Medical Transcriptionist

💰 Earn $37K-$47K
📚 Vocational Training
⏱️ 12–24 Month Training
📈 -4.9% Job Growth
  • Perfect for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working with medical language.
  • Ensure accurate medical records, impacting patient care and healthcare efficiency.
  • Unique role blending medical knowledge with advanced transcription technology.
Medical Transcriptionist
What Medical Transcriptionists DoTranscribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.
  • Return dictated reports in printed or electronic form for physician's review, signature, and corrections and for inclusion in patients' medical records.
  • Produce medical reports, correspondence, records, patient-care information, statistics, medical research, and administrative material.
  • Identify mistakes in reports and check with doctors to obtain the correct information.
  • Review and edit transcribed reports or dictated material for spelling, grammar, clarity, consistency, and proper medical terminology.
  • Transcribe dictation for a variety of medical reports, such as patient histories, physical examinations, emergency room visits, operations, chart reviews, consultation, or discharge summaries.
Medical Transcriptionists Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationVocational Training
Career ProspectsShaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)
Training Time1 to 2 years
Job Openings7,400 Annually
Median Earnings
$39,090 in California
$37,550 Nationally

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Using data or completing tasks
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Accomplishing things
  • Having support
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
Go Deeper: Medical Transcriptionists Explained
Medical Transcriptionist
Medical TranscriptionistExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School
Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
Associate's Degree
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Hybrid College
Hybrid CollegeA hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
Fellowship or Service Program
Fellowship or Service ProgramA fellowship or service program typically provides individuals with opportunities to engage in meaningful community service or social impact work, while encouraging personal growth, developing leadership skills, and creating positive change in society.
🎓 Paid Work
⏱️ Finish in 1-3 years
Technology Bootcamp
Technology BootcampA technology bootcamp typically offers intensive training in specific tech skills, preparing participants for entry-level roles in the tech industry in a relatively short period of time.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in Less than a year
Apprenticeship
ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.
🎓 Paid Work
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
Professional Upskilling
Professional UpskillingProfessional upskilling typically results in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to a participant's current job or desired career path, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for career advancement, and greater employability.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 1 week - 3 months
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Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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