Medical Transcriptionist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Have you ever overheard two doctors talking to each other about a patient or a problem in the hallways of the hospital? To the untrained ear, it might sound like they are speaking in another language, and this is because much of the technical terminology for medical conditions is foreign to the layperson. However, these terms and notations much be translated into common language so that billing experts and coding specialists can explain the treatments and the related charges to the patients once they are ready to leave the facility. The person who performs this valuable translation process is called a medical transcriptionist, and they are responsible for being able to listen to medical conversations or read medical records and transcribe the information they contain into legible records.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$28,100
Salary Range
$23,200 - $33,400

Work Environment

Although medical transcriptionists are required to work closely with doctors and medical centers, they are not always employed by clinics or hospitals. Because the transcription work can occur anywhere, as long as it is quick and accurate, medical transcriptionists are often self employed and work for medical facilities on a contract only basis.

High School Preparation

It is important for students who think that they would enjoy the work of a medical transcriptionist to spend their high school career developing the skills they will need to interact with medical professionals and record information quickly. Supporting courses include word processing, business management, business computer applications, record keeping, and public education. Strong data entry and communications skills are also necessary.

Requirements

Following graduation from high school, individuals that are interested in pursuing a career as a medical transcriptionist are encouraged to enroll in an accredited associates degree or certification program that will provide them with the knowledge essential to correctly record medical terminology at a rapid pace. In some cases, on the job training is available at independent medical transcription and coding companies, while other employees require that you complete an educational program before applying. Before they are eligible to be hired, all interested candidates are required to complete the Certified Medical Transcriptionist exam which is given by the American Association of Medical Transcription.

Career Outlook

As the volume of medical records and patient histories continues to grow over the next ten years, experts predict that the demand for qualified medical transcriptionists will expand as well. Over the next few years the industry could see as much as a thirty-five percent increase in the number of jobs that are available for medical transcriptionists.

Professional Organizations

American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT)
100 Sycamore Ave.
Modesto, CA 95354-0550
Phone: (800) 982-2182
www.aamt.org