I hope you can help me. I am very much interested in becoming a medical transcriptionist. Here is my problem. Exactly what amount of training does someone need in order to be able to do this kind of work? I want to work as a transcriptionist from my home. Any help you can give me to help me on my way would be greatly appreciated! Could you also tell me how popular this type of position is? In your opinion is this a good choice for a profession? Thank you for your time!

Dear DJ,

You might first want to check out the Web site of the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI), formerly the American Association for Medical Transcription.

The site has lots of information about necessary skills, training, and careers. Many medical transcriptionists work from home “as independent contractors, subcontractors, or home-based employees. Others work in doctors' offices, public and private hospitals, teaching hospitals, medical schools, medical transcription businesses, clinics, laboratories, pathology and radiology departments, insurance companies, medical libraries, government medical facilities, rehabilitation centers, legal offices, research centers, veterinary medical facilities,” according to the organization.

The average training program lasts 9-18 months and costs approximately $3,000. You want to make sure it is an AHDI-approved program and you can find schools on the Web site. Many employers want to see a registered medical transcriptionist (RMT) credential, which is conferred after passing a national exam. RMTs are eligible to participate in an apprenticeship program, which places graduates with transcription companies for a two-year commitment.

As to whether this is a good career choice, the AHDI says that an aging workforce is creating shortages in some areas. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts the profession will grow faster-than-average through 2016. However, some companies are sending transcription work overseas, resulting in fewer opportunities domestically.

Comment from Nancy Brown

Dear Cindy, I am interested in obtaining an apprenticeship assignment and am willing to take the RMT to obtain one. However, the medical transcription school I graduated with is not currently accredited by the AHDI. Can you still help me obtain an apprenticeship if I do take and pass the RMT?

Comment from Carrie Williams

I am medical transcriptionist, it is very hard to get a job in this field if you dont have the experience. I would advice you to get registered.

Comment from waleed alomar

i am foreighn physician in medicine;looking for any job in healthcare field untill i can be licensed;i could nt find

Comment from Marlene

you don't need to spend $3,000 completing this course--go to your local community college. I never got certified and was able to get a job in a doctors office with just an associates degree in medical technology, but that was over 30 years ago

Comment from Mary Ellen Maurtua

Please make sure you check out the school you choose for your training. The school I received my training from, cost over $6000 and at the end of the program, I was told congratulations and goodbye. Make sure they offer an internship. I have tried for over a year to gain employment as a Medical Transcriptionist, but no one will even talk to you if you don't have experienc.

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Dear Cindy - Work from Home as a Medical Transcriptionist

Dear Cindy - Work from Home as a Medical Transcriptionist