Medical Transcription Specialist

Q. What is most satisfying about medical transcription?

This will depend on you. A number of comments that come from transcriptionists in answer to this question are:

• The flexibility of the job

• Working from home

• Being able to work anytime

• The flexible hours have allowed me to make some extra money and still be here for my kids

• It suits me as I am task oriented and self-motivated

• It is satisfying having a chunk of work to do and getting it done

• I like typing and words

• I like bringing a sense of perfection to the job

• You have the option to work full or part-time, casual, contracted or permanent

Q. Where do medical transcriptionists work?

Medical transcriptionists work in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, transcription offices, insurance companies, for home healthcare agencies, and also in other places where dictation is required for the purpose of healthcare documentation requiring transcription. The improvements in technology mean an increasing number of medical transcriptionists are working from home and digital technology has made this a totally viable option.

Q. How do I get started in medical transcription?

Getting started in medical transcription you can head in different directions. For an experienced word processor it is possible to learn medical transcription while working in an entry-level position. This is rare though because of the need to learn medical vocabulary and formats. You can take courses either at some colleges, hospitals or by home study. Online courses offer some great systems for quick learning.

It is best to gain some experience to start with working in physicians offices, clinics, hospitals or for a transcription service company. After 2-3 years experience in an office or hospital you can work from home. It is possible to work from home for a service company right from the start although there is great benefit a any transcriptionist in having gained the experience of working on site.