Program: B8060

The medical transcriptionist is a key member of the healthcare team and plays an integral role in preparing the descriptive information of the patient’s medical record. This record may include medical history, physical examination, diagnostic studies, treatments, and medications.
 
The Medical Transcription Program prepares students for employment as medical transcriptionists/medical language specialists for healthcare facilities including hospitals, physicians’ offices, and clinics, medical transcription companies, as employees or independent contractors. Medical transcriptionists with experience may attain positions as quality assurance specialists/editors, recruiters, trainers, transcription supervisors, and transcription managers.  Positions may be on-site or at-home depending on employer preference.

 Students who score below the required levels on state-mandated placement tests in writing, reading, and mathematics must enroll in and complete the appropriate developmental courses before they enroll in some required program courses.
 

Note: This program requires strong keyboarding skills, above-average understanding of English grammar and punctuation usage, as well as excellent spelling ability. A minimum of 45 wpm is required.  Students who are weak in this area should take either OST 1100C Keyboarding, or OST 1142C Microcomputer Keyboarding I, prior to the beginning the program. Students who are weak in spelling and/or English grammar and punctuation usage should speak with the Program Coordinator before choosing the program.
 

Program Hours

Courses are offered in a non-traditional format; students may contact the Program Coordinator, Susan Whatley, at (863) 297-1010, ext 4058, or swhatley@polk.edu for additional information.
 

Certification Exam

Graduate transcriptionists are eligible to take the national certification exam offered by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) to become a Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT). Information regarding eligibility and scheduling of the exam is available through the Program  Coordinator

Note: This program requires strong keyboarding skills. A minimum of 45 wpm is required. Students who are weak in this area should take either OST 1100C Keyboarding, or OST 1142C Microcomputer Keyboarding I, prior to the beginning the program.