Medical Dictation

If you are intererested in obtaining medical transcription training you are in luck.  There are many ways to obtain the necessary training.  You may opt for a degree or certificate program at a local school, or you may wish to pursue training online.  If you already have a solid grasp of the terminology used in the medical professions, you may look at on-the-job training opportunities.

Many schools offer medical transcription training.  Some schools such as Ashworth College, or the US Career Institute offer online courses.  Kaplan College is another school that comes to mind.  They also offer training for the working student.

You can research the schools online  and contact them via email for phone.  Keep in mind, websites offering medical transcriptionist training may simply be diploma mills.  Before you commit to a specific school it is important to be sure you know what you will be getting.  You should check the accreditations of the school.  You may ask to speak with graduates of the programs.  Any school that has a good reputation should be happy to furnish you will such references.

It’s not enough just to learn the medical jargon and to type fast.  You will need to know how the terminology is used. You will learn alot about human anatomy, conditions and diseases.  You will learn about many types of medical procedures.   In addition to all that, you will need to improve your listening and comprehension skills.   You should insist on attending schools that provide extensive practicum work.  You need to be able to have practice listening to many types of recordings.  Some doctors speak fast, some speak slowly.  Some doctors have a heavy accent.  A good medical transcription training program will help you practice and improve your abilities under such conditions.

Another area you should inquire about is equipment.  What type of equipment will you be trained on?  Does the school only use foot operated cassette equipment?  What happens if you are hired by a hospital or outside agency that utilizes more modern transcribers? Will you feel confident to use it?  It is best to be trained on the equipment in school first.

The length of training can be from 6 to 18 months.  Some countries offer medical transcription training as long as 2 years.  Why the wide range in course lengths?  Course content!  Practical exercises take time, but build experience.  Experience is a great teacher.   Again, it’s important to check into the school’s training program.   Talk to teachers if possible, talk to current students and past graduates if possible.