So what exactly is medical transcription?

A medical transcriptionist (MT) listens to dictated recordings made by physicians and transcribes them into medical reports, correspondence, and other documents. Most healthcare providers transmit dictation to MTs using digital dictating equipment.

They generally listen to recordings with a headset, using a foot pedal to play and control the recording as necessary, and key the text into a word processor, editing for grammar and clarity. Completed documents, which eventually become part of patients' permanent medical record files, are sent to the dictator for review and signature.

Accuracy is essential for this role. MTs must understand medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, and treatment. MTs must comply with specific standards that apply to the style of medical records, in addition to the legal and ethical requirements involved with keeping patient records confidential.

As a graduate of the NZ Certificate in Medical Transcription and Editing you will be able to enter employment within the medical transcription industry with the relevant professional, practical and technical competencies.

Medical transcription is a medical language and healthcare documentation specialty, not a keyboarding specialty, and intensive study is needed to acquire a high level of fluency in the medical language. Remember, you are gaining knowledge that will translate into a lifetime career!

A career as a remote based medical transcriptionist offers opportunities for flexible working options. In NZ, a medical transcriptionist can work in a hospital or specialist doctor setting, work from a home office for a transcription company who sources work, or they can source their own contracts either locally or overseas. 

Internationally and nationwide, there is a shortage of skilled medical transcriptionists.