How to Choose a Medical Transcription School

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Medical Transcriptionists must sometimes edit the words of the dictating physician and correct grammar where appropriate.  Courses in English grammar and punctuation, anatomy and physiology, advanced terminology, in addition to medical transcription are necessary. The AHDI recommends that the following course topics are included as part of your training: English grammar and punctuation, medical language, anatomy and physiology, disease processes, pharmacology and laboratory medicine, transcription technology, medical transcription practice, healthcare records, privacy, ethics, and other medicolegal issues

In addition, an effective course of study should be taught by qualified professionals, preferably Certified Medical Transcriptionists (CMTs) who are knowledgable in their field. The ADHI recommends that at least 30 hours of real dictated physician reports be included in the formal training, plus an additional 10 hours of real dictated physician reports be included in the external practice module.

Watch out for schools that offer a "certificate". It should be clear that this is a certificate of completion of their course of study, NOT the designation Certified Medical Transcriptionist. To learn more about Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) and Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) designation, click here.