Potential Positions Most program graduates work as medical transcriptionists. Some also work in more general positions such as medical secretary. With experience, a medical transcriptionist can lead or supervise other transcription staff or become an office manager. Potential employers include physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, drug and psychiatric rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, specialty diagnostic laboratories, and self-employment.
Employment Outlook Employment opportunities for medical transcriptionists are expected to increase with growth in the need for health care and the industries that provide it. Growing numbers of medical transcriptionists will be needed to amend patients’ records, edit for grammar, and discover discrepancies in medical records. Within 9 months after graduation, the estimated employment rate for the Medical Transcription program is 76%. The graduate starting median wage is $11.95 with a wage potential of $17.22.
*Graduate wages and placement obtained from SBCTC/WA unemployment files from 2004-05. Wage potential is based out of Whatcom County and obtained from LMEA. For further information, contact the Counseling & Career Center at 360-752-8450.
Typical Tasks Typical duties commonly expected of a medical transcriptionist include:
Using listening and typing skills to prepare dictated medical records and reports;
Transmitting correspondence and medical records by mail, e-mail, or fax;
Using specialized transcription software and general word processing software; and
Editing notes for format, proper medical terminology, and grammar.
Process and prepare business and government forms.
Process patient admission and discharge documents.
Protect the security of medical records to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.
Release information to persons and agencies according to regulations
This program typically starts in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer Quarters
