Medical transcription is a vital part of the healthcare industry. It involves transcribing medical reports dictated by healthcare professionals into written documents. Medical transcriptionists work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. However, with the rise of remote work, many medical transcriptionists now work from home. In this article, we will discuss how to become a medical transcriptionist and work from home.
Enroll in an Online Medical Transcription Training Program
The first step to becoming a medical transcriptionist is to enroll in a training program. Many programs are available online and are self-paced, allowing you to complete the coursework at your own pace. These programs typically cover medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as transcription techniques and software. Some programs also offer certification upon completion.
One example of an online medical transcription training program is the Career Step program. This program is self-paced and can be completed in as little as four months. It covers medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as transcription techniques and software. Upon completion, students receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) exam.
Gain Practical Experience
After completing your training program, it is important to gain practical experience. This can be done by working in a healthcare facility or by completing an internship. Practical experience will help you develop your transcription skills and gain a better understanding of the healthcare industry.
One way to gain practical experience is to work as a telescribe. Telescribes are remote medical transcriptionists who work from home. They listen to audio recordings of patient visits and transcribe them into written documents. Telescribing is a great way to gain practical experience while working from home.
Apply for Medical Transcription Jobs from Home
Once you have completed your training and gained practical experience, it is time to start applying for medical transcription jobs from home. There are many companies that hire remote medical transcriptionists, including Nuance Transcription Services, MModal, and Acusis.
When applying for medical transcription jobs from home, it is important to have the right equipment and software. You will need a computer with high-speed internet access, a headset, and transcription software. Some companies may also require a foot pedal for controlling audio playback.
Obtain Medical Transcription Certification
While it is possible to be hired for a medical transcription job without any formal training or experience, certain higher-paying positions, such as medical or legal transcription, require certification. Certification demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job.
One example of a certification program is the Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) certification offered by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI). To obtain this certification, you must pass an exam that covers medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as transcription techniques and software.
Medical Transcription Salary
The salary for medical transcriptionists varies depending on experience, location, and certification. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a work from home transcriptionist is $31,153 per year. However, this can vary depending on the company and the type of transcription work being done.
It is important to note that while working from home as a medical transcriptionist can be a great way to earn a living, it is not a get-rich-quick scheme. The work is hard and must be precise. Audio files are not always clear of background noise and are often hard to transcribe; doctors who vocally record their notes for a transcriptionist don’t always think about the person transcribing what they say.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical transcriptionist and working from home is a great way to earn a living while having the flexibility to work from anywhere. Enrolling in an online medical transcription training program, gaining practical experience, and obtaining certification are all important steps to becoming a successful medical transcriptionist. With the right equipment and software, you can apply for medical transcription jobs from home and start earning a living in this rewarding field.