Many healthcare professionals and doctors dictate their notes after seeing a patient. Then they rely on a medical transcriptionist to type up the notes and place them in the patients file. The associate degree in medical transcription trains you for many different occupations. You have to be organized, disciplined and detail-oriented to become a successful medical transcriptionist.
After earning your degree, you will have the knowledge needed to transcribe laboratory records, clinical charts, discharge summaries and radiology reports as well as physical histories of patients. You will know how to efficiently use medical reference books and how to proofread documents and edit according to AHDI guidelines. You will learn the abbreviations used by doctors and other medical professionals when dictating their notes.
The associate degree in medical transcription will teach you how to recognize natural treatments and medications for diseases. You will learn adjective, plural and singular forms of medical words. You will know how to work the front office in a doctors office doing billing, appointment scheduling, banking procedures, filing procedures and all other tasks performed in the office setting.
You will be able to create word documents and PowerPoint presentations. You also learn increase your accuracy and speed when transcribing. After you have your degree you will understand the importance of organization, how to handle interruptions and how to multi task.
The most important thing that you will learn is that confidentiality is the most important aspect of transcription. You learn how to manage stress and time to accomplish timely reports. You will also learn how to work as a team player in a diverse work group.
The associate degree in medical transcription is only two terms at most colleges and can be completed in one year. The courses required for this degree are Drug Terminology for Transcription, Document Formatting, Medical Transcription I and II, Information Technology and Body Structure and Function. You will also take Skillbuilding, Medical Administration Procedure, Microcomputer Business Applications I, Written Communication and Human Diseases for the Health Professional.
Many colleges will require the student to complete so many hours performing transcription. These intern positions are worth a credit toward the associate degree. You will maintain a journal of your work activities and will need approval from the supervisor regarding your performance.
Skillbuilding is important in transcription work. You learn to develop your accuracy and speed needed for transcription work. You must have Document Formatting, Medical Terminology and Body Structure and Function before starting Medical Transcription I. Medical Administration Procedures will teach the student about office procedures, filing, scheduling and legalities and ethics.
Careers in Medical Transcription
As you near the end of your learning and receive your associate degree in medical transcription, you will be able to work for hospitals, clinics, home healthcare agencies, insurance companies, medical publishers, medical schools, transcription companies and even at home with your own business. A Medical transcriptionist can also work as a general transcriptionist for many different companies.
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Including Associate, Bachelor & Masters Degrees
