Become a Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists are responsible for transcribing dictated recordings of medical reports into computer documents, editing as necessary for grammar, clarity, and proper medical terminology. The dictated reports, which describe patient conditions and medical procedures, are typically made by physicians and other health care professionals. The computer documents produced by the transcriptionist ultimately become medical reports, operative reports, autopsy reports, discharge summaries, diagnostic imaging studies, progress notes, referral letters, or some other type of administrative correspondence. Medical transcriptionists typically work in health care settings (e.g., hospitals, doctor's offices, clinics, nursing homes, public health agencies, or home health happinesslifetime.com care agencies), although some of them work at home as employees of transcription businesses.

Education, Certification, Licensing

In addition to a high school diploma, an aspiring medical transcriptionist should also possess a certificate, diploma or associate degree from a medical transcription training program. Many such programs include a combination of general and specialized coursework along with medical transcription skills and a period of supervised on-the-job experience. Although formal accreditation is not required for medical transcription programs, those programs which have obtained voluntary accreditation by the Approval Committee for Certificate Programs (AACP) are highly recommended.

The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) awards two certifications: Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) and Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT). Neither of these certifications is a requirement; however, earning one or both is highly recommended. The RMT credential is awarded to individuals who meet an education requirement after they successfully pass a medical transcription exam. The CMT designation, which also requires educational credentials and a passing score on a certification exam, includes an additional requirement for at least two years experience in the field. RMTs and CMTs must renew their certifications every three years and must accrue continuing education credits within the three-year period in order to do so.

This article by U Urbano on citytowninfo.com/employment/medical-transcriptionists medical transcription training and jobs has been provided courtesy of citytowninfo.com City Town Info.