, and treatment. Understanding medical terminology is essential because they must be able to translate medical jargon and abbreviations into their expanded forms.

Medical Transcriptionists usually work at any of the following:

• hospitals
• doctors’ offices
• medical transcription services
• home-based offices as subcontractors for hospitals and transcribing firms

Employers prefer to hire Transcriptionists who have completed postsecondary training in medical transcription.

Advancements in voice recognition technology are not projected to reduce the need for Medical Transcriptionists because these workers will continue to be needed to review and edit drafts for accuracy. A growing number of Medical Transcriptionists will be needed to amend patients’ records, edit for grammar, and discover discrepancies in medical records.

What type of education will I need?

Community Colleges offer an Associate Degree; on-the-job training is often included in the Associate Program. American Association for Medical Transcription awards a voluntary designation of Certified Medical Transcriptionist

Will I need a special license?

No

Will I find a job?

Demand for Medical Transcriptionists is expected to increase due to rapid growth in the health care industry.

How much will I make?

Median Salary: $23,890 (Ranges from $16,000-$39,000)
(2003-2004)