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 and medical language specialists for healthcare facilities including hospitals, physicians’ offices, and clinics; medical transcription companies; or for employment as 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.

Certain courses in this program require placement at the college level or satisfaction of developmental education requirements in reading, writing, and math.

This program requires strong keyboarding skills, above-average understanding of English grammar and punctuation usage, and 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, by telephone at 863.297.1010, ext 4058; or via email at swhatley@polk.edu for additional information.

Potential Earnings

Salary potential and wage information are available through the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics at: www.bls.gov/ooh, or via www.salary.com. Salaries vary depending on geographical location, type of facility, and years of experience.  

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 Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS). 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.