Becoming a Medical Transcriptionist in New York
Medical transcriptionists are an important part of the healthcare team, as they are responsible for typing and reviewing the reports that make up an individual’s medical records. Specifically, they work to convert voice recordings from physicians and healthcare practitioners into written medical records. They must have a working knowledge of medical abbreviations, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and medical documentation.
Often, medical transcriptionists will also be required to review documentation generated with speech-recognition technology for inaccuracies and make appropriate corrections. Transcribed documentation will become a part of the patient’s medical record, and transcriptionists will need to ensure all documents meet proper legal and confidentiality requirements. Good working knowledge of word processing and data entry software as well as an eye for detail are important skills for anyone wishing to enter the field. Transcriptionists will also need to have a working knowledge of the reference materials needed to ensure proper documentation is achieved.
New York State Regulations for Medical Transcriptionists
A license is not needed to work as a medical transcriptionist in New York. There are, however, educational requirements including a high school diploma or equivalent and a certification acquired through an appropriate training program. Additional credentialing may be sought after upon completion of the program for those wishing to stand out in the field and boost potential for employment.
Programs in New York for Medical Transcription
In New York State, there is one program for those interested in a career as a medical transcriptionist:
- State University of New York (SUNY) Broome in Binghamton offers a certificate in Medical Transcription. Students will learn the basics of using word processing software and other equipment, while gaining a working knowledge of medical terminology and proper use of appropriate reference materials. Those wishing to pursue additional opportunities upon graduation may apply to SUNY Broome’s Health Information Technology or Medical Assisting programs to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. Credits earned in the Medical Transcription program will be applied toward the completion of the more advanced degree.
Additional Certifications
Although additional certifications are not required for medical transcriptionists, obtaining an advance credential can help show potential employers an extra level of expertise and professionalism. One organization offering certifications to medical transcriptionists is the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI). The Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) designation is earned through obtaining the proper credentials and passing an examination administered by ADHI. The exam consists of multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank type questions with audio, as well as a transcription-performance portion.
Salary and Growth Projections in New York
New York State is listed among the top five highest-paying states for medical transcriptionists, with the New York City-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area among the top-paying areas in the country, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS reports the mean annual income for this job field in the state as $42,020 in 2018.
Medical transcription as a career is experiencing a decline, with a negative 3.3 percent growth rate projected nationally between the years 2016 and 2026, according to Projections Central. In New York, the decline is predicted to be somewhat slower, with a negative 0.8 percent projected growth rate in the same period.
Opportunities for Medical Transcriptionists in New York
According to the BLS, medical transcriptionists are most often employed by business support services, physicians’ offices and general medical and surgical hospitals. However, the highest paying industries are local governments, accounting and bookkeeping agencies and medical and diagnostic laboratories. In New York, a few possible employers include NYU School of Medicine, Med Trans, Inc., Examworks Group, Inc., Stony Brook Administrative Services and NYU Langone Health.