Medical Transcription -A Career Without Limits

With baby boomers entering their golden years and the health care industry moving toward electronic record keeping, the medical transcription field is growing. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the medical transcription occupation is expected to grow "faster than average," with a projected growth rate of 14 percent. With double digit growth rates, an aging population, and a health care agenda stressing electronic medical records, opportunities for certified medical transcriptionists are outstanding!

Secure your future with a Medical Transcription career without having to put your work or family on hold in the process by becoming certified or earning an accredited Associate degree online, from the comfort of home, and at your own pace.

What Do Medical Transcriptionists Do?

Medical transcriptionists transcribe dictated and written physician notes into electronic documents. This involves listening to, reading, and understanding the information and then using appropriate technology, such as a word processor, to transcribe the information into a detailed and accurate medical document. The document then becomes part of the patient`s medical record.

Typing, word processing, and writing skills are prerequisites to the field of medical transcription. However, those skills are just the beginning. An in-depth understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology is needed as well as knowledge of pharmacology, treatment assessments, diagnostic procedures, and the legal concerns surrounding the health care industry.

Medical transcriptionists must also understand medical jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms in order to accurately decode any oral or written shortcuts into meaningful text. For example, physicians often use acronyms such as BID (twice per day) and QH (every hour) in their notes. To the layperson, these acronyms don`t make much sense. However, a properly trained health care professional understands that these acronyms are based on Latin with bis in die (BID) meaning "twice per day" and quaque hora (QH) meaning "every hour." With the proper coursework in medical terminology, a medical transcriptionist can quickly transcribe the information despite the abundance of medical jargon and acronyms.

In addition, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a complex set of regulations governing the health care industry. Medical transcriptionists must understand their role in protecting the privacy and confidentiality of protected health care information. Protecting this sensitive information often involves using specific technologies such as digital certificates and encryption. Coursework in basic computer security techniques helps ensure that the transcriptionist understands how to use technology effectively in order to secure these electronic documents.

Medical Transcription Education Requirements

Post secondary medical transcription training, such as a one-year certificate program or a two-year associate degree program, is preferred by employers. Employers want to know that the medical transcriptionist fully understands patient privacy concerns and the complex medical demands of the job.

Professional Certification

The American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT) awards the voluntary Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) to medical transcriptionists who pass written and practical examinations. Certification ensures competence, as is also customary in other fields. Medical transcriptionists are asked to keep abilities updated because medical terminology is always developing. CMTs must continually earn education credits every three years in order to remain certified.

Where do Medical Transcriptionists Work?

Medical transcriptionists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, laboratories, medical and document transcription companies, government medical offices, medical libraries, and even from the comfort of their own homes. Many experienced Medical Transcriptionists go on to start transcription service companies and hire other medical transcriptionists to work for them.

How much do Medical Transcriptionists Earn?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that medical transcriptionists earned a median average of $14.40 per hour as of mid-2006 with the highest earners making over $20 per hour. The highest paid transcriptionists worked in medical and diagnostic laboratories. Independent medical transcriptionists also command a higher rate though as self-employed professionals, these individuals have higher out-of-pocket expenses, must pay self-employment taxes, and do not receive any benefits. Medical Transcription service company owners can earn as much as their company can produce, giving ambitious transcriptionists the opportunity to grow as prosperous as their heights of their abilities and ambition takes them!

Medical Transcription Advancement Opportunities

With experience, medical transcriptionists can advance to supervisory positions, home-based work, editing, consulting, or teaching. Some become owners of medical transcription businesses. With additional education or training, some become medical records and health information technicians, medical coders, or medical records and health information administrators.

Becoming a medical transcriptionist is a terrific way to become involved in the growing health care industry. The baby boomers are aging, which is fueling the demand for additional health care workers. In addition, the health care industry is embracing the concept of electronic recordkeeping which offers additional opportunities for well-trained medical transcriptionists. Your career in Medical Transcription is without limits. Take your dreams and turn them into reality with Medical Transcription training!

Train For A Medical Transcription Career

Secure Your Future with a Medical Transcription Career!
Explore accredited Medical Transcription schools and request additional information about requirements, tuition, financial aid, and start dates directly from schools offering programs that match your interests:
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Find Medical Transcription Programs Near You

Kaplan University

Campus

Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

Programs:

• AAS in Medical Transcription
• AAS in Medical Office Management

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Allied Schools

Campus

Considering a new career or need additional job training? Whether you want to train for a new career, advance within your current company, or simply learn new skills to stay competitive in today's job market, Allied's distance education training can help! Because the courses are offered online and through traditional distance education, the stress associated with driving to and attending a live class is eliminated. Start your new career training today, start it with Allied Schools.

Programs:

• Medical Transcription
• Electronic Health Records
• ICD-10 Comprehensive Coding Training Course

Campus Locations:

Laguna Hills

Kaplan University - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan University can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Science: Medical Transcription
• Certificate: Medical Billing and Coding
• Associate of Applied Science: Medical Office Management

Campus Locations:

Hagerstown
Council Bluffs
Omaha
Lincoln
Davenport
Mason City
Urbandale
Cedar Rapids
Cedar Falls

Empire College

Campus

Empire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, can give you the career training you need to launch or advance your career in the Business, Law, Technology, or Medical fields.

Programs:

• Medical Transcriptionist
• Medical Billing/Coding

Campus Locations:

Santa Rosa

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Medical Transcriptionist
• Medical Office Assistant

Penn Foster Schools

Campus

Penn Foster offers affordable, self-paced career-focused distance education programs in fields like business, criminal justice, health services, technology, engineering, paralegal studies and more.

Programs:

• Medical Transcriptionist
• Legal Transcriptionist
• Medical Coding and Billing

Campus Locations:

Scranton

Ashworth College

Campus

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs:

• Medical Transcription
• Legal Transcription
• Medical Billing

Campus Locations:

Norcross

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• BS in Health Administration/Health Information Systems
• A.A. in Health Care Administration-Medical Records
• B.S. in Health Administration/Health Information Systems

Campus Locations:

Online
Independence
Macon
Jacksonville
Milwaukee
Las Vegas
Tampa
Yuma
Daytona Beach
Los Angeles
Orlando
Bossier City
Austin
Henderson
Rancho Cordova
Chandler
Brookfield
Lathrop
Augusta
Savannah
Columbus
San Antonio
Fort Collins
Clinton Township
Tulsa
Salida
Hurst
San Francisco
Phoenix
Overland Park
Flint
Snellville
Colorado Springs
Woodland Hills
Sarasota
Killeen
Temple Terrace
Mililani
Birmingham
St Louis Park
Baton Rouge
Dallas
Kansas City
Houston
Southfield
Livonia
Plainfield
West Chester
Louisville
Westminster
Ontario
Fairfield
Murrieta
Sugar Land
Columbia
Sacramento
Tucson
Appleton
Costa Mesa
Diamond Bar
Spring
Miami
Portage
Culver City
Nogales
Hollywood
Plantation
Washington
Westlake
Fort Lauderdale
Palm Beach Gardens
Oakland
Rogers
Pasadena
Gardena
Saint Paul
Kapolei
San Jose
Maitland
Troy
Saint Louis
Manassas
Clearwater
Livermore
Indianapolis
Elk Grove
Arlington
St. Louis
Mesa
Ann Arbor
Fairfax
Madison
Cordova
Irving
Lone Tree
Roseville
San Diego
Meridian
Lancaster
Aurora
East Lansing
Grand Rapids
Springfield
Reston
Metairie

Vatterott College

Campus

Advance your career with a certificate, diploma or bachelor's degree from Vatterott College. Our innovative, hands-on training helps you build the life you want.

Programs:

• Medical Billing and Coding Technology
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Medical Office Assistant

Campus Locations:

Saint Charles
Oklahoma City
Saint Louis
Joplin
Kansas City
Tulsa

Fortis Institute

Campus

Looking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.

Programs:

• Health Information Management
• Medical Records
• Health Records Technician

Campus Locations:

Erie
Ravenna
Birmingham
Hyattsville
Phoenix
Cuyahoga Falls
Cincinnati
Miami
Grand Prairie
Columbia
Baton Rouge
Lawrence Township
Cookeville
Houston
Nashville
Wayne
Mulberry
Salt Lake City
Westerville
Windsor Mill
Dayton
Houston
Richmond
Montgomery
Towson
Dothan
Mobile
Pensacola
Smyrna

National American University

Campus

Since its beginnings in 1941, National American University has been a cornerstone of higher education, keeping pace with the ever-changing advancements of technology, while holding onto core values that provide a caring and supportive environment for all students.

Programs:

• Electronic Health Record Support Specialist
• Healthcare Coding
• Medical Administrative Assistant

Campus Locations:

Austin
Rio Rancho
Saint Paul
Albuquerque
Hopkins
Lewisville
Colorado Springs
Burnsville
Minneapolis
Denver
Watertown
Rapid City
Sioux Falls
Wichita
Kansas City
Overland Park
Saint Charles
Lees Summit
Tulsa

Medical Career Institute

Campus

Experience the Rewards of Caring, With ECPI’s Medical Careers Institute, you can Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in 2.5 Years or Your Associate’s Even Sooner through Our Year-Round Schedule!

Programs:

• Health Information Management - Associate
• Medical Administration - Associate

Campus Locations:

Richmond
Newport News
Charlotte
Raleigh
Henrico
Greenville

CollegeAmerica

Campus

Finally, a college that delivers. CollegeAmerica is truly unique in that their curriculum is designed for one purpose and one purpose only: to prepare students for success.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (Online)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix
Cheyenne
Denver
Fort Collins
Colorado Springs
Flagstaff

Vista College

Campus

Vista College offers specialized vocational training and occupational education. Program graduates are awarded certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees. Curricula are reviewed and developed through a Governing Board and Advisory Board whose members represent business, industry, and education. A Financial Aid Department, a Placement Department, and an Admissions Department supplement the Academic Department to help students achieve their career goals.

Programs:

• Medical Information Specialist

Campus Locations:

Las Cruces
Beaumont
Amarillo
Lubbock

Stevens-Henager

Campus

For more than 119 years, Stevens-Henager College has worked to train generations of graduates for new careers. Stevens-Henager College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Our degree programs, designed to help graduates compete in the ever-evolving employment market, include Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Surgical Technology, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, Computer Science, and Graphic Arts*. Online programs are offered via Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray. Stevens-Henager College Idaho Falls is a branch campus of the CollegeAmerica, Flagstaff, AZ, main campus.

*Check each campus for program availability.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
• Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (Online)

Campus Locations:

Layton
Ogden
Nampa
Logan
Lehi
Orem
Murray
Idaho Falls
Boise