Medical transcriptionists spend their days working at a computer, creating written documents out of oral physician notes and other dictated medical material. Transcriptionists must be conscientious and detail oriented, since the documents become part of a patient's permanent medical record, and accuracy is essential. The need for medical transcriptionists is expected to grow over the next decade, as the U.S. population ages and the demand for medical services increases as a result.
Working Environment
Medical transcriptionists work in many different office settings, including hospitals, laboratories and clinics. Others telecommute or run their own transcription business from home. Whatever the setting, medical transcriptionists spend most of their work time at a keyboard. Therefore, having an ergonomically correct setup is essential in preventing repetitive stress injuries. Although many medical transcriptionists work a standard 40-hour week, others work part-time or on evenings or weekends. Although the environment is comfortable, transcriptionists may feel pressured by demands to be both productive and accurate.
Transcription
Generally, medical transcriptionists use headsets to listen to recorded notes, then key their written text into various software programs, pausing the recording as needed to catch up on the transcription. Whether producing reports about autopsies, surgeries, physical exams, hospital discharges or other medical events, transcriptionists need to be fluent in medical terminology. When they have questions, they turn to medical reference books and websites. Transcriptionists return completed work to the physician or other professional who dictated the notes, for correction or approval.
Edits and Formatting
Transcription is more than just translating spoken text into written text. As they listen and type, medical transcriptionists must edit notes lightly for grammar and spell out abbreviations and acronyms. Good transcriptionists will occasionally catch errors or inconsistencies in the dictation and correct them. Transcriptionists must format the notes according to the guidelines of the report, letter or other document they are creating.
Education and Training
There are programs, some accredited and some unaccredited, where aspiring medical transcriptionists receive education and training leading to an associate's degree or certificate. The Association for Healthcare Document Integrity awards two voluntary levels of certification: registered medical transcriptionist (RMT) and a higher level, certified medical transcriptionist (CMT). Not all employers require these degrees and certifications, however.
Salary and Job Outlook
In May 2006 medical transcriptionists had a median hourly wage of $14.40. Those who worked in medical and diagnostic laboratories tended to earn the highest hourly wages, while those who worked in physician offices tended to earn the lowest hourly wages. Growth in the field is expected to be 14 percent--higher than average growth for all industries--between 2006 and 2016.
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