Introduction
Many people are interested in a medical field career. But could not pursue their dream due to financial constraints or some other personal reasons. So, if are one of them who is interested in the medical field career, then what better option than becoming a Medical Transcriptionist?
So, first let’s understand who is a Medical Transcriptionist (MT), his job responsibilities, and the career scope.
Who is a Medical Transcriptionist (MT)?
A Medical Transcriptionist (MT) transcribes the medical reports dictated by doctors or healthcare professionals into a written form. He prepares the document in an easy-to-understand language that doesn’t contain any medical jargon.
The document prepared by the Medical Transcriptionist (MT) includes the patient’s medical history, current health status, discharge summary in case of hospitalisation, and other relevant medical reports. Medical transcriptionists play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by ensuring accurate and detailed patient records.
Career Scope as Medical Transcriptionist (MT)
Medical Transcriptionist (MT) has a good scope as the need for healthcare services will always be in demand.
The job of a Medical Transcriptionist (MT) has changed a lot now due to the advancement in technology. Now, many healthcare facilities are progressing to electronic health records (EHR) systems. So, there is a growing need for professionals who can use voice recognition software to transcribe the work. Moreover, Medical Transcriptionists who have specialised in medical fields such as pathology, radiology, cardiology, etc. have enormous opportunities for growth and advancement in their respective field.
Role & Responsibilities of Medical Transcriptionist (MT)
The role of a Medical Transcriptionist is very critical as they are responsible for accurately transcribing and documenting medical reports.
Some of the key responsibilities of a Medical Transcriptionist (MT) include:
- Transcribe audio files into written transcripts with precision and accuracy,
- Verify the accuracy and validity of the transcriptions,
- Identify any errors and correct them in the final report,
- Use the latest technology to transcribe medical reports efficiently,
- Adhere to strict confidentiality and privacy guidelines when handling patient information,
- Communicate with healthcare professionals to clarify any unclear or ambiguous dictations, etc.
Employment Scope Career Options for Medical Transcriptionist (MT)
Medical Transcriptionists can work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, transcription companies, and even from home as freelancers.
You can start as a junior Medical Transcriptionist and then advance to Managerial positions depending upon your performance and experience.
Below listed are the companies that hire Medical Transcriptionists:
- Allzone Management Solution
- Athena Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.
- Covatech
- Acusis
- iMedX Information Services Pvt. Ltd
- Mediscribe India Ltd
- ScribeTech (E-Health)
- Medwrite India
- Focus Infosys
- Spheris Bangalore, etc.
Salary Range
The salary for Medical Transcriptionists (MT) largely depends on factors such as experience, location, and specialisation.
Entry-level Medical Transcriptionists may start at a package of 4 lacs per annum in India. They can start earning more as they gain experience. Also, the earnings can be unlimited who work as a freelance Medical Transcriptionist. The more the work completed, the more will be the earnings. However, for that, you need to continuously upgrade your skills and keep up with the latest advancements in the field.
How to Become a Medical Transcriptionist (MT)?
The Medical Transcriptionists course duration is around 6 months to 1 year, depending on whether you are doing a certification course online or a diploma from an institute.
Most Medical Transcriptionists enrol in a certificate program that covers various topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, medical specialties, diagnostic studies, and pharmacology. While only a few complete an associate’s degree program.
You can enrol for a Medical Transcriptionist course after completing your high school education in the Science stream. It is recommended to take Biology as your main subject as it will help you understand medical terminologies better.
After completing the course, you can also opt for certifications such as the Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) or Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS) to further enhance your skills and marketability in the field.
Eligibility Criteria
There are no specific education qualifications required for enrolling in a Medical Transcription course. A high school diploma or equivalent is a prerequisite.
Apart from that, good knowledge of medical terminologies, excellent grammar, command over the language, fast typing speed, and attention to detail are required.
Since Medical Transcriptionists transcribe the medical reports and other documents of the patients, accuracy is of utmost importance. Hence, having good listening skills and the ability to understand accents and dialects is also necessary.
Skills Required To Become a Medical Transcriptionist (MT)
Medical Transcription is a specialised job that needs attention to detail, excellent listening skills, and a good command of the English language.
Some of the other key skills required to become a successful Medical Transcriptionist (MT) include the ability to work under pressure, medical terminology knowledge, good typing speed, time management, and work ethic.
Top Colleges for Medical Transcriptionists (MT)
The quality of education and training one receives can have a significant impact on their career prospects and future opportunities. So, selecting a good institute is important.
Some of the top institutes that offer diploma courses in Medical Transcription include:
- AOP Training Institute – Gurgaon
- Pristyn Research Solutions – Aurangabad
- Tagore Institute Of Medical Science and Research Center – TIMS Tamil Nadu
- Garware Institute of Career Education and Development GICED – Pune
- Cigma Healthcare Academy – Kochi, Kerala, etc.
You can even do online certification courses of 3 to 6 months from Udemy or Simplilearn.
Fees for Medical Transcriptionist (MT) Course
The Medical Transcription course isn’t very expensive. The average cost in India is around 30000 to 80000.
The fees primarily depend on whether you are doing a diploma from a reputed institute or an online course. Other factors such as the duration of the course and additional certifications may also affect the fees.
Conclusion
Becoming a Medical Transcriptionist can be a rewarding career choice for those who have a keen eye for detail, excellent grammar skills, and a passion for the healthcare industry. With the increasing demand for accurate medical documentation, the job prospects in this field are promising.