By: BLS.gov

Job Description

Medical transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings made by health care professionals and transcribe them into medical reports, correspondence, and other administrative material. They must understand medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, pharmacology, and treatment assessments. Medical transcriptionists who work in physicians’ offices may have other office duties, such as receiving patients, scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, and handling incoming and outgoing mail.

Median Salary

$14.40/hour

Education Requirements

Employers prefer to hire transcriptionists who have completed postsecondary training in medical transcription offered by many vocational schools, community colleges, and distance-learning programs. Completion of a 2-year associate degree or 1-year certificate program—including coursework in anatomy, medical terminology, legal issues relating to health care documentation, and English grammar and punctuation—is highly recommended, but not always required.

Job Outlook

Employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to grow faster than the average; job opportunities should be good, especially for those who are certified.