Online Medical Classes

how do i become a medical transcriptionist? what online colleges provide the best "bang for your buck?"

i've done some research and have come to the conclusion that i'll probably need to take some kind of test to become certified, and these certifications may vary based on which region i'm in. the online classes appear to just ready me for this certification test, meaning i won't really have much to show for completing them other than the knowledge i'll receive, right? and would i be better off just completing a course in "medical administration" or "medical office management" as opposed to just limiting my self to a "medical transcriptionist?"

Public Comments

1. The classes online do not prepare you for the actual "certification" test to become and actual CMT. You have to have at least 2 years of in hospital acute care medical transcription work just to take the CMT examination. While medical transcription does not mandate registration or certification, individual MTs may seek out registration/certification for personal or professional reasons. Obtaining a certificate from a medical transcription training program does not entitle an MT (medical transcriptionist) to use the title of Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT). The CMT credential is earned by passing a certification examination conducted solely by The American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT) as the credentialing designation they created. The AAMT also offers the credential of Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT). According to the AAMT, the RMT is a lower-level credential than the CMT. In addition to their certifications, the AAMT also offers training programs to aspiring transcriptionists. In lieu of these AAMT certification credentials, MTs who can consistently and accurately transcribe multiple document work-types and return reports within a reasonable turnaround-time (TAT) are sought after. AAMT has some suggested schools they recognize as "acceptable" for their standards. Go the the following website for research you are looking for. http://www.aamt.org/scriptcontent/index.cfm
2. My mother is a medical transcriptionist. You don't need any specialized training or certifications. These are a waste of your time and money. If you can type and read a dictionary then you can be a medical transcriptionist. So get out there and apply for that job!