How to Become a Medical Transcription as a WAHM
In a previous blog post, we discussed transcription jobs for those who want flexible work-from-home opportunities. This time, let’s focus on medical transcription as one of the most common type of transcription job available for WAHMs.
As we all know, a medical transcriptionist is responsible for transcribing audio recordings made by doctors and other healthcare professionals. These recordings may be in the form of dictations, notes, and reports.
A medical transcriptionist plays a vital role by providing accurate written records of patient visits and medical procedures. Doctors use these records to make treatment decisions, while patients and families use them to understand their care.
The idea of sitting in front of a computer and transcribing medical reports may not sound like the most exciting job in the world. For many WAHMs, medical transcription offers a great way to earn income while spending more time with family.
If you believe you have the skills to succeed as a medical transcriptionist, continue reading to learn the steps.
Complete a Medical Transcription Training Program
There are many community colleges and vocational schools that offer medical transcription training programs. These programs usually last six to twelve months and will teach you the essential skills for medical transcription.
Many programs can be completed online, making them a great option for WAHMs balancing work and family commitments.
Completing a transcription training program is not required, but it gives you an advantage when applying for jobs. It will show potential employers that you’re serious about your career, and that you have the skills to be successful.
Most employers provide on-the-job training, but trained applicants often need less instruction and can start sooner.
Get Certified
While not required, certification can give you an edge when applying for jobs and may lead to higher pay. The American Association for Medical Transcription offers the Certified Medical Transcriptionist designation through a written exam.
The CMT is the highest certification level from the AAMT and proves you have advanced skills and knowledge.
To sit for the CMT exam, you need two years of transcription experience to qualify for the credential. If you don’t have this experience, you can still earn a Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) credential by passing a written exam and completing an internship.
Get Certified
While there is no formal certification required to become a medical transcriptionist, many employers prefer to hire those who have been certified by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI).
The AHDI offers a Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS) designation that is earned by passing an exam. This credential shows potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills to be a highly competent transcriber.
In order to sit for the CHDS exam, you must have at least two years of experience working as a medical transcriptionist. However, if you don’t have this experience, you can still become certified by completing an internship and taking an online course.
How to Find Clients
If you have worked as a medical transcriptionist for a while and have decided to start your own freelance business, then you will need to find clients. It will be easier for you compared to other new businesses because you can start by targeting the clients you have worked with in the past.
There are many ways to find new clients, but some of the best methods include networking, online job boards, and social media. You can also contact small businesses, for example doctors’ offices, and offer your services.
When you’re starting out, it’s important to build up a strong portfolio of happy clients. This will give you the best chance of success in the long-term.
If you want to find clients offline, then networking is key. Attend local business events and introduce yourself as a medical transcriptionist. You can also join relevant professional organizations, such as the American Association for Medical Transcription, which will give you access to potential clients.
How to Set Your Rates
One of the most important aspects of running a successful freelance business is setting your rates correctly. You need to make sure that you’re charging enough to cover your costs and make a profit, but not so much that your clients will go elsewhere.
When you’re first starting out, it’s often best to charge lower rates in order to attract clients, but not too low that it may be difficult to make a profit. As you gain more experience and build up a strong portfolio, you can start to increase your rates.
It’s also important to remember that your rates will vary depending on the type of work you’re doing, the clients you’re working with, and how much experience you have. For example, if you’re transcribing audio files that are very difficult to understand, then you can charge more than you would for files that are clear and easy to follow. Or if you’re working for a large corporation, then you can expect to earn more than if you’re working for a small business.
In general, medical transcriptionists charge by the hour or by the project. The average hourly rate is between $15 and $25, while the average per-project rate is between $30 and $50.
Final Thought
Working at home as a medical transcriptionist is a good way for moms to make extra money. In the long run, it can also lead to a full-time income, especially if you decide to operate your own freelance business.
There is a lot of competition in the medical transcription field, but if you’re willing to put in the work then you can be successful. The key to success is to make sure you’re properly trained, and to set your rates correctly. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be well on your way to transcribing your way to a successful home business.
