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Medical transcription is an ideal occupation for the stay-at-home mom or anyone who desires the benefits of self-employment and independence. The money-saving benefits are many: no day-care expense, no wardrobe expense, no commuting, allowing much more time for your family and friends.

Since earning my Certificate of Completion in Medical Transcription from the Review of Systems Medical Transcription School in the years 1999-2000, many things have changed for the better in the medical transcirption world. New programs have been developed for training, along with software technology to increase the production of the busy MT.

The outlook for continuing growth in the industry is excellent and is projected to grow faster than average in the years up to 2014. Though the current year's numbers are not out, here is a direct quote from the U.S. Department of Labor for the year 2004:

"Medical transcriptionists held about 105,000 jobs in 2004. About 4 out of 10 worked in hospitals and another 3 our of 10 worked in offices of physicians. Others worked for business support services; medical and diagnostic laboratories, outpatient care centers; and offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists. Job opportunities will be good. Employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014. Medical transcriptionists had median hourly earnings of $13.64 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.50 and $16.32. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.67, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $19.11."

What Medical Transcriptionists Do

As a trained MT, you will be transcribing medical records for the treatment and diagnostic tests of an individual dictated by a medical professional. This document then becomes a part of the permanent medical record for that person. Accuracy is of the highest priority, much more so than speed, and therefore the properly trained MT must be knowledgeable in medical terminology, medical treatments, common diagnostic tests, anatomy and physiology. Upon completion of the medical document, it is then presented to the medical provider for his or her review and correction.

How to Train to Become a Medical Transcriptionist

Your education is vital to your future. The AAMT (American Association of Medical Transcriptionists) has implemented a recommended course curriculum to ensure your time and money is well spent on obtaining the best education to qualify you for the industry and the requirements of a professional AAMT member.

When considering schools, look for accreditation by the AAMT.

Training can be obtained through trade schools, community colleges, or online distance learning. In my case, I chose an 18-month distance learning program, but was able to finish it in 9 months while still holding a full-time job. Most distance-learning programs are self-paced and are perfect for the person who has a full-time job currently or family responsibilities.