About three out of ten medical transcriptionists work from home, and because the medical field continues to boom – it’s one of the two fast growing employment fields in the U.S. – there are plenty of new opportunities for medical transcriptionists.

But what does a medical transcriptionist do?

Medical transcriptionists receive a recording of various medical records. They then accurately type a transcript of the recording. Good listening is mandatory, as are computer and language skills and knowledge of medical vocabulary. A good transcriptionist is able to note errors or inconsistencies and bring them to the attention of the recorder. Medical transcriptionists handle a number of types of reports, as well as summaries, correspondence and notes; all documents become part of a patient’s permanent file and therefore accuracy is extremely important.

What do I need to become a medical transcriptionist?

There are lots of home study courses available, as well courses offered at colleges and hospitals. To check the availability of courses in your area and online, a good resource is MT Daily. Generally, employers prefer transcriptionists who have attend training programs at community colleges or vocational schools to those who have done a home study course.

Even after training, medical transcriptionists need access to medical dictionaries, spellcheckers and other resources.

How do I get a job as a medical transcriptionist?

A good place to start your job hunt is at MT Jobs. Local positions will be listed in your area’s help wanted ads.

There are also national companies, including the following:

• Alphascribe, Inc.
• Ascend Healthcare
• Ascriptus
• C and C Transcription, Inc.
• Cobb Medical Transcription, Inc
• Diskriter Health Care Solutions and Placement Service
• eTransplus
• Fast Chart, Inc.
• Fast Transcription
• HealthScribe
• Huntington Transcription Services
• JLG Medical Transcription Company
• MEDGARDE
• Medquist
• Med-Type, L.L.C.
• Med-Write
• Oracle Transcription, Inc. (OTI)
• Phoenix MedCom, Inc.
• QT Medical
• Range Medical Transcription, Inc.
• Rapid Text
• Rapid Transcript, Inc.
• Sten-Tel Inc.
• TBT Medical Transcription Service
• TrueScribe
• Vasant Scribes
• Western Medical Management
• Worldwide Dictation

However, be aware that most companies looking for medical transcriptionists to work at home, especially on the national level, prefer at least two to three years of experience. Local employers are going to be more accommodating for new transcriptionists.

Medical transcriptionists working from home may have flexible schedules but may also have an ‘on-call’ arrangement or work specific shifts.

What kind of pay can I expect?

In 2004, the median wage for a medical transcriptionist was $13.64. However, because many transcriptionists who work from home are classified as independent contractors, their benefits are limited.

What kind of advancement is available if I become a medical transcriptionist?

Experienced medical transcriptionists can become supervisors, teach and consult. There are often editing and writing opportunities as well.

What kind of problems might I have if I am a medical transcriptionist?

Like anyone working in a position requiring a lot of typing, repetitive motion injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome are a big danger. It’s very important for medical transcriptionists to stretch regularly. Ergonomic equipment is worth investigating.

More information is available at the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook.