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Dear Cindy – Medical Transcription Jobs
By Cynthia M. Piccolo (Career Questions)
dearCPMedicalTranscription image

Dear Cindy: 

I am currently a stay-at-home mom who works part-time outside of the home, and am looking for possible out-of-home or in-home positions in medical transcription. I took a course many years ago in medical office administration, and worked for an ophthalmologist as an ophthalmic technician for a few years. I then changed my career path. I want to know what I would need to update my knowledge to get back into this field, and how I would go about finding a job in this area, as I do not see many postings for this position, yet a lot of resources for people doing it.

Sincerely,

Future Transcriptionist?

Dear FT: 

It depends on the employer, but the requirements usually cited for medical transcription jobs are:

  • Medical terminology knowledge/experience;
  • Completion of a certificate/diploma/Associate's degree program in secretarial studies or medical transcription, or at least one year of experience in transcription;
  • Familiarity with word processing, dictation, transcription, and related equipment;
  • Fast and accurate typing speed – I've seen requirements ranging from 55 to 90+ words per minute (tested).
  • In the United States, employers often prefer applicants with CMT certification through the American Association for Medical Transcription.

    • Since you completed your MOA course many years ago and are currently employed part-time, how fast and accurate is your typing, and how current are you with software and dictation systems? Did you gain any experience in transcription as part of your duties in the ophthalmologist's office? (If so, definitely note that experience on your résumé.)

    Since your experience is in ophthalmology, a good start may be to see if you can get experience transcribing reports for local ophthalmologists. But it may be best to take a medical terminology or transcription course to update your knowledge and refresh your skills. If you'd like to do this, one place to look for a school is the allAlliedHealthSchools.com website, which lists a variety of accredited programs across the United States and Canada, including those which can be done by distance education.MedHunters lists onsite and at-home transcription jobs under the following path: home page – Other Jobs – Information and Management Systems – Clinical Information Services – Medical Transcription.

    Good luck.
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