- 1). Analyze your current skills to determine whether you have what it takes to enter the medical transcription field. You will need to have good English grammar skills, superior computer and keyboarding ability and a strong interest in the medical field.
- 2). Take into account the physical requirements needed to become a medical transcriptionist. The job requires sharp listening skills, good hand and eye coordination, concentration skills, attention to detail and the ability to sit for long periods of time.
- 3). Find out more about what a medical transcriptionist does by talking to other professionals in the industry. Ask them to share their insights and experiences. You can become a student member of Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) and be paired with a mentor who is a professional medical transcriptionist.
- 4). Choose whether or not you want to seek training as a medical transcriptionist. If you do, attend a school that has a seal of approval from the AHDI for medical transcription instruction. Your training program can take 9 to 18 months to complete. More information on schools is available at the AHDI website (see Resources).
- 5). Seek funding sources if you need them. If you attend an AHDI-approved program, you may be eligible for federal financial aid or other funding programs and scholarships.
- 6). Decide whether you want to take an exam to earn your credential as a Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) after you graduate from an accredited school. This credential greatly increases your chances of obtaining employment as a medical transcriptionist. For more information on the exam, visit the AHDI website (see Resources).
- 7). Consider looking into using this credential to qualify for a Registered Apprenticeship program through AHDI. Through this program, you will be placed in a transcription company for two years, where you will be paid and get additional job training. This program is recognized by the U.S. government's Department of Labor.
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