How to Become a Certified Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists transform dictated recordings from doctors and other medical professionals into written medical reports, correspondence and other documents. To successfully and accurately transcribe the dictations they must have a working knowledge of medical terminology, diagnostic procedures, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, treatments and medical abbreviations. The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) offers a Certified Medical Transcriptionists (CMT) certification for medical transcriptionists who want to document their advanced training, experience and skill in this profession.

Obtain the needed skills and/or training
Employers prefer hiring a medical transcriptionist who has completed a formal medical transcriptionist training program. These programs are readily available at vocational schools, community colleges and through online training programs. The one year certificate programs and two year associate's degree programs focus on anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, legal issues, writing skills, English grammar and computer skills. These skills may also be obtained through on the job training or experience in another medical field.

Fulfill the experience requirement
Two years of medical transcription in an acute care setting is required before sitting for the CMT certification examination. This experience requires multiple dictators, multiple report types and formats and multiple medical specialties covered.

Download the CMT Candidate Guide from the AHDI website
This guide will provide you with detailed exam information, testing policies, sample test questions and recommended study materials.

Take and pass the CMT certification examination
The examination is administered at Prometric testing facilities available throughout the United States, and includes two parts. The first part covers medical transcription knowledge and contains multiple choice questions. The second part tests your transcription performance through transcription, proofreading, and/or editing. The testing facility will provided headphones for you to complete the second part of the examination. You can expect to spend about four hours at the facility for your examination. Your results will be immediately available after you complete the exam. You will be able to download your certificate from the ADHI website upon passing the examination.

Maintain your certification
The CMT certification remains valid for three years. To renew your certification you will need to complete 30 hours of continuing education credits and pay the recertification fee each three years.