How to Obtain a Degree to Become a Medical Transcriptionist

Becoming a medical transcriptionist is a process. Like any other profession, you need to go through a number of steps to start your medical transcription career. The first step is to find local community colleges or vocational schools that offer Associate degrees or career training programs in medical transcription.



If you’ve ever researched for work-at-home positions, you would have probably seen medical transcription as one of the most sought after and commonly sold services. I’ve seen many people, with varying backgrounds, offer medical transcription services to willing clients.

But is it really that easy to become a medical transcriptionist? Can just about anyone pick up a set of headphones and start transcribing complex doctor dictations?

The obvious and truthful answer is no! While many may have you believe that all you need is a medical dictionary to get started on this career, I don’t think that’s the best way to become a medical transcriptionist.

If you don’t believe me, try going into the market with nothing to show for experience or training. Chances are that you’ll be beating a hasty retreat when you see yourself surrounded by competition that’s far ahead of you.

So, what does it take?

Becoming a medical transcriptionist is a process, much like other professions. There’s an end goal and to reach that goal, you need to go through certain steps.

For your reference, I have listed below the steps that I think will bring you closer to your objective of becoming a medical transcriptionist.

1. Find medical transcription schools in your area. Many community colleges offer two-year Associate’s degrees in the field. Alternatively, you can enroll for medical transcription training at a vocational or technical school.

Thanks to the boom in technology, you can acquire a degree or complete a vocational course fully online without anyone raising an eyebrow. This also provides you the freedom to choose the best medical transcription school for your needs rather than confine yourself to one location.

2. Make sure your medical transcription training program is approved by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI).

It is one of the leading professional organizations in the medical transcription industry and a curriculum that’s got AHDI approval is sure to meet highest standards in academic quality.

3. Your medical transcription program curriculum may include courses in medical terminology, basic anatomy and pharmacology, medical records types and formats, ethical and legal issues in medical transcription, grammar and punctuation, keyboarding, etc.

4. You may also want to ensure that the school you enroll in does not turn you into a “paper medical transcriptionist” or someone who has all the essential bookish and theoretical knowledge, but lacks any hands-on training or practical experience in medical transcription. By the time you graduate, you should already have worked on real doctor dictations.

5. Once you complete all the prerequisites of your course and get your medical transcription degree/certificate, it’s time to take your skills to the market. There are many ways to approach the job market.

You can make use of your school’s placement assistance service or upload your CV on job portals and wait for an employer to call. If you want to adopt a more aggressive approach, start connecting with local healthcare facilities and inquire about their medical transcription requirements.

Use online as well as offline platforms to network with professionals in the industry.If you are keen on starting your own medical transcription business, creating a website may be a good marketing tactic.

" Contributed by:
Nancy Higgins is a 36-year old stay at home mom of two. She worked as a medical assistant for five years before taking a break to be with her children. Her experience as a medical assistant gave her valuable insights in to the medical transcription industry, which she likes to share with others through her writing. Medical transcription training often finds mention in her writings. Being an SAHM, Nancy is a huge exponent of vocational training programs that provide women like her the power to be their own boss. Her other interests include gardening and baking. She stays with her husband and two daughters "