A Medical Transcriptionist Career Could Be Just What The Doctor Ordered
Medical transcriptionists are usually required to transcribe dictation of a medical evaluation or treatment that a doctor provides. The work can involve anything from stenography, using a computerized or manual transcriptionist machine which depends on the type of dictation system in use, to the recording and transcribing of interviews with patients.
There may or may not be specific requirements for this career. There is no degree needed and you only need an undergraduate diploma to get started as an entry-level medical transcriptionist.
Medically accurate transcription is critical to maintaining the accuracy of medical records. Medical transcriptionists are required to transcribe dictation of a medical evaluation or treatment that a doctor provides. The work can involve anything from stenography, using a computerized or manual transcriptionist machine which depends on the type of dictation system in use, to the recording and transcribing of interviews with patients.
Medically accurate transcription is critical to maintaining the accuracy of medical records. Medical transcriptionists assist doctors by making sure they have all the information they need to recommend and administer treatments. This is why it's critical for employers who are considering a career as a medical transcriptionist to check on their state's licensing requirements before hiring.
The job outlook for medical transcriptionists is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates the field will grow by 28 percent through 2022, creating about 9,400 new jobs.
Income for a medical transcriptionist can vary depending on the employer, type of certification and skill level of the worker. According to the BLS, medical transcriptionists earned a mean $32,260 in May 2011. The top 10 percent made more than $55,250 while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $18,470 in 2010.
Medical Transcriptionist Job Description: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-transcriptionists.htm
PDF: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-transcriptionists.pdf
Two main types of transcription machines can be used to transcribe dictation: a computerized type, which is usually cheaper to purchase, and a more expensive manual type. Stenographic machines are also used for some types of medical transcription.
Transcription is a relatively fast and simple process once you know what to listen for in the speech you are recording. Usually, you need a lot of experience in order to be able to pick up words accurately. The more you listen and copy, the quicker and more accurate you'll get.
Achieving a high level of accuracy takes time and practice, but it is vital that any transcriber's output should be as accurate as possible. Medical transcriptionists must have an eye for detail, excellent spelling skills, good organizational skills and an ability to type quickly. They tend to work in a quiet environment because they cannot hear the dictation clearly through the earphones; this means that they need good concentration skills in order to work effectively.
Medical Transcriptionist Job Responsibilities: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-transcriptionists.htm#tab-1
PDF: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-transcriptionists.pdf
A typical day at work for your transcriptionist is:
In a medical transcriptionist job, you will be required to type up notes on a computer of what the doctor dictates during a patient's visit to his office or clinic. These notes will be based on the doctor's diagnosis and may also include treatment advice, test results and any other information that is of relevance to the patient's treatment. Since the information you are transcribing usually deals with private medical matters, you will be required to be accurate and careful at all times. You must also keep patient confidentiality in mind when working with any confidential information that is relayed to you.
Medical transcriptionists work on their own time and ideally have access to a computer with a sound system, resources network and hard drive. They may also need access to software that they can use to create digital copies of original treatment notes or medical records.
Medical transcriptionists may be required to work in different environments, such as hospitals, clinics, offices and other medical facilities. Private practice is the most common environment in which this profession operates. What happens in a private practice is usually confidential information and the transcriptionist must be aware of the legal implications of their job description.
Medical Transcriptionist Job Market: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-transcriptionists.htm#tab-2
PDF: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-transcriptionists.pdf
From the same BLS website as above:
Work Environment
Medical transcriptionists are usually required to work in quiet environments such as the doctor's office, medical clinic or hospital. It is important they ensure they can concentrate effectively while working on any given task. Since most of the time that is spent at work will be listening to dictation through earphones and typing it into a computer, these professionals need good hearing abilities and long periods of uninterrupted concentration.
The BLS also states that this career requires considerable knowledge of medical terminology. Dictation is often spoken rather than written down in short forms or abbreviations which may make it difficult for people who are not familiar with this type of terminology. It is therefore important that any transcriptionist has a good knowledge of the medical terms used in the doctor's notes so that they can ensure the accuracy of their own transcription.
Medical Transcriptionist Key Skills: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-transcriptionists.htm#tab-3
PDF: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-transcriptionists.pdf
Listening skills are essential, especially if you are transcribing some form of dictation as each patient's voice may sound different, depending on their age and health conditions. You must also be able to keep accurate records of the information your patient has left with you, along with any treatment plans they may have, and then type up the notes within a short time frame.
Medical transcriptionists usually work in predetermined periods of time that they must meet their deadlines, although some may occasionally be given extra time. This is usually not an option in a private medical practice as the doctor may get angry if his patient's treatment plan takes forever to prepare.
If you want to work as a medical transcriptionist, you essentially need to have four main qualifications:
You will also need excellent spelling and grammar skills in order to work in this profession.
Conclusion:
Medical transcriptionists are often employed at hospitals, labs and clinics. They can also work in private practice or in a transcription agency. The salary for this career is dependent on the level of experience you have, your geographic location and your employer's requirements. The BLS has provided a sample description of various medical transcriptionist job responsibilities to help you decide whether being a medical transcriptionist is the right career for you:
A medical transcriptionist usually works an office environment. Dictation work is usually done from home or from an office setting that provides some quiet area so that the transcriptionist can type up the dictation as quickly as possible and transcribe it into their computer.