Accreditation for a Career in Medical Transcription

Are you considering a career in the healthcare industry? If so, then medical transcription may be the ideal choice for you. With appropriate accreditation, you can have a lucrative experience that provides you a great deal of freedom while still helping others.

The history of this profession can be loosely traced by to cave writings depicting medical treatments. Since the early 1900’s, there has been an increased emphasis on maintaining comprehensive medical records involving patient care and doctor observations. If you become a medical transcriptionist, you will be responsible for listening to, and possibly reading medical professional reports, transforming the data into an organized, formatted document.

Though there are some medical transcriptionists who have not undergone formal training, these are often people who have worked in the industry for years and possibly decades. During that time, their knowledge and skills have developed and changed with the industry. However, if you do not have this type of experience, medical transcription accreditation is the way to go!

Most medical transcriptionists work as independent contractors, which provides you scheduling flexibility and work choices, even when your primary clients are on vacation or otherwise not in need of your services. Thanks to the Internet, you can also develop professional relationships with physicians in various locations. Keep in mind that medical lingo can vary, even if your potential client practices in another English speaking country.

Before you sign with any educational institution regarding your certification, you need to verify that the learning center itself has the appropriate credentials for instruction, strong ties with professional organizations and a good reputation with graduates of the medical transcription program.

You may choose to obtain basic certification through a six-month course. However, there are additional options including opportunities for you to earn your Associates Degree or more.

Verify the institutional accreditation; if missing from their website, it is unlikely accredited. For those that do, delve deeper into the matter by finding out which government and educational bodies have verified the coursework is appropriately designed and will prepare students for a successful and reputable independent career.

You can use these organizations, agencies and accreditations in your research:

* Department of Education
* Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
* North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
* Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
* New England Association of Schools and Colleges
* Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
* Middle States Commission on Higher Education
* Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (ADHI)
* Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS)
* Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS)
* Approval Committee for Certificate Programs (ACCP)
* Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies

You can use this to obtain national and regional records of the medical transcription certifications are most recognized by the industry. You are likely to discover more specific degree choices as you peruse these sites.

A worthwhile medical transcription certification or degree will provide you with ample courses that allow you to perfect your keyboarding skills so that you have virtually perfect accuracy while delivering the content rapidly. Additional components should include a comprehensive study of the computer applications relevant to your profession. Since much of the work is often exchanged and performed via computers and the Internet, it is vital that you have the training and knowledge to perform your job flawlessly, including using state-of-the-art advancements that allow the transcriptionist to use foot pedals and software designed specifically for medical transcriptionist use.

The other vital aspect of coursework is the understanding of medical terminology as it relates to anatomy.

You can have a fulfilling and flexible career by obtaining the proper certifications and taking continuing education classes to ensure that you stay abreast of industry developments.

About the Author

Jonathan Leger is a freelance journalist with a deep interest in holistic medicine and homeopathic care. If you’re ever in Ashveille, North Carolina, he suggests you visit AshevilleMassageByBrie.com.

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