To work as a medical transcriptionist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete a medical transcription program.

Education after high school

Most medical transcriptionists have some formal training beyond high school. Business and vocational schools and community colleges offer one- and two-year programs. It is increasingly common to complete a two-year associate degree program before working as a medical transcriptionist. These programs offer courses in medical terminology, word processing, and grammar.

You need basic office skills such as accounting, keyboarding, filing, and recordkeeping. In addition, you need excellent spelling, punctuation, and grammar. You also need to know medical terminology and stenography.

Work experience

Some people prepare for this occupation through work experience. You can work your way up through clerical jobs at medical offices, learning new skills at each one.

On-the-job training

New graduates may work under the guidance of experienced medical transcriptionists. You work independently and on more difficult tasks as you gain knowledge and experience. Training usually lasts up to three months.

Because of the fast changing nature of this field, employers may offer training in the newest office technologies, terminology, and software.