At TalentMed, we often get asked whether a career that let’s you work from home and choose your own hours still exists.
A career that lets you work from home offers flexible hours, freedom, and at times – a complete work/life balance. Over the years, work-from-home careers have become increasingly popular but many people are still skeptical that such jobs are real.
There are plenty of opportunities for work-at-home careers, but one that is currently experiencing a nationwide shortage of well-trained professionals is medical transcription.
Medical transcription (MT) gives you the chance to enjoy the flexibility you need while providing you with a rewarding income. All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and a passion to learn the medical transcription industry!
Whether you want to enjoy the benefits of a better work/life balance or you want to provide your family with extra income, being a medical transcriptionist is a great career choice if you want to work from home.
What does a Medical Transcriptionist do?
In its traditional form, medical transcription involves listening to an audio file of a doctor’s notes from a patient encounter and then converting that file to a written report. But the profession has evolved over the last few years due to the introduction of voice recognition technology. With voice recognition (VR) software, the doctor’s dictated reports are automatically turned that into text by the software. But instead of causing job loss in the MT industry, VR software has only changed the way a transcriptionist does their work.
Many Medical Transcriptionists in the industry now act as both MT’s and MT editors. A transcriptionist editor will review draft reports prepared automatically by the voice recognition software and look for accuracy and consistency on the report. Other MT responsibilities include:
Hospitals and private physicians often outsource their transcription needs to outside professional agencies that specialise in healthcare documentation. The remuneration of an MT is often determined by the volume of work they complete, so the hours are very flexible and you can generally choose when and where you complete your work.
What training is required to become a Medical Transcriptionist?
Often to land your first assignment as a Medical Transcriptionist, you’ll need to complete formal education and training that prepares you to enter the workforce.
Medical transcription requires a good understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and grammar. Many doctors speak quickly and others have heavy accents, all of which can make it hard to understand recordings if you aren’t a skilled listener and familiar with medical terms.
Therefore, it is essential that your course contains both theory-based learning and practical training. Having the proper education helps you work more quickly and more accurately.
TalentMed’s nationally accredited Diploma of Healthcare Documentation provides you with the training needed to be career-ready as a Medical Transcriptionist.
TalentMed’s nationally recognised Diploma of Healthcare Documentation is designed to help provide you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to get a job and excel in this increasingly popular field as a Medical Transcriptionist.
Most noteworthy, this is currently the first and only nationally recognised course in Australia that provides both medical transcription and editing training. Also, qualified trainers are available from the moment you start the course, all the way through until you complete your course.
12 months access
12 months access to expert-created curriculum.
Flexible Online Study
Delivered entirely online through a fun and interactive learning portal, that you can access at a time and place that suits you.
Unlimited support
Unlimited one-on-one support from qualified trainers and our technical support team.
Job placement assistance
Excellent job search assistance included for graduates upon course completion, help turn your education into a dream career.
How will I find work as a Medical Transcriptionist?
There are many career choices for our graduates and TalentMed helps you the entire way in this process. Once you complete the course, your Graduate Support Team will provide you with extensive job search assistance.
Through our network of associated public and private hospitals, medical clinics, transcription agencies and Medical Transcription Service Organisations (MTSOs) we are able to assist you in finding a suitable position upon graduation. As a result, we have been able to place a high number of our graduates into working positions!
In fact, there is a very high demand for qualified Medical Transcriptionists, and we consistently receive large requests for TalentMed graduates from employers nationwide. For example, these include:
What is the best way to get started to become a Medical Transcriptionist?
Here at TalentMed, we assist you every step of the way to pursue your dream of working from home. However, not only you would be able to have more time to enjoy doing the things you love, but above all, you can work while staying home to be with your family.
For more information on becoming a Medical Transcriptionist, check out our Ultimate Guide, training to become a Medical Transcriptionist or you can register for a free information pack below.
Let us know in the comments below what interests you in becoming a Medical Transcriptionist!
Want to find out more?
Enter your details below to receive a free information pack instantly.
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Hi Talentmed,
Your Diploma Course is of great interest. I’m a certified medical transcriptionist proofreader/copy editor with around 9 year’s work experience, but have not been active in the field for the last 7 years. I’m keen on picking up where I left off and your course seems exactly what the Dr. ordered (pardon the pun!) … barring the fees! A migrant (here for permanent settlement), currently unemployed, with no financial assistance/benefits, I am in somewhat of a major quandary … any suggestions would help. Thanks.
Hi Rosalie,
Thank you for your comment.
It is great to hear that you’re interested in returning to medical transcription!
Most employers in Australia will require you to have at least three years of current Medical Transcription experience or a nationally recognised qualification such as the Diploma of Healthcare Documentation.
As the course is nationally recognised, you may be eligible for Centrelink assistance to help you financially whilst undertaking the course such as Austudy, Youth Allowance, or various Up-skilling programs.
In addition, TalentMed’s Diploma of Healthcare Documentation is one of the most affordable qualifications available – often being a fraction of the cost of other Diploma’s in Australia. I hope this information helps. If you have any questions – please feel free to contact a Course Adviser today on 03 9937 1599 or via enrol@talentmed.edu.au.
How long is the course for/?Do you mind giving an idea on the fees for the program as well
Hi Dona,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
The course is delivered online and you can progress through your studies at your own pace. Most students complete the Diploma in approximately 4-6 months full-time and 8 months part-time. However, you do have a full year to complete the course at your own pace.
For a full list of our fees and charges please see TalentMed’s Statement of Fees available at https://talentmed.edu.au/about-us/accreditation/. If you have any questions – please feel free to contact a Course Adviser today on 03 9937 1599 or via enrol@talentmed.edu.au.
Hello,
I am very interested in undertaking the Diploma to help me in my career as a transcriptionist. I have a sister who has many years experience as a legal transcriptionist/Stenographer and enjoys her work very much. so I would also like to follow this path and the possibility to work from home is fantastic. Just making an enquiry about the payment of the course. Is it possible to pay via HECS or does the fee need to be paid up front?
Many thanks.
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for your interest in the Diploma of Healthcare Documentation.
It is great to hear that you have a family member working in the transcription industry – it is a fantastic field!
In regards to the enrolment fee for the course, we currently have two payment options available – An upfront fee and a government subsidised tuition fee. At the moment, the Diploma of Healthcare Documentation is not available for VET FEE-HELP, however please contact a Course Adviser today on 03 9937 1599 or enrol@talentmed.edu.au as they will best be able to help with the funding opportunities available to you.
Hi,
Is anyone wanting to sell their old text books, in hard copy format. Please let me know, thanks. Ambreen (ambreenw@live.com.au)
Hi Ambreen,
Thank you for your comment.
You may need to repost your enquiry on the TalentHub Student Community Forum as this is where most of our current and past students connect with each other.
Alternatively, please call 03 9937 1599 if there’s anything we can assist with.
Are you able to let me know the equipment, other than a computer, is required to undertake MT course. Thank you.
Hi Gail,
Thank you for your comment.
Apart from a computer and an internet connection, everything you need to complete the Diploma of Healthcare Documentation is included with your tuition.
However, we do recommend the use of earphones or headphones when undertaking the practicum sections. If you wish to decide on a new pair we can certainly recommend models & brands based on your personal preferences.
Please feel free to contact one of our Course Advisers on 03 9937 1599 or via enrol@talentmed.edu.au for tailored advice.