How to Beome a Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists listen to dictated audio recordings and transcribe them into written documents. Most transcriptionists work in health care settings, transcribing dictation from physicians and other health care providers into medical histories, treatment reports, examination and operation reports, and other medical documents. Other transcriptionists work in insurance, legal and other settings. Transcriptionists generally listen to the dictation on headsets while seated at a computer, using a foot pedal to pause the recording when needed. Becoming a transcriptionist requires proper education (especially for a medical transcriptionist), as well as excellent typing, proofreading and listening skills.
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Instructions
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Becoming a Medical Transcriptionist
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Complete a program of education for a transcriptionist. Becoming a medical transcriptionist requires either an associate's degree (two years of study) or completion of a one-year certificate program. Your education for medical transcription will include courses in anatomy, pharmacology, medical terminology and legal and ethical issues related to medical information. You also should take a course in English grammar and composition, as transcriptionists need excellent grammar and punctuation skills.
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While studying for a transcriptionist career, practice your listening, typing, editing and proofreading skills. Listening to recorded spoken-word material--an audiobook, for example--and transcribing the material into a written document is great practice. This will train you to listen carefully and to type with greater speed and accuracy. Remember to proofread your practice material, as transcriptionists should be able to spot mistakes and correct them.
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Obtain certification as a transcriptionist. The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) offers two voluntary certifications: registered medical transcriptionist (RMT) and certified medical transcriptionist (CMT). You can receive the RMT after passing the AHDI's transcription examination. You must have two years of experience in an acute care setting to receive the CMT. Although these designations are voluntary, certification signals to potential employers that you are skilled and competent.
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Apply for transcriptionist jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 41 percent of medical transcriptionists work in hospitals, while another 29 percent work in physicians' offices. Some transcriptionsts are self-employed, often working from home on a contract basis. Still others start their own transcription businesses.
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Complete required continuing education for RMTs and CMTs. Recertification as an RMT or CMT requires continuing education credits every three years.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider becoming a member of AHDI, the professional association for medical transcriptionists. The association maintains a job bank on its website. Membership in a professional association offers networking opportunities and job leads, and facilitates continuing education.
