Medical Transcriptionist
OFO No:
Youtube clip – Looking at the Career of a Medical Transcriptionist
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is Medical Transcription?
Medical transcription is the process where a person, a Medical Transcriptionist, accurately and swiftly transcribes (converts) medical records dictated by medical professionals into text documents.
The medical professional dictates the medical report using an electronic dictaphone, which is then uploaded to a secure server and encrypted.
The Medical Transcriptionist then downloads the files, transcribes them into a word format and then sends them to the medical professional.
A career in medical transcription offers the opportunity for rewarding, interesting work and to earn a great income in the growing healthcare industry – from the comfort of your own home. You would require internet access though.
There are thousands of medical practitioners and they are legally obliged to keep medical records of every patient they treat.
There are many Medical Transcription organisations that you can enlist with and type up medical reports for them.
You can choose whether you would like to work for an organization or contract directly with the medical professional. You have the choice of working from home or from anywhere in the world … All you need to do Medical Transcription is your computer and an internet connection so you can work from anywhere in the world. And when you complete the training, you will have real life experience with foreign accents and terminology.
What does a Medical Transcriptionist do?
- plays a key role in creating accurate medical documents
- downloads files, transcribes them into a Word format
- sends transcribed files to medical practitioners
- learns medical language and fascinating things about science, human biology, physiology and the medical industry
- works from home or from an office
Are you . . . ?
- interested in the medical profession?
- accurate?
- self-motivated
- self-disciplined
- a person who pays attention to detail
- able to work on your own
- able to work to tight deadlines
How do I become a Medical Transcriptionist?
You need a qualification.
- TRANSCRIBE SA (Online Training)
Is the only Accredited training provider of this course in South Africa. They offer an approved AHDI (Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity) Certificate in Medical Transcription.
This is an online course – so you will work at your own pace, in your own time.
It is structured around 640 hours of learning time so, if you are working full-time, you would be able to complete it in 4 months. However, you are given a year to complete the course when you sign up.
What does a Medical Transcriptionist learn?
- Typing and editing skills
- Medical terminology
- Grammar and punctuation
- Anatomy and pharmacology
- Medical record types and formats
- Productivity tips
- And practical experience
Scholarships
- Available from Transcribe SA for qualifying candidates
- Email: scholarship@transcribing.co.za
Industry Bodies
- AHDI (Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity)
Minimum requirements
- Good command of the English language – recommend English first language or level 1 or 2 in English second language
- Typing skill – minimum 45 words per minute
- Knowledge of working with MS Office (intermediate level)
NOTE
- There is NO medical background required prior to starting the course.
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Phlebotomist … or … Medical Secretary
Is becoming a Medical Transcriptionist the right career choice for me?
