Online Medical Transcriptionist Training: Review Top Programs
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NursingNursing Ed.Accessing a career in healthcare with online medical transcriptionist certifications and schools can make your educational journey convenient and attainable. EduMed’s guide can show you your top school options, provide details about cost and accreditation, and offer other vital information as you select the right course for your goals.
Medical transcriptionists not only play a vital role within the healthcare system, they often get the luxury of setting their own schedules and working from home. On top of that, you can get trained and become certified in less than a year.
To start making a difference from the comfort of your own home, an online medical transcriptionist certification program can take you there. From learning about program options to finding the information you need about cost and accreditation, read on to take your first steps towards your new healthcare career.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Your Questions, Answered: Common Student FAQs
Finding exceptional online medical transcription training is more than finding a school or education center that simply offers a program. Every program has multiple facets that you should be aware of, including classes offered, the hands-on training available, the time required to complete certain prerequisites, educational costs outside of tuition, and more.
The best decision is an informed decision, so it’s important to learn as much about your program as possible. Here are some of the key answers you need to get started.
What are the different types of medical transcriptionist training programs?
If you are considering a career as a medical transcriptionist, know that you don’t have to attend four years of school to get there. There are many certification programs that can be completed in a matter of months; alternatively, there are associate degrees that can typically be completed in two years or less. Both options and their accompanying benefits should be considered, so here’s what you should know:
Credential Types
- Medical Transcriptionist Certificate
Earning a medical transcriptionist certification online is the most popular way to earn valid credentials. The certification can typically be achieved in less than a year and is a great option for those looking to get into the field as quickly as possible. - Associate Degree in Medical Transcription
Earning a degree in medical transcription usually takes 2-4 years, allowing time to achieve a broader and deeper understanding of the medical and office administration aspects of medical transcription. This option offers potential opportunities to complete an externship before graduation.
What do you learn in an online medical transcriptionist training program?
Though every medical transcriptionist program is unique, the core foundation (courses, topics, and learning outcomes) of each should be the same. Main themes that should be covered include anatomy and medical terminology, law & ethics, office administration, pathology and pharmacology, and English usage and medical communication.
Below are some examples of specific outcomes that you should be able to attain after completing your education.
- Legal responsibilities
Understanding how and why medical transcriptionists must follow patient confidentiality guidelines. Knowledge of how medical transcriptionists are impacted by HIPAA and other ethical regulations. - Editing and proofreading
Confidently review drafts prepared by speech recognition software, and, when necessary, identify and correct errors and missing information that could compromise patient care. Identify common errors that occur during dictation and explain when the transcriptionist should consult appropriate reference materials. - Medical language translation
Knowledge of how to build a strong medical terminology base and how to translate medical abbreviations into the appropriate long form. Use knowledge of terminology to accurately identify the structures and functions of all major body systems. - Writing and interpretation
Ability to accurately transcribe and interpret different kinds of reports from a variety of medical specialties and proofread documents using correct report format. Demonstrated knowledge of guidelines for grammar, punctuation, abbreviations, symbols, metric measurements, transcription, and written correspondence. - Medical concepts
Ability to identify and describe basic medical concepts related to examination and diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, and pharmacology. Identify common diseases and drugs used to treat them.
Expert Insight
As an RN, I have witnessed many doctors calling into confidential voice recording systems to discuss the details of a patient’s visit. Shortly afterwards, a medical transcriptionist listens to the recording and types it out in a report that is added to the patient’s medical record. Excellent listening skills and accuracy is top priority in this role.
Common Courses
- Anatomy and Medical Terminology
Students will learn, identify, and match medical terms with the different body systems and structures. Students will also learn how body systems relate to each other. Common diseases and disorders affecting these systems and the treatments for them will also be studied. - Pharmacology
This course covers drug names, classes, forms, dosages, and administration routes, as well as the healthcare professionals who are licensed to prescribe medications for the treatment of disease and illness. Students will also become familiar with the reference materials often used by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. - Introduction to Medical Transcription
Students will be introduced to the different kinds of medical reports they may come in contact with including chart notes, history and physicals, emergency room reports, consultations, office evaluations, and discharge summaries. In addition, students will learn how to read, understand, transcribe, and edit medical reports and records. - Medical Office Procedures
Students will learn how to identify basic technologies related to the medical office environment, interpret computer system requirements, operate basic software utilities, and navigate basic operating systems. This course will also discuss how to develop professional relationships in the workplace and professionally lead and manage office procedures and communications. - Law, Ethics and Confidentiality
This course will emphasize the confidential nature of medical records and how HIPAA applies to the role of Healthcare Documentation Specialists. Students will learn the impact of law on medical offices, laws that affect medical professionals, and laws regulating the collection and maintenance of healthcare information by government agencies.
Can you earn medical transcriptionist certification completely online?
Yes. Earning a certificate or degree in medical transcription entirely online is possible since no physical demonstrations and practices are required. The majority of work a medical transcriptionist participates in is online, and those online skills will be developed throughout the course of study. Potential externships at the end of your studies, however, may require you to travel to a certain location.
How long does it take to earn your certification?
Those pursuing a certificate in medical transcription can receive one in as little as six months if they are full-time students, though earning a certificate can stretch up to 18 months if attending part-time. Those who prefer going the degree route will study for 2+ years due to the broader and deeper learning opportunities. Timing could be longer if students are attending part-time.
How much does online medical transcriptionist certification cost?
Costs can differ depending on the type of school you attend and where you live in relation to it. Students who are residents of the state the school is based in may pay a lower tuition rate than those who reside out-of-state.
Attending school in-person or online can also make a difference in the total cost, as well as the amount of time it takes you to complete your courses. Below are some examples of what you might expect to pay in tuition in an online medical transcription program.
Online Medical Transcription Training
Total Hours: 18 study units
Total Cost: $1,214
(in partnership with CareerStep)
Medical Transcription Editor
Total Hours: 640 Hours (will receive 1.2 Continuing Education Units per hour)
Total Cost: $3,199
Mississippi State
University Extension
Certified Medical Transcriptionist
Total Hours: 195
Total Cost: $2,695
How do I get into an online medical transcriptionist school?
If you’re thinking about enrolling in a medical transcription course or program, you’ll need to research schools first before you start applying to colleges and career institutes as their admissions requirements may differ slightly. The following items are typically needed for admission into a medical transcriptionist program.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete prerequisite courses
- Read, write, and speak fluent English
- Have access to a computer and the internet
- Submit an application and fee (if applicable)
Paying for Your Online Medical Transcriptionist Training
In a world of credit cards and quick loans, it’s important to take the time to make a responsible decision in regard to your tuition cost. There are lots of options when it comes to financial aid, and here are some that may work for you.
Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships and grants are perhaps the best options when it comes to financial aid because you don’t have to pay them back. Seeking for scholarships specifically for those entering the medical field may be a great place to start.
There are also scholarships more specific to medical transcriptionists that you can view below. Looking into your school’s scholarship requirements should be on your to-do list as well.
Student Loans
If you can’t manage to land a scholarship, or if your scholarship doesn’t cover the entirety of your education cost, turning to student loans is a great next step. You can find everything you need to know in our student loan guide, and you can also reference the Federal Student Aid website to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Internships and Externships
Other options include attending a school that requires an internship/externship after you’ve completed your course work. Some of these opportunities are paid, but even if they aren’t, you’ll get relevant experience to put on your resume before being thrown into the job-searching world.
Accreditation Standards: What You Need to Know
Online medical transcriptionist programs should come from schools that have been accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). This accreditation holds a school’s educational courses to a certain standard, ensuring that students are getting a quality education.
Though not required, attending a program that’s officially approved by AHDI may lend you greater credibility. You can check a school’s accreditation by looking at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation webpage.
Getting Your Professional License & Certification
You can become a medical transcriptionist without getting any professional licensure or certifications, but it’s extremely difficult to do so. To help your chances and credibility when searching for a job, seek the following certifications offered by the Association of Healthcare Documentation Identification (AHDI):
- Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS)
- Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS)—after you have at least two years of work experience
Benefits of certification:
- Validate your breadth of knowledge
- Raise employers’ confidence in you
- Stay marketable in the event of cutbacks
- Get your foot in the door as a new graduate
Every accredited medical transcriptionist program should prepare you for the certification exams and may even pay the fee associated with each test.
Career & Salary Outlook for Medical Transcriptionists
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 49,000 | 47,200 | -1,800 | -3.70% | 8,100 |
| Alabama | 400 | 360 | -40 | -10.00% | 60 |
| Alaska | 80 | 80 | – | 0.00% | 10 |
| Arizona | 2,660 | 2,950 | 290 | 10.90% | 510 |
| Arkansas | 270 | 250 | -20 | -7.40% | 40 |
| California | 6,500 | 6,400 | -100 | -1.50% | 1,110 |
| Colorado | 1,180 | 1,240 | 60 | 5.10% | 210 |
| Connecticut | 870 | 910 | 40 | 4.60% | 160 |
| Delaware | 150 | 150 | – | 0.00% | 30 |
| Florida | 4,390 | 4,730 | 340 | 7.70% | 820 |
| Georgia | 990 | 1,120 | 130 | 13.10% | 190 |
| Idaho | 550 | 580 | 30 | 5.50% | 100 |
| Illinois | 1,210 | 1,060 | -150 | -12.40% | 180 |
| Indiana | 1,180 | 1,090 | -90 | -7.60% | 190 |
| Iowa | 1,280 | 1,230 | -50 | -3.90% | 210 |
| Kansas | 400 | 350 | -50 | -12.50% | 60 |
| Kentucky | 600 | 540 | -60 | -10.00% | 90 |
| Louisiana | 780 | 730 | -50 | -6.40% | 130 |
| Maine | 70 | 60 | -10 | -14.30% | 10 |
| Maryland | 400 | 380 | -20 | -5.00% | 60 |
| Massachusetts | 180 | 190 | 10 | 5.60% | 30 |
| Michigan | 930 | 820 | -110 | -11.80% | 140 |
| Minnesota | 490 | 430 | -60 | -12.20% | 70 |
| Mississippi | 220 | 210 | -10 | -4.50% | 40 |
| Missouri | 1,100 | 1,010 | -90 | -8.20% | 170 |
| Montana | 150 | 150 | – | 0.00% | 30 |
| Nebraska | 520 | 550 | 30 | 5.80% | 90 |
| Nevada | 250 | 220 | -30 | -12.00% | 40 |
| New Hampshire | 70 | 70 | – | 0.00% | 10 |
| New Jersey | 1,650 | 1,660 | 10 | 0.60% | 290 |
| New Mexico | 340 | 380 | 40 | 11.80% | 70 |
| New York | 4,120 | 4,590 | 470 | 11.40% | 50 |
| North Carolina | 820 | 830 | 10 | 1.20% | 140 |
| North Dakota | 230 | 200 | -30 | -13.00% | 30 |
| Ohio | 890 | 800 | -90 | -10.10% | 140 |
| Oklahoma | 590 | 590 | – | 0.00% | 100 |
| Oregon | 1,220 | 1,290 | 70 | 5.70% | 220 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,620 | 1,510 | -110 | -6.80% | 260 |
| Rhode Island | 100 | 90 | -10 | -10.00% | 20 |
| South Carolina | 820 | 830 | 10 | 1.20% | 140 |
| South Dakota | 320 | 300 | -20 | -6.30% | 50 |
| Tennessee | 1,740 | 1,820 | 80 | 4.60% | 310 |
| Texas | 3,960 | 4,200 | 240 | 6.10% | 730 |
| Utah | 340 | 400 | 60 | 17.60% | 70 |
| Virginia | 1,070 | 1,010 | -60 | -5.60% | 170 |
| Washington | 1,310 | 1,250 | -60 | -4.60% | 210 |
| West Virginia | 300 | 250 | -50 | -16.70% | 40 |
| Wisconsin | 610 | 570 | -40 | -6.60% | 100 |
| Wyoming | 60 | 50 | -10 | -16.70% | 10 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $26,370 | $37,550 | $53,890 |
| Alabama | $24,210 | $32,590 | $47,980 |
| Alaska | $31,940 | $34,000 | $62,630 |
| Arizona | $30,660 | $36,360 | $51,890 |
| Arkansas | $24,760 | $31,710 | $45,180 |
| California | $34,970 | $39,090 | $57,490 |
| Connecticut | $39,090 | $46,800 | $54,810 |
| Delaware | $35,600 | $36,910 | $58,160 |
| District of Columbia | $36,400 | $37,070 | $44,970 |
| Florida | $28,090 | $38,430 | $52,000 |
| Georgia | $23,830 | $27,750 | $51,610 |
| Hawaii | $43,050 | $45,760 | $57,290 |
| Idaho | $27,650 | $36,000 | $48,610 |
| Illinois | $30,870 | $36,610 | $50,790 |
| Indiana | $23,880 | $38,240 | $50,050 |
| Iowa | $37,110 | $43,230 | $51,380 |
| Kansas | $23,900 | $35,270 | $47,310 |
| Kentucky | $23,820 | $37,600 | $48,640 |
| Louisiana | $25,230 | $36,920 | $58,960 |
| Maine | $34,980 | $48,520 | $60,940 |
| Maryland | $31,800 | $44,760 | $67,720 |
| Massachusetts | $35,100 | $37,850 | $56,720 |
| Michigan | $29,010 | $36,230 | $48,260 |
| Minnesota | $42,330 | $52,190 | $64,410 |
| Mississippi | $31,400 | $43,950 | $60,240 |
| Missouri | $28,710 | $30,060 | $48,460 |
| Montana | $36,110 | $43,560 | $57,250 |
| Nebraska | $24,960 | $41,540 | $59,770 |
| Nevada | $36,320 | $40,000 | $57,130 |
| New Hampshire | $35,350 | $43,170 | $55,760 |
| New Jersey | $32,180 | $43,280 | $57,770 |
| New Mexico | $28,740 | $34,730 | $54,600 |
| New York | $34,490 | $42,700 | $54,640 |
| North Carolina | $19,610 | $27,390 | $47,400 |
| North Dakota | $39,230 | $44,810 | $52,320 |
| Ohio | $24,700 | $29,540 | $49,680 |
| Oklahoma | $20,590 | $28,920 | $46,280 |
| Oregon | $31,530 | $39,630 | $60,030 |
| Pennsylvania | $30,190 | $36,190 | $50,890 |
| Rhode Island | $30,720 | $33,510 | $53,090 |
| South Carolina | $27,660 | $31,480 | $49,190 |
| South Dakota | $36,180 | $45,580 | $59,790 |
| Tennessee | $29,910 | $40,570 | $49,920 |
| Texas | $21,340 | $29,080 | $49,250 |
| Utah | $31,910 | $38,900 | $48,050 |
| Virginia | $31,820 | $37,120 | $49,280 |
| Washington | $33,860 | $37,120 | $58,540 |
| West Virginia | $31,490 | $35,770 | $69,850 |
| Wisconsin | $37,470 | $48,820 | $55,640 |
| Wyoming | $36,140 | $50,510 | $61,610 |
Source: Medical Transcriptionists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Expert Insight
It’s only fair to acknowledge that the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) may impact the availability of roles in this field. However, it’s very likely that medical transcriptionists will be needed to catch any inaccuracies in the final report. Additionally, you may increase your chances of landing a job if you work for small medical offices (or in certain states, as mentioned above).
Continuing Education & Related Degrees
Maybe you want to grow your career, maybe you want to try something a little different. After your medical transcription degree, there’s plenty of opportunities to advance with additional certifications and continuing education programs.
There are also related degree programs with some educational crossover that you may want to consider. Take a look at a few degree options that could be a good fit for you.
Continuing Education
If you qualified for a medical transcriptionist certification through the AHDI then you’ll need to do 30 hours of continuing education over the next three years to be able to maintain that certification. Approved continuing education courses can be found through the AHDI website, or on the American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group (AHDPG) website.
Related Degrees to Consider
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Medical billing and coding specialists work with a healthcare team’s billing department. They are in charge of assigning certain codes to exams, procedures, treatments, and diagnoses so the hospital can get reimbursed by Medicare and insurance companies.
How to get started: Either earn a postsecondary certification or complete an associate degree with certification from the Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT) organization.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists work in various health settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and medical offices. They asses and manage breathing problems in patients with respiratory illnesses and lung disease.
How to get started: The minimum educational requirement for respiratory therapists is an associate’s degree.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants perform clinical and administrative tasks in physician’s offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. These include answering phones, setting appointments, updating medical charts, taking medical histories, and preparing patients for examinations
How to get started: Earn a Certified Medical Assistant certification or an associate degree.
Additional Resources for Students and Professionals
A Day in The Life of a Medical Transcriptionist
American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group (AHDPG)
Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)
