As a medical transcriptionist, you'll be responsible for turning doctors' daily dictation tapes into clear, concise print and electronic documents. Such records are the main reference for health care decisions made by patients and their physicians. They must be produced in a timely, accurate, and confidential manner. Job opportunities for medical transcriptionists are expected to grow faster than the national average for all occupations through 2016, as health care and insurance providers transition to electronic documentation systems that allow more efficient access to patient records.* Now is the time to prepare for your future as a medical transcriptionist.

 Program Highlights 

The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Transcription is designed to help you achieve the specialized skills and knowledge you need to become a certified professional online. In addition to helping you develop self-discipline and ethical standards, the curriculum focuses on:

  • Developing typing accuracy, speed and competency with the software applications most commonly used in medical transcription
  • Strong communications skills, including writing, editing, proofreading, and preparing office correspondence
  • Transcribing health care dictation for use in patient records and other documentation
  • Understanding medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology

Gain Real-World Experience

This program is offered both online and at the Davenport, IA, campus. Prior to graduation, you will be required to complete a practicum experience. You will experience life as a medical transcriptionist working from home and dealing with a variety of specialties, accents, and turnaround times. 

 Curriculum for Associate of Applied Science in Medical Transcription 

    Courses Credits
    Communication Course 5
    Mathematics Course 5
    Communication Course 5
    Courses Credits
    Academic Strategies for the Health Care Professional 5
    Medical Law and Bioethics 5
    Medical Terminology 5
    Software Applications for Health Care Professionals 3
    Anatomy and Physiology I 5
    Anatomy and Physiology II 5
    Diseases of the Human Body 5
    Keyboarding I—Fundamentals 2
    Keyboarding II—Advanced Techniques 3
    Pharmacology and Laboratory Medicine 5
    Medical Records Transcription I 5
    Medical Records Transcription II 5
    Medical Records Transcription III 5
    Professional Development for Medical Transcriptionists 2
    Medical Transcription Practicum 5
    Courses Credits
    Open Electives 10
    Total Program Requirements 90

 Prepare for Certification 

Certification is often a requirement for employment as a medical transcriptionist. When you graduate from this program and meet the requirements of the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity, you may sit for the Registered Medical Transcriptionist examination.†

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

Medical transcriptionists enjoy exposure to many different medical disciplines. They work in hospitals, physicians' offices, and a broad range of other medical facilities. Work is frequently outsourced to independent contractors who operate their businesses from home.

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$371.00
Total program requirements90
Total cost of tuition$33,390.00

Students enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Transcription program are required to pay a one-time program fee of $300. This fee may be paid using financial aid funds and can be incorporated into the student’s monthly payment plan.

This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective February 1, 2010, a minimum deposit of $75 is required at the time of enrollment and will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

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* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition, Medical Transcriptionists, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos271.htm (accessed April 2008).
† Although the program is designed to prepare students for various certification and licensing examinations, Kaplan University cannot guarantee students will pass the exams.