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Medical transcription professionals are known as medical transcriptionists or an MT. Using a medical transcriber, these professionals are responsible for converting the patient’s medical records into typewritten format rather than handwritten. A handwritten record is more often misinterpreted by other healthcare providers. There are no “formal” education requirements to be a medical transcriptionist. Education and medical transcription training is available through traditional schooling, certificate or diploma programs, distance learning, or on-the-job training offered in some hospitals. Work for a doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic by completing your medical transcription training at home. You can study online, in print, or a combination of both. You decide which method best suits your learning style at online education programs like Career Step. A knowledgeable MT is highly valued. MTs who can consistently and accurately transcribe multiple document work-types and return repots within a reasonable turnaround-time are sought after. Curricular requirements, skills and abilities needed to fulfill this type of profession include: knowledge of medical terminology; above-average spelling, grammar, communication and memory skills; ability to sort, check, count, and verify numbers with accuracy; skill in the use of operation of basic office equipment/computer; eye/hand/foot coordination; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; records maintenance skills or ability; and good to above-average typing skills. Your medical transcription training should prepare you for the following duties and responsibilities: - Accurately transcribes the patient-identifying information such as name and Medical Record or Social Security Number.
- Transcribes accurately, utilizing correct punctuation, grammar and spelling, and edits for inconsistencies.
- Maintains/consults references for medical procedures and terminology.
- Keeps a transcription log.
- Foreign MTs may sort, copy, prepare, assemble, and file records and charts (though in the United States (US) the filing of charts and records are most often assigned to Medical Records Techs in Hospitals or Secretaries in Doctor offices).
- Distributes transcribed reports and collects dictation tapes.
- Follows up on physicians' missing and/or late dictation, returns printed or electronic report in a timely fashion (in US Hospital, MT Supervisor performs).
- Performs quality assurance check.
- May maintain disk and disk backup system (in US Hospital, MT Supervisor performs).
- May order supplies and report equipment operational problems (In US, this task is most often done by Unit Secretaries, Office Secretaries, or Tech Support personnel).
- May collect, tabulate, and generate reports on statistical data, as appropriate (in US, generally performed by MT Supervisor).
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