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.
SOC: 31-9094.00
Common Job Titles
Medical Scribe
Medical Transcriptionist
Radiology Transcriptionist
Transcriptionist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate transcribed medical reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with healthcare documentation standards using knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and procedures before submitting for physician review.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret verbal medical dictation with varying audio quality and accents using active listening and contextual knowledge to produce accurate written documentation.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply grammar, punctuation, and English language conventions when editing and formatting medical documents for clarity and professional presentation.
Proficient
KnowledgeDemonstrate knowledge of administrative and regulatory requirements for medical documentation including HIPAA compliance and healthcare coding systems (HCPCS) in daily transcription work.
Proficient
KnowledgeDemonstrate proficiency with specialized medical transcription software and speech recognition tools including Dragon NaturallySpeaking and EMR platforms, adapting to evolving technology.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply medical terminology and abbreviations when transcribing dictated reports across multiple specialties, ensuring accurate translation into fully understandable form.
Developing
Hands-onOperate transcription equipment and electronic medical record systems efficiently managing multiple recording devices and software platforms to process high volumes of dictation.
Developing
KnowledgeOrganize workflow and prioritize multiple transcription assignments working independently with time-sensitive deadlines across various clinical departments.
Developing
MindsetRespect patient confidentiality and professional ethical standards when handling sensitive medical information across diverse clinical scenarios.
Developing
KnowledgeDistinguish critical information requiring clarification from routine documentation using critical thinking to identify inconsistencies or unclear dictation requiring physician follow-up.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Medical Transcriptionists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
43,070
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $26,370. 25th percentile: U.S. $31,200. 50th percentile: U.S. $37,550. 75th percentile: U.S. $45,680. 90th percentile: U.S. $53,890. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$26,370
10% of workers earn the following or more
$53,890
Workers on average earn
$39,210
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
English Language4.5/5
Administrative4.3/5
Computers and Electronics3.8/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.0/5
Customer and Personal Service2.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
