Medical Transcriptionists To Be In Demand Through 2018

by Alex A. Kecskes

If you like working in the medical field and you have a penchant for accuracy, you might consider working as a Medical Transcriptionist. These medical professionals listen to and transcribe recordings made by physicians, nurses and other health care professionals. Medical transcription job growth is expected to be 11 percent from 2008 to 2018—much higher than other professions.

As a Medical Transcriptionist, you'll need an extensive knowledge of anatomy, medical language and various treatment assessments. You'll also need a small library of medical reference books to help you understand and clarify highly technical medical terms. In medical transcription, accuracy is crucial. This is because transcribed reports are entered into patients' files and become part of their medical history. Needless to say, you must be extremely detail oriented and a good speller.

To start your career as a Medical Transcriptionist, you can take any number of medical transcription courses available from a wide range of schools across the country. Some of these can be completed in as little as six months. Typical medical transcription courses include English grammar and composition, computer applications, medical terminology, pathology, anatomy and physiology. Depending on the medical transcription course you choose, you could graduate with a diploma or even an associate's degree.

Some online and live classroom programs include an externship, which provides on-the-job training at a transcription company, physician's office, clinic or hospital. This extra training can make you more attractive to a potential employer when you apply for a full time, paid position.

For an added perspective, check out this video:

For more information on health careers, visit http://www.healthcarejobsite.com/

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients.