Online Transcription Training: Information and Requirements

Transcriptionists render spoken words into writing, using transcribing machines, headsets and foot pedals; they can find employment in various business and academic settings. Medical transcription, a transcription specialty, requires specific formal training to safeguard the privacy and welfare of patients and is represented by AHDI, the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity.

What Online Medical Transcription Training Programs are Available?

Medical transcription involves transforming a doctor's dictation into medical records. Work may be performed in hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics and laboratories. Some medical transcriptionists even work from home via the Internet.
The National Center for Education Statistics (www.nces.ed.gov) identifies over 300 training programs located throughout the United States. Most of these programs are offered by proprietary or technical schools and 2-year colleges; many are offered online. They can be completed in less than two years on a full-time basis and lead to certificates or diplomas.
AHDI lists over 20 medical transcription programs on its website that have been judged through a peer review process to produce competent, entry-level transcriptionists. Each approved program follows AHDI's Model Curriculum and addresses necessary, key competencies. All programs except for one offer online options, and some programs are only available online. Various types of financial aid are available depending on the program selected.
Students learn to transcribe diverse medical documents, including procedure notes, discharge summaries, patient progress reports and consultations. Coursework covers subjects like medical terminology, anatomy, pathophysiology, disease processes, pharmacology, healthcare documentation and acute care. The curriculum also covers topics in medical grammar and style, computer applications and proofreading.

What are the Requirements for Online Medical Transcription Training Programs?

It's recommended that transcriptionists have a strong interest in the medical field. General requirements include fast, accurate keyboard skills and superior grammar, punctuation and spelling skills, according to ADHI (www.ahdionline.org). Online programs require a computer with Internet access; additional computer requirements may, depending upon the school, include a Windows-based operating system, Microsoft Word, a microphone and the Firefox browser.

What Industry Certifications and Continuing Education Opportunities are Available?

Students would be wise to pursue the Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) certification by graduation because employers are more likely to hire an RMT than an uncredentialed individual. RMTs are also eligible to participate in the Medical Transcription Industry Association's (MTIA) Registered Apprenticeship program (www.mtia.org) offered through the U.S. Department of Labor. Through this program, transcription companies make 2-year commitments to apprentices and provide hourly pay and additional training.
Advanced professional certifications are available for experienced transcriptionists through additional testing. Medical transcriptionists with two years of experience are eligible to take the Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) exam. The highest industry certification, AHDI Fellow, is awarded to extremely experienced professionals with extensive service to the field.
AHDI offers extensive continuing education programs, including audio presentations, seminars and online courses. Online courses cover the latest industry trends, such as new speech recognition technology.