Medical transcriptionists listen to recorded conversations from physicians and translate them into reports.A flexible job is medical transcription.It is possible to work from home or in a structured office.There is no requirement for a high school degree to become a medical transcriptionist.Education beyond high school and certification training can make you a more competitive job candidate.
Step 1: You can earn a high school or GED.
A high school degree is required for becoming a medical transcriptionist.If you don't have a high school degree, you can take a test to get your GED.Before you can take the GED, you have to be at least sixteen years old.You can take the GED without attending classes, but you need to review the material before taking the test.Nearly every town offers GED classes and there are many online resources.
Step 2: Determine your typing speed.
Most of your time as a medical transcriptionist will be spent listening to the doctors' words.You have to be able to keep up with your typing speed.You don't need to be the fastest in the world.Forty-five words per minute will allow you to quickly and accurately type.You can use websites to test your typing speed.You can increase your speed by taking an online typing course.
Step 3: You can earn an associate degree or certificate in medical transcription.
A high school education is all you need to become a medical transcriptionist.Further education in medical transcription will help you learn the terminology that is part of the job.It will give you an advantage in the job market.The Association for healthcare documentation integrity has approved medical transcription programs.
Step 4: You can choose your credentials.
Getting credentialed will give you a competitive edge in the job market.There are two certifications available to medical transcriptionists.The certification can be used by medical transcriptionists who are just starting out.It takes two years of experience to earn the CHDS certification.There are two certifications offered by the Association for healthcare documentation integrity.
Step 5: Take the test.
There are many centers throughout the United States that offer the exams.The test can be taken online.The exam will test your knowledge of medical terminology and English language skills.The CHDS exam will test your knowledge of medical terminology, as well as your ability to make use of professional reference materials.AHDI has preparation materials on their website.
Step 6: Work in a doctor's office.
Medical transcriptionists are employed by hospitals, clinics, and physician's offices.Make a list of hospitals and physician's offices in your area and call them if you want to find a job.You can post jobs on websites such as Monster.com.If you work in a doctor's office, you may be responsible for scheduling appointments and answering phones.When calling physician's offices, be professional.You could say "I am a registered healthcare documentation specialist and I wanted to offer my services to your office."
Step 7: Work in a third-party office.
Hospitals and physician's offices provide third-party transcription services.They have a more traditional office atmosphere where you will work in a cubicle surrounded by other medical transcriptionists.You can work for a third-party transcription service if you like a structured nine-to-five environment.You will have to be at work for certain hours every day.There are websites where you can find job postings for transcription services.
Step 8: Work from home.
Many hospitals and physician's will allow you to work from home if you become a medical transcriptionist.You'll be able to make your own hours with this option.You will need to buy your own equipment to work from home.You need a computer with an internet connection and a place to work.You don't have to lift your hands off the keyboard to start and stop the recordings with foot pedals.You can buy foot pedals online at stores like Amazon.com, or you can go to a store like OfficeMax.If you want to work from home, you should specify this when you call the doctor's office.You could say, "I'm a home-based medical transcriptionist and I want to add to my client list."
Step 9: You can apply for jobs.
You need to apply for the job if you'll be working in a physician's office, for a third-party transcription service, or from home.Most employers will ask for a copy of your resume, as well as proof of any training or certifications you have.Emphasizing skills from your previous jobs will make your resume more attractive.If asked how your previous experience applies to the job of a medical transcriptionist, you might say, "I used to work in customer service, where I spent a lot of time listening to people and typing notes on a computer."The multitasking required of a medical transcriptionist was prepared by this work.