USA Career Guide- Medical Transcriptionists
Education and Training required to be Medical Transcriptionists
To become medical transcriptionists you should ideally have post-secondary training in medical transcription, which is offered by many vocational schools, community colleges, and distance-learning programs.
A 1-year certificate program or 2-year associate’s degree
Certification
Certification is not required to become medical transcriptionists but some choose to become certified. The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity offers two certifications:
- Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) - The RMT certification is for recent graduates with less than 2 years of experience and who work in a single specialty environment, such as a clinic or a doctor’s office.
- Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT)- The CMT credential is for transcriptionists who handle dictation in several medical specialties.
Both certifications require passing an exam and periodic retesting or continuing education.
Pay of Medical Transcriptionists
The median annual wage of medical transcriptionists was $32,900 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,960, and the top 10 percent earned more than $46,220.
Median annual wages of Medical Transcriptionists in 2010
Medical and diagnostic laboratories $35,690
Hospitals; state, local, and private 34,370
Outpatient care centers 33,530
Offices of physicians 32,640
Business support services 27,910
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor
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Job Prospects of Medical Transcriptionists
Employment of medical transcriptionists is expected to grow 6 percent from 2010 to 2020. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of medical transcriptionists will grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2018. Those who are certified will have better job opportunities. As per BLS Medical transcriptionist held about 95,100 jobs in 2010.
As healthcare providers seek to cut costs, some have hired transcription services in other countries. However, concerns about patient confidentiality and data security suggest a continued need for transcriptionists within the United States.
Industrial Overview of Medical Transcriptionists
The following industries employed the majority of medical transcriptionists in 2010:
Hospitals; state, local, and private 35%
Offices of physicians 22%
Business support services 15%
Outpatient care centers 2%
Medical and diagnostic laboratories 2%
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