Career overview
Medical Transcriptionists
O*NET-SOC 31-9094.00
Median pay / yr$37,550
OutlookBelow Average
Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.
What it takes
The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Medical Transcriptionists.
Skills employers look for
- Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- WritingCommunicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Knowledge areas
- English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
- AdministrativeKnowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
- Computers and ElectronicsKnowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Medicine and DentistryKnowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Certifications that help you get hired
Not sure this fits? FirstEmbark's free quiz matches you to careers based on what you actually enjoy — no account needed.