Medical transcriptionist certification is not always mandatory but can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity administers exams for two levels of certification: Registered Medical Transcriptionist and Certified Medical Transcriptionist. Certification can open doors to advanced opportunities and address concerns about privacy violations and incompetence.
Medical transcriptionist certification is a way for someone to document their training in medical transcription. While formal certification is not always mandatory for gaining employment in the field, many employers require certification or a degree in medical transcription; certification also offers more potential for better job opportunities and a higher salary. In the United States, the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) administers the exams that lead to one of two levels of certification: Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) and Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT).
A medical transcriptionist’s primary responsibility is to transcribe patient notes, as determined by a physician or other medical professional, into written records. Typically, the job requires excellent attention to detail, the ability to work quickly and an advanced level of proficiency with modern technology. A transcriptionist must also be familiar with medical treatments and procedures, as well as relevant legal terms. He or she can work for a medical transcription company, for a doctor’s office, in a hospital or at home as an independent contractor.
Most medical transcriptionists are required to complete a degree program. In the US, AHDI has published a list of its approved transcription schools. A certificate of completion from one of these schools may be required to obtain medical transcriptionist certification as an RMT or CMT in the US. There are also AHDI testing centers around the world that offer the RMT and CMT exams to eligible individuals.
Compared to the CMT, the RMT designation is a relatively new type of medical transcriptionist certification. It is aimed at entry-level professionals who have completed an undergraduate program and who have less than two years of experience. Professionals in so-called single-specialty environments, such as private practice or radiology, for example, are also encouraged to pursue RMT certification. The RMT is valid for three years; It must then be renewed by retaking the certification exam or completing an accreditation course.
The next level of medical transcriptionist certification carries the CMT designation. In addition to graduating, candidates for the CMT exam must also have worked in a critical care or multi-specialty environment for at least two years. Like the RMT, the CMT designation is valid for three years. May be renewed upon completion of certain continuing education courses.
There are several advantages to having medical transcriptionist certification. As is the case with other similar occupations, certification can open doors to more advanced professional opportunities. Eventually, formal certification may be required for certain positions and can help confirm someone’s experience level if he or she wants to start a business. Additionally, certification can help address concerns about privacy violations and incompetence in the field; One of the primary goals of medical transcriptionist certification is to ensure that confidentiality is maintained and that records are completed accurately and discreetly.
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