Program Overview

 

Semester 1 – Introduction to the Medical Transcription Industry
The Introduction semester is designed to help you understand the field of medical transcription/speech recognition editing and the core concepts of performing optimally as a medical transcriptionist/speech recognition editor.  The course includes an overview of the medical transcription industry; the tools, materials, and types of documents created by medical transcriptionists, and the basic grammar principles that provide a firm foundation for mastering the fundamentals needed to create accurate medical reports. 

Semester 2 – Medical Knowledge I
The Medical Knowledge I semester covers the following specialties: Laboratory Studies, Medical Imaging, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Pulmonology, Cardiology and Gastroenterology.  During this phase of training the basic concept of pathology and the processes pathologists use to diagnose a given condition will be presented.  Dermatology topics will describe the anatomy, common conditions, diseases and disorders that affect skin and the treatment options for each.  Otorhinolaryngology topics will describe the anatomic structures of the eye, ear, nose and throat.  In Pulmonology, the structures of the respiratory system will be identified along with the functions of each.  Students will come away with an understanding of the common tests and diagnostic procedures involved, as well as the ability to correctly define, spell and pronounce the medical terms associated with each specialty.

Semester 3 – Medical Knowledge II
The Medical Knowledge II semester of the program covers the following specialties: Urology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedics, Neurology, Immunology, Oncology and Endocrinology.  During this phase of training the students will identify the basic anatomic structures that make up the female reproductive system, discuss the anatomy of bone and the organization and structure of the skeleton, and understand the structures of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves.  As the student progresses through this semester they will also become familiar with the function of the immune system, discuss the concept of cancer and cell structure and identify and locate the organs and glands related to the endocrine system.  Students will come away with an understanding of the common tests and diagnostic procedures involved, as well as an ability to correctly define, spell and pronounce the medical terms associated with each specialty.

Semester 4 – Advanced Transcription
The Advanced Transcription semester of the program covers two elements of education. The first part of this semester will cover the medicolegal aspects of the healthcare record inclusive of outlining the purpose of the healthcare record as well as the content and formats commonly seen in today’s healthcare documentation.  This semester of the program will also establish a general knowledge of existing standards and regulation as set by a variety of organizations including AHDI, AHIMA, AMA, JCAHO, NCQA, HL7, ASTM and CMS.  In the second part of this semester the student will accurately transcribe commonly dictated cardiology and surgical reports from a variety of dictators using language skills and medical knowledge to appropriately edit, revise and clarify while transcribing dictation, without altering the meaning of the dictation or changing the author’s style.

Semester 5 – Practicum
The Practicum is an integral component of this curriculum.  During this phase of the training, under the supervision of the student’s instructor and Education Assistants, you will begin transcribing medical documents from "dead voice files" - inactive, past dictation by real physicians and will be graded on their productivity and quality of work.  Students will work with one of the Education Assistants and/or their instructor throughout the Practicum and will receive extensive feedback on report transcriptions.  The Practicum includes authentic dictations, giving students experience with multiple specialties, accents, and styles representative of the work they will receive when employed.

 

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