Medical transcription is a vital field where professionals convert doctors’ dictated reports, procedures, and notes into electronic or paper formats, creating comprehensive patient treatment histories. Healthcare practitioners routinely dictate details following patient procedures.
The Role of a Medical Transcriptionist
Medical transcriptionists listen to recordings from physicians and other healthcare staff, transcribing them into reports, letters, and administrative documents. This typically involves using headphones and a foot pedal to control the recording while typing. These recordings cover diverse medical areas such as patient histories, examinations, consultations, and autopsy reports. After transcription, these documents are returned for review, signature, and corrections, eventually becoming part of the patient’s permanent record.
Essential Skills and Knowledge
A medical transcriptionist needs a strong understanding of medical terminology related to anatomy, physiology, diagnostic procedures, pharmacology, and treatment assessments. Familiarity with medical jargon and abbreviations is crucial. Standard medical reference materials, both printed and online, aid in identifying medical terms.
Compensation and Earnings
Compensation varies by company, ranging from hourly pay or pay per line transcribed to base hourly rates with production incentives. Employees of transcription services and independent contractors usually receive production-based pay. While independent contractors may earn more, they bear higher expenses, lack benefits, and face greater termination risks. Employed transcriptionists receive medical benefits and labor law protection, offering greater job security.
Job Search Strategies
There are two primary avenues for finding medical transcription jobs: online platforms and subcontracted transcription services. Applying online often leads to independent contractor positions, while subcontracted services typically offer employee status. The core job responsibilities remain consistent across both.
Applying Online: Key Steps
1. Carefully read the form and instructions.
2. Ensure complete comprehension of all questions.
3. Note the company’s preferred layout, such as name and date order.
4. Retain a printed copy for future reference.
5. Avoid leaving any blank fields to prevent application rejection.
6. Use “N/A” for inapplicable sections.
7. Only include specifically requested information.
8. Prepare a concise online curriculum vitae (CV) for email submission.
Crafting Your Online CV
* Include your CV in the email body, similar to a standard email.
* Keep it brief and to the point.
* Use a clear, easily readable font.
* Prioritize your email address, followed by your home address at the bottom of the details section.
* Highlight your relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.
* Clearly state the desired position in the subject line (e.g., “Vacancy: Medical Transcriptionist”).
Applying Through Transcription Services
Applying through transcription services resembles applying for any job. The primary difference lies in the requirement for strong typing and listening skills, which are typically assessed through specific tests.