Are you interested in a career in healthcare but don’t want to pursue a profession as a physician or a nurse? Medical transcription might be the perfect choice for you. Medical transcription is a vital part of the healthcare industry, involving the conversion of doctors’ spoken notes into written documents.
To become a certified medical transcriptionist, you need to complete specific training and obtain a certification. In this article, we’ll explore what medical transcription is all about and why certification is essential for success in this field.
What’s the Need of Medical Transcription?
Accurate and timely medical records are crucial for patient care and billing purposes. Errors or omissions in medical documents can lead to misdiagnoses, incorrect treatment, and legal issues. Medical transcriptionists play a vital role in ensuring that patient records are complete, accurate, and in compliance with healthcare regulations.
Importance of Medical Transcription Certification
Now, let’s talk about why certification is essential in the world of medical transcription. While certification isn’t always a legal requirement, it offers several benefits:
1. Credibility: A certified medical transcriptionist is seen as more reliable and skilled by employers. It provides proof that you have the necessary knowledge and training.
2. Better Job Opportunities: Many employers prefer to hire certified transcriptionists because they know they are more likely to produce accurate and high-quality work.
3. Higher Earning Potential: Certified medical transcriptionists often earn higher salaries than those without certification. It reflects their expertise and dedication to the profession.
How to Get Certified as a Medical Transcriptionist
To become a certified medical transcriptionist, you’ll need to follow these steps:
1. Education: Start by completing a medical transcription training program. These programs can often be completed online and cover topics like medical terminology, anatomy, and transcription techniques. The training typically spans from six months to a year..
2. Practice: Practice is crucial. You’ll need to transcribe various medical reports to build your skills. Many training programs include practical experience.
3. Certification Exam: After completing your training, you’ll need to pass a certification exam. The most well-known certification for medical transcriptionists is the Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) exam, offered by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI).
4. Maintaining Certification: To keep your certification current, you’ll need to complete continuing education courses and periodically renew your certification.
Why Seek Medical Transcription Certification?
Medical transcription certification is like a badge of honor in the industry. It showcases your expertise and dedication to maintaining high standards in the field. While certification is not always mandatory, it can significantly boost your career by opening doors to better job opportunities and higher pay.
To become a registered medical transcriptionist, you must typically complete a training program and pass a certification exam. Some of the most common certifications for medical transcriptionists include:
- American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT) Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT)
- Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT) Medical Transcriptionist (AMT)
Types of Medical Transcription Certification
There are two primary certifications for medical transcriptionists, both awarded by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI):
1. Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) Certification
The RMT certification is a starting point for those who are new to the field or have less than two years of experience.
It’s suitable for recent graduates of medical transcription training programs or those working in single-specialty environments like physician’s clinics or radiology practices.
To be eligible for the RMT certification, you should have fewer than two years of experience and not already hold the Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) designation.
The RMT exam comprises 130 multiple-choice and audio-transcription questions.
2. Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) Certification
The CMT certification is for experienced medical transcriptionists with at least two years of work experience in acute medical transcription.
It’s the next step after obtaining the RMT certification.
To qualify for the CMT certification, you must have at least two years of experience in acute care medical transcription or its equivalent in multi-specialty settings.
The CMT exam is a comprehensive test covering all aspects of medical transcription and consists of 120 multiple-choice and audio-transcription questions.
Scheduling Your Certification Exam
Once you’ve decided to pursue certification, you can schedule your exam online with Kryterion, AHDI’s testing provider. After paying the examination fee, you’ll receive an email confirming your exam date. If you prefer, you can also schedule your exam over the phone through the Kryterion Regional Contact Center.
Keep in mind that you can reschedule your exam if needed, but you must do so at least two days before the scheduled appointment. Waiting until the last minute means you won’t be able to cancel or receive a refund.
Exam Fees
To take the certification exam, you’ll need to pay both an eligibility fee to AHDI and an examination fee to Kryterion. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:
1. Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) Fees
Eligibility fee: $10 (AHDI)
Exam fee for AHDI members: $150 (on-site) or $100 (online) (Kryterion)
Exam fee for AHDI non-members: $230 (on-site) or $180 (online) (Kryterion)
2. Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) Fees
Eligibility fee: $10 (AHDI)
Exam fee for AHDI members: $200 (on-site) or $150 (online) (Kryterion)
Exam fee for AHDI non-members: $280 (on-site) or $230 (online) (Kryterion)
It’s worth noting that on-site exam fees are higher due to the need for testing centers and administrators. Bulk pricing is available for both exams. If you need to retake the exam, you’ll have to pay these fees again.
Preparing for Your Exam
In the weeks leading up to your exam, invest time in studying to reinforce your medical transcription knowledge. AHDI offers exam guides and study materials through its online store, with guides available for both RMT and CMT exams.
Online preparatory courses are also accessible through partner organizations affiliated with AHDI. These courses are designed to help you feel confident and well-prepared for the exam.
On the day of the exam, remember to bring a valid government-issued ID and arrive at least 30 minutes early for the check-in process.
Medical Transcriptionist Recertification
Both RMTs and CMTs must renew their certifications every three years. This involves completing a 10 to 20-hour recredentialing course through AHDI’s online training system. The recredentialing examination fees for both RMTs and CMTs are $100 for AHDI members and $125 for individuals who are not members. To learn more about the recertification process, you can visit the AHDI website for additional information.
In conclusion
Becoming a certified medical transcriptionist can open the door to a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. It’s a job that requires attention to detail, accuracy, and a commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality. Certification not only boosts your credibility but also improves your job prospects and earning potential. So, if you’re interested in a healthcare career that doesn’t involve direct patient care, consider medical transcription and take the first step towards certification today.
Medical transcription certification is a significant step in your career that can lead to better job opportunities and increased earning potential. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced transcriptionist, obtaining certification demonstrates your commitment to maintaining high standards in this essential healthcare field.
