In order to become a Certified Medical Transcriptionist it is necessary to take and pass examinations that are offered by the American Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) and accumulate at least 2 years of on-the-job medical experience

With this qualification you will be a true professional and will have a clear advantage over most of your competition who are not trained to this level.

While a Medical Transcriptionist school program will lead eventually to receiving a diploma by successfully completing the training program, it will not entitle you to use the title Certified Medical Transcriptionist and you will have to sit the AHDI examination.

In order to prepare you for the role of Certified Medical Transcriptionist, you will usually embark on a program that will take you a good part of a year to complete

During this time period you will be required to study the basics of medical transcription such as medical fundamentals and definitions, learning dictation skills by writing reports, practicing listening skills, proof reading and becoming familiar with the various tools needed such as computers, dictation machines and foot pedal controls

After the basics, you get into detailed learning of the following medical practices:-

Dermatology

Otorhinolaryngology

Ophthalmology

Pulmonary Medicine

Cardiology/Hematology

Gastroenterology

Endocrinology

Urology/Nephrology

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Orthopedics

Neurology

Psychiatry

Some colleges offer a practicum as part of the program A practicum involves on the job training. This is an excellent approach in preparing you for full time work as a transcriptionist and can often lead to an employment offer.

As a graduate of a medical transcription educational program and with fewer than 2 years experience in acute care, you can apply to become a Registered Medical Transcriptionist with AHDI. This credential is awarded upon successfully passing the AHDI level 1 registered medical transcription exam.

So in summary, a transcriptionist school is the stepping stone for you to become a Medical Transcriptionist. To call yourself a Registered Medical Transcriptionist you have to pass an examination set by the AHDI and to become a Certified Medical Transcriptionist, you will need to successfully pass a Level 2 examination set by the AHDI and have at least 2 years of on the job training.