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Medical Transcriptionist Schools and Training Programs

Formal training in medical transcription can prepare you for a career in the fast-growing health care industry. Medical transcriptionists may be able to work from home, making it a flexible career choice.

Medical Transcriptionist Careers

Medical transcriptionists create medical reports and correspondence by listening to recordings that are dictated by doctors and other members of the health care team, and transcribing them into computer format. They are sometimes known as medical stenographers, or medical transcribers.

Typical documents and reports created by medical transcriptionists include patient history and physical examination reports, operating room reports, and autopsy reports. The new Health Information Portability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) requires that patient medical information is transcribed and available to other medical facilities.

Because of the highly technical information contained in this material, and the need for accuracy, transcribers must be familiar with medical terminology and procedures. They will frequently use printed and electronic reference materials to ensure accuracy.

In some cases, a transcriptionist may notice what appears to be incorrect information in a medical report and check it with the dictating physician. This verification procedure helps ensure the accuracy of patient records, and can prevent mistakes in treatment. The finished document is also reviewed by the healthcare professional who dictated the text.

Most medical transcriptionists work in hospitals or clinics, although a growing number work from home, or at centralized offices serving many doctors. They may be employees of the facility or work for subcontractors. If employed in a clinic, transcribers may perform additional administrative work, such as insurance coding and billing, or scheduling appointments. A standard 40-hour workweek is typical, although self-employed transcriptionists may work unusual hours.

Technology Trends in Medical Transcription

Two technological trends are shaping the way medical transcriptionists work. The improved ability of speech recognition software is allowing some of the transcription process to be conducted by the computer itself. This is especially true in some medical specialties, such as radiology and pathology, where the report content tends to be fairly standard. Once the computer translates the material, the draft is reviewed and corrected by the medical stenographer, who sends it on for final approval. As speech recognition technology becomes more reliable, this trend is expected to continue.

The Internet is also making its presence felt in the field. By receiving dictation and sending transcribed material over the Internet, some transcriptionists are able to work from home, or away from the doctor's medical facility. This can reduce the time needed to process dictated material. As high-speed Internet service becomes more widespread, and security and privacy concerns are resolved, offsite transcription is expected to be more widespread.

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Campus and Online Medical Transcriptionist Schools

 
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Kaplan University

[Campus]
Programs:
  • AAS in Medical Transcription
Quick Summary:

Kaplan University is focused on recognizing the achievements of military and veteran students and offers the flexibility of an online education.


Penn Foster Schools

[Campus]
Locations:
  • Scranton
Programs:
  • Medical Transcriptionist
Quick Summary: Advance your career with our affordable, self-paced, career-focused distance education programs.

Stratford Career Institute

[Online]
Programs:
  • Medical Transcriptionist
Quick Summary: Earn Your Diploma from Home!

Ashworth College

[Campus]
Locations:
  • Norcross
Programs:
  • Medical Transcription
Quick Summary: Earn your degree or diploma on your schedule and succeed at Ashworth College.

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