Although it takes extensive campus
involvement and hands-on training to earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
degree, there are options that allow students to enter the medical world
through online degree programs. Associate's degrees in medical
transcription, medical assisting and medical office administration can
be completed almost entirely online and prepares graduates to seek
entry-level employment in medical careers.
Online Associate's Degree in Medical Transcription Overview
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Transcription program instructs students in how to convert a doctor's daily dictation notes and reports, which are usually recorded, into succinct and coherent electronic or paper documents. A wide variety of basic medical information is covered, as well as essential word processing, database management and proofreading skills.Many programs can be completed in less than two years and offer online practicum experience as a medical transcriptionist. Graduates are also prepared to take the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity's (AHDI) Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) exam (www.ahdionline.org).
Program Information and Requirements
An AAS in Medical Transcription program typically consists of 60-66 credit hours and all coursework is presented entirely online with no campus visits required. Certain schools may require an internship at a hospital or other medical facility before graduation. The online components, such as required readings and coursework, are accessible from anywhere with Internet access and can be worked on at any time of day prior to assignment deadlines.Common Medical Transcription Courses
The curriculum of an associate's degree program in medical transcription is made up of a combination of core, technical major, general education and elective courses. The general education credits include courses in areas such as communications, math and social sciences. The programs that offer medical transcription as a concentration may have major courses separate from the concentration requirements.Medical Terminology Course
This course introduces students to the concepts of medical word building and terms used to discuss human body systems, clinical procedures and pathological conditions. Prefixes, suffixes, word roots and abbreviations commonly found in the medical vocabulary are analyzed.Medical Office Procedures and Communications Course
Students are instructed in the assortment of tasks that they will confront in the medical office, such as the composition of medical office documents. The writing styles, grammar and mechanics essential to the medical transcriptionist are also covered. The course may also address skills and techniques for conducting an effective job search.Human Disease Processes Course
Various diseases that attack the different human body systems are identified as well as methods for treating them. Topics studied include etiology, symptoms, complications, prognosis and prevention of specific illnesses and diseases. Students can also learn techniques for helping patients effectively manage pain.Career Information
According to O*Net, 63% of medical transcriptionists have some college experience and no degree, while only one percent have earned their associate's degree (online.onetcenter.org). Although not required for employment, graduates have the option of becoming a RMT by passing an exam from the AHDI. After two years of professional experience, RMTs have the option of becoming Certified Medical Transcriptionists (CMT) by passing an additional AHDI examination.The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in May of 2009, there were 82,810 medical transcriptions and the average yearly salary in the same year was $33,350 (www.bls.gov). The BLS also predicts an occupational growth of 11% between the years 2008 and 2018.
Continuing Education
Due to the rapidly evolving technology inherent in the medical field, medical transcriptionists are strongly encouraged to seek continuing education credits. RMTs and CMTs are required to participate in a certain number of continuing education hours in order to maintain their designations. The AHDI and other medical associations like the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offer many online continuing education credits with discounted prices for members. Continuing education courses in areas such as healthcare delivery systems, ICD-9-CM coding and the privacy initiative are presented fully online.Online Associate's Degree in Medical Assisting Overview
The Associate of Science (A.S.) in Medical Assisting degree programs prepares prospective medical assistants for providing aid to physicians and nurses. Students can also learn many administrative and clinical duties, including updating patient records, arranging patient hospital visits, taking vital signs, giving injections and administering medications. This online program also provides instruction in the relevant science and business aspects of the medical field.Program Information and Requirements
Completion of 60-66 credit hours is required for graduation from the associate's degree program. Although most courses are offered online, certain schools require students to come to campus to complete laboratory requirements that provide hands-on training in certain administrative and clinical skills.Additionally, most schools require students to participate in an externship at a medical office. The online format gives students the ability to access course materials, interact with their professors and peers and turn in homework from anywhere with Internet access.
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