Credentialing in the Medical Transcription Industry

"How does one bring an unknown, under-recognized, yet intellectually challenging occupation from the basement if not by means of … a certification process to put it on par with other allied health professions? ...We cannot tell our employers that what we do is unique, takes exceptional knowledge, and is important for patient safety and continuity of care if we don’t believe it ourselves. If we do believe all this, then we've got to show that we believe it. We can do that through certification." ("Why Certify," by Ellen Drake, CMT, For the Record, Vol.17, No. 17, August 15, 2005, pp 12-14).

Over the years, Advance for HIM Professionals salary surveys have proven that certified medical transcriptionists (CMTs) earn more than their noncertified colleagues. Employers (MTSOs and hospitals) have recognized that better quality, more production, and a more professional attitude are associated with employees who have credentials—so much so that many have been starting study groups to help their employees prepare for credentialing exams and paying part or all of the exam fees. Many are advertising CMT-preferred and paying more per line for CMTs. AHDI has a page on its website listing employers who value the CMT credential. Employers who value CMTs. There is also credible evidence that having a Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) credential is advantageous for inexperienced medical transcriptionists seeking their first position.

If you want to receive the respect and recognition you deserve, earning a CMT or RMT should be high on your list of priorities. HPI can help. Many successful candidates have used our workbooks to prepare for the CMT exam (they would be equally beneficial for RMT exam preparation).