The first step in being approved as a professional medical transcriptionist is to choose an AHDI approved school. Several "online colleges" tout medical transcription degrees and promising work-at-home careers, but these degrees might not mean much to potential employers unless the school is approved by the AHDI. The AHDI suggests schools such as Allied Medical School and Kaplan University for coursework in medical transcription.
At schools such as Kaplan Univerisity, you can earn an associate's degree in medical transcription. An associate's degree will take you about two years to complete. Kaplan's program provides you with courses to help you build communication skills and learn how to transcribe medical records. The degree can be earned all online or on campus. According to Kaplan University, its medical transcription program also provides real-world experience for students by allowing them to work from home and deal with different specialties.
Go for a diploma in medical transcription. For example, AHDI approved Guilford Technical Community College offers a diploma program in medical transcription that can be completed in three semesters: fall, spring and summer. This program focuses on medical terminology and expects students to have a high competency in English grammar, spelling and proofreading. According to Guilford Techinical Community College, students who graduate from its program will find jobs in hospitals, medical clinics, doctor's offices and medical transcription companies.
A certificate of achievement in medical transcription can be obtained from schools such as Metropolitan Community College. A certificate program is the most basic certification you can receive in medical transcription. According to Metropolitan Community College, if you wish to receive a certificate of achievement in medical transcription, you will be able to enter the workforce in an entry-level trainee position as a medical transcriptionist. Metropolitan Community College's certificate of achievement in medical transcription is part of its medical office degree program.