Certified Medical Transcriptionist FAQ

1. What does CMT stand for?

   CMT stands for certified medical transcriptionist. The CMT credential is awarded upon successful completion and passing of the AHDI certification exam given to medical transcriptionists.

2. Who is AHDI?

   AHDI stands for the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity. Formed in the late 1970s, the association acts as both a legislative and regulatory agency for medical transcriptionists.

3. Why is the CMT credential important to me?

   In addition to showing a level of dedication and competence in the medical transcription profession, CMTs typically earn a higher salary than their non-credentialed counterparts.

4. Do I need any sort of specific training and/or background in order to take this exam?

   Yes. The program assumes the student has the skill set of a Level 2 medical transcriptionist. A minimum of two years of on-the-job experience is strongly recommended by AHDI.

5. Will the Career Step CMT Exam Prep training program aptly prepare me for the CMT examination?

   Career Step's CMT exam prep program assumes that you have a solid knowledge of medical terminology in addition to the two years of career experience recommended by AHDI. Instead of simply presenting basic information for memorization, our program provides the opportunity to assess your core knowledge through exercises, flash cards, games, transcription snippets, and much more.

6. What are the specific topics covered in this training program?

   The program covers the following competency areas, which are included in the CMT exam itself: Medical Terminology, Grammar and Language Rules, Anatomy/Physiology/Disease by body system, Medicolegal, and a plethora of ancillary information.

7. Where can I learn more about testing locations, cost of exam, and other details?

   Visit AHDI at www.ahdionline.org.

8. Will the Career Step CMT Exam Prep training program provide me with transcription practice?

   Transcription skills are tested throughout the entire CMT Prep program with non-audio and audio snippets. The CMT Exam tests transcription aptitude using three skill sets:

   1. Straight transcription (55%)
   2. Editing transcription (30%)
   3. Proofreading (15%)

9. I wish there was a way to take a practice exam. Is this possible?

   Career Step's CMT Exam Prep training program provides a mock exam at the completion of the program to give students a feel for the test format in a hands-on setting and to test a variety of skill sets and knowledge in preparation for the CMT exam.

10. Once I have completed some of the training, can I review the material?

    Yes. As long as your enrollment period is open, you can study the material for further review and retention.

11. How many hours does the program take to complete?

    Career Step's CMT Exam Prep program takes approximately 75 hours to complete.

12. How much time do I have to finish the program?

    Program access is granted for a period of four months. At the end of the initial four-month period, students will no longer be able to access the course materials or Career Step services. Extensions beyond the four-month enrollment are available.

13. How much are extensions?

    All extensions are subject to the current extension policy at the time an extension is purchased. Extensions are available in four-month blocks for $125.00 per extension. An eight-month extension is $225.00. The extension period begins from the current date of expiration, not from the date of payment. Students may purchase an unlimited number of extensions.

14. If I do not purchase an extension before the expiration date, what happens?

    Extensions must be purchased before a student's expiration date to continue with the original enrollment. If a student fails to purchase an extension before the expiration date, he/she will be required to enroll again for the full price of $200 and will have four months from that enrollment date to complete the program. A notice of expiration will appear on the login page of the program to remind the student of extensions. An email will also be sent to the student with information about purchasing extensions.

15. How much does the program cost?

    The total cost, including tuition and registration fees, is $200.00. Sales tax also applies to students living in Utah, Ohio, and North Carolina.

16. What is the money back policy?

    If, for any reason, a student withdraws within fourteen (14) days after the initial access to online program materials has been granted, his/ her money shall be refunded IN FULL, less a $50 application fee and the nonrefundable shipping and handling fee, and the Enrollment Agreement shall be rescinded. Under this policy the student must return any and all program materials and supplies received from the school before receiving the refund. Dates regarding receipt of the program will be based on the date of email with password and login for the online program. The student must notify Career Step by telephone before the fourteenth (14th) day to receive a return code, and returned materials must be sent to Career Step at the student's expense, insured and tracked through the carrier. The student will be assessed a fee of $10.00 per book for minor damage or retail price of book ($8.00 to $95.00 per book) if materials are returned written in, damaged, or destroyed. Pack returned materials to prevent damage. If, for any reason, a student withdraws after the initial fourteen (14) day review period, the cost of the program materials is nonrefundable. After this fourteen (14) day period, the student is responsible for payment of the entire program. A $100 Tuition fee is only refundable up to sixty (60) days after the date of enrollment. Any Student withdrawing under this paragraph terminates his/her enrollment.

17. How do I enroll?

    Click here to enroll or call 1-800-246-7837.

18. Can I do a payment plan?

    No. The full $200 payment (as well as sales tax, if applicable) is required for entry into the program.

19. Am I required to take the mock exam?

    The mock exam is optional; however, it is designed to help you assess your readiness for the CMT exam.

20. What type of support is included?

    Students will have full access to student and technical support counselors to ask questions about the program and/or the medical transcription industry. You can contact the student support team Monday through Friday from 8:00-5:00 Mountain Time or anytime at support@careerstep.com or techsupport@careerstep.com.

21. What is the difference between the RMT and CMT exams?

    A medical transcriptionist with less than two years of acute care transcription work experience or who is a graduate of an MT program may take the RMT certification exam through AHDI. In order to take the CMT certification exam through AHDI, it is strongly recommended that a medical transcriptionist have at least two years of acute care transcription work experience.

22. Is the AHDI Book of Style required to complete the Career Step CMT Exam Prep training program?

    The AHDI Book of Style is not specifically required, but it is a useful and informative tool in understanding both the stylistic and formatting requirements mandated by AHDI. Throughout the program you'll find Book of Style hints and guidelines for many of the body systems and specialties.

23. Where can I learn more about AHDI and the CMT exam?

    To find more information on AHDI and the CMT exam, please visit www.ahdionline.org.

or
call 1-800-246-7837