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Career Description
Medical transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and other health care professionals and transcribe them into medical reports, correspondence and other administrative material. They generally listen to recordings on a headset, using a foot pedal to pause the recording when necessary, and key the text into a personal computer or word processor, editing as necessary for grammar and clarity. The documents they produce include discharge summaries, history and physical examination reports, operative reports, consultation reports, autopsy reports, diagnostic imaging studies, progress notes, and referral letters. Medical transcriptionists return transcribed documents to the physicians or other health care professionals who dictated them for review and signature or correction. These documents eventually become part of patients’ permanent files. Medical transcriptionists are in demand more than ever. Transcription services range from small, home-based businesses to large corporations.

Medical Transcriptionist Training Program
All courses in the Medical Transcriptionist Training Program are completed online. Training covers the basic medical knowledge needed to succeed in the field of transcription using Internet-based transcription equipment while being supervised by an expert in the field. Knowledge of keyboarding and Microsoft Word is required. 

The Medical Transcription Program is changing in order to comply with the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) program requirements. The AHDI establishes industry standards for the medical transcription occupation and also for educational programs. Our program is changing slightly to meet the AHDI criteria in anticipation of becoming an AHDI-approved program. The process for approval is underway. We have not yet received approval.

Students beginning the program in September 2009 will take the following courses to receive a certificate of completion.

          Term 1 
          Introduction to Continuing Education Online Learning
          Medical Terminology for Medical Transcriptionists
          Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Transcriptionists
          Pharmacology
          Using The Transcriptionist's Book of Style

          Term 2
          Pathology and Medicine for Medical Transcription (foot pedal and headphones suggested)
          Transcription I (foot pedal and headphones required)

          Term 3
          Transcription II (foot pedal and headphones required)
         *Transcription III (foot pedal and headphones required)
          Medical Transcription Workforce Readiness
         *Internship

*Required additional courses for students beginning the program in September 2009.

Book and Equipment Information
Students in the Charleston area may purchase books at the Continuing Education Bookroom. All others should visit www.mbsdirect.net to purchase textbooks for Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, the Book of Style and Introduction to Medical Transcription. If using MBS Direct, it is advised to purchase textbooks 7-10 working days before each course begins to ensure textbook is in hand upon course start date. Textbooks are not required for Introduction to Online Learning; Transcription I, II and III; Workforce Readiness; and the Internship courses.
Transcription equipment that is needed for the transcription courses will be covered in the Book of Style course. Contact Regina Lane at 843.574.6366 if you have questions about the equipment. 
Each course is priced individually. A basic keyboarding (typing) course is strongly encouraged before entering the Medical Transcriptionist Training Program (see Computer Technology section for course information). Textbooks are not included in tuition. Apply for student loans at 1.800.GO.PLATO.
For more information, call 843.574.6366.

Online access instructions:
1. On the day the course begins, go to http://cecourses.tridenttech.edu/.
2. Click on log in for continuing education students.
3. Follow the directions.

Courses are listed in recommended order: