A medical transcriptionist must have both accuracy and speed.
Medical transcriptionists create detailed reports for doctors and organizations that deliver health care services. Using transcription devices, they capture important medical information dictated in real time. Because their transcriptions have to be accurate, a medical transcriptionist must have a good command of medical terminology as well as be able to type at least 65 words per minute. If you're interested in entering this growing field and live in Salem, Oregon, you have a few options for training.
Chemeteka Community College
Chemeteka Community College in Salem offers a wide variety of associate's degrees as well as professional certificates. You can earn an associate of applied science degree in medical transcription by successfully completing 101 required credit hours with a grade of "C" or better in all courses. In-state students pay $81 per credit; out-of-state and international students pay $246, as of February 2011. Additional fees may apply.
Linn Benton Community College
Located 35 miles away from Salem in Corvaliis, LBCC offers a certificate in medical transcription through a one-year program. Entering students must have basic typing skills and pass a placement test. In-state students and students in California, Idaho, Washington and Nevada pay $78.99 per credit. All other out-of-state students pay $172.99 per credit, and international students pay $224.99, as of February 2011.
California State University East Bay
The California State University at East Bay program in medical transcription is offered online. Designed to prepare its graduates for entry-level medical transcription positions, the program is self-paced. The textbooks and transcription equipment are provided through the program. Students who enroll must have a PC. Tuition is a flat fee of $1,625, as of February 2011.
Everett Community College
Everett Community College in Everett, Washington, offers a distance education course in medical transcription. Applicants to the nine-month program are strongly advised to be able to type at least 45 words per minute and have strong time management skills. The course is broken into three quarters, each quarter costing $1,597, as of February 2011. Some of the 43 credits earned in this course can be transferred into the bachelor of science in health care management program at the University of Phoenix. Upon completion of the course, a certificate is awarded.
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