Training open to U.S. and Canada

Med-Line School

of Medical Transcription

Pioneers of Medical Transcription Education

9 STEPS FOR SUCCESS —

Becoming a Medical Transcriptionist

 

1.     ASSESS YOUR ABILITIES:

Medical transcriptionists need to develop excellent spelling, grammar and punctuation skills, and have a good auditory acuity.  In addition, medical transcriptionists must develop critical thinking skills

 

2.    RESEARCH THE CAREER:

Find out what being a medical transcriptionist is all about.  Call and talk to instructors.  Read material describing the profession.  Visit the association’s website. 

 

3.    CHOOSE A PROGRAM THAT WILL RESULT IN SUCCESS:

Choose a program that follows the AHDI Model Curriculum, has Certified Medical Transcriptionist instructors to act as a personal mentor, and most importantly has excellent placement statistics. 

 

4.    BEGIN YOUR STUDIES: 

Organize your study activities, stave off procrastination – make it a routine to continue your studies, keep a positive attitude and focus, and avoid looking ahead.  Take it one step at a time.

 

5.    ADVANCE IN YOUR SKILLS:

Note that there is a certain point in your program where you will have to rely upon your instructor to mentor you through any hurdles.  Transcription is more than simply deciphering data.  Medical transcription involves dedication, ethics, critical thinking, patience, and the ability to work well with others who will guide you into a successful state, as those have been guided before you. 

 

6.    GET INVOLVED AND NETWORK:

Medical transcription has a wealth of resources, both personally and professionally.  There is more than enough activity to keep you busy and active, and very satisfied with the prestige of your career.  There are numerous opportunities for leadership and advancement.   Enrollment and involvement in professional organizations, especially AHDI (Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity) and attending meetings and networking, is highly recommended and promises to be rewarding. 

 

7.    EVALUATION AND REFLECTION:

Being a medical transcriptionist has so many benefits, but most importantly the opportunity for the person to evaluate their life and make huge advancements ethically, intellectually, professionally, and spiritually, by coming to the realization that belonging to this profession provides employment that really matters.  Medical transcriptionists grow to realize the importance of their position, and the delicate balance they have to maintain with respect to integrity, honor, and reliance.  A medical transcriptionist does not stop learning, nor do they stop developing greater personal and professional advancements.  Medical transcriptionists are reliability and trustworthy. 

 

8.    ATTAINING YOUR CREDENTIALS:

It is highly recommended upon completion of the program that the students study for and take the RMT examination (Registered Medical Transcriptionist) offered through AHDI.  It is important for employers to know that you have attained certain skills and developed your talents for this chosen career.  As a professional medical transcriptionist and as you develop more advanced skills, you will be eligible to sit for your CMT exam.  The CMT exam tells employers that you have advanced knowledge in your profession.  In addition, AHDI offers a fellowship credential for medical transcriptionists who are seeking professional fulfillment in the areas of leadership, mentoring, teaching, speaking, writing, and volunteering of one’s talents. 

 

9.    SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE:

As you become knowledgeable and experienced, the time will come for you to share your talents with those new to the field, as was done for you when you began.  The industry needs more medical transcriptionists like yourself, dedicated, reliable, and ethical. 

Medical transcription school