Medical Transcriber?

Question

I am interested in taking up a course to become a medical transcriber. Does anyone with experiance in this feild have any suggestions for online trainging? I am having a baby and I still need to earn an income until the baby is old enough to attend school. Also, can you give me a quick run down of what kind of training a medical transcriber needs. Thanks so much.

Answer 1

There are so many schools and training (on-line and off) that you can attend to become a Medical Transcriptionist (not Transcriber-- that's the machine I was often told this when I was a newbie. smile). You can take courses even at community colleges. Some schools approved by the American Association of Medical Transcriptionists (AAMT) are:

Medical Transcription Education Center, Inc (M-TEC) (www.mtecinc.com)
The Andrews School (www.andrewsschool.com)
Career Step (www.careerstep.com)

There are many schools including those advertised on television.

I chose California College of Health Sciences because I could pursue a degree in the field-- on line. I received my degree in 2001. Do a web search, research the schools and check them out with the BBB, then do an Excel sheet to compare schools and courses, and choose the school that best serves your needs. Look for programs that allow interaction between instructor and student and provide opportunities for networking among students. This will better prepare you for the real world of medical transcription and for getting your first job in the field.

The roadblock in this field is that most trasnscription services busineses require that you have at least three years work experience! It is very difficult finding a service to hire you with no experience. I was fortunate in that I found someone locally where I could do an internship. (Also, there are some schools that assist you in locating internships). I suggest that you look into your local job market BEFORE you choose the career and invest in the education. Ask for interviews with prospective employers to see what they expect of a beginning MT and how likely they are to hire a recent graduate (for at-home work or office). However, sometimes a small physician office or a small transcription service will hire a beginner. First do the research, then get a good education, and then be creative and persistent!

Courses:
Introduction To Medical Transcription
Medical Terminology;
Human Anatomy & Physiology;
Grammar;
SUM Transcription Tapes - physicial dictated medical tapes;
Medical Phrase Index
AAMT Book of Style
Medical Abbreviations
Dorland's Medical Dictionary
Saunder's Pharmaceutical Word Book
Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference Book
Understanding Pharmacology
Confidentiality and Ethics
Medical Surgical Word Book
Medical transcription macros or expander programs
Medical Specialities
etc., etc., etc.
(Most medical reference books are used in the field and must be constantly updated)
Equipment: (depends on employer): Footpedal; or C-Phone; etc.

Hopes this helps. The website below should assist you further.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Taking a ground-up, client-oriented approach, we’ll make sure that you have an eye-catching, attractive, information-packed website that will help reinforce your brand and draw in patients. Our team of expert and award-winning designers will be there to assist you every step of the way. Medical Transcription For Beginners = This website covers several topics like what goes into starting a successful home based medical transcription business, is medical transcription a legitimate home based business, what medical transcription is, what skills a home based medical transcription needs, what the initial investment is and how to choose the right medical transcription course for your business. You’ll get a website that not only represents your practice, but will also appeal to potential and current patients.

Answer 3

It's not an easy job from what I know. My Pastor's wife went through the training and had to work at the hospital until she was ready to work from home.

Now she works from home, however, she is kept on a rigid schedule that is monitored by the hospital.

The income is good & the benefit is you'll be home.

Do some research before you spend any money. Check with some local hospitals and see if they're willing to train you.