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Medical Transcriptionist Schools in Alaska - AK
By allied health world contributing writer
Published: January 11th, 2010
So you've decided that you want to be a Medical Transcriptionist. Good for you. Allied health professions are in high demand and Alaska is no exception. Job opportunities for Medical Transcriptionist look bright with a predicted growth rate in Alaska of 18% so the job outlook is good according to the Alaska Department of Occupations.
Although many Medical Transcriptionists in Alaska are employed in hospitals and outpatient centers, the need for transcriptionists is also found in doctor's offices, diagnostic laboratories and large patient care practices. Many Medical Transcriptionists are self-employed or are home-based and telecommute. It is projected by the US Department of Labor that home-based or on-call Medical Transcriptionists services will become increasingly more popular as the use of digital delivery via the Internet or by other electronic means becomes more common practice and secure.
Salaries are reportedly higher too in Alaska for Medical Transcriptionists. The Alaska Department of Labor reports that the monthly average salary for an Alaskan Medical Transcriptionist is $3,368. This is compared to the average salary of $2,746 per month nationally.
A post-secondary vocational training is a requirement of most employers. In fact, if you've gone one step further and obtained certification your hire-ability increases. In Alaska, medical transcription schools are mainly online. Requisites for becoming a successful Medical Transcriptionist include accurate typing and speed when typing. You should also have a good grasp of English grammar and be a good speller. (Knowing a smattering of Latin or Greek to help with medical terminology wouldn't hurt either.)
Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Medical Transcriptionists in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Sitka, Alaska may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including Providence Alaska Medical Center, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Alaska Regional Hospital, and Central Peninsula Regional Hospital.