Centre for Distance Education - Canada's Distance Learning Leader - Call Today 1.888.363.1901
Medical Office Administration

Medical Transcription

Be a Medical Transcriptionist

If you're keen-eyed and precise with details and interested in learning about medical terms, procedures and diagnoses, Medical Transcription could be for you.

Your ability to responsibly assure that the physician's words are recorded promptly and accurately, along with your excellent editing and proofreading skills, will make you highly attractive to top employers.

As a medical transcription professional you'll make an important contribution to the healthcare system while working in the healthcare sector or as a self-employed independent contractor. You'll also have the satisfaction of knowing your job contributes to wellness and improved quality of life for others.

Admission Requirements

A grade 12 diploma or equivalent (including a Grade 11 or 12 Science) is technically all you need; however, it's also important that you are a good fit within the program.

If you have even three of the following, you're a good candidate to train for a career in Medical Office Administration:

  • Eye for detail and ability to edit carefully
  • Ear for words
  • Excellent writing and research skills
  • Interest in medicine
  • Good customer service skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Computer skills
  • General office and secretarial skills
 

Testimonial: I was thinking of going to the local college, but I didn’t want to stop working. And I always had hard time concentrating in class, when there’s a lot of people around, lot of noises… One day I was browsing on the Internet, I ended up on the CD-ED website, ordered the info package, and here I am now, graduated! I just LOVED my experience with CD-ED, the staff is totally awesome, nice, the MOA course is very interesting and I honestly think that it was not long enough (in a good way), it went by so fast and I had fun. - Jolaine Haiche, MOA Graduate

Career Prospects

Successful graduates have found work as:

  • Medical Transcriptionist
  • Transcriptionist
  • Transcriber

Due to the nature of the job, medical transcriptionists can often work from home, and provide services to businesses outside their immediate area. Pay is often arranged through the amount of work produced.

In Canada, Medical Transcriptionists are employed in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, government agencies, medical clinics and doctors' offices, insurance companies, medical libraries, research facilities, medical transcription services, or they may be self-employed.

With continued employment and experience in the field it is possible to move into a supervisory role, which includes editing, teaching, consulting, and other roles. Opportunities are best for medical transcriptionists with excellent typing speed and accuracy, high level computer skills, and excellent knowledge of medical terminology. The need for transcriptionists is steady and will likely continue despite increases and innovations in technology.

Salary Expectations

Entry-level Medical Transcriptionists earn an average of CDN$44,262. [salary source: payscale.com].

Some Typical Duties of a Medical Transcriptionist:

  • Transcribing machine dictation or rough notes from medical reports, correspondence, medical records and patient information
  • Proofreading and editing work for typographical and grammatical errors
  • Recording & transcribing medical records and other reports requiring knowledge of medical terminology
  • Recording and transcribing surgical proceedings
  • Maintaining references for medical terminology
  • Medical transcription log book maintenance
  • Collecting dictation tapes
  • Distributing finished transcripts

Career Guidance Program

CD-ED is committed to helping you find employment in the field of your choice. In fact, we’ll start before you even begin as a student! If you call us today, your personal admissions representative will research the job market for this career in your city, and help you decide if this program is the right path for your future.

After graduation, we’ll help you find an interview with your prospective employer in the job market. And of course, your new up-to-date skills will put you at the top of any interviewer’s list!

What You Learn

Students learn how to methodically interpret & transcribe dictations by health care providers quickly and easily. The program prepares graduates by providing comprehensive coverage and integration of business communication skills as well as an understanding and knowledge of disorders and diseases and the terms used to describe them.

What You Get

If you follow our registered course outline and put in the required hours, we guarantee your success. Below are some of the ways we ensure that you will graduate successfully.

Online Services & Community Learning

Our student website ensures that you'll never feel alone, with access to course-wide discussions, live chats and a private messaging system that allow you to interact with as many (or as few!) fellow students as you wish - just like in a real classroom. Through the website you will have unlimited access to your lessons, online tests, audio & video tutorials, assignment upload, your report card, tech centre, a resource library and more.

Unlimited Instructor Support

You will have unlimited one-on-one instructor support via email, chat, online classroom webinars and toll-free phone calls throughout your entire program - and beyond.

Our instructors have industry experience and can help you understand how to conquer the job market before you go out into it.

You're never a number at CD-ED - our instructors and guidance counselor will take a personal interest in your progress and will be in touch with you constantly throughout the year, making sure everything is going well with your program and whatever of your home life you wish to share.

Learning Materials Included

Unlike traditional classrooms, you don't need to go out and buy your own textbooks. As part of your tuition, when you become a student you will have all textbooks and registered software shipped directly to your door. A full set of instructions and tutorials will be included, along with access to your customized online learning management system.

We include a “How to Study At Home” learning package with your materials, and along with our exclusive Student Tracking System it will help you schedule your time to ensure a successful student experience.

Equipment Options

You have the option of a brand-new desktop or laptop computer on loan to facilitate your education. A computer is simply a tool, and we make sure you have the best tools available, running smoothly to allow you to learn under optimal conditions.

And, as a graduation gift, the computer you choose will be yours to keep on the successful completion of your program. NOTE: Accepting computer equipment from CD-ED is optional – not mandatory.

Course Timetable

Duration: 52 weeks, 1300 hours (Based on a 25-hour work week)

The following course modules are required to complete the online diploma program Medical Transcription:

Hours

Module
50
COC 203 Business Communications
225
MTR 101 Medical Terminology
150
MTR 102 Pathophysiology
400
MTR 103 Medical Transcription Introduction
425
MTR 203 Medical Transcription Advanced
50
MTR 104 Medical Transcription Proofreading

For more details on each course module, the program as a whole and the school itself, fill out the form at the top of this page to receive a Career Training Info Kit.

Is a Career in Medical Transcription Right For You? Find out...

If you're interested in exploring your career options and possibly pursuing an exciting new profession with an opportunity for a positive life change, Fill out the form to receive a FREE Medical Transcription Career Training Information Kit. to top of page ^

A helpful CD-ED Admissions Specialist will then assist you with everything from career questions to financial aid and help you discover the perfect career path for you.