Is The Medical Transcription Career Right For Me?
March 7th, 2010 by Kate Delaney
The medical transcription career is one that continues to be in high demand within the health industry. Also known as MTs, the main job of medical transcriptionists is to listen to audio recordings given by professionals within the field and to transcribe them into medical reports and documentation for permanent patient records. Often enough, this is done using what is known as a transcriber, either be analog or digital, and with the use of a foot pedal in order to efficiently pause or playback the recordings faster and with more ease. However, nowadays, transcribing software can also be used over the computer with digital audio files and a USB foot pedal as well.
Medical transcriptionists need to have a proper grasp for medical terminology, as well for assessments, anatomy, abbreviations, formatting and basic procedures in order to maintain accuracy of their reports and other medical documentations. Having knowledge of legal and ethical patient confidentiality practices is also required, as well as having access to proper medical references as needed.
Work environments can vary from working within hospitals, offices of transcription services or physician’s, clinics and labs, or they can choose to work from home as a independent contractor or employee through telecommuting. A good transcriptionist will have a strong ability for researching when needed, have a strong sense of attention for detail, be able to work independently, and should posses good grammar skills.
How much one can earn often depends on one’s experience, how many hours are worked throughout the week, how fast of a typist they are, and whether or not they worked employed or self-employed. Companies also tend to base their compensation for pay either by how many hours are worked within the week (hourly), by salary, or on a pay-per-line basis. Becoming a certified medical transcriptionist, or a CMT, can also increase one’s earning potential due to further education and certified testing.
While some companies are known to hirer employees without experience, most require that there is some experience or medical transcription training. There are many training options available for those who are looking to get into the MT field. A person can receive their training through distance learning courses online and in the comfort of their own home, or on campuses providing the training.
Whether or not you feel that the medical transcription career is the right path for you, make sure to do the proper research when it comes to the school and what the work, itself, might entail. There is plenty of information through MT-based forum boards and websites to give you a more thorough understanding of what goes on in the field, as well as giving you actual audio dictation or report examples to get a better idea.
Read one individual’s personal story of her journey from unemployment to a secure and satisfying professional career in medical transcription. Learn how you can get your education online and find extensive resources on Medical Transcription.
career, health, home based business, jobs, medicine, training
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