Medical transcription is the industry that renders doctor-dictated reports, procedures, and notes into an electronic or paper format in order to create files representing the treatment history of patients. Health practitioners dictate what they have done after performing procedures on patients and medical transcriptionists type the dictated reports.

There will be a need for medical transcriptionists into the foreseeable future. Although much is made of the possibility of speech recognition technology forcing transcriptionists out of jobs, there are certain things a transcriptionist can do which a machine cannot. For example, speech recognition software and technology is based on the predictability of dictation. Thus, errors in pronunciation, syntax, and grammar at present can only be rectified by expert people — that is, transcriptionists.

At times, current or developing medical procedures invoke specialized clinical conditions and these conditions cause new terminologies to be introduced. Once again expert people — transcriptionists — can make adjustments quickly. Speech recognition technology can adjust but much more slowly.

Transcriptionists, with their training, can adjust to the variation in practitioner speech habits, in dialect differences, and in foreign doctor dictation language differences.

These are just a few of the facts that bolster the argument that we shall need transcriptionists for a long time to come.

Career Step provides a certificate of graduation to all graduates who have demonstrated competency by passing our final examination. Career Step is a recognized leader in medical transcription training and our certification is accepted by many employers seeking entry level transcriptionists.

The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (formerly AAMT) maintains a Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) program, providing independent certification. A small percentage of medical transcriptionists have obtained this certification. Few employers require the certification. Career Step graduates generally do well on the CMT exam after completion of the course. Career Step does not require completion of the CMT exam. Career Step encourages those who desire this certification and those whose potential employers require this certification to seek certification under this program.

If you have average typing skills and a desire to learn, then we will take care of the rest. Our keyboard kinetics module is designed to help you increase your typing speed and your accuracy, both of which are vital to the success of a medical transcriptionist.

A well-qualified, conscientious medical transcriptionist, according to all the latest information, has a secure future. There is a huge demand for such MTs in all areas of the country, although presumably some regions have a stronger demand than others. With national services hiring, location is not as crucial as it once was. The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook states, "Contracting out transcription work overseas and advancements in speech recognition technology are not expected to significantly reduce the need for well-trained [domestic] medical transcriptionists."

Medical transcriptionists earn a good living. Most transcriptionists are paid on a production basis, so the more you type, the more you make. According to the 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the United States Department of Labor, the median annual salary of medical transcriptionists in 2008 was $30,060, with the middle 50% of transcriptionists making between $27,090 and $38,590 a year, plus benefits.

As of August 2009, Salary.com reports that the middle 50% of medical transcriptionists make between $33,163 and $40,705 a year, plus benefits.

A transcriptionist can live in Podunk Valley, California, 100 miles from the nearest city, and work for a client at the other end of the country, in Boston or New York. That is happening more and more. MTs may work for medical facilities as employees in-house; they may work for transcription services in-house (actual employees) or at home (independent subcontractors or statutory employees).

Potential clients are doctor's offices, medical clinics, hospitals (of all shapes and sizes), rehab centers, ambulance services, company medical centers (some big companies have their own medical transcription departments), and transcription services, large and small.

There is also the option for a medical transcriptionist (MT) to acquire his or her own clients, in which case that MT is a self-employed entrepreneur.

As part of our Platinum Program, we offer assistance with finding employment. Upon a student's graduation, we will supply him/her with a list of names and numbers of possible employers. Because a person's employment potential is based upon their performance, we cannot guarantee employment. However, we do try to aid graduates in getting started in their employment. Our support network extends nationwide and has hundreds of contacts including services, clinics and hospitals. Once again, this option is for students enrolled in the Platinum program.

For all Career Step students, regardless of the enrollment option selected, you will be able to accurately transcribe medical reports. The course provides actual transcription experience, and the majority of our students throughout the country find employment upon graduation.

A qualified MT can hit the pavement (so to speak) and acquire his or her own clients, in which case that MT is a self-employed entrepreneur. (These have the potential to make the most money, but they also have the greater headaches generally.) Potential clients are doctor's offices, medical clinics, hospitals (of all shapes and sizes), rehab centers, ambulance services, company medical centers (some big companies have their own), and transcription services, large and small.

Traditionally transcription has been taken from dictation on cassette tapes (a step beyond dictabelts, which are REALLY old technology), standard, micro, or mini. These tapes are placed in a transcriber with a head set and foot pedal, and the MT types what is dictated. Much transcription is still done that way, but less and less as time goes on. A step above cassettes is the C-phone, still widely used. This is a phone set, also with headphones and a foot pedal, through which the MT accesses dictation in a central system and transcribes it. The system may belong to a transcription service or to a medical facility. The transcribed report is likely then sent over the modem or through the internet to the client or employer, where it is printed out or stored in the computer. Medical transcription is deadlines. Most reports have to be returned within 24 hours or less from the time of dictation. The latest technology enables the transcriptionist to receive dictation in audio files on the Internet, which are then transcribed and sent over the Internet to employer or medical facility. Obviously, the more comfortable a potential MT is with technology, the better.

To effectively work for most companies you will need a COMPUTER, but nothing fancy. Every computer on the market today is about 10 times more powerful than anything you need to do medical transcription. Essentially as a transcriptionist you will be word processing. If you can use a typewriter, you can use a computer for medical transcription, EVEN IF YOU HAVE NEVER TURNED ON A COMPUTER BEFORE. (However, the more familiar you are with computers, the more productive you will be and the more money you will make.)

You will need a good MEDICAL DICTIONARY. As a medical transcriptionist you will want to be able to find definitions as well as find words doctors might be saying. If you enroll in the course, you will receive a Medical Dictionary.

That's it!! As far as equipment goes there is not a huge investment, even if you want to set up your own business.

Career Step offers the convenience and flexibility of learning to be a medical transcriptionist at home. This means, of course, that students study when their busy schedules permit. The course is competency based. This means that the successful graduate acquires the skills and competencies to enter the job market, working at home or for a service, clinic or hospital. Also, in today's Internet world the student can learn in the electronic medium which will be used during employment.

One of the popular course options provides assistance in obtaining employment.

CAREER STEP IS REGISTERED UNDER THE UTAH POSTSECONDARY PROPRIETARY SCHOOL ACT (Title 13, Chapter 34, Utah Code).

Registration under the Utah Postsecondary Proprietary School Act does not mean that the State of Utah supervises, recommends, nor accredits the institution. It is the student's responsibility to determine whether credits, degrees, or certificates from the institution will transfer to other institutions or meet employers' training requirements. This can be done by calling the prospective school or employer.

Career Step satisfies all the conditions to operate legally in the State of Utah.

SUMMARY: Accreditation is a peer review process extensively used in education. Career Step has not sought to be accredited (1) because of the expense, (2) because its program is competency based, (3) because traditional approaches to training medical transcriptionists are often both accredited and inadequate, (4) because external reviewers are unlikely to offer suggestions for improving our program, and finally, (5) because there is no commonly shared definition of shared content nor a professional organization at present by means of which content codification could be engineered or by means of which students could transfer from one program to another.

Yes. Career Step's Platinum-Level and Gold-Level Medical Transcription Training Programs are among only a handful of training programs approved by AHDI (The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity, formerly AAMT). AHDI approves programs that comply with established criteria for quality medical transcription education.

Our student services department exists to help students in whatever ways they might need help. We answer questions about the course and any problems or confusing issues students may have. We offer encouragement. We give suggestions and pointers on working effectively through the course and accept and pass on such suggestions and pointers other students may come up with. We grade the final exam and provide instruction for those who do not pass it in hopes that our input will help them pass it the next time. We monitor the forum and focus on the issues that students bring up there. We welcome calls, emails, and letters from students and respond to all of these communications in a timely manner. We simply see ourselves as mentors, trainers, and supporters, here to address whatever needs the students may have relative to the course and to the goal of becoming working medical transcriptionists.

In addition, Platinum Level students receive a graduate packet containing an employment referral directory, a start-up contracting and pricing guide, and various brochures, such as information on speed typing programs. Our student support staff provides personal employment consultations, evaluations of sales letters and resumes, letters of reference, and a help hotline for the first year of employment. We at Career Step are frequently asked by employers and services for graduates, and we refer our students, Platinum Level first, to those who inquire.

Our goal is to provide training for those who wish to enter the field of medical transcription, as well as to do all we can to help them find employment when they complete the course.

There are more than 800 ACTUAL MEDICAL REPORTS which you will type as part of your Career Step training. The majority of these were dictated by REAL DOCTORS.

Andrea's goal in writing the course was simple: She wanted anyone who went through the materials conscientiously to BE ABLE TO DO MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION when they were finished, and hands-on experience is the most valuable tool available.

The whole program was developed by medical transcriptionists and other people who were successfully involved in the medical transcription industry. The Career Step training you receive is the most practical and comprehensive available anywhere.

The course consists of a series of exercises in subjects vital to medical transcription. Our online course integrates the curriculum with powerful online learning tools, including instant feedback & grading, spellcheckers & text comparison, electronic flashcards, plus much more!

For more information, please read a detailed description of the course structure.

The Career Step Medical Transcription training program is designed to be completed in 640 hours, or full time for a period of four (4) months. Extensions beyond the four month enrollment are available. Enroll today to use this 8 month extension voucher immediately!

Career Step maintains a list of graduates who are willing to respond to phone or e-mail inquiries regarding the Career Step course and their experience in the work force. Contact and inquiries should be kept brief.

The idea of an independent course is independence. The syllabus was designed merely to help you optimize your training. With the Career Step course you can work through the entire program TOTALLY AT YOUR OWN PACE! All the materials are self explanatory and follow a step-by-step process that guides your training.

When you have completed the Career Step course, you can schedule your exam using the scheduling tool directly inside the program. You will be emailed the web address of the exam. Students have a total of 48 hours in which to complete both the objective and transcription portions of the exam. You should schedule the final during a time when you have a two-day consecutive period. It should not take the whole two days to complete the exam; however, you may want the time to go over your answers before submitting the final for grading. Our counselors, human beings with medical transcription experience, will carefully evaluate your exam. You must achieve an 85% or higher in order to pass. If your score is less than 85%, you have two additional opportunities to take the exam. Upon successfully passing the exam with a score of 85% or more, you become a Career Step graduate, the goal for which you have worked so hard. Then it's onward and upward from there!

1. Computer: To work from home, you must have a computer. The good news is that you don't require an expensive or fancy computer. Virtually anything you can buy on the market, new or used, will work. The foot pedal provided with the training will allow you to control your computer's audio without taking your fingers off the keyboard, which will allow you to be a more productive transcriptionist.

2. Reference Materials: A comprehensive medical dictionary is a must for every transcriptionist. Auxiliary books can also be useful as needed. The Career Step course contains excellent medical/surgical, and medication lists containing over 45,000 terms for your continued reference as a medical transcriptionist.

3. Supporting Software: To transcribe medical reports, any basic word processing program will fulfill your need. In addition to word processors, however, there exists certain software which will increase your productivity. A few of these software programs are: SmartType, FlashForward (Word Perfect), PRD, Quick Correct, or Auto Correct. These different software programs will increase your productivity by expanding abbreviations, allowing hot key assignments, and offering many other advantages.

Of course, as a transcriptionist working in a medical facility, you will not need any of your own equipment.

Career Step accepts personal checks, cashiers checks, money orders, American Express, Discover, Visa and MasterCard for payments made under all payment plans.

Career Step offers three convenient payment options:

1. Up-Front Payment - Receive $100 off when choosing one up-front payment.

2. Four Payments - Spread the cost over four months, at no extra charge. Automatic credit card billing is preferred. Your card is charged on the same day of the month as the enrollment date. For those with qualifying credit, you may choose the billing option and make your payments by the 25th of each month.

3. Contact the Financial Aid Department to see if you can qualify for tuition assistance.

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 $50.00 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 in nonrefundable. The portion of the program fee attributable to tuition is $100.00 for all programs. Tuition only is refundable up to sixty (60) days after the date of enrollment. Any Student withdrawing under this paragraph terminates his/her right to transfer the program materials.

It takes about one business day to process the application, depending on method of payment (mail/phone). Once the payment is processed the course materials are shipped UPS ground. The average wait is about 7-10 days. Additional shipping charges apply and are due with your first payment.

Once the password is emailed, the student may start the course immediately.

Online learning offers a great opportunity to improve your computer skills and develop your medical transcription skills and knowledge faster. The course separates the materials into units and sessions, threading course topics throughout, while offering these unique features:

Pronunciation words - Thousands of medical terms are pronounced for you at the click of a button. Pronunciation words are available in alphabetical order using a pronunciation tool that is available on every page of the online program.

Automatic graders - Exercises and tests are graded for you. Test scores are stored in the gradebook for your review. Graders are precise, encouraging you to further develop your typing skills and attention to detail.

Modern Technology - The course uses the newest in transcription technology, allowing you to play and transcribe the practice reports directly on your computer using a transcription footpedal attached. Your computer becomes a transcriber.

Communications Center - The course includes its own forum for use by online students and a live chat room, giving you private tools to communicate with other online students and Career Step student counselors.

24 hour access - The course is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can study whenever you want to.

Flexible Study - Work through the units as outlined or use the library to review books or topic areas.

Career Step offers a Gold Level Enrollment and a Platinum Level Enrollment program. Both options contain an excellent self-directed course of study. The course materials page provides a table of materials and services included with each enrollment option.

In addition to the materials received with Gold Level Enrollment, Platinum Level students receive a graduate packet containing an employment referral directory, a startup contracting and pricing guide, various brochures, such as information on speed typing programs, and Chris Dunn's 400 page volume, Start Your Own Successful Medical Transcription Business. Our student support staff provides personal employment consultations, evaluations of sales letters and resumes, letters of reference, and a help hotline for ONE YEAR after employment. We at Career Step are frequently asked by employers and services for graduates, and we refer our students, Platinum Level first, to those who inquire.

Our goal is to provide training for those who wish to enter the field of medical transcription, as well as to do all we can to help them find employment when they complete the course.

Career Step allows and encourages all students to upgrade to the Platinum program at anytime, for up to 6 months after graduation.

In order to complete our online course, the referring URL must be known. Norton Internet Security has a setting that will block referrer information from being sent to Web sites. This can be overridden for specific Web sites, however. To do this please follow the instructions below:

1. Open Norton Personal Firewall

2. Click the Options button

3. Click the Advanced Options button found in the new window

4. In the next window, click the "Web" tab

5. If the Web site you wish to allow referrer information to be passed to is not listed, click the "Add Site" button at the bottom of the window

6. Enter the Web address for the Web site you wish to have specific behavior for and click OK

7. Make sure the new site is highlighted in the list, and click on it, if it is not

8. On the right hand side of the window, please click the Privacy tab

9. Place a check in the box that reads "Use these rules for "

10. Under the Browsing Privacy section, you will see an item called "Referrer". Please choose Permit from the drop down list under that title

11. Click OK

At this time referrer information will be transmitted to the specific Web site chosen.