Overview

Physicians as well as other health care delivery personnel utilize digital recording devices to dictate reports that document the care provided for each patient. The job of the transcriptionist is to accurately translate (transcribe) the spoken/recorded word into a written document. Because of the nature and content of the reports, they are highly confidential and considered to be medicolegal documents. These documents become part of the patient’s permanent medical record. They must be handled with the utmost discretion, integrity, and care.

With the continuous development of new medications, new surgical procedures, and new treatment modalities, medical transcription is a career in which there is an ongoing learning process. Medical transcription is a challenging, exciting, and rewarding career option that offers flexibility in employment and work schedule options including work-at-home opportunities after sufficient experience is gained.

Full-time students entering the Roane State Medical Transcription Program may be complete all course work in either two or three semesters (9 to 12 months). Part-time students may complete the program in four or more semesters. The program is designed to provide the student with the necessary knowledge and expertise to be successful as a medical transcriptionist. The clinical practicum experience provides additional hands-on experience and exposure to the medical transcription work environment. A variety of flexible class scheduling options are available including online classes (see class scheduling options). Graduates receive a Technical Certificate of Completion in Medical Transcription.

Training, Knowledge & Skill Requirements

1. Medical language: The medical transcriptionist must have extensive knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy and physiology. A knowledge of pharmaceuticals and drug terminology is also required. Our program provides a study of the necessary medical language.
2. Computer/word processing: The successful MT must be proficient in computer/word processing concepts. While the RSCC MT student must have basic computer/word process skills upon entering the program, technology-related courses that teach computer/word processing functions that are unique to the field of medical transcription are part of our curriculum.
3. Grammar and punctuation: Knowledge of the rules of grammar and punctuation and editing skills are required. Our coursework provides a review of the rules of grammar and punctuation. Editing techniques are also learned.
4. Acute hearing/listening skills: Acute hearing and the ability to distinguish discrete sounds while listening to dictated reports is imperative. To a degree the skill of hearing discrete sounds may be acquired with practice and hearing the same medical terms and phrases repeatedly. However, acute hearing is essential to be able to “learn” to discern utterances that may in the beginning sound nothing like the words actually being dictated. The ability to “listen” and accurately interpret the sounds being heard is essential -- if the MT cannot hear what is being dictated, then he or she will not be able to transcribe the report accurately. Examples of when hearing/listening skills are of the utmost importance would be when transcribing reports of the physician who speaks very fast and when transcribing for the physician who speaks English as a second language. Good listening/hearing may be something that most of us take for granted; however, learning medical transcription will come much easier for the student who has a keen sense of hearing and the ability to discern discrete sounds.
5. Spelling skills: Accuracy in spelling is also extremely important. While both English and medical spell checkers do have a place, they are not recommended in the first semester. The MT simply must have good spelling skills. Focus will be placed on learning to spell medical terms, names of drugs, surgical instruments, etc.

Work Settings

1. Traditional Employment Opportunities
   • Hospitals: Medical transcriptionists are employed in several areas within the hospital setting including the health information management department, radiology/diagnostic imaging, pathology, and other ancillary departments.
   • Medical Office: Physicians’ offices
   • Transcription Services: Transcription services provide additional employment opportunities.  
2. Work-At-Home Opportunities
   Work-at-home opportunities certainly do exist. However, it is recommended that the MT accept an at-home MT position ONLY after sufficient experience is obtained. (Generally one to three years of experience in a broad-based setting such as a hospital health information management department or a transcription service is recommended.) A new graduate should only accept an at-home position if the facility or company is willing to provide online support and mentorship for an extended period of time.
   • Medical facilities: Many facilities, especially hospitals, employee transcriptionists to work out of the home.
   • Independent Contractor: The transcriptionist may choose to acquire their own clients and work at home as an independent contractor.

Salary Expectations

Salary is very much dependent on the individual employer, location and ability to produce. Many employers pay an hourly rate and then add incentive pay for work produced over and above productivity standards. Also, most online medical transcription services typically pay by the line, and they begin at a rate that is commensurate with the level of experience. A recent graduate would anticipate beginning at a rate lower than an experienced medical transcriptionist. For these reasons, salary varies greatly.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics, provided the following information in 2009:

“Medical transcriptionists had median hourly earnings of $15.68, May 2009. The  mean annual salary was reported at $33,350.”

The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, 2009 Research and Statistics for the Knoxville Metropolitan area lists the median annual earnings of medical transcriptionists as $28,458.

Because of the variables mentioned above, pay rates may be higher or lower than the rates quoted above.

Location

Traditional Classes: Oak Ridge Branch Campus
Online Classes: Web-based Medical Transcription Courses

Costs

Besides normal tuition & fees, other expenses include:

• Books: Contact the RSCC Bookstore for titles and prices. Please note that many of the books purchased are references books that will be utilized on the job.
• Supplies: Approximately $400(classroom, clinical and/or lab supplies)
• Liability insurance: $15
• Physical Exam and immunizations: Check with your physician.
• Criminal background check (if required): $50

All expenses are subject to change.