What Does a Medical Transcriptionist Do?
Medical Transcriptionists typically work for various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, healthcare clinics or private practices to help their employer compose and update documents from audio formats. They can also work for transcription agencies or as self-employed individuals. They work closely with Physicians, Nurses and administrative staff members to confirm patient details and other information to benefit their reports. Their job is to use different technologies like medical transcriptionist software programs to aid in creating medical documents.
They may also be responsible for overseeing digital filing systems or databases to ensure their employer and healthcare staff have access to well-organized patient files.
Medical Transcriptionist Skills and Qualifications
Medical Transcriptionists need a variety of skills in order to accurately complete their duties. Some Medical Transcriptionist skills are:
- Using medical dictionaries, drug reference books and medical books to use the correct spelling of medical terms and vocabulary
- Knowledge of transcription software such as a foot pedal, audio software and word processing software
- Communication skills to communicate with health care personnel and patients about patient information and work assignments
- Project management skills to manage time and be organized for several transcription projects at once
- In-depth knowledge of medical terms and medical language to correct errors in transcripts
- Ability to keep patient information confidential
Medical Transcriptionist Salary Expectations
The average salary for a Medical Transcriptionist is $15.26 per hour. This exact amount may vary depending on geographical location or the experience level of the applicant. The typical tenure in this position is three to five years.
Medical Transcriptionist Education and Training Requirements
A Medical Transcriptionist usually has an associate degree from a community college or a similar degree from a vocational school. Often a high school degree and a certificate are enough, but an advanced degree makes the Medical Transcriptionist more employable. Transcription education includes how to use transcription software, keyboarding, transcription, editing and proofreading and information management. Classes in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology helpMedical Transcriptionists understand their work as medical employees. There is voluntary accreditation with the Approval Committee for Certificate Programs. These programs are associated with the American Health Information Management Association. Other certificates such as the Registered Medical Transcriptionist and the Certified Medical Transcriptionist designation are available for transcription professionals.
Medical Transcriptionist Experience Requirements
Being a Medical Transcriptionist requires two to three years of education. The role of a Medical Transcriptionist requires a person to have experience with computer systems, transcription software and management of health care databases. The more senior Medical Transcriptionist roles require that someone has worked consistently five or more years as a Medical Transcriptionist. Some Medical Transcriptionist positions may require management or mentoring experience if the person focuses their work as a Medical Transcriptionist Project Manager or Lead Transcriptionist.
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