If you enjoy fast typing, a career in Medical Transcription might just be the ideal career for you. It is one of the few home-based professional jobs available that pay very well. Medical Transcriptionists uses headsets and transcribing machines to listen to recordings by physicians and other healthcare professionals. After editing and proof-reading for grammar and correct sentence structure, the medical transcriptionist returns the dictation documents for the doctor or medical professional to review it, sign, and or make corrections. These reports or letters usually becomes a part of the patient’s permanent file.
It is a little more than just typing; it involves listening carefully to recordings from doctors and other medical professionals and then transcribing the dictation into medical reports or letters. However, you can obtain a career in Medical Transcription in a very short amount of time.
How Long Does it Take to Obtain Medical Transcription Training?
You can expect to get through medical transcription school in approximately 9-12 months or 600-700 hours of class work. Online Medical Transcription schools allow you to work at home at your own pace. If you are willing to dedicate more time to your studies, you will be able to complete schooling much sooner. Typically if you choose to take your time completing the courses, you can complete the program in 12 months by only spending a few hours each day, committed to the courses. A good medical transcription school will guide you step-by-step so you will quickly gain the confidence and speed you need to complete the program. In addition, most online medical transcription programs cost $2,000 -$5,000.
What are the Courses That Are Required for Medical Transcription?
Medical transcriptionist must understand the language of medicine, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, and treatment. They also must be able to translate medical jargon and abbreviations in order to transcribe the documents.
Basic medical terminology is also required. The course will cover all the basics and specialties including; Dermatology, Urology, Gastroenterology, Cardiology, Pulmonary Medicine, Endocrinology, Orthopedics, Obstetrics-Gynecology, Otorhinolaryngology, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Pathology, and Radiology.
Other courses you can expect to take will include: Typing Speed and Proficiency, Medical Report Formatting, Anatomy and Physiology, and Body Systems.
Where Can a Medical Transcriptionist Work?
Medical Transcriptionists can work in and with a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, psychiatric facilities, rehabilitation facilities, doctor’s office and more. The more experienced you become, you may be able to take on more than one office or companies while working from home. Some doctor’s or companies would prefer you however to work in their facility.
How much does a Medical Transcriptionist make?
The salary for medical transcriptionist first starting out can expect to make an annual salary of $25,000. With more experience, one can make up to $50,000 a year. However, like mentioned before, once you have become more skilled and experienced if you are able to maintain multiple companies the pay can be even higher!
Medical Transcriptionist is great for stay at home parents as it allows for working at home on a flexible schedule. It’s perfect with busy children’s schedule and especially your time constraints. Even if you are not a stay at home parent, if you enjoy flexible hours and like working from home, this is absolutely, hands down, the perfect job.
