When beginning a new medical transcription career, information is essential. You need to know which reference books provide the necessary information you need to do your job and get medical transcription training. You might have heard of medical transcription certification and wonder whether it’s the right fit for you. Medical transcription jobs shams are prevalent, so the key to getting your career off to a great start is to identify the right spot.
Five must-have References for Every Medical Transcriptionist
The following proven performers should be on your reference bookshelf as a medical transcriptionist. All of them are available in both print and electronic versions.
- The Book of Style for Medical Transcription (published by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity)
- Stedman ‘s Medical & Surgical Equipment Words (published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)
- Stedman ‘s Medical Abbreviations, Acronyms & Symbols (published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)
- Quick Look Drug Book (published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)
- An illustrated medical dictionary — either Dorland ‘s Illustrated Medical Dictionary (published by Elsevier Saunders) or Stedman ‘s Medical Dictionary (published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins).
The question of whether to get print or electronic is simply a matter of preference and value. Some medical transcriptionists find the print of more importance to electronic.
Where to Get Medical Transcription Training
The two primary sources of medical transcription education are community colleges and online schools, and they each have their strengths and weaknesses. Below are there advantages and disadvantages:
Community College Strengths
- Affordable tuition
- The fixed schedule keeps one on track
- An accredited institution carries out the program
- Community colleges offer a variety of internship opportunities
- It is easier to get financial aid.
- It is less of a financial risk as you register for a single semester
Disadvantages
- You can’t fast pace the process
- You enroll at specific times of the year
- You have to be on campus for learning to take place
- The admission process is very complicated
Online medical transcription school strengths
- You can study anywhere as long as you have internet access
- You run your schedule as you wish
Weaknesses
- They’re usually more expensive than community college programs.
- It would help if you were self-motivated and self-disciplined, or you won’t finish.
- You must exercise greater caution when selecting a school due to a lack of accreditation.
- Tuition is less likely to be eligible for federal financial aid programs.
Medical transcription certificates
There are only two recognized certifications for medical transcriptionists:
- Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT): The RMT exam tests are used to test the medical transcription knowledge skills expected of entry-level MTs. This credential is the only one that is realistic for new graduates of medical transcription programs and fledgling medical transcriptionists with hardly any work experience.
- Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT): This certification is for medical transcriptionists with at least two years of experience in acute-care transcription or a multispecialty environment. It’s not an entry-level credential.
Both of these credentials are offered exclusively through the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI). One can only earn either bypassing the exams administered by the AHDI.