Medical Transcriptionist Schools and Training Programs

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.

Medical Transcriptionist Training and Educational Requirements

Although some individuals with prior medical experience, such as nurses, may be able to start a career as a medical transcriptionist by learning on the job, completion of formal training at a vocational school or college is the best way to find an entry level position. Many schools offer two-year associate degree programs, or one-year diploma programs. In addition, some online institutions are beginning to offer distance learning programs in medical transcription.

Training programs typically include instruction in medical terminology, anatomy and legal issues in the healthcare field. Many schools include courses in English grammar, punctuation, and communication skills as part of their programs. Other courses may cover medical assisting, insurance coding and billing procedures, and general secretarial skills. An internship or externship program at a medical facility is offered by many schools.

Although formal accreditation is not required for medical transcription programs, an AACP accredited program could be required for certification. 

Certification in Medical Transcription

After receiving a degree, medical transcriptionists may want to obtain certification. The Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) designation is offered by the American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT), and candidates must pass written and practical examinations. Recertification is required every three years to ensure skills are current. Some schools offer continuing education courses for medical stenographers to keep up with developments in the healthcare field.

To maintain certification, transcriptionists will be required to continually update their medical knowledge, as the field is constantly changing.

Medical Transcriptionist Employment Opportunities

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for medical transcriptionists will grow 11 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is about average for all occupations. While most medical transcriptionists will continue to work at hospitals, employment growth is expected to be largest at physicians’ offices and clinics. An increasing demand for standardized records should result in rapid employment growth in physicians' offices, especially in large group practices. Those who have earned an associate degree, or who have received their certification in medical transcription, are likely to have the best prospects.

Medical Transcription Salary and Advancement Potential

The median hourly pay for medical transcriptionists in 2008 was $15.41. Medical and diagnostic laboratories offered the best pay, a median of $17.26 per hour. Some transcriptionists are paid by the number of transcribed lines or pages they complete. Self-employed transcribers earned slightly more than those employed by hospitals or clinics, but they typically do not receive benefits such as health insurance.

Medical transcriptionist positions can be a springboard to career advancement in the health care field. Experienced transcriptionists can take on supervisory roles, or start at-home businesses. Other career possibilities, some requiring additional training, include medical coding, medical records administrators, or health information technicians.

Resources:

AHDI approved medical transcription education programs
Medical Transcription Industry Alliance (MTIA)
Association for Healthcare documentation Integrity