Job Description

• Medical transcriptionists type reports by listening to notes that have been recorded on a cassette tape by doctors or other personnel. They typically use a headset, a foot petal to stop, pause, or playback recordings, and a computer to type in the report.
  
  

Training

• Medical transcriptionists can obtain certificates or associate degrees to advance their careers. Typically, employers prefer medical transcriptionists who have education or experience in the field. Training entails learning dictation, medical terminology, keyboard accuracy and speed, and proper report format.
  
  

Job Flexibility

• Medical transcriptionists don't always work in an office setting. They sometimes have the option to work at home. A number of medical transcriptionists work solely from home or telecommute to work a couple of days per week. This way, medical tapes can be picked up from the main office early in the week, dicated at home, and then returned to the office later in the week.
  
  

Independent Contractors

• Medical transcriptionists don't always have to work for doctors or other organizations, but they can be independent contractors and work for themselves. By doing this, you will probably make more money because you can set your own price, but you won't have the typical company benefits such as medical insurance and company-paid 401k programs.
  
  

Pay

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition, Medical transcriptionists can earn between $10 and $21 per hour. The rate of pay increases with education and experience.