All medical-transcription training programs in Mobile are online. Students are trained in formatting the nine main report types, how to transcribe reports from digital recordings, grammar and punctuation rules, report writing and medical documentation. The University of South Alabama Center for Continuing Education and Conference Services offers two training options. Ed2go (formerly Gatlin Education Services) and Career Step have teamed with the university to offer training. The Career Step training program is recognized by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI). Medical transcription training is available at Bishop State CC's division of adult education and economic development through ed2go.
The ed2go training through Bishop State CC includes 12 lessons that are completed in six weeks. Classes begin every month. The University of South Alabama ed2go program is 240 hours. Career Step is 640 hours of training.
As of October 2010, Bishop State CC training costs $75, South Alabama training is $1,595, and Career Step is $2,095. All prices include course material. The Career Step price includes a foot pedal.