Education
It isn't required that you acquire formal education to work in the field of medical transcription, but it can help to ensure that you will obtain a position. A lot of employers look for medical transcriptionists that have completed post secondary schooling in the field. There are a variety of community colleges and vocational schools that offer certificate programs and degree programs. The certificate program for medical transcribing can be completed in about a year, while the associate's degree takes two years to complete. Some of the classes you will have to study for include legal issues, pharmacology, anatomy, medical terminology and diagnostic procedures. If you would like to take a certificate program in medical transcription, make sure the school is accredited.
Certification
In order to become a certified medical transcriber, you will have to go to school that offers the program. Achieving one will help to ensure job security in the field. You can become a CMT, certified medical transcriptionist or a RMT, registered medical transcriber; both can be achieved through the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity, also known as AHDI. In order to become a CMT, you will have to pass the exam and obtain two years worth of working experience in medical transcription. Certificates expire every three years and must be renewed to keep working in the industry. You will have to take continuing education programs to earn the points to renew your certificate. From there, you will be able to keep practicing.
