Medical transcriptionists

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Return dictated reports in printed or electronic form for physician's review, signature, and corrections and for inclusion in patients' medical records.97
Produce medical reports, correspondence, records, patient-care information, statistics, medical research, and administrative material.94
Identify mistakes in reports and check with doctors to obtain the correct information.94
Review and edit transcribed reports or dictated material for spelling, grammar, clarity, consistency, and proper medical terminology.93
Transcribe dictation for a variety of medical reports, such as patient histories, physical examinations, emergency room visits, operations, chart reviews, consultation, or discharge summaries.91
Distinguish between homonyms and recognize inconsistencies and mistakes in medical terms, referring to dictionaries, drug references, and other sources on anatomy, physiology, and medicine.91
Set up and maintain medical files and databases, including records such as x-ray, lab, and procedure reports, medical histories, diagnostic workups, admission and discharge summaries, and clinical resumes.91
Translate medical jargon and abbreviations into their expanded forms to ensure the accuracy of patient and health care facility records.90
Perform data entry and data retrieval services, providing data for inclusion in medical records and for transmission to physicians.89
Receive patients, schedule appointments, and maintain patient records.88
Take dictation using shorthand, a stenotype machine, or headsets and transcribing machines.87
Answer inquiries concerning the progress of medical cases, within the limits of confidentiality laws.85

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Perform a variety of clerical and office tasks, such as handling incoming and outgoing mail, completing and submitting insurance claims, typing, filing, or operating office machines.83
Decide which information should be included or excluded in reports.83
Receive and screen telephone calls and visitors.80

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening78
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Writing72
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking50
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning47
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Complex Problem Solving41
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination38
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

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Instructing28
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies28
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Service Orientation28
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Negotiation22
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion22
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis22
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation22
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Personnel Resources19
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics19
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Analysis16
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Quality Control Analysis16
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Monitoring13
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Science13
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Programming10
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Management of Material Resources3
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control3
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Technology Design3
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Management of Financial Resources0
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting0
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

English Language89
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administrative81
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics71
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Medicine and Dentistry51
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Customer and Personal Service43
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Telecommunications28
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Administration and Management27
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Biology20
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Mathematics20
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training18
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Production and Processing16
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Psychology16
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

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Therapy and Counseling14
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Communications and Media13
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Personnel and Human Resources12
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Law and Government9
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Mechanical8
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Public Safety and Security7
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Sociology and Anthropology7
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Economics and Accounting5
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Engineering and Technology3
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Foreign Language3
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Geography3
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Philosophy and Theology3
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Physics3
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Chemistry2
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Building and Construction0
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Design0
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
History and Archeology0
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Sales and Marketing0
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Transportation0
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension81
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension78
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Speech Recognition75
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Oral Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Information Ordering56
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

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Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Problem Sensitivity50
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Manual Dexterity41
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness31
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Far Vision31
The ability to see details at a distance.
Speed of Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Control Precision28
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Time Sharing28
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Fluency of Ideas22
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Mathematical Reasoning22
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Originality22
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Visual Color Discrimination19
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization19
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Trunk Strength13
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Dynamic Strength6
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Stamina6
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Gross Body Coordination3
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium3
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination3
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Depth Perception0
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers96
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Documenting/Recording Information87
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Getting Information85
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates83
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Processing Information80
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events75
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships73
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards71
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work69
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge66
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Assisting and Caring for Others65
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings63
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

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Making Decisions and Solving Problems60
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Analyzing Data or Information58
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Scheduling Work and Activities58
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others55
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Performing Administrative Activities55
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Training and Teaching Others41
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public39
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources36
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Developing and Building Teams33
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People33
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Handling and Moving Objects32
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others31
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization30
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates29
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information27
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials27
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Coaching and Developing Others26
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Controlling Machines and Processes26
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Developing Objectives and Strategies25
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others23
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Performing General Physical Activities22
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others22
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Thinking Creatively16
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Selling or Influencing Others10
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment8
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Staffing Organizational Units8
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment6
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment5
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness75
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity72
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Achievement Orientation40
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Perseverance38
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Stress Tolerance35
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Cooperation28
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Intellectual Curiosity25
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Humility24
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Self-Control23
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Adaptability20
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

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Self-Confidence14
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative11
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Sincerity11
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Empathy3
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity3
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Optimism2
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional88
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social45
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Investigative43
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic25
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Artistic12
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Enterprising4
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day100%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day96%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important88%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important64%
- Very important29%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important72%
- Very important16%
Contact With Others
- Contact with others most of the time30%
- Contact with others about half the time14%
E-Mail
- Every day72%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day65%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually76%
- Never16%
Time Pressure
- Every day73%
- Never21%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility64%
- No responsibility22%

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Frequency of Decision Making
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Very important16%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom24%
- Some freedom36%
- Limited freedom32%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important22%
- Fairly important17%
- Not important at all16%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually36%
- About half the time35%
- Less than half the time20%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility23%
- Moderate responsibility23%
- Limited responsibility18%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results20%
- Important results47%
- Minor results33%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never19%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day37%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Never32%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)19%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)62%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)14%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- About half the time20%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time20%
- Less than half the time45%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated29%
- Moderately automated34%
- Slightly automated16%
- Not at all automated20%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually16%
- About half the time30%
- Less than half the time34%
- Never16%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious16%
- Very serious23%
- Fairly serious16%
- Not serious at all39%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Never22%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive22%
- Slightly competitive34%
- Not at all competitive24%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- 40 hours60%
- Less than 40 hours40%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never52%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never54%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day21%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never65%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important15%
- Not important at all68%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- More than half the time16%
- Less than half the time29%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day21%
- Never75%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day16%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never59%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Never81%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never72%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time16%
- Less than half the time13%
- Never71%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never77%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never77%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never83%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never92%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never92%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never96%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never92%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never96%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)96%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never100%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Post-secondary certificate
Some college, no degree
High school diploma or equivalent

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Medical software
eClinicalWorks EHR software, Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS, PCC EHR, SpectraMedi EasyFlow
Video creation and editing software
YouTube
Word processing software
Boston Bar Systems Corporation Sonnet, Bytescribe Development Company WavPlayer, Microsoft Word, Sylvan Software ShortCut
Voice recognition software
Crescendo Systems DigiScribe-XL, g-net solutions MTP, Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Speech recognition software
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, dBASE Plus, FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Spell checkers
Spellex AccuCount, Sylvan Software Complete Medical Pharmaceutical Spell Checker
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Desktop communications software
Sylvan Software DropChute Pro
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Billing and invoicing software
Patient billing software
Calendar and scheduling software
Calendar software
Web platform development software
Microsoft ASP.NET
Information retrieval or search software
Medical terminology databases

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Prepare medical reports or documents.
Maintain medical records.
Perform clerical work in medical settings.
Record vital statistics or other health information.
Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
Respond to customer inquiries.
Process medical billing information.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Medical Transcriptionist

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology