Medical Transcription as a career has spread its tentacles firmly over the last decade. A key advantage of this work is that the same can be carried out from the comfort of your home. This is the main reason for the career being a favorite among those who wish to do freelancing.
What is Medical Transcription?
Medical Transcription is the method of writing out medical records precisely and quickly by listening to the dedicating recordings of doctors, medical professionals and patients in the form of written reports or other documents. These audios can be related to the patient’s health history, medical issues, consultation reports, x-ray reports and so on. Medical Transcriptionists are responsible for transcribing these audios into written notes which are error-free and accurate. A PC, Word Processor, Broadband net, a Headset, Reference materials, etc are required for Medical Transcription.
Let’s look into how to become a Medical Transcriptionist:
1. Educational requirements for being a Medical Transcriptionist:
Though one does not need to be highly qualified for being a medical transcriptionist, basic education in Life Sciences is an added advantage. Preferably those having Bachelors in Science are ideal candidates for the post of a medical transcriptionist. This is because those aspiring to be Medical Transcriptionist need to be familiar with medical terminology, so that accurate comprehension and transcription of the recordings can be done. In addition, a medical transcriptionist needs to have regular orientation in anatomy and physiology and medico legal issues related to the transcription reports they are dealing with.
2. Work Experience:
In case you have some hands on experience of working in a hospital, the same can be put to work. Alternatively, if you wish to seek some experience before venturing into the field professionally, you can consider having a part time job. You can also get in touch with some of your friends who have ventured into the business of Medical Transcription.
3. Communication Skills:
In addition to these, strong grammatical and writing skills along with appreciable typing speed and proficiency in computers is required to be a successful Medical Transcriptionist. You need to be a very good listener to succeed in this career.
4. Knowing the risks involved:
As a professional who wishes to seek a career in medical transcription, you should have a complete plan to overcome the risks involved. Initially, you should work in a professional company which has the ability to employ you and give you work on a continuous basis. With a few years of experience by your side, you will be in a position to have a medical transcription business from the comfort of your home. Having a few years of hands on experience will make you a thorough professional and you will be able to become a successful entrepreneur.
5. Develop your networking links:
Medical transcription works on networking. You should have a strong network with doctors and other related companies who are into the business of medical transcription. This will help you generate business, once you decide to turn an entrepreneur who works on medical transcription orders from homes. Alternatively, if you have any doctor friends in countries like United States and Canada, you can seek help from them. These counties are the major work providers in the medical transcription business and if you are able to generate qualitative business from your sources in United States and Canada, you will be a step closer in becoming a successful medical transcriptionist.
6. Showcasing your skills:
If you are seeking a job as a Medical Transcriptionist, you need to highlight the skills in a fair manner to the potential employers. Add a skill section on the top of your resume in which you can ideally highlight your skill set, be it the medical terminology with which you are familiar or the typing speed which you are able to attain. Adding a line on any transcription experience in the past will also work to your advantage and help you become a budding medical transcription professional.
7. Give your best during Audition:
You cannot afford to give mediocre performance during your audition, as audition is a great opportunity to enter this field and make a mark for yourself! Just read/listen to the instructions very carefully and follows these to excel during the audition of Medical Transcription.
8. Completing the task professionally:
This is the last hurdle which you need to overcome, so as to become a successful medical transcriptionist. Any task which the employers’ gives you needs to be completed with utmost accuracy and you should proofread the report twice before sending it over. With time and experience by your side, you will be able to complete any task with perfection and will be on the way of becoming a successful medical transcriptionist.
Career Outlook as a Medical Transcriptionist
As the profession of a Medical Transcriptionist gives the freedom of flexible timing to the transcriptionist, the same is becoming immensely popular. While initially a medical transcriptionist needs to work in a hospital or a professional firm dealing with medical transcription work, with time and experience by the side, the same can be converted into a freelance work from home.
According to payscale.com, the average salary for a Medical Transcriptionist is Rs 174,822 per year.
Sky is the limit, as a Medical Transcriptionist is paid per line basis. In case, you hold any kind of Certification in the Medical Transcription field, you are all set to earn a higher income.
Some of the Top Medical Transcription companies:
- CBay Systems India Private Limited
- Focus MT
- MT4MD
- Vee Technologies Private Limited
- Spraynce
- Bhilwara Scribe Private Limited
- Spheris
- Acroseas global solutions
- Rekha Technologies Pvt. LTD.
- Acusis India
- Scribetech
- Infoscript
- Accentia
- Worldtech
- ADS Solutions Private Limited
- Selectronix
Medical Transcription is a promising career field and with budgets on healthcare increasing throughout the world, the need for professionally trained Medical Transcriptionist is set to increase with time.
