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Individuals interested
in working in the health care industry but who do not want to deal
directly with patients may be interested in getting an education at
one of several medical transcription schools. Medical transcription
schools provide students with the basic education needed to pursue
a job as a medical transcriptionist. Below is some important information
about the medical transcription as a career and as an education choice.
Medical Transcription Schools: The Basics
When choosing a medical transcription school, students should look
at the curriculum being offered. The American Association for Medical
Transcription (AAMT) recommends that students opt for a 2-year program
that includes approximately 240 hours of externships.
The curriculum should include courses on medical terminology, pharmacology,
human anatomy and physiology, medical transcription procedures,
and similar courses. A new component to many curricula is training
on medical
records software packages that integrate a transcription feature.
Students can choose from traditional medical transcription schools,
usually vocational or community colleges, or from alternative distance
education programs. However, the AAMT also recommends students pick
a medical transcription school which provides opportunities for
networking with instructors and students as these interactions can
help prepare students for working in the field.
Medical Transcription Schools: The Future
After finishing the necessary training at one of the numerous
medical transcription schools, positions may be difficult to find.
Numerous positions are usually available, but it can be difficult
for beginning transcriptionists to land that first job. The externships
provided by many medical transcription schools, however, can make
it easier for students.
Some medical transcriptionists do choose to work from home, but
this does require an investment on their part. They must purchase
equipment and other supplies, plus they must adhere to federal
guidelines regarding patient privacy. However, experienced medical
transcriptionists often find this method of work very rewarding.
Medical transcriptionists' earnings vary depending on their location
and on the type of medical setting in which they work. However,
the average hourly wage is around $13. The top wage for a medical
transcriptionist sits around $18 per hour.
More Information About Medical Transcription Schools
To learn more about medical transcription schools and the medical
transcription field visit the AAMT
website, read "Area
of Study: Medical Transcription", or review "Medical
Transcriptionists" at the Bureau of Labor Statistics' web
site. To learn about other health care careers, read "Medical
Coding Schools," "Medical
Billing Schools," or "Medical
Jobs."
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