13/02/2016
Medical Transcriptionist Education Degree Requirements
Medical transcriptionists are not required to have postsecondary education, but most employers prefer to hire those who do. Vocational schools, community colleges, and online schools offer medical transcription training. Although medical transcriptionist education degree requirements vary from one employer to the next, many aspiring medical transcriptionists would likely benefit from completing a one-year certificate program or associate’s degree program in medical transcription.
Medical transcriptionists must be familiar with medical terminology in order to comprehend and accurately transcribe recordings. Students in medical transcription programs may be required to take classes in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, legal issues related to healthcare documentation, and English. Students also gain on-the-job experience under the guidance of experienced medical transcriptionists. It is important for medical transcriptionists to have good listening skills, strong grammar and writing skills, normal hearing ability, and advanced typing speed and computer proficiency.
Voluntary credentials for medical transcriptionists include the Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) and Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) designations. The RMT credential is open to those who have graduated from medical transcriptionist programs and have less than two years of experience in acute care. The CMT credential is appropriate for those who have at least two years of experience in acute care using different format, dictation, and report types in various specialties. To earn either credential, a candidate must obtain a passing score on a written exam.