How do you become a medical transcription?
Robert Miller
Updated on April 04, 2026
How to become a medical transcriber
- Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
- Determine your typing speed.
- Earn a medical transcription certificate.
- Learn medical terminology.
- Obtain RHDS certification.
- Gain experience.
- Obtain CHDS certification.
- Update your resume.
What degree is required to be a medical transcriptionist?
Employers typically prefer to hire transcriptionists who have completed an associate degree, diploma or certificate program in medical transcription.
How many years of college do you need to become a medical transcriptionist?
How long does it take to earn medical transcription certification or degree? Medical transcription certification will take at least six months, though most transcription programs will take nine months to a year. An associate’s degree in applied science in medical transcription takes two years.
Where can I get degree in medical transcription?
Online health care degree programs in medical transcription can commonly be found at community colleges, vocational schools and online universities. Some two-year programs may result in an associate degree, but graduates of shorter programs receive a certificate of completion.
What kind of work does a medical transcriptionist do?
Medical transcriptionists turn audio recordings from health professionals into text documents. As such, the majority of their study is focused on practicing transcription techniques, learning medical language, and working with transcription technologies.
Do you need a GED for medical transcription?
Some online programs are also available. A high school diploma or GED is a prerequisite for admission. In most associate degree programs, students take some general education classes in English, math, humanities, natural and social sciences, communications and analytical thinking.
