Medical transcriptionists are vital members of the healthcare industry. They are responsible for transcribing information dictated by physicians into accurate medical documents such as diagnostic, treatment, and outcome reports. These documents are often included in a patient’s medical file and are later used to help determine appropriate treatment. It is therefore very important that medical transcriptionists be highly proficient in both medical terminology and grammar.

The healthcare industry is booming and job positioning are opening up in all sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for qualified medical transcriptionists will grow by 11% over the next decade. Medical transcriptionists are most commonly employed by diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, and other large-scale healthcare institutions. Advances in technology have also made it possible for a medial transcriptionists to work from home as an independent contractor.

In order to secure the most lucrative positions, medical transcriptionists must possess a unique skill set that combines knowledge from both medical and communication fields. Medical transcriptionists have a strong grasp of medical abbreviations, pharmacology, anatomy, and diagnostic procedures, as well as good grammar, punctuation, and editing. They work primarily with personal computers, so basic computer skills – primarily word processing – is essential.

Medical transcriptionists enjoy flexibility and job stability in their chosen career path. Many begin work as nurses or other healthcare professionals before transitioning into medical transcription, however It is possible to secure an entry-level position in medical transcription without any healthcare industry experience. Enrolling in a school or online educational program in medical transcription is a good first step in launching a career in the field. These programs can take 6-months to 2-years to complete.

Average Salary

The amount of salary a medical transcriptionist receives is dependent primarily on their experience level, place of employment, and certification level. Medical transcriptionists work in a number of different environments, with hospitals being the most common. The majority of medical transcriptionists work 40-hour weeks and are offered benefits as part of their employment. Medical transcriptionists working as independent contractor, either through their own business or a third-party transcribing services firm, set their own hours and work more or less than 40 hours, based on their own schedule. They do not receive benefits, as they are considered self-employed.

Payment for medical transcriptionists can be made according to different variables, as well. Some transcriptionists are paid hourly, while others are compensated based on the number of lines they complete. Independent contractors working solo or with a firm are usually paid a flat rate based on their production. It is true that independent contractors are on the whole paid more than their 40-hour workweek counterparts, but their expenses are higher and their employment less stable.

Medical transcriptionists who have been certified a Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) or a Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) are more likely to receive more lucrative work than those who have not been certified. Certification implies mastery of the field, which is an attractive credential for employers and transcribing firms.

In general, the average salary for a medical transcriptionist is $33,530 per year. A certified medical transcriptionist with many years of experience and a broad skill set can make over $50,000 per year working full-time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage of a medical transcriptionist is $16.12. Skilled transcriptionists can charge over $20 per hour for their services. Entry-level transcriptionists charge an average of $10.56 per hour.

All figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.

Top Medical Transcription Schools

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  Allied Schools

  When you enroll at Allied Schools, you receive a partner in your education. We guide you from start to finish and give you the tools you need to build a successful future. Receive a professional advantage with a school that shares your goals. We maintain the highest standards when it comes to delivering quality education. As such, we maintain up-to-date accreditations, approvals and memberships. This ensures that we continually meet or exceed specific requirements and provide you with the best education possible.

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  Penn Foster

  Having the right skills is vitally important in today’s super-competitive job market. With online training from Penn Foster Career School, students are assured of learning up-to-date career skills that will prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Students at Penn Foster Career School can get the training they need quickly, conveniently, and affordably.

  Penn Foster is one of the world’s largest and most respected online education providers. Their programs are job focused, and they offer training for employment in the fastest-growing fields in business, technology, health care, and the trades.

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  Ashworth College

  Ashworth offers respected, affordable online degree programs and expert guidance to help you meet your goals while balancing work and family. Now you can get the precise training you need to become the professional you’ve always wanted to be. And you can go as far as your education takes you.

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  South Coast College

  South Coast College has been helping students prepare for new, exciting careers in the legal and medical fields for more than 45 years. We are dedicated to providing a student-centered environment where you can gain the best legal and medical training possible.

  We offer ideal facilities, resources and career-focused programs to help you gain the competitive edge employers look for. Our instructors are industry-proven professionals who care about helping you through every step of your educational journey.

  Our friendly, student-oriented environment allows students to get one-on-one attention and academic guidance. Through classroom demonstrations, hands-on operation of equipment and by practicing on-the-job techniques in externships, our graduates are prepared to add value to their employers’ organizations the day they begin work.

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  Kaplan University

  Kaplan University’s high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs are designed to fit the schedule of busy professionals. An accredited university offering 170 degrees and programs, we are committed to helping those with talent and dedication earn their degree.* Through a progressive curriculum, accomplished faculty, and the flexibility to study virtually anytime, anywhere you have an Internet connection, Kaplan University could help you build the skills and credentials to pursue your career and educational goals.†

  • Kaplan University is regionally accredited. See our website for details. Please note that not all programs are offered at all locations.
    †Kaplan University’s programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.

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  Wright Career College

  Wright is organized to provide students with an opportunity to receive specialized instruction in those subjects which are best suited to each student’s aptitude, interest, motivation and personality. In addition, the institution’s programs are designed to develop the fundamental skills and professionalism necessary to achieve the students’ employment objective. To implement this philosophy, the Institution utilizes flex-paced, individualized programs of study as well as more traditional lecture-laboratory learning systems.

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  Lincoln Technical Institute

  Since 1946, Lincoln Technical institute has been helping students achieve professional success through personalized career support and hands-on, job-specific education. Our in-depth training programs are designed to meet the changing needs of today’s tough job market, and cover a variety of fields, including: Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Hospitality, automotive Technology, HVAC Technology and Electrical Systems Technology.

  What sets Lincoln Technical Institute apart from other schools? Quite a few things, actually; our training programs emphasize experiential, interactive learning activities – that means you’ll do the job before you take the job.

  But our strengths go beyond that. our Lincoln instructors possess a combination of seasoned teaching skills, subject matter expertise and real world experience. Plus, we’ve built working partnerships with important industry contacts in your area. So when you graduate, we’ll help you find a good position and start your career off right.

  When it comes to choosing a post-secondary educational institution, keep this in mind: Our dedication to your success sets us apart from the competition – and the specialized, career-focused training you’ll receive at Lincoln will set you apart from yours. Lincoln Technical Institute offers flexible daytime and evening programs to accommodate your busy schedule. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify and Career Placement Assistance is available upon graduation.