Occupation AtlasMedical Transcriptionists
O*NET · 31-9094.00
Medical Transcriptionists
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.
Also called Certified Medical Transcriptionist · Clinical Medical Transcriptionist · Clinical Scribe · Data Transcriber · Documentation Specialist · Emergency Medical Scribe · MA Scribe · Medical Assistant Scribe (MA Scribe)
19 more
Medical Language Professional · Medical Language Specialist · Medical Record Transcriber · Medical Records Clerk · Medical Scribe · Medical Stenographer · Medical Transcriber · Medical Transcription Editor · Medical Transcriptionist · Ophthalmic Scribe · Pathology Transcriptionist · Provider Scribe · Radiology Transcriptionist · Registered Medical Transcriptionist · Scribe · Transcriber · Transcribing Machine Operator · Transcription Specialist · Transcriptionist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Proofreaders and Copy Markers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CSIConventional · Social · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional6.25
- S Social3.69
- I Investigative3.60
- R Realistic2.47
- A Artistic1.74
- E Enterprising1.26
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (33%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (32%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (34%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- WritingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- CoordinationImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Service OrientationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- InstructingImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- PersuasionImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Systems AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- NegotiationImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- MathematicsbasicImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- SciencebasicImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.1Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
13 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Return dictated reports in printed or electronic form for physician's review, signature, and corrections and for inclusion in patients' medical records.Importance 4.9
- Identify mistakes in reports and check with doctors to obtain the correct information.Importance 4.8
- Produce medical reports, correspondence, records, patient-care information, statistics, medical research, and administrative material.Importance 4.8
- Transcribe dictation for a variety of medical reports, such as patient histories, physical examinations, emergency room visits, operations, chart reviews, consultation, or discharge summaries.Importance 4.7
- Review and edit transcribed reports or dictated material for spelling, grammar, clarity, consistency, and proper medical terminology.Importance 4.7
- Distinguish between homonyms and recognize inconsistencies and mistakes in medical terms, referring to dictionaries, drug references, and other sources on anatomy, physiology, and medicine.Importance 4.6
- Translate medical jargon and abbreviations into their expanded forms to ensure the accuracy of patient and health care facility records.Importance 4.6
- 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.Importance 4.6
- Perform data entry and data retrieval services, providing data for inclusion in medical records and for transmission to physicians.Importance 4.5
- Take dictation using shorthand, a stenotype machine, or headsets and transcribing machines.Importance 4.5
- 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.Importance 4.3
- Decide which information should be included or excluded in reports.Importance 4.3
Show the other 3
- Receive and screen telephone calls and visitors.Importance 4.2
- Receive patients, schedule appointments, and maintain patient records.Importance 4.5
- Answer inquiries concerning the progress of medical cases, within the limits of confidentiality laws.Importance 4.4
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 4.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 4.3Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.0Level 2.6
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.7Level 2.6
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.1Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- BiologyImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
Show all 33
- MathematicsImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Education and TrainingImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- PsychologyImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Communications and MediaImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.3Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- MechanicalImportance 1.3Level —
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.3Level —
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.3Level —
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.2Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.1Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.1Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- DesignImportance 1.0Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.0Level —
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.0Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 3.9
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
Show all 52
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Far VisionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- OriginalityImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- VisualizationImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.3Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.1Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.1Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.1Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Processing InformationImportance 4.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
Show all 41
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.3Level 2.7
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 2.7
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.5Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.3Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.2Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.1Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.1Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 1.9Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 1.6Level —
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
43 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (9)
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft ASP.NET
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (34)
- Allscripts healthcare automation software
- Boston Bar Systems Corporation Sonnet
- Bytescribe Development Company WavPlayer
- Calendar software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Crescendo Systems Corporation MedRite-XL
- Crescendo Systems DigiScribe-XL
- Database software
- dBASE Plus
- Electronic medical record EMR systems
- Email software
- Emmaus MPWord
- FileMaker Pro
- g-net solutions MTP
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- Integrated Systems Management OmniMD
- Medical terminology databases
- MedQuist DocQment Enterprise Platform
- Narratek Smartype
- Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking
- Patient billing software
- PCC EHR
- Precision Data Solutions VoicePower
- Prognosis Innovation Healthcare ChartAccess
- SpectraMedi EasyFlow
- Speech recognition software
- SpeedType
- SpeedUp Trans
- Spellex AccuCount
- Sylvan Software Complete Medical Pharmaceutical Spell Checker
- Sylvan Software DropChute Pro
- Sylvan Software ShortCut
- Web browser software
- YouTube
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Listening −1.0, Quality Control Analysis +0.8
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Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Service Orientation +0.9, Speaking +0.8
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Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Negotiation +0.9, Persuasion +0.9
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Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +1.5, Service Orientation +0.9
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Average difference 0.3 points · Writing −1.1, Reading Comprehension −1.0
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Average difference 0.3 points · Judgment and Decision Making −0.9, Active Learning −0.8
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Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Financial Resources +0.8, Service Orientation +0.8
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Average difference 0.3 points · Writing −1.1, Speaking +1.0
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.