Chase Medical Transcription Q & A

What is a Medical Transcriptionist?

The medical transcriptionist is a vital link between the Attending Physicians and the health records of the patients under their care. The doctors dictate a wide variety of reports on their patients from the time of first contact to the end of the treatment period. The transcriptionist listens to these recorded reports through a headset connected to a transcriber. Then, using acquired knowledge of medical and surgical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, laboratory terms and values, and most importantly, transcription skills, the transcriptionist types a report which becomes a permanent part of the patient's file. These reports can include admission and progress notes, history and physical reports, diagnostic tests, operation reports, consultations, and discharge summaries. On completion by the transcriptionist and signature by the dictator/physician, these reports become recognized legal documents. The responsibility of the medical transcriptionist thus is a very important one and is regarded with pride by members of the profession.

Where are Medical Transcriptionists Employed?

Medical transcriptionists are employed in a wide variety of settings. Every major hospital and clinic has a Medical Records Department, which includes a transcription division. This department is responsible for maintaining the files of all patients in a current status so that their progress and state of health can be checked at any time. In addition, medical transcriptionists are employed by private physicians and physician groups, insurance companies, visiting nurse associations, health maintenance organizations, ambulatory health care facilities, state and federal government health agencies and transcription service companies. Because qualified transcriptionists are in such demand, they are well paid, have almost unlimited employment opportunities and enjoy excellent job security.

Is there a Shortage of Medical Transcriptionists?

There is a serious nationwide shortage of qualified medical transcriptionists. The health care industry has experienced a phenomenal growth over the past ten years, due to several major factors: 1) advances in medical technology and techniques, 2) government sponsored medical assistance programs, and 3) a vast increase in the size of the elderly population. This growth has not been accompanied by adequate professional training programs for medical transcriptionists.

As a result, health care institutions have been forced to do this training "in-house," a costly and time consuming process which is not always effective. The shortage has now reached the point where it is a matter of vital concern to health care professionals.

What are the Requirements for Admission to Chase School of Medical Transcription?

Candidates must be high school graduates (or hold a GED), have a solid background in spelling and grammar, and be able to type a minimum of 40 words per minute. All applicants are interviewed by a counselor who describes in detail the field of medical transcription and the duties and responsibilities of its practitioners. At this meeting, the counselor determines whether or not the applicant meets the pre-admission requirements. Tests are given to evaluate the candidate's grammatical and spelling knowledge, listening skills, comprehension ability, and typing skills. In addition to meeting screening requirements, a prospective student should demonstrate a genuine interest in pursuing medical transcription as a career for admission into the program.

What Makes the Chase School Program Special?

Our history and philosophy reflect consideration of both the health care industry's need for professionally trained medical transcriptionists and the student's need for the best possible instruction. The Chase School was founded in 1987 as a division of Chase Transcriptions, Inc., a widely known medical transcription service, in response to hospitals' requests for a training program which would help fill the growing demand for qualified transcriptionists. Our association with these hospitals has made us acutely aware of the importance of accuracy, reliability, and confidentiality in the preparation and processing of medical records. These features are emphasized in the Chase School program and have served our graduates well in their subsequent careers.

What is included in the Chase Program?

The first week of the course is devoted to orientation, an outline of the curriculum, and an introduction to medical terminology. During this week the instructors demonstrate the transcription and word processing equipment to be used throughout the Program. In the following weeks, the students are taught the roots on which most medical terms are built and the prefixes and suffixes commonly used. They are also taught anatomy/physiology, pharmacology, and bacteriology and are told how these relate to medical transcription; they are familiarized with diagnostic laboratory procedures and their use; they are led progressively from basic to more complex medical terminology and are taught acronyms, eponyms, and acceptable medical abbreviations. Throughout the course, the class uses standard medical reference books and all students have their own copies. As the course progresses, the students become adept at knowing the different meanings of "sound-alike" terms. It is important to note that all enrollees are given actual hands-on experience with the transcription and word processing equipment from the start of the program, with increasing emphasis in the second and third quarters.

If unsatisfactory progress is indicated, remedial measures are also discussed. Midterm and final examinations complete the evaluation process.

What else should I know about the Chase Program?

The Medical Transcription Program is a nine month program and upon completion, graduates are awarded a Certificate in Medical Transcription. Chase School is approved by the State of Ohio Board of Career Colleges and Schools. Classes meet three times a week, Monday through Wednesday, for a total of 432 hours.

The faculty consists of instructors who are graduates of formal programs in their areas of instruction and who have also worked in those fields. Practical transcription instruction is given by persons who are themselves experienced medical record transcriptionists. In addition, guest lecturers having expertise in particular disciplines being studied address the class at appropriate intervals.

The class enrollment is limited to 15 students so as to provide as much individual attention as possible. With an average teacher to student ratio of 1:5, there is more than adequate time in each session to answer questions and to offer help as needed. For practical transcription sessions, each student is assigned to his or her own work station which is equipped with state-of-the-art transcribing and word processing equipment.

Placement assistance is provided to all graduates at no extra cost. Students are counseled regarding specific employment opportunities during the last four weeks of the course.

 

PROGRAM OUTLINE	CLOCK HOURS
	First Quarter
Medical Terminology I	52
Diagnostic Laboratory Procedures I	13
Pharmacology I	13
Anatomy and Physiology I	26
Medical Transcription I	52
	Second Quarter
Medical Terminology II	52
Diagnostic Laboratory Procedures II	13
Pharmacology II	13
Anatomy and Physiology II	26
Medical Transcription II	52
	Third Quarter
Medical Transcription Practicum	120
TOTAL HOURS	432.0
OBJECTIVE This program is designed to provide its students with a thorough knowledge of all aspects of medical record transcription. On successful completion of the course, graduates will be qualified to transcribe complex medical documents and be ready to assume responsible positions in the allied health care industry.

 

Chase School of Medical Transcription is located at 5685 Hudson Industrial Parkway in Hudson, Ohio. Hudson is readily accessible from Akron, Kent , Cleveland, and the surrounding areas via Interstates 480, 271, and the Ohio Turnpike. In addition, it can be reached easily from State Routes 8 and 91.