What's Next for Medical Transcriptionists?

That career advancement opportunities are stiff for medical transcriptionists, is nothing but a misinformed notion. And that the job of seems like it’s going into extinction any moment soon is not true. Despite what most people know or assume, EHR and the emergence of speech recognition software will not deter aspiring medical transcriptionists from achieving their goals; in fact, these things will only better their options. The Department of Labor also says that job opportunities will grow by 11 percent by 2018. A straightforward article on Dummies.com provides a general idea of the jobs that medical transcriptionists can land if they want to diversify or if they are eyeing for a promotion. According to the article penned by Anna Martinez, medical transcriptionists can apply for a quality assurance position; a supervisory position; move into the academe as an instructor; and as a medical transcription business owner. Let’s dissect each career path and find out what each has in store for you, should you wish to pursue them. We also added a thought or two to Martinez’s observations:

1. Quality Assurance Specialist. The work of a quality assurance specialist is central to ensuring the accuracy of the transcribed reports. The workload involves scanning the copy for grammar and usage errors, adjusting the format of reports and is somehow synonymous with the work of senior medical transcriptionists or editors. To increase your chances of getting promoted to this position, you can always take up-trainings like an online medical transcription editor certification program.
2. Shift Supervisor. Martinez said that if you think you’re ready to handle and supervise some people then you can go for a shift supervisor/team leader position. Be ready to face some stacks of paperwork though, as this job involves auditing and editing reports. As a team leader, expect to monitor performance targets and help team members eliminate roadblocks to their everyday tasks. A part of your job also involves making sure the expectations of your team members are aligned with company goals. This document written by a certified MT details the job of a shift supervisor.  One thing we’d like you to note, however, during your job search or attempts to get a promotion is that MTs who get promoted as shift supervisors often have five to 10 years experience or more on the job.
3. Medical Transcriptionist Trainer. If you think you know the ins and outs of the profession, and would like to diversify into teaching, then maybe becoming an instructor at brick-and-mortar or online training school may be a right career move for you. You can also offer your services as a consultant or subject-matter expert in similar training institutions.
4. Business Owner. Are you good with managing a business? If you have the capital, and would like to take the risk of opening a venture, then you can get your hands dirty by starting your own medical transcription service organization (MTSO).

Our experts, however, believe that medical transcriptionists can always transition into another allied healthcare field like medical coding and billing by taking the necessary training. The fundamental knowledge and skills you gained on the job after completing your medical transcription classes can work to your advantage when switching to another allied healthcare career position. But regardless of the path you choose, remember to keep your mind open. Opportunities come in many forms and sometimes you just have to try things first to know which one is a good fit for you.