Medical Transcriptionist Career Plan

If you want to be a medical transcriptionist, you’re not looking at a long career path, provided you have the prerequisites. The following is a general guide to get you started.

1. Get a solid academic background in high school. You will need to be on track to pass community college level entrance exams in all areas. You will need higher skills, though, in some areas. You will need to be an excellent editor and proofreader. You will also need to have good listening skills. Make sure you’re on the college prep track in English and consider participating in activities like speech. Take an anatomy class if it’s offered – this is one of the basics for a medical transcriptionist.

2. Meanwhile, participate in health exploration activities to confirm your choice of career. This could include health fairs or job shadowing. You may look to AHEC or Learning for Life.

3. Explore medical transcription programs at the certificate and associate’s level. Complete pre-admission requirements.

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4. Make the most of your schooling. Consider becoming a student member of the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity. This will allow you to network and make professional connections. As a student or postgraduate member, you can request an eMentor. The mentor is not expected to give assistance in finding a job (or doing assignments) but can point you toward resources and help you understand what work place demands are.

5. Pursue certification and begin looking for a job. AHDI has an online career resource center. The Clinical Documentation Industry Association (CDIA) is another career resource. Your own state probably has an online workforce site where you can search jobs and post a resume.

Personality Traits: According to Diane S., a self-employed medical transcriptionist with over 10 years of experience, medical transcriptionists are attentive to detail and have good listening skills. They don’t some mind repetitive work.