CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Medical transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings from doctors and other medical providers and translate them into written reports.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$35,250
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
271
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Medical Transcriptionist Job Description
Medical transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings from healthcare providers and translate those recordings into written reports. They interpret medical abbreviations and must understand medical terminology. They will also edit documents to make sure there are no inconsistencies or errors. These documents become part of a patient’s medical record and must be accurate.
The job outlook for medical transcriptionists seems to be declining in part due to expected advancements in technology. Although this may be true, the flexible work hours, ability to enter the job field quickly and the high possibility of being able to work from home, may be enough to make this an attractive career choice for you.
Medical Transcriptionist Job Responsibilities
Medical transcriptionists may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Create written reports from doctor and other healthcare provider’s voice recordings
- Review and edit transcribed reports
- Identify mistakes in reports and verify correct information with the healthcare provider
- Translate medical abbreviations into proper long form
- Enter medical reports into electronic health records systems
- Use speech recognition technology and other specialized software
- Follow patient confidentiality protocols
- Perform quality improvement audits
Medical Transcriptionist Salary
The actual salary of the medical transcriptionist can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $35,250*
National average per hour: $16.95*
- $31,387 per year, $15.09 per hour**
- $32,157 per year, $15.46 per hour***
- $40,481 to $50,660 per year****
- $24,857 per year, $11.95 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Medical Transcriptionist Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a medical transcriptionist? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Possibility to work from home
- Flexible work hours
- Can enter job field quickly
Cons
- Negative career growth
- Very sedentary job with most of work time spent sitting and typing
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Medical Transcriptionist?
If you are considering a career as a medical transcriptionist, this is the typical path you will need to take.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Complete a 1-year certificate program or 2-year associate’s degree program.
- Become certified through The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI). Although certification is voluntary, it is highly recommended.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the medical transcriptionist is at the beginning of the medical career pathway, but can be preceded by other entry-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Patient Service Representative > Medical Transcriptionist > Medical Laboratory Technician
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Completion of a 1-year certificate program or 2-year associate’s degree program
Typical Work Experience Required
No work experience required to start.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by location.
- Must maintain patient confidentiality
- Ability to prioritize and organize workload
- Ability to complete tasks independently
- Must be reliable
- Excellent computer and typing skills
- Must have knowledge and understanding of medical terminology and human anatomy
- Excellent grammar and punctuation skills
Medical Transcriptionist Certifications
Certification is not required in all states or by some employers, but is highly recommended. Certification widens employment opportunities and shows dedication and confirmation of your knowledge.
- RHDS, Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (AHDI)
- CHDS, Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (AHDI)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Medical Transcriptionist Licenses
None
Medical Transcriptionist Training and Preparation
Earning your certificate or associate’s degree typically takes 1-2 years to complete.
Once you have completed the training, it is time to take the certification exam through The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI). Although certification is not always a requirement, it is strongly advised. Certification can open the door to more job opportunities and show your dedication and commitment to your career.
Preparing for the exams can be done in many ways. Online practice tests are a great way to help you prepare and stay organized. Flashcards and exam prep books are other useful tools. The AHDI website has study guides, practice questions and other useful information to get you prepared for test day. A little self-confidence and some strategic studying and preparation can help ensure your success.
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