Medical Transcriptionists: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Medical Transcriptionists

Medical Transcriptionists transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.

Salary
$37310
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Post-secondary certificate
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Medical Transcriptionists transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.

  • Take dictation using shorthand, a stenotype machine, or headsets and transcribing machines.
  • Return dictated reports in printed or electronic form for physician’s review, signature, and corrections and for inclusion in patients’ medical records.
  • Perform data entry and data retrieval services, providing data for inclusion in medical records and for transmission to physicians.
  • Review and edit transcribed reports or dictated material for spelling, grammar, clarity, consistency, and proper medical terminology.
Read more about what does a Medical Transcriptionist really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$36350 per year

Average hourly wage
$17 per hour


Medical Transcriptionists with little to no experience tend to make between $21840 and $26410 while the more experienced ones can earn over $43490 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
AK $24 $49,420
NJ $21 $44,200
MN $21 $43,200
MD $21 $43,070
NY $20 $42,020

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Medical Transcriptionist is to move to a higher paying state like AK. Right now, the highest paying states for Medical Transcriptionists are AK, NJ, MN, MD and NY.

However, a higher pay at AK doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at AK might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Medical Transcriptionist is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
Post-secondary certificate

We asked other Medical Transcriptionists what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Post-Secondary Certificate followed by a College Certificate.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Medical Transcription/Transcriptionist
Read more about how to become a Medical Transcriptionist and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Medical Transcriptionist.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes to follow routines
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
One of the lowest paying jobs

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
71%

Is this job meaningful
58%


71% of Medical Transcriptionists said they were satisfied with their job and 58% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Organizers and The Builders

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.



Learn more about Medical Transcriptionists

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

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