Medical transcriptionists play a key role in the healthcare industry. Using a headset and personal computer as their primary equipment, medical transcriptionists transcribe information dictated by a physician or other healthcare professional into precise, clearly worded medical documents. In order to perform their job proficiently, medical transcriptionists must be a combination of administrative assistant and physician’s assistant. The medical documents they prepare, such as discharge summaries, operative reports, diagnostic reports, and the like, are added to a patient’s medical file after being reviewed by a physician. The information in these documents will be used to design treatments for the patient later on in life. Therefore it is of supreme importance the the information be accurately recorded for posterity by the transcriptionist.

Medical transcriptionists must possess a varied skill set in order to perform their job efficiently. Like many healthcare industry professionals, transcriptionists have a broad knowledge of medical terminology, abbreviations, diagnostic procedures, pharmacology, anatomy, and treatment assessments. Medical transcriptionists are also responsible for knowing the ethics laws and regulations that govern the healthcare industry. Medical documents contain confidential material that must be treated with sensitivity. Transcriptionists are unique in their field for being required to be proficient in grammar, punctuation, editing, and typing. Basic computer skills such as word processing are also a must.

Individuals interested in pursuing medical transcription as a career have several options available to them. Many medical transcriptionists begin their careers in a different part of the healthcare industry, such as nursing or medical administrative assisting. These occupations provide training in the basic skills employed by the medical transcriptionist. However, individuals without any prior experience in the healthcare industry can also launch a successful career as a medical transcriptionist. They can achieve this by enrolling in a medical transcription program offered by a vocational school, community college, or distance-learning institution.

Credentials

Modern employers prefer to hire medical transcriptionists with postsecondary education. The most common credentials held by transcriptionists are an associates degree in medical transcription or a certificate in medical transcription. Both credential are acceptable to employers, especially when coupled with certification by the Association of Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI).

The main difference between a certificate and an associates degree is the amount of time it takes to complete them. A certificate can take 6-months to 1-year to complete and offers students an in-depth course of study solely in subjects relating to medical transcription. Common applicants include individuals with some background in the healthcare industry who wish to augment their experience with further training, although untrained individuals are also welcome to apply.

An associates degree in medical transcription takes 2-years to complete with a full-time course load. Typical programs cover medical assisting subjects, along with general education courses such as English and Math. Associates degrees are the best choice for individuals who have little to no prior healthcare experience and wish to receive a more comprehensive education.

Many schools offer certificates and associates degrees through online classes. This allows students with full-time jobs or other time commitments to complete their education on their own time.

Coursework

The coursework for medical transcription credentials varies from program to program. However, there are some subjects that remain constant throughout. Reputable programs will model their curriculum after the standards set by the ADHI. Potential students should look for the following classes when investigating a program:

• Health Information Management
• Medical Transcription and Editing
• Speech Recognition Technology
• Word Processing
• Medical Terminology
• Basic Pharmacology
• Basic Anatomy
• Typing
• English

Internship

Some schools offer medical transcription students the opportunity to participate in an internship. Although unpaid, an internship is a great way to gain on-the-job training and valuable experience, as well as possible referral letters and recommendations. Internships are offered in both certificate and associates degree programs. Interested individuals should inquire at their school’s admissions office about internship programs prior to enrolling.

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.