Medical Transcribers use headsets and transcribing machines to listen to recordings by physicians and other healthcare professionals. These workers transcribe a variety of medical reports about emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. After reviewing and editing for grammar and clarity, the Medical Transcriber types the dictated reports and returns them in either printed or electronic form to the dictator for review and signature, or correction. These reports eventually become part of the patient’s permanent record.
Employers prefer to hire transcriptionists who have completed postsecondary training in medical transcription. Completion of a 2-year associates degree program – including coursework in anatomy, medical terminology, medicolegal issues, and English grammar and punctuation – is highly recommended. Many of these programs include supervised on-the-job experience. Although it is not required, the American Association for Medical Transcription awards the voluntary designation, Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT), to those who earn passing scores on written and practical exams.