Medical Transcriptionist
Convert physician dictations into accurate medical documents and edit AI-generated transcripts for healthcare records.
| Median Salary | $37,550 per year |
| Job Growth (10yr) | -5%Fair |
| Education | Postsecondary Certificate |
| Time to Start | 6-18 months |
Work Settings
- •Hospitals (state, local, and private)
- •Physician offices and clinics
- •Outpatient care centers
- •Medical Transcription Service Organizations (MTSOs)
- •Remote/home-based offices
- •Healthcare staffing agencies
Primary Duties
- •Listen to audio recordings of medical dictations from physicians and healthcare providers
- •Edit and refine AI-generated transcripts produced by voice recognition software for accuracy and completeness
- •Transcribe medical reports from scratch when required, including histories, physicals, discharge summaries, and operative reports
- •Research and verify unfamiliar medical terminology, drug names, and procedures to ensure accuracy
- •Format documents according to facility standards and AHDI Book of Style guidelines
- •Ensure all documentation complies with HIPAA regulations and maintains patient confidentiality
- •Meet productivity targets for lines per hour and turnaround time requirements
- •Maintain quality assurance standards of 98-99% accuracy or higher
How to Become Medical Transcriptionist
Complete high school diploma or GED
Foundation education required before entering specialized training
Duration: 48 months
Enroll in medical transcription certificate or degree program
Focus on medical terminology, anatomy, pharmacology, HIPAA, and VR editing skills. AHDI-approved programs recommended
Duration: 18 months
Complete externship or practicum
Gain hands-on experience in real-world settings and build professional portfolio with de-identified samples
Duration: 24 months
Obtain RHDS certification
Prepare for and pass the Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist exam from AHDI
Duration: 3 months
Conduct active job search
Tailor resume with keywords, prepare for pre-hire skills tests, and apply to hospitals, clinics, and MTSOs
Duration: 3 months
Begin professional employment
Meet employer productivity and QA targets during onboarding; first 2 years crucial for skill development
Duration: 24 months
Continuing Education
While formal continuing education requirements vary by employer, staying current with evolving technology is essential. The AHDI offers ongoing professional development opportunities, and maintaining certification requires periodic renewal. You'll need to continuously update your skills in new voice recognition software, EHR systems, and medical terminology as healthcare practices evolve.
Certifications & Licenses
- •Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) - Entry-level credential from AHDI
- •Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS) - Advanced credential from AHDI (requires RHDS first)
Citations
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