When I was researching medical transcription as a career, I felt like I needed to learn as much as possible about it before making a commitment. I’d gone down so many dead-end paths in the past; I didn’t want to get burned again. What does it take to become a good medical transcriptionist, and how can you tell if a program is worth your investment and time?
Medical transcription does require some kind of post-high school training. Sometimes vocational and community colleges offer training, but online companies providing a self-study curriculum seems to be the popular option for aspiring transcriptionists. This was definitely the option for me, because I love to study independently and, more importantly, at my own pace. If I was having trouble with something, I could take extra time on it without worry.
The curriculum should cover anatomy, medical terminology, legal terms, grammar and punctuation. This is a great field for people who have always wanted to work in the medical field, but didn’t have the time or money to attend four or eight years in a university.
Once you complete your studies, you can qualify for the Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) designation, which means you’ve been found competent by passing a series of exams given by the American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT). Once you’re certified, you must keep your learning up to stay certified – after all, the medical profession changes every day!
A good program offers training, of course, but it also offers financial assistance for those in need. And a great program has resources for students to find a job after completing the program. Put all of these things together, and you have the ingredients for a worthwhile education in medical transcription.
So, after doing my research, I learned a few important things to look for in a school for medical transcription, not to mention a lot about what transcriptionists do and what it takes to be the best. I feel so excited and energized about my future now! This is the Medical Transcriptionist Program that worked for me
