Medical Transcriptionists
Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.
Common Job Titles
- Medical Scribe
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Radiology Transcriptionist
- Transcriptionist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate transcribed medical reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with healthcare documentation standards using knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and procedures before submitting for physician review.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret verbal medical dictation with varying audio quality and accents using active listening and contextual knowledge to produce accurate written documentation.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply grammar, punctuation, and English language conventions when editing and formatting medical documents for clarity and professional presentation.Proficient
- KnowledgeDemonstrate knowledge of administrative and regulatory requirements for medical documentation including HIPAA compliance and healthcare coding systems (HCPCS) in daily transcription work.Proficient
- KnowledgeDemonstrate proficiency with specialized medical transcription software and speech recognition tools including Dragon NaturallySpeaking and EMR platforms, adapting to evolving technology.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply medical terminology and abbreviations when transcribing dictated reports across multiple specialties, ensuring accurate translation into fully understandable form.Developing
- Hands-onOperate transcription equipment and electronic medical record systems efficiently managing multiple recording devices and software platforms to process high volumes of dictation.Developing
- KnowledgeOrganize workflow and prioritize multiple transcription assignments working independently with time-sensitive deadlines across various clinical departments.Developing
- MindsetRespect patient confidentiality and professional ethical standards when handling sensitive medical information across diverse clinical scenarios.Developing
- KnowledgeDistinguish critical information requiring clarification from routine documentation using critical thinking to identify inconsistencies or unclear dictation requiring physician follow-up.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Medical Transcriptionists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
43,070
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $26,370. 25th percentile: U.S. $31,200. 50th percentile: U.S. $37,550. 75th percentile: U.S. $45,680. 90th percentile: U.S. $53,890. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $26,370 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $53,890 |
| Workers on average earn | $39,210 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- English Language4.5/5
- Administrative4.3/5
- Computers and Electronics3.8/5
- Medicine and Dentistry3.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft ASP.NET
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
- Allscripts healthcare automation software
- Boston Bar Systems Corporation Sonnet
- Bytescribe Development Company WavPlayer
- Calendar software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Crescendo Systems Corporation MedRite-XL
- Crescendo Systems DigiScribe-XL
- Database software
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Desktop transcribers
- Dictaphones
- Laser facsimile machines
- Laser printers
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Notebook computers
- Personal computers