Is a Medical Transcriptionist Job for You? Medical transcriptionists play an important role in helping hospitals and physicians provide a high standard of health care to patients. In order to keep patient files up-to-date and complete, medical transcriptionists create reports and other administrative documents from physicians' dictated recordings. Transforming verbal recordings into complete documents that accurately report patient conditions and medical procedures is a process that requires in-depth knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, medical procedures and treatments, and pharmacology—as well as a high degree of attention to detail. In addition to transcribing medical reports and other documents, transcriptionists edit information for grammar errors and proper usage of medical terms in a patient's records. Medical transcriptionists must also be aware of the legal standards and requirements that apply to health records.  Medical Transcriptionist Workplaces Medical transcriptionists work in health care settings such as 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. Others provide services as independent contractors. Education and Training for Medical Transcriptionists In addition to having your GED or high school diploma, you'll need to complete a certified medical transcription training program, usually a 6-month to 2-year certificate, diploma or associate's degree program. Course work generally includes English composition and grammar, computer applications, medical terminology, pathology, anatomy and physiology, in addition to medical transcription skills. Graduates must understand medical terms, their meanings, spelling and pronunciation, and possess hands-on transcription experience. Medical Transcriptionist Certification Certification is optional, but highly recommended. Medical transcriptionists who pass the national exam given by the American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT) will earn the title Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT). Every 3 years, CMTs must earn continuing education credits to be re-certified. Average Medical Transcriptionist Salaries Your medical transcriptionist salary will be based on a number of different factors including the following: - Geographic location
- Education level
- Years of experience
- Type of employer
- Certification
According to March 2009 data from Salary.com, the national average wage for the middle 50 percent of medical transcriptionists is between $32,892 and $40,325. The top 10 percent earn $43,869 or higher. |
