A Medical Transcriptionist Career Could Be Just What The Doctor Ordered
We all know the benefits of a career in medicine and nursing; one that provides flexible hours, a chance to make an impact on society and help patients. However, there’s more to a medical transcriber than just listening to stethoscopes or interpreting vital signs. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how medical transcriptionists can escape the 9-5 grind by finding jobs in three different areas: Medical Transcription Firm Job, Remote Medical Transcriptionist Jobs, and Home Healthcare Transcriptionist Jobs.
Medical Transcriptionist Job at a Medical Transcription Firm
A medical transcriptionist is often hired by an independent, contracted or full-time staff position at a medical transcription firm. In that case, the medical transcriptionist must have a thorough knowledge of their specialty and strong communication skills to articulate details about patients in the form of dictated reports. Typically, the work environment is fast-paced and very detail-oriented. However, it can be rewarding to know that your hard work helps doctors make more informed decisions on their patients’ health outcomes.
Some medical transcriptionist firms require you to have a minimum of two years’ experience. However, if you can prove that you are skilled in your field and have solid credentials, a medical transcription job at a medical transcription firm could be ideal for you.
The average annual salary of a medical transcriptionist is $30,490, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As with any administrative position in health care, it is important for your resume to be professional and clean. Emphasize your attention to detail and professional demeanor when it comes time to interview for a job at a medical transcription firm. While you may be able to pursue a career as a medical transcriptionist at a firm, there are other options for those looking to work in home healthcare transcriptionist or remote medical transcriptionist roles.
Home Healthcare Transcriptionist Jobs
A home healthcare transcriptionist is an active employee who may provide telephone care and/or assistance to patients in their own homes. Home healthcare transcribers also communicate with doctors and social workers to relay information on their patients’ conditions. As a home healthcare transcriptionist, you would need to know how to navigate medical equipment, handle paperwork and talk in front of people with confidence. You may be the main point of contact between patients and doctors so respect is key when it comes to communication skills.
According to the BLS, home healthcare transcribers earn an average annual salary of $33,000. While this could be a lucrative career for medical transcriptionists who prefer a more relaxed environment, home healthcare transcribers may require additional training or certifications such as CPR, First Aid and/or basic computer skills. If you are looking for experience before seeking out a home healthcare transcriptionist job, volunteer opportunities with local hospitals and clinics may be the perfect fit for you.
Remote Medical Transcriptionist Jobs
There are remote medical transcriptionist jobs available nationwide that offer professional flexibility and a chance to work from your own home. Remote medical transcriptionist jobs in particular give those working from home the chance to have a flexible schedule and the freedom to work from their own location without the hassle of commuting. Sometimes, remote medical transcriptionist jobs are full-time positions, while other times they are part-time employment opportunities.
On average, radio and television stations pay around $30 per hour for remote medical transcriptionists. While it is possible to find remote medical transcriptionist jobs at a hospital or a local doctor’s office, you may need additional training or experience before attempting to seek out their services. Usually, you will need a bachelor’s degree in an area related to medicine or health field in order to work as a remote medical transcriptionist.
One of the perks of a remote medical transcriptionist job is the payment. Remote transcriptionists earn an average hourly wage of $12.55 which can increase if they are paid per page, like some full-time transcriptionist positions. However, you should keep in mind that remote medical transcriptionist jobs are typically freelance or temp-to-hire positions, not full-time or permanent employment opportunities. It may take some time to find the right remote medical transcriptionist job that works for you but with a bit of networking and persistence, it is possible to find an ideal position in this field.
Home Healthcare Transcriptionist Jobs: What They Are
A home healthcare transcriptionist is an active employee who transcribes information from doctors and nurses into written reports and record sheets. Usually, home healthcare transcriptionists transcribe medical records and physician notes taken during patient visits and consultations. The job of a home healthcare transcriptionist is to be a liaison between the doctor, nurse or aide treating the patient and a trained medical professional who can interpret written notes for doctors or other health care providers.
Medical Transcriptionist Job Options: Who Should Seek Them Out?
There are several career options available to those working in medical transcription as well as current students looking for potential career paths that may interest them. While many options exist, those looking to pursue a career as a medical transcriptionist should have the following skills and qualifications:
Knowledge of medical terminology and important phrases that are commonly used in the workplace. Any medical professional can benefit from knowing these words as well as how to use them in conversation to help them explain symptoms, treatments and outcomes for patients.
Acute attention to detail. According to Indeed, it is critical for employers to hire home healthcare transcribers who have a knack for detail-oriented work that doesn’t involve heavy tasking. Employers look for transcribers with the ability to quickly process information from doctors or nurses so they can accurately communicate findings and treatment plans with patients.
Able to accurately relay information to others. The quality of communication is essential in business and medical transcription is no different. In order to accurately convey information, transcriptionists must be able to clearly transmit the essence of a conversation in an active manner while ensuring it’s consistent and accurate with information provided by medical professionals.
Able to work as a team member. Because home healthcare transcribers work with doctors, nurses and other health care professionals, they need to be comfortable working as a member of a team that communicates regularly with each other. This is especially important in a healthcare environment where quick action is required to ensure the safety and health of patients.
Able to work independently. Home healthcare transcribers are typically provided with the medical records they are supposed to transcribe and work independently on their assignment. They must be able to effectively communicate with people while still remaining autonomous and independent when they’re working on assignments.
Medical Transcription Career Options: What It Takes To Work In This Field
The Medical Transcription field offers a variety of options for those looking for jobs or career paths that utilize their transcription skills as well as other relevant experience.
CONCLUSION
The Medical Transcription industry provides several options for those who want to work from home and make a full-time income from the comfort of their home office. There are also remote medical transcriptionist jobs available for those seeking experience before pursuing a full-time position. In addition, there are several different positions in this field that can offer more flexibility, such as part-time positions, which are ideal for those with full-time commitments who still want to pursue a career in this profession. Oftentimes, medical transcriptionists will have the opportunity to specialize in one area or another as they gain experience in the field.