Medical Transcription Career

Medical transcriptionists convert aural reports from doctors and other health care professionals into written records, reports or other documents, which then become part of the patient’s records

They need to understand enough of the medical processes and terminology to be sure that they are transcribing accurately. They typically to refer to standard medical reference materials, and often must comply with specific standards for medical records and similar documents.

Medical transcription is performed from hospital or clinic premises, doctor’s offices, nursing homes and pharmacies, and can even be done at home. In fact, medical transcriptionists are often self-employed.

Medical transcriptionists need computer skills, good manual dexterity and visual acuity, attention to detail, all around solid communication skills, strong ethical and confidentiality standards due to the sensitive nature of their work, and good organizational skills.

Education and Credentials Required
Medical transcription training usually consists of a 1-year certificate program or a 2-year associate degree, concentrating on anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and the language skills.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for medical transcriptionists are expected to increase much faster than the national average. In fact, it will be one of the fastest-growing occupations at least through 2012. Job growth will be stimulated by the expansion of the health care industry. Job prospects are significantly better for people with formal education and/or training, certification, and experience.

Salary Range
The median hourly rate for medical transcriptionists varies from $12 to $15, depending on skill and reputation. Often, medical transcriptionists are paid by the word or piece, rather than by the hour, especially if they are freelance or self-employed. Self-employed medical transcriptionists can expect to earn significantly more than salaried medical transcriptionists. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income. Medical transcriptionists may pay for their own health benefits and retirement benefits, if they are self-employed or temporay workers.