Print
eMail
Medical transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and other health care professionals and transcribe them into medical reports, correspondence and other administrative material.
They generally listen to recordings on a headset, using a foot pedal to pause the recording when necessary, and key the text into a personal computer or word processor, editing as necessary for grammar and clarity. The documents they produce include discharge summaries, medical history and physical examination reports, operative reports, consultation reports, autopsy reports, diagnostic imaging studies, progress notes and referral letters. Medical transcriptionists return transcribed documents to the physicians or other health care professionals who dictated them for review and signature or correction. These documents eventually become part of patients’ permanent files.
How long will it take?
Postsecondary training in medical transcription is preferred by employers; writing and computer skills also are important. At AC, you can earn a certificate in 41 semester hours.
How much can you earn?
Wage-and-salary medical transcriptionists had median hourly earnings of $14.40 in 2006.
Where can you work?
About 40% of medical transcriptionists work in hospitals and another 30% work in offices of physicians. Others work for medical and diagnostic laboratories and other medical offices.
AC can help you get there!
