Medical transcription refers to the allied health profession dealing with the process of transcription. The medical transcriptionists are the ones responsible for converting the voice-recorded reports into text format for which have been dictated by the physicians or other members of the healthcare team. They are responsible to edit whatever grammatical errors that can be heard over the recordings that they are listening.
There is no mandatory requirement for post-secondary education in order to become medical transcriptionists however majority of the employers have the preference that one has it. There are 
community colleges, vocational schools, and online schools that offer the training for medical transcription. It is important that one must be able to complete the one-year certificate program or the associate’s degree program.
To be able to understand and transcribe the recordings with accuracy, the medical transcriptionists need to familiarize the medical terminologies. The students taking the medical transcription programs may need to take classes in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal issues which are related to the documentation pertaining to healthcare, and English. The students will also have to undergo on-the-job training under the supervision of the experienced medical transcriptionists.
It is essential that the medical transcriptionists have the following criteria:
– good listening skills
– strong skills in writing and grammar
– hearing ability is normal
– typing speed is advanced
– proficient with the use of computers
Below are the steps on how to become a medical transcriptionist:
– Have an understanding as to what is anticipated of you as a medical transcriptionist. Be sure that you possess the tools and knowledge in order to succeed.
– To better get prepared and skilled for the profession, you need to complete the formal medical transcriptionist training program which is accredited by the ACCP or the Approval Committee for Certificate Programs. This is not required however this will increase your chances of getting hired because of your credibility. The training involves the learning of medical terms and other aspects.
– Get certified but this again is not a requirement but only increase your opportunities of getting hired. You can obtain this from the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity which is awarding two certification options namely the RMT-Registered Medical Transcriptionist and CMT-Certified Medical Transcriptionist.
– If you have plans working at home, set-up a home office that is composed of a computer, transcribing machine, and headset that has a foot pedal. Be certain that your system is up-to-date with fast speed internet because you will also be sending the transcribed documents as part of your work.
– Have an updated resume like including the completion of tasks on time with efficiency from your previous work experience. You may also mention that are independent and organized.
– Following the completion of the training and obtaining the certification, you can apply for positions as medical transcriptionist. You have the option so search the websites or contact the offices of the physicians.
– While waiting for the clients to come in, you can enhance your skills as medical transcriptionist by gaining additional learning on the medical terminologies, English language, and grammar.