How to Become a Medical Transcription as a WAHM

In the previous blog post, we’ve discussed about the work from home job as a transcriptionist for those who want to have a more flexible job. 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.

The job of a medical transcriptionist is vital in the healthcare industry because they provide a written record of what was said during a patient’s visit or procedure. This record can be used by the doctor to make treatment decisions, and can also be used by the patient or their family to understand what happened during 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. But for many WAHMs, it’s the perfect way to earn a good income while still being able to spend time with their families. If you think you have what it takes to become a medical transcriptionist, then read on to find out the steps you need to take.

Complete a Medical Transcription Training Program

There are many community colleges and vocational schools that offer medical transcription training programs. These programs typically last between 6 and 12 months, and will teach you the skills you need to be a successful medical transcriptionist.

Many of these programs can be completed online, which makes them a great option for WAHMs who need to balance their job with their family commitments.

Although it’s not required, completing a medical transcription training program will give you a big advantage when you’re applying for jobs. It will show potential employers that you’re serious about your career, and that you have the skills to be successful.

Moreover, most employers will provide on-the-job training to new hires, but those who have completed a transcription program will usually require less training and can start working sooner.

Get Certified

While not required, becoming certified or registered can give you an edge when you’re applying for jobs, and may also lead to higher earnings. The American Association for Medical Transcription offers a Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) designation that can be earned by passing a written exam.

The CMT credential is the highest level of certification offered by the AAMT, and it shows potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills to be a top-notch medical transcriptionist.

In order to sit for the CMT exam, you must have at least two years of experience working as a medical transcriptionist. 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.