Presently, there is a substantial need for good transcriptionists who are knowledgeable, accurate, hardworking, smart, dedicated and dependable, and this need exists daily. A professional MT, even one just beginning, is expected to have a certain level of required medical, language, and technical knowledge and skills along with the necessary typing acuity to perform the job. The bottom line is that knowledge and skills are constants. Will there come a time when hands-on medical transcriptionists will not be needed, that the MT will be completely replaced by computers and voice recognition systems? While that possibility exists, it is not seen in the immediate future.

Facts: Medical transcription has evolved into a highly skilled subspecialty of medicine requiring proficiency in the knowledge of medical language and technical skills, and today’s marketplace commands the successful MT to possess a variety of skills, which includes use of the Internet. The difference between a transcriptionist and a good transcriptionist is the extra mile taken to ensure the accuracy of document information and presentation. Job proficiency is the name of the yardstick and you will be measured by it.

Hiring facilities view MT candidates as having a variety of talents, assets and characteristics. Your proficiency in the real world is measured by your proficiency to get the job done accurately and in a timely manner. Your work will be monitored and you will have regular performance reviews wherever you work, so performing your best is always a top priority. It pays to persevere, and learning what you don’t know will only help you in the long run.

Secrets: Repetition is a key factor in mastering listening skills. As much as possible, listen repeatedly whenever encountering an unfamiliar word or phrase. Transcription speed is built on abbreviated keystrokes, which save time and enhance your ability to make more money. Always find ways to improve your knowledge and technical skills, because learning occurs daily. As technology advances, you will be expected to know how to use and integrate these changes into a facility’s system.

Expand your knowledge. Get to know other transcriptionists and network often, if not daily. Reach outside your comfort zone. Choose an area of particular interest and become an “expert” in that area. While the road may be tedious in the beginning, ultimately rewards do come. If you promise 24-hour turnaround, deliver it. Honor and meet whatever commitments you agree to with your client. As you continue in your career, the likelihood of greater demands and expectations made upon you increases, so practice often and keep your knowledge current.

Conclusion: Commitment and determination lead to a successful career. Be willing to take the steps necessary to complete the required learning, to compete in a market that strives for excellence and rewards it, and to invest time, energy and sincere efforts toward excellence.