Medical Transcriptionists

Also Called: Medical Transcriptionist, Radiology Transcriptionist, Transcriptionist

What Medical Transcriptionists do

Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.

  • Take dictation using shorthand, a stenotype machine, or headsets and transcribing machines.
  • Return dictated reports in printed or electronic form for physician's review, signature, and corrections and for inclusion in patients' medical records.
  • Review and edit transcribed reports or dictated material for spelling, grammar, clarity, consistency, and proper medical terminology.
Industry Areas:

Health Care

Training Program Areas:

Health Unit Coordinator • Insurance Claims Processor • Medical Administrative Assistant • Medical Office Support • OCT-Only Health Care

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Work Context

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  • Spend Time Sitting
  • Time Pressure
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

Tools

  • Dictation machines
  • Franking or postage machines
  • Special purpose telephones
  • Laser fax machine
  • Notebook computers

Technology

Medical software
Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
PCC EHR
Video creation and editing software
YouTube
Word processing software
Boston Bar Systems Corporation Sonnet
Microsoft Word

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Time Management
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Business
administrative services
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Health
medicine and dentistry

Education

  • 56% Post-secondary certificate
  • 26% Some college, no degree
  • 11% High school diploma or equivalent

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Independence
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Achievement/Effort

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Visual Understanding

This is what Medical Transcriptionists across the country typically make.

$13.07 / hour
$27,190 /year

Entry Level

$17.82 / hour
$37,060 /year

Median Level

$25.42 / hour
$52,880 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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