How to Become a Medical Transcriber or Transcriptionist

If you want a challenging but rewarding job in the health care industry without studying for several years, then becoming a Medical Transcriber or Transcriptionist is the career for you. Unlike a traditional four-year degree program (or much longer to become a doctor), you can be a Medical Transcriptionist in as little as 4 to 6 months. Also, this is one of those jobs that you can do from the comfort of your own home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Find a reputable school nearby or online. Depending on your time frame, one can be a medical transcriber or transcriptionist for as little as three months to as long as one year.
2. Buy textbooks to use.
3. Invest in a personal computer. Prices of computers have dropped considerably, so buying one would not be as hard on your budget as it used to be.
4. Buy a voice recorder, preferably digital to avoid running out of tapes.
5. Buy a voice-to-text software. Ask your instructor or research online of the best available products out there. This would make your transcription job a lot easier and faster to complete.
6. Learn shorthand. If you know shorthand, even if your voice recorder breaks you can still continue to jot down notes.
7. Be willing to learn and persevere. Have the patience to overcome the challenges and practice well to get better at this profession. Practice by listening to tape recorded conversation then try to type them on your computer. Practice typing at home to improve on your speed. The faster you work the more jobs you can complete.