Medical Transcription Degree

Q. If I decide to become a MT, what are the options, can you get a 2 year associates degree in MT, or can you get a certificate in MT, and what are most companies looking for, those with a 2 year associates, or those with an "at-home" certificate from an online program?

Thanks so much!

To become a medical transcriptionist you don’t need an associates degree or any actual degree.  You simply need to understand the medical terminology and be able to accurately transcribe medical records.

Most people can’t do this without some type of formal training.  Most schools offer a 1 to 2 year medical transcription training program but a lot of schools (especially online schools) allow you to progress at your own pace.

So for example if you have a background in nursing or the medical field you may know some of the terminology and be able to finish in 6 months.  If you study extra or put in extra hours you may be able to complete your course faster as well.

Once you’ve been working as an MT for 2 years you can apply for the AAMT test which will allow you to place the letters CMT after your name.  This is a personal choice and it’s not a requirement for you to get work or build your own business.

Most companies that hire MTs aren’t really concerned with what type of degree they have they do, however, require an entrance examination to ensure you can do the work.

It also helps to take your course with a school such as The Virual Learning Center which has links to online companies which allow new MTs to work from them without taking the entrance examination once they complete the course.