Because of the clerical nature of the transcriptionist position in Minnesota, it is recommended to begin planning for the workforce as early as high school. There are several helpful electives at the high school level, including computer applications courses, intro to health care, and office procedures that will allow for a proper foundation in the medical transcriptionist field.
Once a high school diploma is obtained, a certificate from an accredited post-secondary vocational school is needed. This will take between one and two years depending on the institution. In addition to courses in keyboarding, medical transcription, and anatomy & physiology, it is necessary to have quick keyboarding skills, a strong understanding of the English language and a broad knowledge of medical terminology and proper spelling.
While Minnesota only calls for a 29-credit certification course, it is recommended that potential transcriptionists continue to strive for their Associate’s Degree in the event they wish to work outside of the state. There are other factors involved in going for an AA as well, including the need to learn about accounting, entrepreneurship, and business tactics due to the self-employed aspects of the field.
For those who wish to move up the pay ladder, the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity offers certified exams that are nationally recognized. While there are not any classes that go with these, it is recommended that a transcriptionist has at least two years of experience before taking the AHDI exam. There are study guides available through the AHDI website. There are a variety of Minnesota medical transcription schools, mainly offered in an online format.Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Medical Transcriptionists in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rochester, Minnesota may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the United Hospital, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Children’s of Minnesota and St. Mary’s Hospital.