Augusta State University: Continuing Education Division

Home > Continuing Education Division > Online Medical Transcription

2500 Walton Way
Augusta, GA 30904-2200
Tel: 706.737.1636
Fax: 706.731.7960

Call 706-737-1636 for information and to register

Medical Transcriptionist

Career Description
Medical transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and other health care professionals and transcribe them into medical reports, correspondence and other administrative material. They generally listen to recordings on a headset, using a foot pedal to pause the recording when necessary, and key the text into a personal computer or word processor, editing as necessary for grammar and clarity. The documents they produce include discharge summaries, history and physical examination reports, operative reports, consultation reports, autopsy reports, diagnostic imaging studies, progress notes, and referral letters. Medical transcriptionists return transcribed documents to the physicians or other health care professionals who dictated them for review and signature or correction. These documents eventually become part of patients’ permanent files. Medical transcriptionists are in demand more than ever. Transcription services range from small, home-based businesses to large corporations.

Medical Transcription Training Program
All courses in the Medical Transcriptionist Training Program are completed online. Training covers the basic medical knowledge needed to succeed in the field of transcription using Internet-based transcription equipment while being supervised by an expert in the field. Knowledge of keyboarding and Microsoft Word is required. A certificate of completion is awarded upon completion of the following courses:

The Medical Transcription Program is changing in order to comply with The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) program requirements. The AHDI establishes industry standards for the occupation of Medical Transcription and also for educational programs. Our program is changing slightly to meet the AHDI criteria in anticipation of being an AHDI approved program. The process for approval is underway. We have not yet received approval.

Students who began the program in September 2009 and will begin in January 2010 will take the following courses to receive a certificate of completion.

Term 1
          Introduction to Continuing Education Online Learning
          Medical Terminology for Medical Transcriptionists
          Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Transcriptionists
          Pharmacology
          Using The Transcriptionist's Book of Style

Term 2
Introduction to Medical Transcription (foot pedal and headphones suggested)
Transcription I (foot pedal and headphones required)

Term 3
          Transcription II (foot pedal and headphones required)
         *Transcription III (foot pedal and headphones required)
          Medical Transcription Workforce Readiness
         *Internship

*Required additional courses for students beginning the program in September 2009 or January 2010.

Book and Equipment Information
Students in the Charleston area may purchase books at the Continuing Education Bookroom. All others should visit http://www.mbsdirect.net/ to purchase textbooks for Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, the Book of Style and Introduction to Medical Transcription. If using MBS Direct, it is advised to purchase textbooks 7-10 working days before each course begins to ensure textbook is in hand upon course start date. Textbooks are not required for The Introduction to Online Learning, Transcription I, II, III, Workforce Readiness, and the Internship courses.

Transcription equipment that is needed for the transcription courses will be covered in the Book of Style course. Each course is priced individually. A basic keyboarding (typing) course is strongly encouraged before entering the Medical Transcriptionist Training Program (see Computer Technology section for course information). Textbooks are not included in tuition..

Each course is priced individually. A basic keyboarding (typing) course is strongly encouraged before entering the Medical Transcriptionist Training Program (see page 8 for course information). Textbooks are not included in tuition. Text books are available for purchase through www.mbsdirect.net Apply for student loans at 1.800.GO.PLATO.

Introduction to Continuing Education Online Learning

This course provides an introduction to software applications necessary to participate in Continuing Education online health care programs. Other applications reviewed are Microsoft Outlook and searching the net. This course is a prerequisite to all online courses. No Book Required.

XPHH 568-501 1/5-1/19 $40

XPHH 568-502 2/4-02/18 $40

XPHH 568-503 3/4-3/18 $40

XPHH 568-504 /8-4/22 $40

Medical Terminology for Transcription

This course helps students master the medical vocabulary and terms used in Medical Transcription. It covers word parts, root words, general application, abbreviations, medical terminology and body systems. Books not included

XPHH-552-501 1/6-2/15 $159

Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology for Transcriptionists

This course covers basic anatomy and physiology and is an introduction to all human body systems and their functions. It is perfect for the student entering a career in Medical Transcription where interpretation and understanding of the human body is necessary to be successful. Books not included

XPHA 555-501 2/4-3/17 $185

Pharmacology

This course is an overview of pharmacology and how it is used to treat different disease states. If you need a general understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of disease using the numerous types of medical drugs on the market today, this course is for you. Prerequisite: .Books not included

XPHA 538-501 3/19-5/2 $185

Using The Transcriptionist’s Book of Style

This course introduces the student to the standards of practice for transcribing medical dictation as set forth by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity. in their “Book of Style”. The AHDI is the professionally recognized authority in establishing medical transcription styles, forms and practices. Utilizing a combination of online lessons and the formats explained in the Book of Style the student will learn industry standards for preparing documents as they are used in the healthcare profession.

Book s not included.

XPHH 570-501 3/19-5/2 $159

Pathology and Medicine for Medical Transcription (NAME CHANGE AND CONTACT HOURS ARE NOW 64HRS)

This course summarizes the pre-requisite courses and introduces pathophysiology emphasizing important concepts related to human diseases. The most common diseases and disorders of each body system are presented with a review of anatomy and physiology pertinent to the content. This course also introduces the student to the process of medical transcription using various skills involving medical terminology, format, and punctuation and computer technology. Dictation to be transcribed and studied is grouped by medical specialty to offer related vocabulary, technical content and other instructional material in an easy to understand format. The dictation to be transcribed includes chart notes, letters, initial office evaluations, consultations, history and physical examinations, discharge summaries, operative reports, emergency department reports, procedure notes and diagnostic studies from each medical specialty. Books not included

XPHH 572-501 1/7-3/18 $369

Transcription I

This course provides a student with a bulk of original medical dictation from which the student will produce transcribed medical documents. This first level course addresses general medical reports common to all specialties, histories and physicals, discharge summaries, consultations, and others from various specialties. This is not an introductory course, for an introductory level course please see Introduction to Transcription. Includes Transcription CD.

XPHH 574- 501 1/9-2/21 $369

Transcription II

This course provides a student with a bulk of original medical dictation from which the student will produce transcribed medical documents. This second level course will explore the documents used in the specialties of Radiology, Pathology, Cardiology, Orthopedics and Gastrointestinal. Includes Transcription CD.

XPHH 575-501 1/13-2/17 $360

Transcription III

XPHH 576- 501 2/22-3/29 $275

Medical Transcription Workforce Readiness

This course will teach the transcription student how to transition into the Medical Transcription workforce. Topics reinforced are: HIPAA, Universal Precautions, and Job Searching, Professional Standards and organizations; security, privacy and many other issues pertinent to the occupation of Medical Transcription. XPHH 583 -501 3/30-4/18 $99

Medical Transcription Internship

Experience real life Medical Transcription with an online internship experience with a nationally known internet transcription business.

XPHH 528 TBA $129