A certified medical transcriptionist is a
medical language specialist who interprets
and transcribes dictation by physicians and
other health care professionals regarding
patient assessment, workup, therapeutic procedures,
clinical course, and diagnosis. The
information is used to document patient care
and facilitate delivery of health care services.
The primary skills necessary are extensive
medical knowledge and understanding,
sound judgment, deductive reasoning, and
the ability to detect medical inconsistencies
in dictation. They must also be aware of all
standards and requirements that apply to the
medical record, as well as the legal significance of medical transcripts.
 Areas of Specialization
Medical reports take many forms, including histories and physical examinations,
progress reports, emergency room
notes, consultations, operative reports, discharge
summaries, clinic notes, referral letters,
radiology reports, pathology reports,
and an array of documentation spanning
medical specialties and subspecialties. A
certified medical transcriptionist may concentrate
on any or all of the areas.
Work Environment
Certified medical transcriptionists may
work in a variety of health care settings.
They may work with physicians, pharmacists,
therapists, technicians, nurses,
dietitians, social workers, psychologist,
and other health care professionals. Some
certified medical transcriptionists choose
to work out of their homes as employees of
transcription services to hospitals.
Advancement
Qualified certified medical transcriptionists
who wish to expand their professional
responsibilities may choose to become
department heads, supervisors, managers,
or owners of medical transcription services.
Experienced certified medical transcriptionist
may teach in schools and colleges, educating
future certified medical transcriptionists.
Length of Training
Training programs vary form six months to
one year and are offered through community
colleges and vocational technical institutions.
Certificates are awarded upon completion.
Licensure/Certification
Certification is voluntary and is based on
a two-part examination sponsored by the
American Association for Medical Transcription
(AAMT). After passing both parts
of the exam, qualified candidates become
Certified Medical Transcriptionists (CMT).
Education Programs
C=Certificate, A=Associate's, B=Bachelor's, M=Master's, D=Doctorate
Professional Associations
American Association for Medical Transcription
www.aamt.org
American Health Information Management Association
www.ahima.org
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