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Confederation College Recognition of Achievement

Medical Transcriptionist

The Medical Transcriptionist program trains students to accurately transcribe spoken medical information from healthcare professionals into written reports. Graduates develop medical terminology knowledge, transcription techniques, and communication skills for producing precise medical documentation.

Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
5035
Any Time
Up to 5 years
1 semester
Part-Time
Online Self-Paced
Remote
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted
Distance Education Program

The Medical Transcriptionist program helps you develop the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills required of a medical transcriptionist - a professional who translates the spoken word of physicians and other healthcare workers into written reports. Using simulated case studies as part of the training, this program focuses on communication, skills and transcription techniques.

What you will learn

You gain an understanding of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, grammar, and word processing software in order to prepare for work in a hospital, clinic or other healthcare setting.

Please review the Courses, Admissions Requirements and Getting Started tabs for more information on this program.

Getting Started

Learn how to begin your educational journey by visiting our Getting Started page.

Contact Information

Admission Requirements

Any Time

Any Time (5035)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

  1. 19 years of age or older or
  2. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels with Grade 12 English (E/C/U) Level.
  3. or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
  4. or successful completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Development Test (GED), prior to May 2024.
  5. or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program - LBS level 5 Communications and LBS level 4 Mathematics.

Complete the Application for Admission to Part-time Program

Admission Requirements for International Students

This intake is not available for international students.

Courses

1 intake

Any Time5035

Semester 1

OL 402

Medical Terminology

42 hours

Develop the language required to communicate effectively in a medical setting. Medical terminology and word structure related to twelve body systems will be studied. Terminology related to basic diagnostic procedures and basic pharmacology will be included.

OL 452

Medical Keyboarding

45 hours

This course is designed to familiarize the user with medical keyboarding, medical terminology in medical documentation, and medical office skills. It includes case histories for timed writings, medical terminology, medical letters, and a variety of medical reports. These exercises will help the learner increase their knowledge of terms they will encounter on the job, and will improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy. A very brief introduction to Medical Transcription is included. This course is a prerequisite for the Beginning Medical Transcription course. PREREQUISITE: Students need minimum keyboarding skills of 30 net words per minute with 5 or less errors. Students with keyboarding skills less than this need to improve their skills prior to registering for this course. OL402, Medical Terminology, can be taken concurrently with this course. NOTE: A fee for course software for timings (Windows compatible) and the manual will be required when the instructor gives the link to access the required manual and software for the course. It is approximately $100.

OL 470

Medical Office Procedures

45 hours

Medical Office Procedures is designed for the learner who is pursuing a career in health administration in a physician's office, clinic, or hospital setting. It will include information on professional and career responsibilities, interpersonal and written communications, safety standards, infection control, records management, order entry, financial administration, and managing the medical office. The Canada Health Act and the principles of OHIP medical billing will be introduced.

OL 406

Medical Terminology II

36 hours

This course has been designed for medical office professionals to concentrate on the pronunciation and verbalization of medical terminology that was learned in the first level of Medical Terminology. Students will listen to audio files to learn the pronunciation of medical terms involving all body systems. Assessment of the student's ability to pronounce medical terms will be done through audio files recorded by the student and submitted for evaluation. There is also a theory component to each assignment to be done online. Computer Software Required: Audio recording program. Computer microphone required to record assignments. Computer with: Windows, or Mac OS X, AND CD/DVD drive, sound card, speakers, media player software (ie: Windows Media Player). Students may also use recording software such as Voice Record Pro on their cell phone or tablet to do their audio recordings. Prerequisite: OL402 Medical Terminology

OL 400

Medical Transcription Fundamentals

42 hours

This course will enhance the learning achieved in previous and prerequisite courses for medical transcription that students need to enter the field with confidence. Students will experience a practical and effective approach with learning activities at the end of each lesson designed to reinforce concepts and procedures. Students will have a conceptual and practical understanding of general medical terms and various medical specialties. This course can be taken concurrently with OL401 Medical Transcription Styles and Practice. Prerequisites: OL402 Medical Terminology

OL 401

Medical Transcription Styles & Practices

42 hours

Learn concepts and standards of style and format of medical reports and basic grammar rules in medical documentation. Prepare for medical transcription by applying industry standards, as presented in the AHDI Book of Style & Standards for Clinical Documentation. The course introduces information not encountered outside of healthcare documentation. Via the AHDI Book of Style & Standards for Clinical Documentation Workbook, students have access to online voice recording samples to provide an opportunity to practice transcribing medical dictation and applying the standards outlined in the textbook. Due to specialized theory and skills, students can expect to spend a minimum of 10 hours/week in this course. This course may be taken concurrently with Medical Transcription Fundamentals OL400. Prerequisites: OL402 Medical Terminology Computer Software Requirements: Windows Operating System; Sound required

OL 456

Beginning Medical Transcription

42 hours

This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of transcription of medical reports. Transcription is taking the spoken word and turning it into a written document. Case studies are provided so that the student will gain knowledge in the transcribing of various medical reports. Medical reports will be transcribed from ten individual case studies, each of which concerns an inpatient with a specific medical problem. There are between four and six reports within each case study. Students will be involved in the care of the patient from the date of admission through the date of discharge. Due to specialized theory and skills, students can expect to spend a minimum of 15 hours/week in this course. Prerequisites: Students MUST HAVE successfully completed: OL400 and OL401. Typing speed of at least 30 wpm, familiarity with a word processing package (MS Word, WordPerfect, KeyPro software), good punctuation and grammar skills. Computer Software Requirements: Windows, MS Word, and audio capabilities (speakers or ear phones). Transcription playback software will be a free download from the Internet (Traditional equipment will be simulated). Students may choose to purchase a foot pedal from the software download site (optional).

OL 447

Advanced Medical Transcription

42 hours

This course is designed for transcriptionist to perfect their skills in medical transcription and terminology. The main purpose of the course is to develop and refine transcription skills to a competitive level by using the learning activities included in the textbook. Due to specialized theory and skills, students can expect to spend a minimum of 15 hours/week in this course. Prerequisite: OL456 Begin Medical Transcription Computer Software Requirements: Windows, MS Word, and audio capabilities (speakers or ear phones). Transcription playback software will be a free download from the Internet (Traditional equipment will be simulated). Students may choose to purchase a foot pedal from the software download site (optional).

OL 257

Communication I

45 hours

In this course, students will develop their application of contemporary English grammar standards and organizational writing patterns, which together create a strong foundation for organizing and writing tasks in subsequent communications courses.

OL 700

Introduction to Computers 1

42 hours

This course will familiarize students with the digital world by exploring the hardware and software of their computer system. Students will learn to use the most common functions of the Windows operating system including File Explorer for file management, utility programs, various web browsers for social media while observing and identifying security and privacy concerns and issues. Students will learn to build properly formatted documents using Microsoft Word and spreadsheets including correctly functioning formulas using Microsoft Excel and create commanding presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint while using the cloud to store and access their files. Computer Software Requirements: Windows and Microsoft Office 2016, 2019 or 365. MAC users will not be supported in this course.

Choose one course from this group:

S01

OL 430

Dental Terminology

36 hours

Develop sound knowledge of dental terms, with an emphasis on anatomy, disease terms, and instrumentation. Terminology specific to infection control, pain management, tooth restorations, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, pedodontics, and malocclusion is included.

OL 468

Essentials in Health Records Management

36 hours

This course studies the record keeping practices in hospitals and physician's offices. Emphasis is placed on hospital and medical staff organization, patient record content, procedures in filing, numbering and retention of patient records, qualitative analysis, release of information, forms control and design, indexes and registers, reimbursements, regulatory and accrediting agencies, and alternate health care delivery systems.

OL 459

Medical OHIP Billing

42 hours

This course is designed to provide the student with the basic principles of efficient Health Claim Billing in Ontario. The student will learn how to use the Schedule of Benefits and Preambles of the Ministry of Health, as well as be introduced to computerized billing. It is recommended that students have taken OL402 Medical Terminology prior to this course, have good typing skills and some computer knowledge. MACs are not compatible unless they run a Windows OS. The MAC user will be given an alternate theory assignment in lieu of the computerized billing portion of the course, however, the MAC user does not have the opportunity to practice on the billing software.

Choose one course from this group:

S02

OL 468

Essentials in Health Records Management

36 hours

This course studies the record keeping practices in hospitals and physician's offices. Emphasis is placed on hospital and medical staff organization, patient record content, procedures in filing, numbering and retention of patient records, qualitative analysis, release of information, forms control and design, indexes and registers, reimbursements, regulatory and accrediting agencies, and alternate health care delivery systems.

OL 430

Dental Terminology

36 hours

Develop sound knowledge of dental terms, with an emphasis on anatomy, disease terms, and instrumentation. Terminology specific to infection control, pain management, tooth restorations, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, pedodontics, and malocclusion is included.

OL 459

Medical OHIP Billing

42 hours

This course is designed to provide the student with the basic principles of efficient Health Claim Billing in Ontario. The student will learn how to use the Schedule of Benefits and Preambles of the Ministry of Health, as well as be introduced to computerized billing. It is recommended that students have taken OL402 Medical Terminology prior to this course, have good typing skills and some computer knowledge. MACs are not compatible unless they run a Windows OS. The MAC user will be given an alternate theory assignment in lieu of the computerized billing portion of the course, however, the MAC user does not have the opportunity to practice on the billing software.

Semester Other

OL 402

Medical Terminology

42 hours

Develop the language required to communicate effectively in a medical setting. Medical terminology and word structure related to twelve body systems will be studied. Terminology related to basic diagnostic procedures and basic pharmacology will be included.

OL 701

Word - Specialist

30 hours

This course is intended for students who want to learn basic MS Word skills, such as creating, editing, and formatting documents; inserting simple tables and creating lists; and employing a variety of techniques for improving the appearance and accuracy of document content. Also use paragraph, page and character formatting commands. Create multiple page documents with tables, and desktop publishing with MS Word. Computer Software Requirements: Microsoft Word version 2013. MAC users are not supported in this course.

OL 352

Writing Grammatically

48 hours

Students learn the rules of English grammar in a comprehensive, easy-to-follow manner. The course begins with a review of sentence parts, followed by an in-depth explanation of sentence structuring, and culminates in a practical review of stylistic conventions in business and professional writing.

OL 456

Beginning Medical Transcription

42 hours

This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of transcription of medical reports. Transcription is taking the spoken word and turning it into a written document. Case studies are provided so that the student will gain knowledge in the transcribing of various medical reports. Medical reports will be transcribed from ten individual case studies, each of which concerns an inpatient with a specific medical problem. There are between four and six reports within each case study. Students will be involved in the care of the patient from the date of admission through the date of discharge. Due to specialized theory and skills, students can expect to spend a minimum of 15 hours/week in this course. Prerequisites: Students MUST HAVE successfully completed: OL400 and OL401. Typing speed of at least 30 wpm, familiarity with a word processing package (MS Word, WordPerfect, KeyPro software), good punctuation and grammar skills. Computer Software Requirements: Windows, MS Word, and audio capabilities (speakers or ear phones). Transcription playback software will be a free download from the Internet (Traditional equipment will be simulated). Students may choose to purchase a foot pedal from the software download site (optional).

OL 459

Medical OHIP Billing

42 hours

This course is designed to provide the student with the basic principles of efficient Health Claim Billing in Ontario. The student will learn how to use the Schedule of Benefits and Preambles of the Ministry of Health, as well as be introduced to computerized billing. It is recommended that students have taken OL402 Medical Terminology prior to this course, have good typing skills and some computer knowledge. MACs are not compatible unless they run a Windows OS. The MAC user will be given an alternate theory assignment in lieu of the computerized billing portion of the course, however, the MAC user does not have the opportunity to practice on the billing software.

OL 447

Advanced Medical Transcription

42 hours

This course is designed for transcriptionist to perfect their skills in medical transcription and terminology. The main purpose of the course is to develop and refine transcription skills to a competitive level by using the learning activities included in the textbook. Due to specialized theory and skills, students can expect to spend a minimum of 15 hours/week in this course. Prerequisite: OL456 Begin Medical Transcription Computer Software Requirements: Windows, MS Word, and audio capabilities (speakers or ear phones). Transcription playback software will be a free download from the Internet (Traditional equipment will be simulated). Students may choose to purchase a foot pedal from the software download site (optional).

OL 470

Medical Office Procedures

45 hours

Medical Office Procedures is designed for the learner who is pursuing a career in health administration in a physician's office, clinic, or hospital setting. It will include information on professional and career responsibilities, interpersonal and written communications, safety standards, infection control, records management, order entry, financial administration, and managing the medical office. The Canada Health Act and the principles of OHIP medical billing will be introduced.

OL 468

Essentials in Health Records Management

36 hours

This course studies the record keeping practices in hospitals and physician's offices. Emphasis is placed on hospital and medical staff organization, patient record content, procedures in filing, numbering and retention of patient records, qualitative analysis, release of information, forms control and design, indexes and registers, reimbursements, regulatory and accrediting agencies, and alternate health care delivery systems.

OL 430

Dental Terminology

36 hours

Develop sound knowledge of dental terms, with an emphasis on anatomy, disease terms, and instrumentation. Terminology specific to infection control, pain management, tooth restorations, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, pedodontics, and malocclusion is included.

Meet the Program Staff

1 staff member

Careers

Graduates of this program will benefit from a preparatory foundation of study that will help them pursue opportunities as a transcriptionist in a hospital, clinic, lab or private practice. Sometimes this work can be performed from home. Potential employers may require additional education and/or skills in order to consider graduates of this program for employment.

See Career Opportunities

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Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

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