Medical transcriptionist supervisors train, supervise and delegate work in the medical transcriptionist field. Supervisors are advocates for medical transcriptionists under their supervision. They represent employees to physicians who rely on the accuracy of the transcription. Supervisors guarantee that transcriptions are of the best quality and delivered to the client in a timely manner. Supervisors with extensive experience can earn close to $60,000 per year.
Duties
Medical transcription writing supervisors must have experience and extensive knowledge not only of the transcription profession, but also of trends in the industry and the ability to meet the expectations of physician clients. Medical transcriptionists use a headset and foot pedal to record dictation from medical reports, chart reviews, summaries, imaging studies, emergency room treatments and related reports from doctors and other medical professionals.
Transcriptionists must have extensive knowledge in medical jargon and understand medical verbal shorthand terms and abbreviations. Editing the transcription to present a clear, error-free document is critical to the job. Typing skills and understanding accents also are vital. Supervisors test and interview applicants, and then evaluate them for suitability for the job. Quality control and acting as a liaison between the medical transcription staff and clients are also required. A supervisor is required to oversee the transcription department's annual budget and keep statistical information on quality control and productivity, according to the Health Professions Institute.
Education
Medical transcription supervisors must have formal medical transcription training from a community college, an online training program or vocational school. An associate degree from a community college may be required. High school or college coursework in law, medicine, anatomy and courses that include the extensive use of medical terminology is desired.
Requirements
Previous health care employment is beneficial for applicants seeking to become medical transcriptionist supervisors. Transcriptionist candidates with experience as a medical secretary or related fields are highly desired. Supervisors are required to have exceptional writing, reading and editing skills. Command of the English language, spelling and grammar is essential. Accreditation as a Certified Medical Transcriptionist is offered among other certificates. Certification is not required, but it’s expected of a supervisor as a demonstration of competence and commitment to the profession.
Supervisors must remain updated on changes in the medical field through online courses. Supervisors also need to have the ability to delegate authority, be adept in multitasking and respond appropriately to difficult demands from physician clients.
Work Environment
Transcription supervisors generally work a five-day, 40-hour week. Overtime is available, but many supervisors working for major employers may be salaried workers and not entitled to overtime like hourly employees. Work is performed in medical officers, transcription service centers, medical libraries, hospitals, laboratories, clinics and government offices. Supervisors can work from home and telecommute. Transcription standards are exacting and pressure from clients can be stressful.
Salary
The annual salary range for a medical transcriptionist in a nonsupervisory role ranges from about $24,600 to $43,400 as of 2010. A supervisor can earn a salary starting at about $45,000 and top out at about $57,000.
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