It's important that you understand what medical transcription is and what to expect from the profession. You are making an investment in a promising future with medical transcription, and it's to your advantage to be prepared for what lies ahead. One of the many great things about medical transcription is its versatility. MTs can take their skills anywhere and be in demand.
Opportunities range from part time to full time, from employee to independent contractor.
English grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills are required, as well as an interest in the medical language. You must have good listening skills, since some health practitioners speak English as a second language and dictation is often done in noisy environments. A basic knowledge of computer and word-processing software is required, as well as the ability to work for long periods at a computer. Medical transcriptionists work in most health care settings such as clinics, physician offices, hospitals, as well as transcription services and insurance companies. Some transcriptionists work in their homes as subcontractors or as independent business owners.