Also known as diagnostic imaging, radiology is an integral discipline in the medical field. It specializes in diagnosing various diseases through imaging tests such as X-rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRIs), PET scans, and CT scans. According to a recent review by the Ontario Association of Radiologists (OAR), radiology is essential in the medical field since it makes it easy for physicians to diagnose fatal diseases such as cancer early and thus commence treatment.
Radiology Transcriptionist: A Quick Career Guide
Besides radiologists, some of the key professionals in this field include radiology transcriptionists. The truth is that healthcare transcription is highly crucial since it plays a vital role in patient care. Therefore, radiology transcriptionists are essential since they make it easy for patients to fully comprehend their diagnosis and any recommendations provided by their physicians. This article will delve into radiology transcription to give you an understanding of what it entails.
What Does a Radiology Transcriptionist Do?
Radiology transcription is the task of transcribing the various assessments and observations made by radiologists and other medical personnel in the radiology field. A radiology transcriptionist does this by completing medical reports that detail the radiology procedures, treatments, and diagnoses of patients. Since radiology is essential for disease diagnosis and treatment, it demands accurate transcriptions.
How exactly is radiology transcription done? Typically, a radiology transcriptionist listens to several medical reports about X-rays and other imaging tests, sonograms, and chemotherapy. After listening, a radiology transcriptionist must type out the patient procedures’ details, explain the medical abbreviations, and include any vital data from the medical records that insurance companies and other physicians should note. Therefore, as a radiology transcriptionist, you must have outstanding listening and typing skills.
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Becoming a Radiology Transcriptionist
There are numerous steps required for one to become a radiology transcriptionist. Often, applicants are required to have at least an associate degree or postsecondary certificate in medical transcription. The following are some of the standard requirements you should satisfy to become a radiology transcriptionist.
- Postsecondary Training in Radiology Transcription
Typically, employers prefer radiology transcriptionists who have acquired postsecondary training in medical transcription. This entails enrolling in a certificate or associate degree program to receive training in various disciplines, such as medical law and ethics, anatomy, medical terminology, and physiology. By doing this, students can learn about radiology terminology and how to transcribe radiology medical reports.
- Completing Word Processing Courses
Radiology transcription, like other medical transcription fields, requires a lot of typing. Therefore, radiology transcriptionists must be able to type quickly and accurately. To develop strong typing skills, one should apply for various keyboarding and word-processing courses. Similarly, constant typing practice is essential since it helps to increase speed and accuracy.
- Earning Certification
Although certification is voluntary, the majority of employers prefer radiology transcriptionists who are certified. When it comes to certification, you can acquire either a Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) or Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) credential.
A Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) certificate usually goes to transcriptionists who have worked in their respective fields for less than two years and are working in a single specialty, such as radiology. On the other hand, a Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) credential is mainly awarded to transcriptionists working in a multiple-specialty environment.
Most employers prefer applicants who have the CMT credential. This is because although radiology transcriptionists mainly work in radiology, they often need to understand the basics of other medical disciplines.
Final Thoughts
Radiology transcription is undoubtedly a vast field that requires individuals with excellent listening and typing skills. Most radiology transcriptionists work in hospitals, while others can perform their tasks at home. Similarly, they can work in diagnostic laboratories, outpatient care centers, and physicians’ offices.
