Medical Transcriptionist

To be a successful Medical Transcriptionist you should…

• be knowledgeable of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology
• understand medicolegal implications and responsibility related to the transcription of patient records
• have an excellent knowledge of English language rules and be especially good at spelling and proofreading
• be able to translate oral information into well organized, accurate typed statements
• have excellent listening skills, including the ability to
• hear and understand dialects and various accents

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What will my job be like?

A medical transcriptionist listens to a tape-recorded summary about a patient, types what is heard, and then places the information in the client’s permanent record. This transcription provides a clear, concise, written record that must contain correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Transcriptionists use computers and word processors to complete many medical documents, including medical histories, physicals, consultations, and operative reports. They record procedures and treatments for the medical record and for the practitioner’s reference.

Where could I work?

Medical transcriptionists work primarily in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, transcription services, insurance companies, and home health care agencies. Many MTs work in their homes as independent contractors or subcontractors, and more and more as home-based employees.

What is the average annual salary?

$35,300

What is the future of this career?

Employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to decline 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, according the the BLS.

Despite declining employment, about 6,600 openings for medical transcriptionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

Classroom and clinical experience lasts from nine months for a certificate up to two years for an associate degree.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• Capital Community College, Hartford
• Manchester Community College, Manchester
• Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.

Where can I get more information?

Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)
4120 Dale Road, Suite J8-233
Modesto, CA   95356
(800) 982-2182
www.ahdionline.org