What Does a Medical Transcriptionist Do?

I've heard about medical transcriptionists and think it might be a career I'd enjoy. Could someone explain what a medical transcriptionist's job involves and what kind of training or skills are needed?

A medical transcriptionist is an important role in the healthcare industry. They are responsible for listening to voice recordings made by physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals and converting them into written reports. These reports may include office visit notes, medical procedures summaries, patient's medical history, diagnostic results, referral letters, and so on.

They possess a deep understanding of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and the grammatical rules of the language in which they are transcribing. Their precise work significantly contributes to the quality of patient care, as accurate medical records assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating patients appropriately.

In terms of skills, medical transcriptionists need to possess strong listening comprehension skills, as they must accurately interpret complex medical jargon and abbreviations in doctor's recordings. They also need excellent typing and writing skills, good concentration, and an eye for detail to spot potential errors in transcriptions to ensure precision. Being comfortable using computers and transcription software is likewise important.

As far as training goes, medical transcriptionists often have postsecondary training in medical transcription, which can be received through community colleges, vocational schools, or online. These medical transcription programs generally take 6 months to 2 years to complete. An apprenticeship with hands-on training might also be an option in some areas. Some medical transcriptionists will also opt to get certified with an organization like the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) for better job opportunities, though this isn't typically required for employment.

Finally, it's worth noting that medical transcription is a field with potential for flexibility, and many transcriptionists often have the option to work remotely. This certainly makes it a popular choice among those who value work-life balance.