Medical Transcriptionist Career

Medical Transcriptionist Job Description

Medical transcriptionist’s job description involves documenting procedures carried out by doctors and other health care persons. He is given voice recorded notes made by the physician, which he writes down and records in to a type-written file using the computer, a head-set and a foot-pedal to keep an eye on the soundtrack.

He listens to medical reports, medical history-taking, emergency room visits, surgical procedures, investigative studies, chart evaluations, and synopsis.

He copies out the reports and decodes the medical jargon and abbreviations in to complete forms. He will edit when necessary, and return the documentations in a printed form / electronic form for review and signature, or modification.

Medical Transcriptionist Education, Certification and Training

• A post-secondary education through colleges, vocational schools, and correspondence courses is a must.

• To become a medical transcriptionist, you may opt for a two years Associate Degree Program, or a one year Certificate Program.

• While, accreditation is not compulsory, transcriptionists can acquire acknowledgment through the Approval Committee for Certificate Programs (ACCP). Medical transcriptionists, who seek certification, have to assume an ACCP accepted coursework. Graduates of ACCP can participate in the Registered Apprenticeship Program, which gives ‘on-the-job’ coaching and technical instructions.

• Additional exams are necessary to get certified. You must complete a training program or have 2 years experience and pass an exam to attain the certificate.

Medical Transcriptionist Jobs

Medical transcriptionist’s jobs are estimated to grow faster than average, through 2012. Out-sourcing / contract projects out of the country have become exceedingly popular. Hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics and all health care organizations require transcription services. Hospitals continue to employ a large number of medical transcriptionists. A good number of medical transcriptionists work at physicians’ clinics and hospitals, some work for laboratories, out-patient centers or offices of specialty therapists. Some operate from home, and correspond via email.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical transcription jobs are is projected to grow by 14 %.

Medical Transcriptionist Salary

A medical transcriptionist’s salary depends on his training, experience, location, and whether he is a corporate employee who works out of hospitals and other offices, or an independent contractor working from home. The average annual salary of a medical transcriptionist is about $50,000 for a full time job and $20,000 for part-time.