There is a growing number of healthcare professionals in the United States today – doctors, nurses therapists, dieticians, etc. With the number of medical professionals on the rise, those trained in writing concise, well-organized medical reports are in high demand.

A medical transcriptionist transcribes dictated recordings from healthcare specialists and physicians and makes reports, correspondence, or other materials regarding administration. This process is done by using a headset to hear the recordings and a foot pedal for any necessary pauses. As they listen, the medical transcriptionist types the information on a computer or word processor while editing and clarifying any grammatical errors. Some documents that are done include: release summaries, reports of medical history and physical examination, reports of operations, reports of consultations, reports of autopsies, studies of diagnosing images, notes of progress, and letters of referrals. These documents are then returned to the physician or specialist by the medical transcriptionist for further approval and correcting. All of this is necessary for permanent keeping of these documents.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks medical transcription as one of the 20 fastest-growing occupations. With a degree or certificate in medical transcription, you will have the freedom of working in any aspect of health care.