The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

A smiling woman with long, wavy hair in a bright red shirt, posing for a portrait with snowy bushes in the background.
Author: Kyra Sutherland
A smiling woman with long, wavy hair in a bright red shirt, posing for a portrait with snowy bushes in the background.
Kyra Sutherland Arrow up right
Freelance Writer
Kyra Sutherland is a freelance writer with over 8 years of experience creating informative and engaging content for healthcare and nursing education websites. She has written or edited more than 200 articles on topics including allied health careers and online nursing degree programs, supporting students and professionals in their educational and career decisions. Kyra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Brigham Young University. She applies her skills in researching, interviewing, and writing to provide valuable information, stay current with industry trends, and continuously improve her ability to present complex topics in clear and accessible language.
Areas of Expertise
Check NursingMedical AssistingMedical Coding
NursingMedical AssistingMedical Coding
Editor: Wes Ricketts
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
Areas of Expertise
Check EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
EditorialSenior CareDementia Care

Online Medical Transcriptionist Training: Review Top Programs

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

A smiling woman with long, wavy hair in a bright red shirt, posing for a portrait with snowy bushes in the background.
Author: Kyra Sutherland
A smiling woman with long, wavy hair in a bright red shirt, posing for a portrait with snowy bushes in the background.
Kyra Sutherland Arrow up right
Freelance Writer
Kyra Sutherland is a freelance writer with over 8 years of experience creating informative and engaging content for healthcare and nursing education websites. She has written or edited more than 200 articles on topics including allied health careers and online nursing degree programs, supporting students and professionals in their educational and career decisions. Kyra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Brigham Young University. She applies her skills in researching, interviewing, and writing to provide valuable information, stay current with industry trends, and continuously improve her ability to present complex topics in clear and accessible language.
Areas of Expertise
Check NursingMedical AssistingMedical Coding
NursingMedical AssistingMedical Coding
Editor: Wes Ricketts
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
Areas of Expertise
Check EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
EditorialSenior CareDementia Care

Accessing a career in healthcare with online medical transcriptionist certifications and schools can make your educational journey convenient and attainable. EduMed’s guide can show you your top school options, provide details about cost and accreditation, and offer other vital information as you select the right course for your goals.

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A smiling female medical student in blue scrubs holding a phone, standing in front of medical equipment in a clinic.

Medical transcriptionists not only play a vital role within the healthcare system, they often get the luxury of setting their own schedules and working from home. On top of that, you can get trained and become certified in less than a year.

To start making a difference from the comfort of your own home, an online medical transcriptionist certification program can take you there. From learning about program options to finding the information you need about cost and accreditation, read on to take your first steps towards your new healthcare career.

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Your Questions, Answered: Common Student FAQs

Finding exceptional online medical transcription training is more than finding a school or education center that simply offers a program. Every program has multiple facets that you should be aware of, including classes offered, the hands-on training available, the time required to complete certain prerequisites, educational costs outside of tuition, and more.

The best decision is an informed decision, so it’s important to learn as much about your program as possible. Here are some of the key answers you need to get started.

What are the different types of medical transcriptionist training programs?

If you are considering a career as a medical transcriptionist, know that you don’t have to attend four years of school to get there. There are many certification programs that can be completed in a matter of months; alternatively, there are associate degrees that can typically be completed in two years or less. Both options and their accompanying benefits should be considered, so here’s what you should know:

Degree Types

  • Medical Transcriptionist Certificate:
    Earning a medical transcriptionist certification online is the most popular way to earn valid credentials. The certification can typically be achieved in less than a year and is a great option for those looking to get into the career field as quickly as possible. A potential drawback is that an accelerated certification may not offer the breadth and depth of education that an associate degree can offer, however the majority of programs are extremely thorough.
  • Associate Degree in Medical Transcription:
    Earning a degree in medical transcription usually takes 2-4 years, much longer than the certification. However, the extra time allows students to achieve a broader and deeper understanding of the medical and office administration aspects of medical transcription. Pursuing a degree would also be a good option for those who want more experience since degrees offer potential opportunities to complete an externship before graduation.

What do you learn in an online medical transcriptionist training program?

Though every medical transcriptionist program is unique, the core foundation (courses, topics, and learning outcomes) of each should be the same. Main themes that should be covered include anatomy and medical terminology, law & ethics, office administration, pathology and pharmacology, and English usage and medical communication. Below are some examples of specific outcomes that you should be able to attain after completing your education.

  • Learning Outcome #1:
    Understanding how and why medical transcriptionists must follow patient confidentiality guidelines. Knowledge of how medical transcriptionists are impacted by HIPAA and other ethical regulations.
  • Learning Outcome #2:
    Confidently review drafts prepared by speech recognition software, and, when necessary, identify and correct errors and missing information that could compromise patient care. Identify common errors that occur during dictation and explain when the transcriptionist should consult appropriate reference materials.
  • Learning Outcome #3:
    Knowledge of how to build a strong medical terminology base and how to translate medical abbreviations into the appropriate long form. Use knowledge of terminology to accurately identify the structures and functions of all major body systems.
  • Learning Outcome #4:
    Ability to accurately transcribe and interpret different kinds of reports from a variety of medical specialties and proofread documents using correct report format. Demonstrated knowledge of guidelines for grammar, punctuation, abbreviations, symbols, metric measurements, transcription, and written correspondence.
  • Learning Outcome #5:
    Ability to identify and describe basic medical concepts related to examination and diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, and pharmacology. Identify common diseases and drugs used to treat them.

Common Courses

  • Anatomy and Medical Terminology
    Students will learn, identify, and match medical terms with the different body systems and structures that will be discussed in transcriptions. Students will also learn how body systems, such as the reproductive, integumentary, endocrine, and nervous systems, relate to each other. Common diseases and disorders affecting these systems and the treatments for them will also be studied.
  • Pharmacology
    This course covers drug names, classes, forms, dosages, and administration routes, as well as the healthcare professionals who are licensed to prescribe medications for the treatment of disease and illness. Students will also become familiar with the reference materials often used by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
  • Introduction to Medical Transcription
    Students will be introduced to the different kinds of medical reports they may come in contact with including chart notes, history and physicals, emergency room reports, consultations, office evaluations, and discharge summaries. In addition, students will learn how to read, understand, transcribe, and edit medical reports and records.
  • Medical Office Procedures
    Identifying basic technologies related to the medical office environment, interpreting computer system requirements, installing and operating basic software utilities, and navigating basic operating systems will be integral focuses of this type of course. This course will also teach students how to develop professional relationships in the workplace and professionally lead and manage office procedures and communications.
  • Law, Ethics and Confidentiality
    This course will emphasize the confidential nature of medical records and will teach students about HIPAA and how it applies to the role of Healthcare Documentation Specialists. The impact of law on medical offices will be studied as well as the origin of laws that affect medical professionals. Furthermore, the laws regulating healthcare information that’s collected and maintained by government agencies will be discussed.

Can you earn medical transcriptionist certification completely online?

Earning a certificate or degree in medical transcription entirely online is possible since no physical demonstrations and practices are required. The majority of work a medical transcriptionist participates in is online, and those online skills will be developed throughout the course of study. Potential externships at the end of your studies, however, may require you to travel to a certain location.

How long does it take to earn your certification?

Those pursuing a certificate in medical transcription can receive one in as little as six months if they are full-time students, though earning a certificate can stretch up to 18 months if attending part-time. Those who prefer going the degree route will study for 2+ years due to the broader and deeper learning opportunities. Timing could be longer if students are attending part-time.

How much does online medical transcriptionist certification cost?

Costs can differ depending on the type of school you attend and where you live in relation to it. Students who are residents of the state the school is based in may pay a lower tuition rate than those who reside out-of-state. Attending school in-person or online can also make a difference in the total cost, as well as the amount of time it takes you to complete your courses. Here are some examples of what you might expect to pay in tuition in an online medical transcription program.

BCI

Blackstone Career
Institute

Online Medical Transcription Training

Total Hours: 18 study units

Total Cost: $1,214

NCC

Normandale
Community College

(in partnership with CareerStep)

Medical Transcription Editor

Total Hours: 640 Hours (will receive 1.2 Continuing Education Units per hour)

Total Cost: $3,199

MSUE

Mississippi State
University Extension

Certified Medical Transcriptionist

Total Hours: 195

Total Cost: $2,695

How do I get into an online medical transcriptionist school?

If you’re thinking about enrolling in a medical transcription course or program, you’ll need to research schools first before you start applying to colleges and career institutes as their admissions requirements may differ slightly. The following items are typically needed for admission into a medical transcriptionist program.

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Read, write, and speak fluent English
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Have access to a computer and the internet
  • Complete prerequisite courses
  • Submit an application and fee (if applicable)

Paying for Your Online Medical Transcriptionist Training

In a world of credit cards and quick loans, it’s important to take the time to make a responsible decision in regard to your tuition cost. There are lots of options when it comes to financial aid, and here are some that may work for you.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are perhaps the best options when it comes to financial aid because you don’t have to pay them back. Seeking for scholarships specifically for those entering the medical field may be a great place to start. There are also scholarships more specific to medical transcriptionists that you can view below. Looking into your school’s scholarship requirements should be on your to-do list as well.

Student Loans

If you can’t manage to land a scholarship, or if your scholarship doesn’t cover the entirety of your education cost, turning to student loans is a great next step. You can find everything you need to know in our student loan guide, and you can also reference the Federal Student Aid website to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Internships and Externships

Other options include attending a school that requires an internship/externship after you’ve completed your course work. Some of these opportunities are paid, but even if they aren’t, you’ll get relevant experience to put on your resume before being thrown into the job-searching world.

Accreditation Standards: What You Need to Know

Online medical transcriptionist programs should come from schools that have been accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). This accreditation holds a school’s educational courses to a certain standard, ensuring that students are getting a quality education. You can check a school’s accreditation by looking at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation webpage.

Though not required, attending a program that’s officially approved by AHDI may lend you greater credibility.

Getting Your Professional License & Certification

You can become a medical transcriptionist without getting any professional licensure or certifications, but it’s extremely difficult to do so. Taking the time to get both the Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) certification and, after you have at least two years of work experience, the Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS) will immensely help your chances and credibility when searching for a job.

Both of the above certifications are offered by the Association of Healthcare Documentation Identification (AHDI), and each will validate your breadth of knowledge, raise employers’ confidence in you, keep you marketable in the event of cutbacks, and will get your foot in the door as a new graduate. Every accredited medical transcriptionist program should prepare you for the certification exams and may even pay the fee associated with each test.

Career & Salary Outlook for Medical Transcriptionists

After you complete your training as a medical transcriptionist, it will be time to look for a job. It's natural to be concerned about your job prospects after finishing your program and the kind of salary you might expect. Job prospects are a particular concern, as nationally, the medical transcriptionist field is projected to decline by 3.7% over the next decade. However, this does not necessarily mean you'll lack job opportunities, as growth rates vary significantly from state to state. For instance, medical transcriptionist jobs are projected to grow by 10.9% in Arizona over the next ten years and by 13.1% in Georgia during the same period. The same trends apply to salary. While the national median salary for a medical transcriptionist stands at $37,060, that number varies by state. For example, in Connecticut, the median 2023 wage for medical transcriptionists is $48,050, over $10,000 more than the national median.

Show entries
Filters
  • Area
  • Curr. Jobs
  • Proj. Jobs
  • New Jobs
  • Growth %
  • Avg. Ann. Openings
United States
Curr. Jobs 49,000
Proj. Jobs 47,200
New Jobs -1,800
Growth % -3.70%
Avg. Ann. Openings 8,100
Alabama
Curr. Jobs 400
Proj. Jobs 360
New Jobs -40
Growth % -10.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 60
Alaska
Curr. Jobs 80
Proj. Jobs 80
New Jobs
Growth % 0.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 10
Arizona
Curr. Jobs 2,660
Proj. Jobs 2,950
New Jobs 290
Growth % 10.90%
Avg. Ann. Openings 510
Arkansas
Curr. Jobs 270
Proj. Jobs 250
New Jobs -20
Growth % -7.40%
Avg. Ann. Openings 40
California
Curr. Jobs 6,500
Proj. Jobs 6,400
New Jobs -100
Growth % -1.50%
Avg. Ann. Openings 1,110
Colorado
Curr. Jobs 1,180
Proj. Jobs 1,240
New Jobs 60
Growth % 5.10%
Avg. Ann. Openings 210
Connecticut
Curr. Jobs 870
Proj. Jobs 910
New Jobs 40
Growth % 4.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 160
Delaware
Curr. Jobs 150
Proj. Jobs 150
New Jobs
Growth % 0.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 30
Florida
Curr. Jobs 4,390
Proj. Jobs 4,730
New Jobs 340
Growth % 7.70%
Avg. Ann. Openings 820
Georgia
Curr. Jobs 990
Proj. Jobs 1,120
New Jobs 130
Growth % 13.10%
Avg. Ann. Openings 190
Idaho
Curr. Jobs 550
Proj. Jobs 580
New Jobs 30
Growth % 5.50%
Avg. Ann. Openings 100
Illinois
Curr. Jobs 1,210
Proj. Jobs 1,060
New Jobs -150
Growth % -12.40%
Avg. Ann. Openings 180
Indiana
Curr. Jobs 1,180
Proj. Jobs 1,090
New Jobs -90
Growth % -7.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 190
Iowa
Curr. Jobs 1,280
Proj. Jobs 1,230
New Jobs -50
Growth % -3.90%
Avg. Ann. Openings 210
Kansas
Curr. Jobs 400
Proj. Jobs 350
New Jobs -50
Growth % -12.50%
Avg. Ann. Openings 60
Kentucky
Curr. Jobs 600
Proj. Jobs 540
New Jobs -60
Growth % -10.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 90
Louisiana
Curr. Jobs 780
Proj. Jobs 730
New Jobs -50
Growth % -6.40%
Avg. Ann. Openings 130
Maine
Curr. Jobs 70
Proj. Jobs 60
New Jobs -10
Growth % -14.30%
Avg. Ann. Openings 10
Maryland
Curr. Jobs 400
Proj. Jobs 380
New Jobs -20
Growth % -5.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 60
Massachusetts
Curr. Jobs 180
Proj. Jobs 190
New Jobs 10
Growth % 5.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 30
Michigan
Curr. Jobs 930
Proj. Jobs 820
New Jobs -110
Growth % -11.80%
Avg. Ann. Openings 140
Minnesota
Curr. Jobs 490
Proj. Jobs 430
New Jobs -60
Growth % -12.20%
Avg. Ann. Openings 70
Mississippi
Curr. Jobs 220
Proj. Jobs 210
New Jobs -10
Growth % -4.50%
Avg. Ann. Openings 40
Missouri
Curr. Jobs 1,100
Proj. Jobs 1,010
New Jobs -90
Growth % -8.20%
Avg. Ann. Openings 170
Montana
Curr. Jobs 150
Proj. Jobs 150
New Jobs
Growth % 0.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 30
Nebraska
Curr. Jobs 520
Proj. Jobs 550
New Jobs 30
Growth % 5.80%
Avg. Ann. Openings 90
Nevada
Curr. Jobs 250
Proj. Jobs 220
New Jobs -30
Growth % -12.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 40
New Hampshire
Curr. Jobs 70
Proj. Jobs 70
New Jobs
Growth % 0.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 10
New Jersey
Curr. Jobs 1,650
Proj. Jobs 1,660
New Jobs 10
Growth % 0.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 290
New Mexico
Curr. Jobs 340
Proj. Jobs 380
New Jobs 40
Growth % 11.80%
Avg. Ann. Openings 70
New York
Curr. Jobs 4,120
Proj. Jobs 4,590
New Jobs 470
Growth % 11.40%
Avg. Ann. Openings 50
North Carolina
Curr. Jobs 820
Proj. Jobs 830
New Jobs 10
Growth % 1.20%
Avg. Ann. Openings 140
North Dakota
Curr. Jobs 230
Proj. Jobs 200
New Jobs -30
Growth % -13.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 30
Ohio
Curr. Jobs 890
Proj. Jobs 800
New Jobs -90
Growth % -10.10%
Avg. Ann. Openings 140
Oklahoma
Curr. Jobs 590
Proj. Jobs 590
New Jobs
Growth % 0.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 100
Oregon
Curr. Jobs 1,220
Proj. Jobs 1,290
New Jobs 70
Growth % 5.70%
Avg. Ann. Openings 220
Pennsylvania
Curr. Jobs 1,620
Proj. Jobs 1,510
New Jobs -110
Growth % -6.80%
Avg. Ann. Openings 260
Rhode Island
Curr. Jobs 100
Proj. Jobs 90
New Jobs -10
Growth % -10.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 20
South Carolina
Curr. Jobs 820
Proj. Jobs 830
New Jobs 10
Growth % 1.20%
Avg. Ann. Openings 140
South Dakota
Curr. Jobs 320
Proj. Jobs 300
New Jobs -20
Growth % -6.30%
Avg. Ann. Openings 50
Tennessee
Curr. Jobs 1,740
Proj. Jobs 1,820
New Jobs 80
Growth % 4.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 310
Texas
Curr. Jobs 3,960
Proj. Jobs 4,200
New Jobs 240
Growth % 6.10%
Avg. Ann. Openings 730
Utah
Curr. Jobs 340
Proj. Jobs 400
New Jobs 60
Growth % 17.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 70
Virginia
Curr. Jobs 1,070
Proj. Jobs 1,010
New Jobs -60
Growth % -5.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 170
Washington
Curr. Jobs 1,310
Proj. Jobs 1,250
New Jobs -60
Growth % -4.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 210
West Virginia
Curr. Jobs 300
Proj. Jobs 250
New Jobs -50
Growth % -16.70%
Avg. Ann. Openings 40
Wisconsin
Curr. Jobs 610
Proj. Jobs 570
New Jobs -40
Growth % -6.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 100
Wyoming
Curr. Jobs 60
Proj. Jobs 50
New Jobs -10
Growth % -16.70%
Avg. Ann. Openings 10
Showing 1 to 10 of 49 entries

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Show entries
Filters
  • Area
  • 10th Percentile
  • Median
  • 90th Percentile
U.S.
10th Percentile $27,190
Median $37,060
90th Percentile $52,880
Wyoming
10th Percentile $39,660
Median $49,820
90th Percentile $58,360
Wisconsin
10th Percentile $27,720
Median $47,640
90th Percentile $55,350
West Virginia
10th Percentile $22,820
Median $31,630
90th Percentile $52,160
Washington
10th Percentile $34,360
Median $47,800
90th Percentile $47,950
Virginia
10th Percentile $24,990
Median $37,660
90th Percentile $52,910
Utah
10th Percentile $30,170
Median $36,830
90th Percentile $45,170
Texas
10th Percentile $21,400
Median $34,710
90th Percentile $55,620
Tennessee
10th Percentile $27,470
Median $36,610
90th Percentile $46,230
South Dakota
10th Percentile $32,980
Median $42,120
90th Percentile $54,730
South Carolina
10th Percentile $26,140
Median $34,320
90th Percentile $48,570
Rhode Island
10th Percentile $28,740
Median $44,980
90th Percentile $53,050
Pennsylvania
10th Percentile $25,090
Median $36,520
90th Percentile $50,680
Oregon
10th Percentile $32,920
Median $39,520
90th Percentile $58,930
Oklahoma
10th Percentile $21,180
Median $28,640
90th Percentile $49,700
Ohio
10th Percentile $25,480
Median $36,150
90th Percentile $51,900
North Dakota
10th Percentile $33,620
Median $44,690
90th Percentile $53,840
North Carolina
10th Percentile $22,230
Median $28,150
90th Percentile $46,160
New York
10th Percentile $33,190
Median $39,690
90th Percentile $50,380
New Mexico
10th Percentile $25,170
Median $28,460
90th Percentile $52,000
New Jersey
10th Percentile $30,960
Median $38,190
90th Percentile $61,190
New Hampshire
10th Percentile $24,170
Median $35,360
90th Percentile $54,620
Nevada
10th Percentile $34,670
Median $35,960
90th Percentile $52,010
Nebraska
10th Percentile $21,840
Median $34,940
90th Percentile $52,200
Montana
10th Percentile $35,570
Median $41,920
90th Percentile $49,680
Missouri
10th Percentile $27,030
Median $29,890
90th Percentile $45,850
Mississippi
10th Percentile $26,010
Median $33,280
90th Percentile $48,640
Minnesota
10th Percentile $40,360
Median $49,290
90th Percentile $63,770
Michigan
10th Percentile $27,770
Median $33,290
90th Percentile $46,190
Massachusetts
10th Percentile $35,500
Median $43,180
90th Percentile $54,930
Maryland
10th Percentile $28,620
Median $37,440
90th Percentile $55,360
Maine
10th Percentile $35,540
Median $46,820
90th Percentile $51,960
Louisiana
10th Percentile $24,350
Median $34,150
90th Percentile $53,750
Kentucky
10th Percentile $22,800
Median $36,670
90th Percentile $50,630
Kansas
10th Percentile $21,980
Median $31,570
90th Percentile $48,940
Iowa
10th Percentile $25,030
Median $41,720
90th Percentile $51,160
Indiana
10th Percentile $30,270
Median $39,490
90th Percentile $53,800
Illinois
10th Percentile $29,540
Median $34,410
90th Percentile $46,070
Idaho
10th Percentile $27,570
Median $34,620
90th Percentile $46,660
Hawaii
10th Percentile $41,430
Median $47,840
90th Percentile $55,120
Georgia
10th Percentile $22,810
Median $27,590
90th Percentile $49,920
Florida
10th Percentile $27,860
Median $36,870
90th Percentile $53,770
Delaware
10th Percentile $24,560
Median $42,250
90th Percentile $55,690
Connecticut
10th Percentile $37,880
Median $48,050
90th Percentile $56,130
Colorado
10th Percentile $30,630
Median $40,670
90th Percentile $51,580
California
10th Percentile $34,130
Median $38,130
90th Percentile $61,310
Arkansas
10th Percentile $23,270
Median $32,970
90th Percentile $45,340
Arizona
10th Percentile $29,420
Median $34,550
90th Percentile $49,190
Alaska
10th Percentile $30,740
Median $43,580
90th Percentile $60,160
Alabama
10th Percentile $29,460
Median $39,310
90th Percentile $48,740
Showing 1 to 10 of 50 entries

Source: Medical Transcriptionists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Maybe you want to grow your career, maybe you want to try something a little different. After your medical transcription degree, there’s plenty of opportunities to advance with additional certifications and continuing education programs. There are also related degree programs with some educational crossover that you may want to consider. Take a look at a few degree options that could be a good fit for you.

Continuing Education

If you qualified for a medical transcriptionist certification through the AHDI then you’ll need to do 30 hours of continuing education over the next three years to be able to maintain that certification. Approved continuing education courses can be found through the AHDI website, or on the American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group (AHDPG) website.

Related Degrees to Consider

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Medical billing and coding specialists work with a healthcare team’s billing department. They are in charge of assigning certain codes to exams, procedures, treatments, and diagnoses so the hospital can get reimbursed by Medicare and insurance companies. You can either get a postsecondary certification or complete an associate degree with certification from the Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT) organization.

Respiratory Therapist

If working behind the desk at a healthcare facility inspires you to take a more active role in the medical world, it’s a great time to consider becoming a respiratory therapist. With COVID-19 impacting the lungs of so many across the country and around the globe, an online respiratory therapy program can be the perfect way to advance your education and help fight the pandemic.

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants perform clinical and administrative tasks in physician’s offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. They usually receive a Certified Medical Assistant certification or an associate degree which allows them to answer phones, set appointments, update medical charts, fill out insurance charts, take medical histories, and prepare patients for examinations.

Additional Resources for Students and Professionals

Kyra Sutherland AUTHOR

Kyra Sutherland is a freelance writer with over 8 years of experience creating informative and engaging content for healthcare and nursing education websites. She has written or edited more than 200 articles on topics including allied health careers and online nursing degree programs, supporting students and professionals in their educational and career decisions. Kyra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Brigham Young University. She applies her skills in researching, interviewing, and writing to provide valuable information, stay current with industry trends, and continuously improve her ability to present complex topics in clear and accessible language.

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Wes Ricketts EDITOR

Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.

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