Please feel free to browse this page to obtain information commonly asked by people interested in medical transcription and M-TEC®.
What is a medical transcriptionist?
A medical transcriptionist translates oral dictation into detailed patient records that accurately communicate medical information. Their skills include knowledge of:
- Laboratory Medicine
- Medical Language/Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Concepts of Disease
- English Language
- Medical Style & Grammar (including The Book of Style for Medical Transcription usage and application, MS Word, and Word Expanders/Macro Development)
- Medicolegal Aspects of the Healthcare Record
- Fundamentals of Technology to include computer technology, application of dictation/transcription platforms, ergonomics, security/software applications, electronic referencing/researching, file transfers, and advanced MT-related technology
- Professional Development
- Fundamentals of Medical Transcription and Practice (23 specialties to include beginning, intermediate (surgical), advanced and foreign accents)
- Pre-employment skill level testing by a national recruiter
The healthcare industry relies on the medical transcriptionist to accurately communicate medical information in a timely manner. As a result, M-TEC® encourages the medical transcriptionist to keep updated on current technology, terminology, and advanced computer skills.
From the 2010-2011 US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook: "Employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2008 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for medical transcription services will be spurred by a growing and aging population. Older age groups receive proportionately greater numbers of medical tests, treatments, and procedures that require documentation. A high level of demand for transcription services also will be sustained by the continued need for electronic documentation that can be easily shared among providers, third-party payers, regulators, and consumers. Growing numbers of medical transcriptionists will be needed to amend patients' records, edit for grammar, and discover discrepancies in medical records." http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos271.htm
Where can I find additional information on medical transcription as a profession?
You can obtain a wide array of helpful information from the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) website at www.ahdionline.org. You will find information on salaries, certification, a Tip Sheet on what a medical transcription training program should include, and much more.
What is the M-TEC® program?
The M-TEC® Program is a comprehensive, cost-effective, ACCP and state board-approved, online education program that can be used by an individual for independent study or by a healthcare facility for in-house training. The M-TEC program offers the Tier I Premier Program (940 clock hours, 12 months). The program offers authentic physician dictation using the SUM program from Health Professions Institute, along with various dictations from AHDI and other sources, and combines multiple medical disciplines into one integrated approach based on body systems. We include the latest in technology and the tools needed to complete your course and references to build your own medical library. Each student will be able to study from their home-based office with an assigned instructor who is a CMT with 20+ years of experience. There are numerous tests (each including skill assessments and transcription) in addition to a pre-employment skill level testing. The tests are graded by Certified Medical Transcriptionists who are available to help with questions throughout the course. We give you all the information, support, and encouragement you need to be successful as a medical transcription professional. The M-TEC® Premier Program follows the AHDI Model Curriculum for Medical Transcription.
Upon the recommendation of the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity Review Committee, M-TEC® has been approved by the Approval Committee for Certificate Programs (ACCP), a joint committee established by AHDI and AHIMA for certifying and approving medical transcription education programs.
What are the admission requirements?
Admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, the ability to work independently, antivirus software, equipment/software as outlined below, along with the following competencies: (a) English comprehension, spelling, and usage competency (spoken and written) equivalent to that of a high school graduate. (b) Minimum keyboarding speed of 45 corrected words per minute. (c) Intermediate word processing skills, including ability to create, save, format, and copy and paste documents. (d) Intermediate computer skills including ability to troubleshoot basic computer problems, install software, manage files, send and receive emails with attachments, and utilize the Internet for research purposes. (e) Normal level of audiometric (hearing) acuity.
What equipment is needed?
USB foot pedal and transcriber software - the latest in MT industry technology - are included with the transcription portion of our program. The minimum system requirements for the foot pedal and transcriber software include:
- Desktop or laptop PC running Windows 2000, XP, Vista, or Windows 7.
- Intel-based Macs are okay only if they are running Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7. (You will need to boot into Windows for the course; Mac OS X cannot be used.). (IMPORTANT NOTE: Most employers prefer PCs and your future work environment and MT products may not support Macs.)
- CD-RW drive or CD-ROM drive that is able to read CD-RW disks (DVD drives will also work)
- 128 MB RAM or higher
- Sound card
- USB (Universal Serial Bus) port (NOTE: If you are unsure about having a USB port, an Internet search will inform you on how to check for this on your computer)
- Single-prong headset (earphones)
Headsets can be found on our online store, included in our MT Student Toolbox*, at local office supply stores, or anywhere you can purchase computers. Some sites of interest are http://www.transcriptiongear.com or http://www.officedirectinc.com and for the famous "ear buds" http://www.koss.com
Computer with updated antivirus software is mandatory (such as McAfee, Norton, AVG, etc.), along with knowledge of MS Word or WordPerfect word processing programs and basic computer skills.
Printer - A printer is strongly recommended for printing transcripts or terms to review or if you choose to print your online syllabus. You will not turn in printed assignments.
Internet Access/Email are required in order to take full advantage of the M-TEC® program and all it has to offer, including the online virtual class sessions.
Word Processor - Either MS Word (preferred) or WordPerfect required. MS Works is not a complete word processing program.
English Dictionary
What about satellite Internet?
Can I still work from home over a satellite Internet connection? Yes, but your employment choices will be more limited than someone who has a more traditional broadband Internet connection, like DSL or cable.
Most of the larger MT companies (the ones that typically hire you as an employee) will also want you to work on one of their computers, over a VPN connection. That doesn't work so well with satellite because of the lag time. The big satellite providers have worked out some of the problems with their VPN connections but it's still less reliable than DSL or cable. Because of this, companies that use VPNs will usually say "No satellite."
Then there are the companies that hire you as an independent contractor (IC). They'll usually be more open to satellite and you working on your own computer. But they offer the least benefits and the most flexibility. This typically involves you downloading work from an FTP site or a web page and sending work back through that same type of interface. In this respect, satellite doesn't matter because basic connectivity is all you need.
Of course, nothing is absolute. Some companies will hire you as an employee but use a website to get you the work satellite can usually work in those situations.
Is satellite less secure because it's wireless? Security isn't an issue because the Internet itself is insecure and the steps companies take to safeguard patient data will secure the data over any type of connection, including satellite.
What program does M-TEC® offer?
TIER I Premier (No prior medical training) - Diploma for 940 clock hours of training awarded upon completion. This is the best option for home-based positions.
Tier I Premier program includes all college-level texts, instructions, handouts, tests, and medical references. Authentic physician dictation, using system unit method (SUM) from Health Professions Institute and AHDI, is used in training. Additional hours of practice dictation from major transcription employers and a work simulation lab are available so that students can emulate a work environment and experience working at home for a national service. You will transcribe well over 810 reports and 2425 minutes of dictation in the Premier program, with an additional 300+ reports and over 1000 minutes of optional dictation available for all students and graduates. Each student is assigned their own instructor (CMT) who works closely with them throughout the program, reviewing assignments, grading tests, answering questions and giving feedback via toll free phone or email access. Each student will also work with a full-time technology instructor during online technology classes, in completing technology assignments, or whenever there are technology-related questions. Students also work with a variety of instructors during the online class sessions and have the value-added learning experience that editors, QA specialists, employers and working MTs bring to training qualified MTs.
Does M-TEC® offer a payment plan?
For your convenience, monthly payment plans are available. All courses paid in full include free S&H. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. You may also find information on financial assistance and payment plans by CLICKING HERE. If you need further financial assistance, the Sallie Mae Corporation has a student educational loan application available for you on our site: CLICK HERE. If you still have questions on financial assistance, please feel free to contact us at 877-864-3307 and ask for admissions.
What are our educational objectives?
M-TEC's® academic purpose is to prepare students for productive careers in the dynamic, ever-changing, and challenging medical transcription profession at an entry level. Upon graduation, students will have completed in-depth training in anatomy, medical terminology, medical science, lab medicine, pharmacology, human diseases, professional development, technology, researching skills, and critical thinking skills, accompanied by intensive practice in beginning, intermediate (surgical), and advanced transcription. Students will be prepared for a successful career as practicing medical transcriptionists with a sense of commitment, professional ethics, and attention to accurate, confidential, quality patient documentation. To achieve this goal, M-TEC® provides an in-depth educational program with faculty dedicated to developing the framework for and stimulating the desire to pursue continual active learning.
With this knowledge, you may be able to open up the doors for better job opportunities or even developing your own home-based business. With this in mind, M-TEC® promotes the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) and the certified medical transcriptionist (CMT). Student Membership in AHDI is available through AHDI upon enrollment in the program.
Who designed the program?
The M-TEC® program was designed by Certified Medical Transcriptionists (CMTs) with over 30 years experience in transcribing for hospital and physician offices, and operating home-based transcription businesses. The M-TEC® Advisory Board and Staff have combined multiple medical disciplines into one integrated approach based on body systems. M-TEC® strives to meet or exceed all guidelines set by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity in respect to what a training program should offer.
What income can I expect as a medical transcriptionist?
MTs are paid on production, usually by the line, so earnings vary considerably from one person to the next. The US Department of Labor in May 2008 estimated median wage was at $32,060, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319094.htm. Click on the Create Customized Tables function to search for MT salaries in your own state and possibly even your own city. When looking at these pages it's important to remember the following: The mean wage is the average wage of everyone in the survey. The median wage (50th percentile) means half the people in the survey made more than the median and the other half made less.
How long does it take to complete a program?
This program is an online home-study course. Students are expected to commit a minimum of 25 hours per week toward their studies. The program should be completed in 12 months.
How does M-TEC® monitor my progress?
The program requires students to successfully complete assignments, online skill assessments, and transcription tests, including a final (pre-employment) exam. Transcription tests and assignments are personally graded and reviewed by qualified instructors, not computers, and the final exam will be reviewed by a national recruiter.
Rules and Regulations
Student Progress/Termination: Students are required to submit assignments and tests as outlined in their student syllabus. A Final Examination will be given at the end of your program. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the school’s termination of the student from the program. Students wishing to withdraw from the program must do so in writing (e-mail or letter).
Students are allotted 12 months for the Tier I Premier program. Students failing to remain current with the payment schedules outlined will be notified by the school of the intent to terminate. A student terminated for unsatisfactory progress must contact the director for prior approval before re-enrolling.
Academic Progress/Termination: Accuracy in this career is imperative, so the standards MUST be set high to be successful in this field. Your goal should be to achieve a 93% or higher on your tests. Course enrollment begins when a student signs the enrollment agreement. The student must achieve an overall GPA of C or above to graduate and receive a diploma.
Code of Ethics: As with any school program, honesty and academic integrity is expected of every student. Cheating or plagiarism on assignments and tests is unacceptable in this academic environment. Any work submitted by a student or done as part of their course assignments as outlined in the syllabus is presumed to be the result of his or her own thought, research, or self expression. When an instructor has determined that a student has cheated or plagiarized, he or she may award the student a failing grade for the assignment or for the course, at which time the student may face possible termination. A student who shares his or her work with others for the purpose of cheating on class assignments or tests also has violated the school standards relative to academic integrity and is subject to disciplinary procedures and actions (as outlined above).
Students are also expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in all correspondence. Any form of inappropriate verbal or written correspondence between a student and the staff maybe dealt with by termination with no options to re-enroll.
AS A GRADUATE FROM ONE OF OUR PROGRAMS, YOU CAN LOOK FOR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN:
Does M-TEC® offer professional memberships and certification?
Student membership information is included for the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) and the Medical Transcription Student Network (MTSN) through the Health Professions Institute (HPI).
M-TEC® promotes and encourages membership into the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity and the certification of medical transcriptionists. However, this is a personal choice that only you can make.
Please note that the title of CMT (Certified Medical Transcriptionist) can only be acquired through the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI). Certification is achieved upon successful completion of their examination. For information on AHDI and certification, visit their website at http://www.ahdionline.org
What do I receive after completing a program?
After completion with an overall GPA of C or above, the student will be awarded a Diploma for the Premier program. Upon receipt of this Diploma, the student will be considered a medical transcriptionist and may be eligible to sit for the RMT (Registered Medical Transcriptionist) credential through the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI). No other initials (i.e. MT) are appropriate for use other than the AHDI credentials of CMT or RMT.
Can M-TEC® guarantee placement after completing a program?
M-TEC®, or any other institution, cannot guarantee placement as a transcriptionist upon program completion. However, M-TEC® has an established history of successfully assisting graduates in obtaining job placement through our Career Opportunity Council (a list of national services currently testing M-TEC® graduates). The information on our Career Opportunity Council is password protected and is an added benefit of enrollment for all M-TEC® students. Our Student Learning Center offers helpful hints on how to market your skills, where to look for a job, and how to interview. M-TEC® is constantly networking in an effort to provide our students with a wide variety of placement opportunities. Our relationship with these MT services allows qualified M-TEC® premier grads to test for employment with them, waiving the 2-year experience requirement most require for testing.
Are M-TEC® programs approved?
The M-TEC® program is approved by The State of Ohio Board of Career Colleges and Schools (certificate #08-11-1886T), the state in which our corporate office is located. Upon the recommendation of the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) and AHIMA Review Committee, M-TEC® was the first school to be approved by the Approval Committee for Certificate Programs (ACCP), a joint committee established by AHDI and AHIMA for certifying and approving medical transcription education programs.
Is my investment protected?
M-TEC® participates in the Ohio Student Tuition Recovery Fund. This protects our students and assures them that they will suffer no tuition loss as a result of any default on the part of our school.