What Is Medical Transcriptionist? What Skills Should They Possess?

One of the most common questions is what is medical transcriptionist? First of all, it is important to discuss the term medical transcription. It is the practice of typing doctor’s reports from dictated recordings. Each time a doctor sees a patient, a record is kept, which is commonly called as the medical record. Every diagnostic test and treatment performed by the doctor must be acknowledged in the patient’s medical record. In order to create a medical record file, a doctor dictates a patient’s specific information either into a digital or analog recorder or through the use of phone dictation system.


A transcriptionist is a person who transcribes the recorded information into a typed document, which is then forwarded to the dictator for review and signature. The document thus becomes part of a patient’s permanent medical record. However, in order to understand and correctly transcribe this dictated information into an accurate and comprehensive document, a medical transcriptionist should have an in-depth understanding of medical terminologies, and related treatment procedures. In addition to judging medical terms correctly, a transcriptionist should also be able to translate short forms and have the ability to reference terms using printed and electronic reference materials. They should also possess good English language skills including grammar, and punctuation.

A medical transcriptionist should also be able to overcome any difficulty to get the job done. It is definitely a great profession to work in for those who are enthusiastic and passionate to go through the rigorous training process. It is a considered as one of the most rewarding and pleasing professions in recent times. The main advantage of becoming a transcriptionist is that after a few years of experience, one can start his or her own medical transcription setup at home.