How to Become a Medical Transcriptionist

What you'll do: 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.

Degree you'll need: Certificate, diploma or associate's degree

Median annual salary: $27,070 – $39,260

Cities where jobs may be found: Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Seattle, Milwaukee

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: U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010}