Health Careers

Medical Transcription

NATURE OF THE PROFESSION

Medical transcriptionists 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 transcriptionist transcribes 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 file.

APTITUDES

•   Be able to proofread words and see important details in written materials.
•   Have good English grammar and punctuation skills.

• Understand the language of medicine, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, and treatment.

•   Have good eye-hand coordination and hand and finger dexterity.
•   Be able to work quickly and accurately following specific procedures.
•   Be able to hear well.
•   Skills in using word processors/computer and other current office technology.

HELPFUL HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECTS

Math up to algebra, science including, chemistry, biology and computer applications, including word processing and other business programs.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN IOWA

•   Des Moines Area Community College
•   Hamilton College
•   Indian Hills Community College
•   Kaplan College
•   Kirkwood Community College
•   Northeast Iowa Community College
•   Western Iowa Tech Community College

JOB OUTLOOK and SALARY

Overall employment for medical transcriptionists is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2008. Demand for medical transcriptionists is expected to increase due to rapid growth in health care industries spurred by a growing and aging population.

Approximate starting average annual salary for medical transcriptionists in Iowa is $24,500.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

American Association for Medical Transcription
P.O. Box 57187
Modesto, CA 95357
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