A career in healthcare documentation, like medical transcription or speech recognition editing is nobel however, not without the challenges and the flexibility of remote work options.
As a medical transcriptionist, you’ll listen to recordings made by doctors and turn them into medical reports or correspondence.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the opportunities in medical and legal transcription in Nigeria. We’ll talk about the skills you need, training options, and career paths.
We’ll also talk about challenges like language differences and new technology. Join us as we explore the world of transcription in Nigeria
What is Medical Transcription
Medical transcription in Nigeria refers to the process of converting medical records and spoken dictations into written documents.
This encompasses transcribing various healthcare-related interactions, such as doctor-patient conversations and medical reports.
The scope of medical transcription in Nigeria is broadening alongside the expanding healthcare sector.
Transcribed documents serve a vital role in maintaining precise medical records and enhancing patient care efficiency.
Role of Medical Transcriptionists
A medical transcriptionist converts spoken doctor’s notes into written records. You listen to notes from healthcare professionals and write them down accurately.
Also, you can work in healthcare offices or from home, either full-time or as a freelancer.
This job offers flexibility, a great perk.
As a medical transcriptionist, you support healthcare providers and ensure patient records’ accuracy.
What exactly do you do?
You transcribe notes from healthcare providers after a patient’s visit.
Then you organize and store these documents properly.
Doctors use them for insurance and patient records.
Your tasks include:
- Checking audio for errors and reporting them if needed.
- Translating and simplifying medical jargon, terms, and abbreviations.
- Editing documents according to your employer’s preferences.
- Using specific tools like a PC, Microsoft Word, transcription software, a headset, and a foot pedal.
You also follow confidentiality laws and guidelines.
Skills Needed to be a Medical Transcriptionist
To be a medical transcriptionist, you need:
- Good language skills: You should be excellent in English or your native language, including grammar, punctuation, and style.
- Computer skills: You must be comfortable using computers and word-processing software.
- Attention to detail: You need to focus on details to write reports accurately and spot any mistakes.
- Ability to work under pressure: Since dictation needs to be done quickly, you must be able to work under tight deadlines and pressure.
- Writing skills: You need to have a good understanding of English grammar.
- Excellent listening skills: You must be a good listener to transcribe accurately.
How to Become a Medical Transcriptionist in Nigeria
Being a scribe is generally motivating dm working alongside EMTs, nurses, and doctors helps you stay focused on your goals.”
If you’re considering entering the field, you should follow one of these paths:
- Get your high school diploma or GED. This is the basic requirement for medical transcriptionists.
- Earn your medical transcriptionist certificate or associate degree. Enroll in a medical transcriptionist program, many of which are available online and self-paced, or pursue an associate degree program in medical transcription. Complete your coursework and graduate.
- Gain practical experience. Apply for in-person or remote positions (known as telescribes) to gain hands-on experience.
- Consider further education and certifications. While optional, certification can broaden your career opportunities.
You can take the Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) exam or, after gaining experience, pursue the Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS) certification.
Where Can I Work as a Medical Transcriptionist?
Many medical transcriptionists work in hospitals. Emergency departments often use their services.
In an emergency department, you’ll be busy throughout your shift and need to keep up with the fast pace.
Others work in clinics or doctors’ offices. These jobs are usually quieter because you can predict what you’ll see during the day.
So, if you work in a cardiology department, you’ll likely see patients with high blood pressure or heart disease.
Fewer transcriptionists work in labs that diagnose medical conditions.
Medical Transcriptionist Salary in Lagos based on Experience
Medical records transcriptionists in Lagos earn different salaries based on their experience. Your salary depends on how many years you’ve worked in the field:
- If you have 0 to 2 years of experience, you can expect to earn around 1,259,300 NGN.
- With 2 to 5 years of experience, your salary could increase to about 1,668,900 NGN.
- After 5 to 10 years, you might earn around 2,230,100 NGN.
- Once you’ve worked for more than 10 years, your salary could reach approximately 2,662,900 NGN.
- With 15 to 20 years of experience, you could earn an average of 2,868,600 NGN.
- And if you have more than 20 years of experience, your salary could increase to about 3,085,500 NGN.
Conclusion
Medical transcription offers flexibility, allowing individuals to work either part-time or full-time according to their preferences. Another benefit is the potential for a decent salary in this profession.