Medical Transcriptionist

 

 

About Medical Transcription

Many people are able to work from home as medical transcriptionists. A medical transcriptionist takes voice recorded information from doctors and other health officials and converts it into typewritten reports. Transcriptionists must understand medical language as well as be articulate communicators of the English language. They need to have a comprehensive understanding of medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, medical procedures, medical equipment and the values recorded in laboratory tests results. Although this work at home opportunity requires familiarity with medical terms, the task of becoming proficient is not overly daunting.

Job seekers who are interested in work as medical transcriptionists are not required or expected to obtain a college degree for the sole purpose of starting a career in this field. In fact  a high school diploma or GED is often sufficient.  Some hospitals offer on the job training, but many transcriptionists take courses that end with certificates or diplomas. Although medical transcriptionists do not need a college education, it takes time and effort to learn the medical language. Many transcription courses may be relatively short, but you will need more time to truly become proficient.

It is important for a medical transcriptionist to be a proficient typist. However, if you feel that you are not yet proficient, don’t let that be a deterrent. Many transcriptionist courses will teach you to type and/or teach you to type better. There are also many websites that offer free typing tutorials and free typing speed and accuracy tests. While studying to be a transcriptionist, or even before you start learning the trade, you can work on building up your typing skills.

Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape

Often, medical transcriptionists are paid per line of transcription. In essence, the more you work the more you get paid. In May 2007 the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the mean hourly salary for a medical transcriptionist was $15.44 which is an annual income of $32,120 per year. The BLS stated that income potential is as high as $44,070 per year for the top 10% of workers in this field and as low as $22,160 per year for the the bottom 10% or workers. As a work at home job, a salary like this without expenses such as gasoline/public transportation costs, lunch, day care and office attire can amount to a comfortable lifestyle.

If you are interested in schooling, look for medical transcription courses that offer you dictation examples from real doctors. Check the reputation of schools offering programs to see if industry leaders hire from their student ranks.