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What is Medical Transcription?

An individual working in the field of medical transcription will be required to take recorded notes by physicians and other medical professionals and transfer them to digital transcripts available for access in the future. The work requires individuals to carefully listen to notes provided, and accurately document them. The need for accuracy is high due to the transcripts being used in patient histories, with errors possibly having negative results in future treatment or care. Employment is normally offered through specialized offices or medical centers such as clinics or hospitals.

While it is true that medical transcriptionists are not currently required to have postsecondary degree, many hiring managers prefer applicants with college training.  The types of colleges that offer training and degree programs for a medical transcriptionist include: community colleges, trade schools, career colleges, vocational schools, and online colleges.  Medical transcription programs from these schools include a 12-month certificate program or associate degree.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$37,150

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

0.22%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

54,070

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Medical Transcription Training

Located in Lewiston, Idaho, Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) is one of the top four-year public colleges founded in 1893 with the mission to provide academic, career and technical education, and community programs. With nearly 4,000 students, LCSC offers more than 130 degrees and certificate programs in the fields of social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, criminal justice, education, nursing, business, and technical and industrial programs.

The top rated Medical Transcription Certificate at LCSC is a short-term training specific to the needs of medical transcription positions which include outpatient and hospital transcription as well as courses in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word processing. At the end of the program, students are expected to develop advanced medical transcription skills while using correct grammar and practicing proofreading abilities. To know more about the program, visit lcsc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

99.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

As one of the regional campuses of Indiana University, Indiana University Southeast (IU Southeast) is a four-year public university in New Albany, Indiana. IU Southeast, established in 1941, provides high-quality educational programs and services to promote comprehensive learning and to prepare students for productive careers in a diverse range of disciplines.

At IU Southeast School of Natural Sciences, the Certificate in Medical Transcription Technology is an 18 credit-hour program on the transcription of medical, surgical, radiological, and pathological reports from physicians. Students are trained to transcribe different medical documents correctly and efficiently through courses like Medical Terminology, Body Structure and Function, Medical Transcription Technology, Clinical Experience, and Introduction to Computers and their Use. Access the program curriculum at ius.edu.

Acceptance Rate

81.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Pioneer Pacific College, located in Wilsonville, Oregon, was founded in 1981 when it was known as Skilltronics, Inc.. The school provided training programs in the growing electronics industry. By 1983 the school relocated to Wilsonville and by 1989 was purchased by Pacific Education Corporation and renamed to the current name. Over the next two decades the school has expanded, opening new campuses and adding to its program offerings. In 2004 the school began offering bachelor degrees to go alongside its associate programs. Most recently the school became approved by the American Bar Association to provide paralegal/legal assistant programs.

Academics

Pioneer Pacific College offers programs in a number of high demand fields that result in a diploma, associate or bachelor degrees depending on the program. These programs prepare individuals for a entry into the workforce upon graduation, providing the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their duties and tasks successfully in a professional environment. Programs fall into one of six categories. These are healthcare, business, criminal justice, legal, information technology and culinary arts.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Though various programs offered at Pioneer Pacific College have differing admission requirements, all require students to be high school graduates and to take the ACT-Career Programs Assessment Test exam, unless they have completed a year of college with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Financial aid is available in the form of federal grants and loans. Students in need of financial aid should complete the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility and awards. Assistance in the financial aid application process may obtained through the school's financial aid office.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Founded in 1929, Pittsburg Institute of Aeronautics is a higher education institution focused on creating a valuable, impactful, and meaningful educational experience for all students.  The duality PIA balances is to provide academic opportunities and provide society with well-rounded, capable students.  Graduates are trained to have both the ability and willingness to make an immediate impact.  To reach this objective, curriculum must be curated to support experiential learning coupled with traditional classroom academics.  During this process, students learn to ask better questions, think deeply, and develop a can-do attitude.  Learn more about the PIA difference today by requesting information from the admissions team. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Olney Central College (OCC) is a two-year public community college based in Olney, Illinois. Since 1963, OCC has been devoted to providing students with quality education at an affordable cost. The college offers educational opportunities with transfer degrees and technical programs to prepare students for employment in different disciplines.

With the goal to prepare students who plan to become medical transcriptionists, the Medical Transcription Certificate at OCC is perfect training for proper transcription of medical records from physicians in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, health foundations, and other healthcare institutions. Some of the courses in the curriculum are Introduction to Medical Terminology, Medical Office Procedures, Medical Transcription, Anatomy for Healthcare, Technical Writing, Intermediate Keyboarding, and Electronic Med Records Mgmt. Visit iecc.edu to check the program requirements.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) is a two-year public community college based in Camden, Arkansas. SAU Tech has been a part of the Southern Arkansas University system since 1968, providing academic and technical programs in nursing and healthcare, education, business administration, aviation maintenance, engineering, office management, and engineering.

The certificate in Medical Transcription is an 18-month online program at SAU Tech that offers students interested in pursuing a career as medical transcriptionists. Throughout the program, students learn medical terminology, the essentials of anatomy and physiology, basic pharmacology, and medical transcription to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed as a vital part of the healthcare system. Explore the program at sautech.edu. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Alexandria Technical and Community College (ATCC) is a two-year public community college in Alexandria, Minnesota. The college offers associate degrees as well as certificates and diplomas that can be completed in less than a year. Most of the programs are grounded in art and design, business, healthcare, law enforcement, liberal arts and sciences, and manufacturing.  The medical coding program at ATCC is a highly regarded program that continues to receive exceptional reviews from graduates and business leaders across the region.  Collect vital admissions information from ATCC today by requesting information.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Moraine Park Technical College is on our list for yet another academic program this year.  MPTC has earned a top ranking for several degree and certificate programs given the overall strength of their programs that impress graduates and business leaders alike.  The medical coding specialist program at Moraine Park Technical College provides a platform for students to carefully review medical documentation provided by medical professionals and transcript it into an alphanumeric classification system.  Graduates of this program at MPTC are eligible to sit for the Clinical Coding Associate (CCA) exam which is offered via (AHIMA).  Learn more about the large number of academic programs offered at MPTC today. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) is a public, two-year technical college located in Rosemount, Minnesota. The college, started in 1969 with only 50 students in three majors, is now offering more than 50 degrees and diplomas in a variety of technical programs to prepare students for employment in today’s workplace.  The medical transcribing specialist degree is conferred as an AAS while the forty credit program is conferred to graduates as a diploma program.  Both pathways provide students with a solid foundation to start a career in the healthcare arena in medical coding and medical transcribing. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Zane State College (ZSC) is a public community college based in Zanesville, Ohio. The college, established in 1969 as Muskingum Area Technical College, offers 29 associate degree programs and certificates as well as an Electrical Engineering Technology Bachelor’s degree. ZSC also has fully-online programs, industry-centered, short-term IT training, and selective health programs.

The Health Technician Certificate at ZSC is a 30 credit-hour program that provides a solid introduction of the knowledge and skills required to work in the healthcare industry. The program includes courses that teach students the language of medicine, basic anatomy and physiology, clinical skills and techniques, phlebotomy, and business management. For students who want to pursue further studies, some of the courses in this certificate can be credited to the college’s Medical Assisting degree, allowing them to advance their careers. To inquire about the program, go to zanestate.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Rend Lake College is a nationally accredited public community college based in Ina, Illinois. Initially called Mt. Vernon Community College in 1955, Rend Lake College provides effective, high-quality, and community-focused educational programs that can help students achieve their personal and professional goals.

The certificate in Medical Transcription at Rend Lake Allied Health Division is a one-semester program designed to prepare students with the required technical knowledge and practical skills for entry-level positions in medical offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Students are trained in proper medical terminology, basic computer skills, medical billing and coding, and customer service communication through courses like Communication in Technical Services, Health Care Terminology, and Billing and Coding. These learning opportunities allow them to communicate with health providers and patients and perform medical office administrative and operational functions. Visit rlc.edu to view the program requirements.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Established in 1966, Lake Land College is a community college providing two-year affordable and accessible academic programs for its diverse student community. The college, based in Mattoon, Illinois, offers university transfer education, general education, technical and career education, and community and continuing education.

The Certificate in Medical Transcriptionist program at Lake Land College offers complete coursework in common medical software, medical transcription, medical terminology, billing and coding, basic anatomy and physiology as well as desktop publishing, keyboarding, and document formatting. For a total of 37 program hours, students are granted a certificate that can help them pursue a career as medical transcriptionists. The program also includes an internship in doctors' offices, hospitals, medical clinics to provide students real-world experiences. For more details, go to lakelandcollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

As the only technical college serving western South Dakota since 1968, Western Dakota Technical Institute or Western Dakota Tech is a public community college in Rapid City, South Dakota. The programs offered are from the fastest-growing fields and industries such as business and technology, construction and manufacturing, health sciences, legal and public services, and transportation technologies.  The health-based degree and certificate programs offered at WDTI are numerous.  Western Dakota Technical Institute provides the array of academic pathways to appeal to a wide swath of motivated and committed students.  Learn more about WDTI today by requesting admissions information. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Established in 1967 with only 5 degree programs, Anoka Technical College (ATC) is a two-year public technical college based in Anoka, Minnesota. Currently, the college is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and offers more than 35 programs at different levels. ATC proudly features its world-class faculty that help students connect with business leaders and industry professionals through partnerships and on-campus events.

ATC’s AAS degree in Health Information Technology is a 64-credit program offered full-time or part-time that provides students with working knowledge in health information management in medical offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Throughout the program, students are trained with different courses like Principles of Biology, ICD-10-PCS Coding, Billing and Reimbursement, Health Information and Statistics, and Supervision of Health Information for them to acquire the skills and competencies essential in pursuing a career in the professional field. At the end of the program, students are expected to learn the proper verification and entry of health records into electronic health record systems in order to assemble and analyze patient data, assuring its privacy and data security. Check the entire program curriculum at anokatech.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), a member of the Technical College System of Georgia, is a technical college providing quality technical education and career development opportunities for students throughout northwestern Georgia. Through a combination of traditional and distance education delivery methods, the college has been granting associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates as well as programs in continuing education and adult education services since 1964.

The Medical Language Specialist certificate, available online and on-site at GNTC campuses in Catoosa, Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield Murray, is a 30 credit-hour program that involves transcription, proofreading, and analysis of medical reports as well as the application of medical terminology and computer application skills. With courses in healthcare such as Human Diseases, Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, and Medical Terminology for Allied Health Science, students are expected to master the common tasks expected of medical transcriptionists. For more information, visit gntc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

For the past 45 years, Richland Community College, a public community college in Decatur, Illinois, has been providing the educational needs of students by offering new programs and services that can help them respond to the changing demands of society.  The college is dedicated to its mission of making quality education affordable and accessible for the citizens of Richland and other communities in the country.  The Healthcare Documentation programs at Richland Community College provide a high level of flexibility to students with options for a certificate that can be completed in three semesters and an associate degree that can be completed in four semesters full-time. The program prepares students for a career in the fields of medical transcription, medical editing, and medical scribe. The curriculum integrates the practical aspects of medicine and the technical skills required to interpret, transcribe, and edit reports dictated by physicians. Read more about the program at richland.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Established in 1961 to provide an academic institution for the local residents of Washington, Peninsula College is a public community college based in Port Angeles, Washington. The college offers an innovative and student-centered environment featuring its excellent faculty and small class sizes. Apart from that, the facilities inside the college houses advanced instructional technology and equipment that can help students with their experiential learning and career advancement.  The healthcare certificate and degree pathways at Peninsula College offer an array of exciting options for prospective students to consider.  Obtain admissions information from PC today and kickstart your vocational options through a well-respected academic program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is one of the leading public technical colleges in George with its main campus located in Valdosta. The college, established in 1963, has been recognized for its achievements in workforce development by providing education, training, and skills to students in order to advance the economy.

The certificate in Medical Language Specialist at Wiregrass involves courses in transcription, proofreading, and analysis of medical reports to prepare students for a career as medical language specialists or medical transcriptionists. Aside from these skills, knowledge in medical terminology and computer literacy is developed to provide a more efficient and productive service in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Access the program curriculum at wiregrass.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) is a public community college with two main campuses in Calmar and Peosta, Iowa. In 1967, the college started offering 12 career education programs in its Calmar campus to 170 enrolled students. In the present, NICC serves eight counties in Iowa namely Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, Winneshiek, Dubuque, and Delaware, and surrounding areas with the college’s academic programs through online and blended learning, short-term certification programs, and customized business and industry training.

The Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology program at NICC trains students to verify the completeness and accuracy of medical records and ensures proper transfer into electronic health record systems. Students also receive courses in proper coding of diagnoses and procedures using systems used in healthcare reimbursement and research like International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). The curriculum also includes courses in anatomy and physiology, disease processes, business and computer technology, legal and quality management principles, practical applications in coding and reimbursement, health statistics, and data analysis to provide students the working knowledge required to perform the responsibilities of health information technologists. Explore the program at nicc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

With two campuses in North Carolina namely Tarboro and Rocky Mount, Edgecombe Community College (ECC) has been one of the community colleges providing the educational and training needs of the communities in Edgecombe County and nearby areas. The college, established in 1967, serves about 8,000 students annually by offering two-year degrees, diplomas, certificates, and continuing education programs.

The Health Information Technology program at ECC is an associate degree that provides individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to process, analyze, compile, manage, and report health information and records. Students are required to finish courses like Anatomy & Physiology, Fundamentals of HIM, Health Data Sys/Standards, Health Law & Ethics, Quantitative Literacy, and General Psychology. Graduates are then qualified to sit for the national certification examination to earn the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential. The college also offers other programs of study in the field of health informatics and information technology to meet the demands of the industry. These include Ambulatory Billing/Coding Certificate, Protected Health Information Certificate, and Health Information Technology Coding Certificate. To check the programs mentioned, go to edgecombe.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Ridgewater College is a community and technical college with campuses in Willmar and Hutchinson, Minnesota. Ridgewater offers over 100 academic programs in transfer education, transfer options, and technical education unique not only in the state but also countrywide. With more than 5,500 students, the programs offered by the college are designed to help students succeed in their professional careers. 

The Healthcare Administrative Assistant degree program at Ridgewater is a diploma program available at Willmar and Hutchinson campuses offering comprehensive courses in many areas such as filing medical records, medical transcription, medical manuscript typing, insurance claim processing, and general secretarial duties. Students who plan to pursue a career as medical transcriptionists must also have a good working knowledge of medical terminology. A similar program that leads to an associate degree is also offered on both campuses. More details can be found at ridgewater.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

First held its classes at the Elko High School in 1967 with only 367 students, Great Basin College (GBC) is a public career and technical college located in Elko, Nevada. The college, with around 4,000 students, offers career and technical education and academic programs leading to associate and baccalaureate degrees in its campuses in Nevada as well as its long-distance online platform.  The medical transcription program at Great Basin College is a well-respected academic program is one of the quickest offered at the school.  Students are required to complete seventeen credits during their initial semester and another 17 in the final semester.  The well-rounded program allows students to quickly level-up to posture themselves for an entry level position in the medical field. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Founded as the Cossatot Vocational-Technical School in 1975, the Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas is a public community college located in De Queen, Arkansas with additional campuses in Nashville and Ashdown within the state. The college, commonly referred to as UA Cossatot, offers two-year associate degrees and certificates to prepare students in fulfilling their chosen careers.

To earn a Certificate in Medical Transcription at UA Cossatot, students must finish 15 semester hours of developmental and program-specific courses such as Medical Office Management, Medical Terminology, and Medical Transcription. The program teaches students the techniques in transcribing patient physicals and histories, physician’s notes, and other documents in the medical setting. Graduates are then well-equipped with the technical knowledge and skills needed to work in medical offices, hospitals, and laboratories as a medical transcriptionist. For a more detailed overview of the program, visit cccua.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

As a member of the Illinois Community Colleges, Lewis and Clark Community College is a two-year community college with campuses in Godfrey, Edwardsville, and Alton Illinois accommodating 12,000 students annually. The college, founded in 1970 with only 450 students, houses a humanities center, a river research center, a training center, and several community education centers located throughout the state. 

The top rated Medical Transcription program at Lewis and Clark is an associate degree program that prepares students to organize records and manage health information data in a medical environment. The program includes courses in medical terminology, electronic health records, health insurance, health information, human disease pathophysiology, medical transcription and documents, medical staff credentialing, and ethical and legal issues related to medical records. Upon completion of the program, students are also qualified to take the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) examination from the American Academy of Professional Coders. Learn more about the program at lc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Commonly referred to as M State, Minnesota State Community and Technical College is a community college operating under the Minnesota State system. The college offers different programs in the fields of agriculture, health sciences, engineering, business, and computer technology on its campuses in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead, and Wadena as well as through its online learning platform.

MN State’s Health Information Technology Medical Coding degree is an associate degree program that provides students high quality and comprehensive education in the field of health information management. Throughout the program, students learn different diagnostic and procedural coding systems, the steps for the verification of health information data, interpretation of data for quality management, implementation and maintenance of electronic health records, and the policies and procedures to maintain the accuracy and security of patient health records. At the end of the program, graduates are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam given by the American Health Information Management Association. They also have the option to continue with a bachelor’s degree program at College of St. Scholastica, Charter Oak State College, and Minnesota State University Moorhead campus. More information is available at minnesota.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Educational Requirements for Transcribers

Amedical transcription degree qualifies an individual to transcribe oral notes of physicians and hospital administrators. An education in medical transcription requires an individual to have excellent hearing and a large medical vocabulary, including abbreviated and slang terms in order to accurately record what has been said in order to attach it to the permanent record of the patient. Certificate and associate degree programs are available to aspiring medical transcriptionists with the program taking between one and two years to complete.

Courses that may be offered in a medical transcriptionist program:

  • Anatomy
  • English
  • Legal Terminology
  • Healthcare Documentation
  • Medical Terminology

What Degrees Exist for Medical Transcriptionists?

The certificate program will be focused on core classes (medical records, medical editing, terminology, pharmacology, lab data, medical specialties, anatomy & physiology, and transcription essentials) while the associate degree program will also include an array of general education courses & additional core classes in a two-year program.

There are 2 voluntary credentials for a medical transcriptionist worthy of consideration for prospective and current professionals. The two programs are the include the Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) and Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) designations. The CMT is a professional certification for medical transcriptionists with at least 2 years of experience while the RMT is designed for those with less than two years of work experience in the field. Make sure to check with your employer or school counselor as certifications may be requisite for certain employers in your area.

Top Traits of a Medical Transcriptionist

A medical transcriptionist must be proficient with an array of medical terminology (examinations, nomenclature, diseases, tests, drug types, human anatomy, diagnosis, procedures) to effectively process and transcribe recordings. It is vital for a medical transcriptionist to possess exceptional communication skills, active listening skills, strong grasp of grammar, computer proficiency, and can accurately process spoken words into discernable text.

Unlike traditional transcription performed by a court reporter, a medical transcriptionist will need to translate words and shorthand, format codes, and understand medical languages prior to being able to properly perform their job. Many medical transcriptionists will work from home and receive digitized documents and audio files to transcribe and edit.

Top Job Titles of a Medical Transcriptionist

You may see a number of different job titles for a medical transcriptionist depending on the employer’s preference and job responsibilities.  Nonetheless, we have compiled a list of the top job titles of a medical transcriber for your to review as a resource during your research for the best programs.  The list includes:

  • Clinical Medical Transcriptionist
  • Medical Transcription
  • Documentation Specialist
  • Medical Transcription Supervisor
  • Transcriptionist
  • Medical Language Specialist
  • Medical Secretary
  • Radiology Transcriptionist
  • Medical Transcriber
  • Medical Transcriptionist
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Outlook and Certifications

Medical assistants will work with doctors and administrators to ensure that all notes and recordings pertaining to patients are accurately cleaned, edited and transcribed so that they may be placed within the patient file for future reference. Medical transcriptionists typically work 40 hours a week within the hospital, clinic or office. A medical transcriptionist should have excellent hearing and command of the English language.

Though it is not required, most employers prefer individuals who have graduated with a certificate or degree in medical transcription. Additionally, certification in medical transcription is available through the Association of Healthcare Documentation Industry (AHDI). To increase job security and obtain higher pay, medical transcriptionists are encouraged to become registered medical transcriptionists (RMT) or certified medical transcriptionists (CMT). Those who pursue certification will have to update that certification every few years through continuing education courses.

Job Growth & Salary Outlook in Medical Transcription

The need for medical transcriptionists is expected to remain steady over the next decade as the population gets older and more administrative assistance will become necessary in the managing of hospital operations.Additionally, the expansion of the healthcare industry in the United States has created a need for transcription services due to increase patient care and a reduction in available time by physicians and others to perform such duties on their own. The median annual salary for a medical transcriptionist is $35,720 per BLS data.

Individuals interested in medical transcription may also be interested in health care administration, medical administration, or medical office administration. For additional information, read our Career Guide on Medical Transcription on the MatchCollege blog here.

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