How to Become a Medical Records Technician

Medical transcription is the process of transcribing dictated medical records such as patient histories, operative reports, clinical notes and laboratory reports from tape to print. Medical records technicians, or MTs, work in hospitals, clinics and offices. If you have a good eye for detail, work well under tight deadlines and enjoy using your PC skills, you may find a career in medical transcription very rewarding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• résumé paper
• résumé software

1. Take advantage of any high school computer classes offered in word processing programs such as Microsoft Word or WordPerfect.
2. Consider part-time work in a hospital, laboratory or medical office to become familiar with basic medical terminology, as well as the work environment.
3. Be aware that postgraduate training in medical transcription includes community college courses, trade school programs, and several online and correspondence courses. Note that most programs focus on teaching you the medical terminology necessary to the job, not the technical skills associated with using the tape machines or the PC.
4. Expect to complete an MT training program in about three to six months; an associate's degree program requires one and a half to two years. The American Association of Medical Transcriptionists grants a Certificate in Medical Transcription (CMT) to those who pass a written and practice exam.
5. Remember that finding that first job in medical transcribing can be challenging, though two to three years of experience can earn you $10 to $18 an hour - or more as an independent contractor.
6. Create an effective MT resume or application by highlighting your grasp of grammar and medical terminology, your passion for accuracy and detail, and your technical competence in using related equipment, such as tape machines and word-processing packages.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that all of your paperwork must be error-free when applying for a position.
• A growing number of MTs are becoming independent contractors, with opportunities to work flexible hours and/or from home.
• If you hope to make a work-at-home arrangement, do not expect to work and take care of children at the same time. MT duties, in particular, require total accuracy and great attention to detail; get a sitter or, better still, find a good preschool for the rug rats while you're working.

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