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MEDICAL RECORDS TRANSCRIBING (MDTR-ATD)
General Information:
Pensacola State’s Medical Records Transcribing program prepares students for employment as medical
transcribers. With additional courses, students can earn a two-year associate in applied science degree in Health
Services Management or Medical Office Administration.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 job opportunities are
good with employment projected to grow on average between 7-13%, between 2008-2018.
Medical transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and other healthcare 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 needed, and key the text into a personal
computer, editing as necessary for grammar and clarity. These documents eventually become part of patients’
permanent records.
To understand and accurately transcribe dictated reports into a format that is clear and comprehensible for the
reader, medical transcriptionists must have excellent keyboarding skills, be proficient in word processing,
understand medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, pharmacology, and treatment
assessments. To help identify terms appropriately, transcriptionists refer to standard medical reference materials –
both printed and electronic.
The majority of transcriptionists are employed in comfortable settings, such as hospitals, physicians’ offices,
transcription service offices, clinics, laboratories, medical libraries and government medical facilities. In many
instances, medical transcriptionists can work from home offices as employees or sub-contractors for hospitals and
transcription services. Average salaries range between $10.87/hr and $15.68/ hr depending on location and
experience.
MDTR-ATD
Medical Records Transcribing Applied Technology Diploma
33 Credits Required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the Estimated Cost of the Program?
33 credits @ $98.05 each, in-state ($3,235.65)
Lab Fees Approximately: $200.00
Additional Expenses (approximate):
Books/Approximately $1,200.00
Fees may vary and are subject to change. You may call the Registrar office to get the current cost.
Q: What are the Entrance Requirements for this Program?
A. High school diploma or GED is required
* Student MUST maintain 2.0 GPA in ALL courses.
3 Revised 7/19/11
Q: What are the Testing Requirements for this Program?
A: TABE test
Typing Proficiency Test – (minimum speed required is 40 correct words per minute)
PERT
Q: What is the Career Outlook for this Field?
A: Career opportunities are many for Medical Transcriptionists.
Q: What Other Occupations are Available in this Field?
A: Medical Administrative Assistant
Medical Records Technician
Q: What is Available After Graduation?
Graduates from the Medical Transcription program may advance in their field by continuing their education in
other health related areas such as Health Information Management – Health Services Management – Medical
Office Administration (two-year degree programs at Pensacola State College).
Q: What is the Recommended Curriculum Sequence?
Fall Term Credits
LIN1670C Traditional English Grammar 3
CGS1570 Computer Concepts & Applications
Or OR 3
OST1713 Word Processing I
BSC1080 Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology 3
BSC1080L Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology Lab 1
HSC1531 Medical Terminology _3
Total 13
Spring Term
OST1611** Medical Transcription I (Spring only) 3
OST1461** Medical Office Practice (Spring only) 3
HIM1442 Pharmacology 2
OST2135 Medical Documents 2
HSC1590W AIDS/OSHA/Domestic Violence 1
Total 11
Summer Term
OST1612** Medical Transcription II (Term B only) 3
OST1613** Medical Transcription III (Term D only) 3
OST2943** Office Systems Internship 3
(offered Summer-Term D & Fall)
Total 9
Program Total 33
**The course has pre- or co-requisites, check Course Description Section
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Student Checklist for Application Process
Date when completed:
___________ Complete and submit the Pensacola State College Application ($30) for general admission.
___________ Complete the Florida Residency Affidiavit (if applicable).
___________ Request high school transcripts
___________ Request all college transcripts
___________ Complete the health-related program application and submit to an Admissions Office at any
campus or center. The application will be forwarded to the Health Programs Admissions
Office on the Warrington campus.
___________ TABE test
__________ Typing Proficiency Test
PERT
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PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE
REQUEST FOR OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT
TO: REGISTRAR
Name of High School, College, or University
Address of School
City State Zip Code
Please forward an official transcript of my academic work:
College transcript
High School Record (showing graduation date or date of withdrawal)
General Education Development Test Scores (GED)
Transient Student Form/Letter of Good Standing (for non-degree transient students)
Mail transcript to: Admissions Office:
Pensacola State College
1000 College Boulevard
Pensacola, FL 32504-8998
The following information is furnished to assist you in locating my records:
Name:
Name used when attending the institution above:
Birth Date: Student Number;
Date of Graduation:
Current Address:
City State Zip Code
If there is a fee for this service, please bill me at the address above.
Student’s Signature: Date:
