Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.
Sample of reported job titles: Clinical Medical Transcriptionist, Documentation Specialist, Medical Language Specialist, Medical Scribe, Medical Transcriber, Medical Transcriptionist, Pathology Transcriptionist, Radiology Transcriptionist, Scribe, Transcriptionist
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Tasks | Technology Skills | Tools Used | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Detailed Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks
All 15 displayed- Return dictated reports in printed or electronic form for physician’s review, signature, and corrections and for inclusion in patients’ medical records.
- Produce medical reports, correspondence, records, patient-care information, statistics, medical research, and administrative material.
- Identify mistakes in reports and check with doctors to obtain the correct information.
- Review and edit transcribed reports or dictated material for spelling, grammar, clarity, consistency, and proper medical terminology.
- Transcribe dictation for a variety of medical reports, such as patient histories, physical examinations, emergency room visits, operations, chart reviews, consultation, or discharge summaries.
- Distinguish between homonyms and recognize inconsistencies and mistakes in medical terms, referring to dictionaries, drug references, and other sources on anatomy, physiology, and medicine.
- Set up and maintain medical files and databases, including records such as x-ray, lab, and procedure reports, medical histories, diagnostic workups, admission and discharge summaries, and clinical resumes.
- Translate medical jargon and abbreviations into their expanded forms to ensure the accuracy of patient and health care facility records.
- Perform data entry and data retrieval services, providing data for inclusion in medical records and for transmission to physicians.
- Take dictation using shorthand, a stenotype machine, or headsets and transcribing machines.
- Perform a variety of clerical and office tasks, such as handling incoming and outgoing mail, completing and submitting insurance claims, typing, filing, or operating office machines.
- Decide which information should be included or excluded in reports.
- Receive and screen telephone calls and visitors.
- Receive patients, schedule appointments, and maintain patient records.
- Answer inquiries concerning the progress of medical cases, within the limits of confidentiality laws.
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Technology Skills
All 17 displayed Show 8 tools used- Accounting software — Patient billing software
- Calendar and scheduling software — Calendar software
- Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software; Database software
; dBASE Plus; Microsoft Access (see all 5 examples) - Desktop communications software — Sylvan Software DropChute Pro
- Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook
- Information retrieval or search software — Medical terminology databases
- Internet browser software — Web browser software
- Medical software — Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS ; PCC EHR; Prognosis Innovation Healthcare ChartAccess; SpectraMedi EasyFlow (see all 9 examples)
- Office suite software — Corel WordPerfect; Microsoft Office
- Operating system software — Microsoft operating system; Microsoft Windows
- Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
- Spell checkers — Spellex AccuCount; Sylvan Software Complete Medical Pharmaceutical Spell Checker
- Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
- Video creation and editing software — YouTube
- Voice recognition software — Crescendo Systems DigiScribe-XL; g-net solutions MTP; Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking Medical; Speech recognition software
- Web platform development software — Microsoft ASP.NET
- Word processing software — Boston Bar Systems Corporation Sonnet; Bytescribe Development Company WavPlayer; Microsoft Word ; Sylvan Software ShortCut (see all 9 examples)
Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.
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Knowledge
All 4 displayed- English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
- Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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Skills
All 8 displayed- Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
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Abilities
5 of 15 displayed- Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
- Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Work Activities
All 17 displayed- Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
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Detailed Work Activities
All 6 displayed- Prepare medical reports or documents.
- Maintain medical records.
- Perform clerical work in medical settings.
- Record vital statistics or other health information.
- Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
- Process medical billing information.
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Work Context
All 22 displayed- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 100% responded “Every day.”
- Face-to-Face Discussions — 96% responded “Every day.”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 88% responded “Extremely important.”
- Work With Work Group or Team — 64% responded “Extremely important.”
- Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 72% responded “Extremely important.”
- Contact With Others — 30% responded “Contact with others most of the time.”
- Electronic Mail — 72% responded “Every day.”
- Telephone — 65% responded “Every day.”
- Structured versus Unstructured Work
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 76% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
- Time Pressure — 73% responded “Every day.”
- Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 64% responded “Very high responsibility.”
- Frequency of Decision Making
- Deal With External Customers — 16% responded “Very important.”
- Freedom to Make Decisions — 36% responded “Some freedom.”
- Coordinate or Lead Others — 22% responded “Very important.”
- Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 23% responded “High responsibility.”
- Spend Time Sitting — 36% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 47% responded “Important results.”
- Exposed to Disease or Infections — 30% responded “Every day.”
- Letters and Memos — 37% responded “Every day.”
- Physical Proximity — 62% responded “Slightly close (e.g., shared office).”
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Job Zone
| Title | Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed |
| Education | Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree. |
| Related Experience | Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. |
| Job Training | Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. |
| Job Zone Examples | These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants. |
| SVP Range | (6.0 to < 7.0) |
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Education
 Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Required |
|---|---|
39   |
Post-secondary certificate
 |
| 34 |
Some college, no degree |
| 17 |
High school diploma or equivalent
|
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Credentials
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Interests
All 2 displayedInterest code: CR Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.
- Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
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Work Styles
All 14 displayed- Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
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Work Values
All 3 displayed- Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
- Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
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Related Occupations
All 9 displayed| 23-2011.00 | Paralegals and Legal Assistants  |
| 27-3092.00 | Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners |
| 43-2011.00 | Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service |
| 43-3021.00 | Billing and Posting Clerks |
| 43-3031.00 | Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Bright Outlook |
| 43-4071.00 | File Clerks |
| 43-6012.00 | Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants |
| 43-9021.00 | Data Entry Keyers |
| 43-9022.00 | Word Processors and Typists |
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Wages & Employment Trends
| Median wages (2020) | $16.96 hourly, $35,270 annual |
| State wages | |
| Local wages | |
| Employment (2020) | 52,400 employees |
| Projected growth (2020-2030) |  Decline (-1% or lower) |
| Projected job openings (2020-2030) | 6,600 |
| State trends | |
| Top industries (2020) |
Health Care and Social Assistance
Administrative and Support Services
|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data 
and 2020-2030 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
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Job Openings on the Web
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Sources of Additional Information
All 3 displayedDisclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- American Health Information Management Association
- Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical transcriptionists
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