How do I become a certified medical transcriptionist?
Post-secondary education and training is often the first step toward becoming a medical transcriptionist. Employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed medical transcription classes and getting certified, while not required, can help you stand out among other job applicants. While certification isn't a requirement for employment, transcriptionists can sit for the Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) exam offered by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI).
What does a medical transcriptionist do?
Medical transcriptionists listen to voice recordings that physicians and other healthcare workers make and convert them into written reports. When transcribing reports, they're responsible for interpreting medical terminology and abbreviations, creating clear patient medical histories, discharge paperwork, and more.
What is the career outlook for a medical transcriptionist?
There is a range of ways you can use your medical transcriptionist diploma. Medical transcriptionists play an important part on a healthcare team, translating and transcribing voice memos from physicians. As more patients and an aging population seek healthcare services, there will likely be more data and notes that need transcribing. However, it's important to note that, with technological advancement, some physicians and healthcare providers have begun to rely on speech recognition software versus hiring transcriptionists. Additionally, medical transcriptionists often have the option of working flexible schedules from home.
What will I learn in order to become a medical transcriptionist?
To become a transcriptionist, you'll learn the basics of medical office procedures, medical terminology, billing, and medical transcription.
What is the average salary for a medical transcriptionist?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average salary for a medical transcriptionist is $34,730.*