Medical transcription is a profession everybody has an opinion on. This leads to contradicting views. A medical transcription aspirant may find herself lost with so much information around, and some of the information is nothing but misinformation. In today’s post, we will respond to and address a few questions and concerns respectively.

I have a good typing speed. Can I become a medical transcriptionist?
You can become a medical transcriptionist if you have the right aptitude. An above-average typing speed will suffice. Moreover, your typing speed alone cannot make you a good medical transcriptionist. Typing is definitely not one of the primary skills of a medical transcriptionist. However, the transcriptionist’s job is to decipher the voice recordings and turn them into relevant medical records. This requires sound medical knowledge and the skill to analyze and interpret information.

Do I need to undergo the medical transcription training?
Anyone with the right aptitude can become a medical transcriptionist provided he/she undergoes proper training in medical transcription. The training equips one with medical knowledge and transcription skills.

How much money can I make as a medical transcriptionist?
According to the US Department of Labor, the mean hourly wage of a medical transcriptionist is $15.84 and the mean annual wage is $32,960. Your income depends on your proficiency and experience in the field.

What is the future of the medical transcription industry?
The medical transcription industry is one of the rarest to have emerged unscathed from the recent recession. The US Department of Labor projects that the number of medical transcription opportunities will grow at a rate of 14 percent to 2016 from what it was in 2006. This rate is more than the average rate of growth of other occupations. With the increasing and aging population, the industry is likely to see a tremendous growth in opportunities.

Hope this post helps address your concerns. Write in to you if you have more questions about medical transcription.