Medical transcription deals with the process of transferring reports dictated by medical professionals into text format. Medical transcription classes generally take four to 18 months to complete and are taught both online and in person.
Typical costs:
Taking classes in person through a technical or community college is one option for students. Medical transcription classes typically cost $2,500-$12,000 total for tuition. Residency plays a role in higher tuition costs. For example, Everett Community College[1] charges $3,741 for medical transcription courses for residents, $11,137 for non-residents of Washington state. Seminole State, in Florida, costs $2,920 for residents, $11,566 for non-residents of the state.
Medical transcription classes can also be taken online to avoid non-resident costs. Online programs vary -- some offer live-streamed, interactive virtual classrooms while other programs are self-paced and lessons are self-motivated. Most online medical transcription programs cost $2,000-$5,000. A&H Training Corp., for example, charges $4,000 for a medical transcription degree and certificate[2] . Career Step offers online training for $2,095.
Medical transcription programs should include instruction in medical terminology, anatomy and training in medical transcription.
Training should include use of medical transcription devices including word processing software, medical-related software and a dictation machine.
Some schools include membership to Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity[3] , the largest organization representing medical transcriptionists, with tuition.
Additional costs:
Transcription foot pedals, which offers foot-activated stop and go functions, cost from $50-$150. Most come with USB cord connections, although some are wireless devices. Amazon provides a selection of transcription pedals[4] .
Medical transcriptionists can become both registered and certified[5] through the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity, depending on levels of experience in the field. Testing to become a registered transcriptionist costs $150-$230 depending on membership status and how the test is administered, certification testing costs $150-$280. Both tests require an additional $10 eligibility processing fee.
Discounts:
For degree-based programs, such as those at junior or community colleges, financial aid is available to qualified students. Students can apply for federal financial aid[6] online.
The American Health Information Management Association awards scholarships[7] annually for students seeking careers in health information management.
A&H Training Corp. provides a 20% discount[8] to military members and their spouses.
Shopping for medical transcription training:
The Association of Healthcare Documentation Integrity provides a comparison guide[9] of schools that provide transcription training across the country.
The American Health Information Management Association provides useful links[10] for prospective students seeking an accredited degree program and students seeking employment as a medical transcriptionist.
Health Information Careers provides tips for finding an accredited program[11] .
There are many reputable companies that offer legitimate and rigorous medical training, but be cautious about programs which makes promises of guaranteed jobs or at-home work that sound too good to be true. HomeWithTheKids.com describes common medical transcription/billing/coding scams[12] .
10 Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures Before the Holidays With reunions and other get-togethers scheduled during the holiday season, most people want to look their best at this time of year. For some, that means filling in those wrinkles with a bit of botox, or having a nip and tuck down here and there. || Posted November 23 2013
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do Before Holiday Guests Arrive Having friends and family gather for the holidays is traditionally considered a heartwarming idea -- but the mere thought of it can also be heart-stopping if they're planning on staying at your place, and you realize your home is looking less than it. || Posted November 18 2013
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
Bat bite Paid: 0.00 On October 25th I was bitten by a bat during mid morning, animal control told me to get the rabies shots due to the fact that several rabid bats had been found in the area... [more]
7 stitches to shin Paid: 371.00 My son had 7 Stitches to his shin he fell in the woods and was cut by a old fence. They were super nice in and out, in about one hour. 155.00 for the visit and the remainder was for the Stitches ... [more]
Commercial Real Estate Brochure Paid: 200.00 Quick turn around time! 4 revisions with PDF and hyperlinks embedded. Website management available too... [more]
Fairly priced Paid: 0.00 My baby boy choked on some food this evening. While we were on the phone to the emergency services the blockage cleared. Ambulance was sent anyway to make sure everything was ok... [more]
Ripped Off Paid: 46.00 I asked the nail technician how much for a full set. He said he will let me know as soon as he gets the nails on my fingers (WTH?) ... anyway on the board the price said $28 and up...... [more]