Jobs in the medical-transcription field are lucrative and always in demand. Medical transcriptionists are becoming more popular, as most of them work on a freelance basis, so doctors can save money by simply hiring their services. A medical transcriptionist typically listens to dictations from doctors and transcribes them, but they also do work on medical records and other pieces of patient data. According to the website PayScale.com, the starting salary for medical transcriptionists is about $26,000.
Instructions
1. Get your high school diploma or GED. Before you can become a certified medical transcriptionist, you must have completed high school or received your GED. It's also helpful to take some classes in high school that will help you in the medical transcription field. Because grammar and the knowledge of anatomy and medical terms are needed, take classes in English, anatomy and biology. Excelling in these subjects and earning your degree will further help you toward certification in medical transcription. Typing skills are also a major plus in this field, so look for classes that help you hone those skills as well.
2. Enroll in a medical transcription training program. Programs in medical transcription usually last from six months to a two-year certificate, diploma or associate degree program. You can take a certified medical transcription training program through online classes or community college. University of Phoenix offers accredited online medical-training programs, such as an Associate of Arts with a concentration in health-care administration and medical records. This online option is great for those with full-time jobs and busy schedules.
3. Pass the required classes. Most coursework entails English composition and grammar. Not only will you have to transcribe recorded medical information, but you must make sure it is grammatically correct. Students are assessed on their knowledge of anatomy, medical terms and transcribing skills, among other factors. An internship is also a beneficial addition to your resume to become a medical transcriptionist.
4. Get certified. Once you have passed all the required courses and earned your degree, certification is optional. Getting certified in medical transcription is highly recommended, as you may earn more and move up quicker in your field of expertise. To become fully certified, you must take and pass the national exam given by the American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT). Once you pass the exam, you will earn the title Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT); recertification is required every three years.
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