Medical transcription is the production of documents from dictated recordings by health professionals. Basically, any type of medical treatment, procedure, diagnostic test, etc. must be documented into a patient’s medical record. In order for this to be done in a legible, accurate fashion, health professionals dictate this specific information either into a digital or analog recorder and/or through the use of a phone dictation system. Transcriptionists then transcribe this information into a typed document, which is then forwarded to the dictator for review and signature. These documents then become part of a patient’s permanent medical record. These documents can be discharge summaries, history and physicals, admission summaries, operative reports, expiration reports, office visits, diagnostic studies, consultations, referral letters, etc.

To understand and accurately transcribe this dictated information into a document that is both accurate and comprehensible to the reader, a Medical Transcriptionist must have an in-depth understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, procedures, and treatment. Not only is it important to have an understanding of these components, but the Transcriptionist must also be able to translate abbreviations and have the ability to reference terms through the use of printed and electronic reference materials. They must also have a good knowledge of the English language relating to its usage regarding punctuation and grammar, and also have knowledge of the appropriate format or style that may apply to each specific document being transcribed. They must also possess the ability to overcome any obstacle to get the job done. This may include transcribing dictation by a dictator with an accent, dictation having background noise, or just restructuring what the dictator is saying so that it is presented in a concise, accurate manner without changing the ultimate meaning behind it.

Medical transcription is something that is done all over the world. It is also offering more opportunities than ever with the new technology of realtime voice recognition and with the stringent health insurance guidelines, which health professionals are forced to follow. Also, with the largest sector of the population aging, unfortunately, more Transcriptionists are necessary to fulfill the need for these documents to be produced. Although, most of the opportunities today are at-home positions, there are still positions outside of the home in hospitals, clinics, doctor offices, etc. It can be a very lucrative as a home business if you choose to offer your own service instead of working for a company. On average, an experienced Medical Transcriptionist can earn $20,000 a year working part-time and as much as $50,000 a year full-time. And they can earn much more if they choose to have their own business. Most Transcriptionists working at home are usually paid by the line or page. Working at home allows you to write off many of your expenses using your home as an office. This also equates into quite a savings, not to mention the savings on clothing expense, traveling expense, day care cost, and the list goes on.

Medical Transcription is a great profession to work in if you have the discipline and will to proceed through the training necessary. If you feel you do, this can be a very gratifying and fulfilling profession not only because you can work from home, but also because you will now have a skill that will allow you to work independently. This skill will also provide you with the security you desire for your future, regardless of handicap, age, or gender.

Why Choose a Career as a Medical Transcriptionist?

Overview of Program

The first phase of your Medical Transcription Program starts with learning medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Comprehending the terms you’ll encounter as a Transcriptionist and understanding the language of medicine is the key to success in this profession!

Concurrent with this portion of the program, students learn how to accurately transcribe the dictated words of physicians with a wide range of tones and accents for a variety of medical specialties. The textbooks and course materials provide sample reports, case scenarios, transcription tips, and more.

To prepare job-ready graduates, the program uses hands-on transcriptions of actual physician dictations. There is no more effective way to teach the skills of medical transcription than by doing it. The necessity of using authentic physician dictation for medical transcription practice cannot be over-emphasized. The use of authentic physician dictation has a proven track record. Medical transcription supervisors, health information managers, and transcription service owners know that the only way to prepare students for a medical transcription career is to train with real physician dictation. This, combined with the appropriate academic course work, will ensure that students are well prepared to enter this work force.

Upon completion of the program, you may anticipate a practical and straightforward knowledge of medical transcription, a complex and prestigious area of expertise, the skills to perform, and the business knowledge to set yourself up or contract for work. It is a field that continues to be in high demand, mandatory by law for every provider type, hospital, clinic, surgery center, mental health center, rehabilitation provider, or for services which contract from those providers. Opportunities exist in government agencies, insurance companies, and legal offices.

Graduates will be:

• Prepared to work for hospitals or doctors’ offices and clinics, government agencies and insurance companies.
• Knowledgeable of the medical profession and its specialties.
• Confident to select and use appropriate medical references.
• Capable of studying, synthesizing, and applying technologies used in healthcare documentation and to simulate an awareness of related emerging technologies.

Are There Examinations And Tests?

Weekly examination testing allows the faculty to assess the skills of students. Students must achieve a final test score of 85% or higher on both an objective test and a transcription test in order to graduate.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Enroll?

• A high school diploma or GED is a must. Of course, if you have an associate's or a bachelor's or a master's degree, that would be an added plus!
• A strong desire to learn and a commitment to the course of study
• Excellent listening skills
• Good grammar and punctuation skills
• Typing skills (35-40 wpm essential)

What Does the School Offer Its Students?

• Expertise in the field of Reporting
• Training on up-to-the-minute technological equipment
• Knowledgeable faculty
• State-of-the-art curriculum
• Great support staff
• Opportunity to become employed in an active, stimulating, multi-faceted profession

Program content is not taught in individualized courses. All curriculum content is integrated within the 28 week program. Course numbers and descriptions are for licensing and student grading purposes.

MT 100 Medical Terminology
This course is the study of the meaning, derivation, and usage of medical terminology. This course is designed to help the student understand the medical terminology essentials used in health fields and in medical records.

MT 110 Anatomy and Physiology
The study of the structure and function of the human body; body organization, chemical and cellular structure and function; the sense organs; integumentary, urinary, digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, neuropsychiatric, and immune systems.

MT 111 Review of Systems
Content and terminology used under each of the main headings within a history and physical examination report. An in-depth study of physical examination. Understanding interrelationships and medical cause and effect in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and laboratory procedures as demonstrated through exercises based on actual medical reports.

MT 113 Grammar and Punctuation for Medical Transcriptionists
This course focuses on examination of English grammar usage, clarity, punctuation and proofreading skills. Classroom activities and drills focus on developing student proficiency and accuracy.

MT 115 Human Diseases
A comprehensive study of disease processes (causes, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments), organized by body systems.

MT 117 Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures
An introduction to the principal types of diagnostic procedures: physical measurements, electrodiagnostics, endoscopy, medical imaging, and clinical pathology. For each test or procedure, methodology, indications or purposes, a range of results is covered to enable one to recognize pertinent terminology and to grasp the general sense of a report.

MT 118 Medical Transcription Practice
Transcription of authentic physician-dictated reports organized by body systems. Emphasis is on identifying and using medical terminology introduced in MT 100, MT 110, MT 113, MT 111, MT 115 and MT 117. There is also an emphasis on development of accuracy, speed, and medical knowledge for transcription of nonsurgical medical dictation: letters, chart notes, history and physical examination reports, consultations, emergency room reports, and discharge summaries. Students will focus on using reference materials and other resources efficiently, improving their editing and proofreading techniques including grammar and punctuation review as well as understand the professional issues in medical transcription.

MT 120 Professional Issues
Review of independent contractor status, HIPAA issues, confidentiality, contracts and technology such as FTP sites and digital transmission modes. The course will also outline strategies for marketing your skills and presenting a professional image.

MT 130 Medical Transcription Equipment and Software
Students are guided through the medical transcription equipment and speech recognition software. Students will also review the basic functions of Microsoft Word, including managing files, tabs, manipulating text, formatting, sections, headers and footers, and footnotes and endnotes.