Top 10 Medical Transcriptionist Certifications

Certifications are important for medical transcriptionists because they signify a certain level of knowledge and skill in the profession. Earning certifications demonstrates a commitment to excellence and shows potential employers that the individual has put in the effort to become well-versed in the industry. Certifications can also provide an edge over other applicants when competing for jobs, as employers often prefer to hire certified professionals. Additionally, certifications may be required by some employers or state licensing boards, making them essential for anyone wishing to work as a medical transcriptionist.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the benefits of obtaining certifications for medical transcriptionists in order to further their career.

What are Medical Transcriptionist Certifications?

Medical transcriptionist certification is a type of certification that can be obtained by completing a course or program in medical transcription. This certification provides an individual with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately transcribe medical records, reports, and other documents from one format to another. It also includes training on how to use specialized software programs and equipment used in the field of medical transcription.

Certification as a medical transcriptionist can help individuals become more marketable when seeking employment in the field. Certification demonstrates that an individual has the necessary qualifications and experience to perform the job correctly. Additionally, it serves as a way for employers to verify that potential employees are knowledgeable about the specific requirements for accurately transcribing medical records and documents. Certification also helps ensure that employers are hiring qualified individuals who possess the skills necessary to provide accurate transcripts of patient records. Furthermore, certification may be required for certain positions within the medical transcription industry, such as those involving legal aspects of transcription or working with confidential patient information.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research any medical transcriptionist certification program before enrolling. Look for programs that provide comprehensive instruction, give you access to the latest technology, and offer job placement assistance upon completion. Additionally, make sure the program is accredited by a professional organization such as AHDI or AHIMA.

Related: What does a Medical Transcriptionist do?

Top 10 Medical Transcriptionist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Medical Transcriptionists today.

1. American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT) Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT)

The American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT) Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in medical transcription. It is designed to ensure that certified medical transcriptionists are knowledgeable, competent and up-to-date in their field.

In order to become a CMT, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least two years of full-time experience as a medical transcriptionist;
• Pass an AAMT-approved written examination; and
• Successfully complete an approved continuing education program.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, legal aspects of medical transcription, document formatting and editing techniques, grammar and punctuation rules, computer applications related to medical transcription, and quality assurance principles.

The cost of the exam varies depending on the testing center but typically ranges from $150-$200. The cost of the continuing education program also varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $50-$100.

Once an individual has met all requirements for certification they will be awarded with the title “Certified Medical Transcriptionist” (CMT). This title can be used on resumes or business cards and can help demonstrate your commitment to professionalism in the field of medical transcription.

2. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP)

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the accuracy, completeness, and quality of patient health information. This certification is intended for individuals who are responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and improving the clinical documentation of patient care.

To become an AHIMA CDIP certified professional, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. To be eligible, you must have at least two years of experience in health information management or related field as well as a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education in clinical documentation improvement topics within the last three years.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, healthcare reimbursement systems, legal issues related to healthcare documentation, data analysis techniques, and quality improvement processes. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the CDIP exam is $299 for AHIMA members and $399 for non-members. The cost includes registration fees as well as access to study materials and practice exams.

Once you have passed the exam and met all eligibility requirements, you will receive your CDIP certification from AHIMA. Your certification will remain valid for three years from the date it was issued. You can renew your certification by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam every three years.

3. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a nationally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively perform administrative duties in a medical setting. It is designed for those who are currently working or seeking employment in the field of medical administration.

The CMAA certification requires passing an exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, coding, insurance billing, scheduling, patient records management, and other administrative tasks.

To be eligible for the CMAA certification exam, applicants must have at least one year of full-time work experience in a medical office setting or have completed an approved training program within the past five years.

The cost of the exam varies by location but typically ranges from $175-$225 USD. After passing the exam, individuals will receive their official CMAA certificate and can use the credential on resumes and job applications.

4. American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient (CPC-HOP)

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient (CPC-HOP) is a certification designed for those who work in hospital outpatient coding. It is an advanced certification that requires knowledge and experience in the field of medical coding. The CPC-HOP certification validates coders’ knowledge and proficiency in coding for hospital outpatient services, such as Emergency Room visits, Inpatient Observation, Outpatient Surgery, and more.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CPC-HOP exam. During this time, applicants should review the AAPC’s official CPC-HOP study guide and practice exams. They should also become familiar with the ICD-10 code set and CPT codes used in hospital outpatient coding.

To get the CPC-HOP certification, applicants must pass a proctored exam administered by the AAPC. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodologies, and more.

The cost of the CPC-HOP exam is $399 for AAPC members ($499 for nonmembers). Additionally, there is an application fee of $50 which must be paid at least two weeks prior to taking the exam.

5. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) certification is a professional credential that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the use of electronic health records (EHRs). This certification is designed for healthcare professionals who are responsible for managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting EHR systems.

It takes approximately 6-9 months to complete the CEHRS program. To get certified, you must first complete an approved training program or have at least two years of experience working with EHRs. After completing the training or gaining the required experience, you must pass a proctored exam administered by NHA.

The cost of getting certified depends on the type of training you choose. If you take an online course or self-study program, it will typically cost between $300-$500. If you take a live classroom course, it will usually cost between $1,000-$2,000. The cost of taking the exam is $200.

6. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a professional certification for individuals who work in the field of health information management. The RHIT credential is designed to demonstrate a technician’s knowledge and skills in the areas of medical coding, data analysis, data quality control, patient confidentiality, and legal compliance.

To become an RHIT, individuals must pass an exam administered by AHIMA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, ICD-10 coding systems, HIPAA regulations, and other related topics. It typically takes between 6-12 months of study to prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the RHIT exam varies depending on whether or not you are an AHIMA member. For non-members, the cost is $399; for members it is $299. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with scheduling your exam appointment at a testing center.

7. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA-NA/CCMA-PDA/CCMA-CPT/CCMA-RMA/CCMA-NCMA/CCMA-CPT II )

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA-NA/CCMA-PDA/CCMA-CPT/CCMA-RMA/CCMA-NCMA/CCMA-CPT II ) is a certification that demonstrates the competency of medical assistants in the clinical setting. This certification is designed to recognize excellence and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of medical assistants who are employed in a variety of healthcare settings.

The CCMA exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. It covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, patient care procedures, laboratory procedures, medical law and ethics, safety practices, CPR and first aid.

To become certified as a CCMA you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being at least 18 years old; having completed an accredited medical assistant program or have equivalent experience; passing a criminal background check; and passing the NHA CCMA exam with a score of at least 70%.

The cost of taking the CCMA exam varies depending on where you take it. The exam fee ranges from $115 to $135 for members of NHA and $145 to $165 for nonmembers. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees.

8. American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder Apprentice – Hospital Outpatient( CPC-A - HOP )

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder Apprentice – Hospital Outpatient (CPC-A - HOP) is a certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills needed to become proficient in medical coding. The CPC-A - HOP certification is specifically for coders who work in hospital outpatient settings, such as emergency rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and outpatient clinics.

To become certified, an individual must pass the AAPC’s CPC-A - HOP exam. This exam covers topics such as coding principles, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, reimbursement systems, and legal aspects of coding. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

In order to take the CPC-A - HOP exam, an individual must first become a member of the AAPC. Membership costs $50 per year and includes access to study materials and other resources. After becoming a member, an individual can register for the exam at a cost of $399. The cost of the exam includes access to online practice exams and other resources that can help individuals prepare for the test.

Once an individual passes the exam, they will receive their CPC-A - HOP certification from the AAPC. This certification is valid for two years after which time it must be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

9. American Academy of Professional Coders( AAPC ) Certified Risk Adjustment Coder( CRC )

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) credential is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the area of risk adjustment coding. The CRC credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the ability to accurately interpret, abstract, and code diagnoses and procedures from medical records for risk adjustment purposes.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements necessary to earn the CRC credential. To become certified, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as ICD-10-CM/PCS coding, HCC coding, CPT coding, and other related areas. Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge of risk adjustment coding through a series of practice tests and case studies.

The cost of obtaining the CRC credential varies depending on the number of exams taken and other factors. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $400-$600 for all required materials and exams.

In addition to passing the exam(s), candidates must also meet certain eligibility requirements in order to be eligible for certification. These include having at least two years of professional experience in risk adjustment coding or a related field, as well as completing at least 20 continuing education units (CEUs) within two years prior to applying for certification.

10. National Healthcareer Association( NHA ) Certified Billing and Coding Specialist( CBCS )

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is a professional certification that demonstrates a mastery of medical billing and coding knowledge. It is designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professionals who work in the health information management field.

It takes approximately 3-6 months to complete the CBCS certification program. To get certified, you must first pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, reimbursement methodologies, healthcare data management, compliance regulations, and more. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 2 hours. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification from NHA.

The cost of the CBCS certification program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 for the course materials plus an additional fee for taking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Medical Transcriptionist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what kind of medical transcriptionist you want to be. If you are looking for a job as a beginner or even an entry-level transcriptionist, then you do not necessarily need a medical transcriptionist certificate. However, if you want to advance your career and become an experienced and highly sought-after transcriptionist, then it is recommended that you obtain certification in order to demonstrate your commitment to the profession and show potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for the job.

A medical transcriptionist certificate can provide many benefits. It can help increase your employability by showing that you have gone through formal training and have been certified in the field. Additionally, it can also improve your chances of getting hired since employers tend to prefer candidates with a higher level of education or specialized certification. In addition, having a certificate may allow you to access more advanced positions within the medical industry since many employers will require certification before they hire someone for a higher level position.

Overall, obtaining a medical transcriptionist certificate is beneficial if you are looking to advance in your career within the medical industry. It can provide evidence of your dedication and expertise in the field as well as give employers confidence in hiring you for higher level positions.

Related: Medical Transcriptionist Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Transcriptionist Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a medical transcriptionist?

Answer: You will need to have a high school diploma or GED and complete a medical transcription certification program.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a medical transcriptionist?

Answer: Most certification programs can be completed in 6-12 months.

3. What type of job opportunities are available for medical transcriptionists?

Answer: Medical transcriptionists can work in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and other health care facilities. They may also work from home or remotely for an employer that provides the necessary equipment and software.

4. Are there online courses available for medical transcriptionists?

Answer: Yes, there are many online courses available that provide training and certification in medical transcription.

5. Is there an exam required to become certified as a medical transcriptionist?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs require you to pass a final exam before you can receive your certification.