How to Become a Medical Scribe?

If you are looking for a career in the medical field, you may want to consider becoming a medical scribe.

Medical scribes play an important role in the healthcare industry by assisting doctors and other health professionals. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices.

So, I decided to take an in-depth look at How to Become a Medical Scribe and what you can expect from a career in this field. I will also provide some resources to help you get started!

What Is A Medical Scribe?

With the growing complexity of modern healthcare, more and more doctors are turning to medical scribes for help with their documentation.

Medical scribes are trained professionals who work with doctors and other healthcare providers to document patient visits. Scribes help take the burden off of them so they can focus on providing care, in some cases also scheduling appointments or ordering tests for their patients as well!

Where Does A Medical Scribe Work?

They typically work in hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s offices. Although, they may also work in other settings, such as urgent care centers or surgery centers.

A day in the life of a Medical Scribe

A typical day for a medical scribe may vary depending on their setting and the needs of their employer. However, they typically spend the majority of their time documenting patient visits.

This may include taking medical histories, recording vital signs, and documenting the provider’s examination and treatment plans. Scribes may also be responsible for scheduling appointments and ordering tests. There are no set hours for medical scribes, so you could be working.

The Pros and Cons

Pros

There are many advantages to becoming a medical scribe. One of the biggest is that you can enter the medical field without having to complete a lengthy and expensive education and can gain experience within this field.

They typically receive on-the-job training, which means that you can get started in your career quickly. In addition, they typically earn competitive salaries and enjoy good job security. You will also have the opportunity to work with different health care providers and learn about different medical conditions, as well as develop strong documentation skills.

Cons

There are a few disadvantages to being a medical scribe. One of the biggest is that you will be working long hours. Medical scribes typically work full-time, and some may work evenings or weekends, and their pay may not be as high as some other medical jobs.

In addition, they may be required to work in a variety of settings, which can be stressful. Finally, you may witness some upsetting situations, such as patients who are very ill or have chronic conditions.

Steps To Becoming A Medical Scribe

If you are interested in being a medical scribe, there are a few steps you will need to take. To start with, you will need to complete a training program.

There are many different programs available, and you can find one that fits your needs and schedule. Training programs are available at community colleges, technical schools, or online.

Passing the exam…

Once you have completed a training program, you will then need to obtain certification from the National Healthcare Association or the American Health Information Management Association. To obtain the certification, you will need to pass an exam. After you have completed the training program and obtained certification, you will then be able to apply for jobs with a healthcare provider.

Salaries and Job Growth

The average salary for a medical scribe is $33,000 per year. Job growth in this field is expected to be high over the next decade, with an estimated increase of 22%.

Resources For Medical Scribes

If you are interested in becoming a medical scribe, there are many resources available to help you get started. Here are a few:

These are just a few of the many resources available to help you get started on your career as a medical scribe. With the right training and certification, you can begin working in this rewarding and growing field.

Components Of A Successful Career

There are a few key components to a successful career as a medical scribe. First, you will need to develop strong documentation skills. This means being able to accurately and efficiently document patient visits.

You will also need to be able to work well under pressure, as the job can be fast-paced and stressful at times. Finally, it is important to be able to build good relationships with both patients and providers. Having strong people skills will help you succeed in this role.

Related Careers

If you are interested in a career in the medical field, there are many related careers you can explore. Some of these include:

Know Your Medical Terminology!

It is vital that you know your terminology, and now it’ll be even easier with Medical Terminology: The Basics (Quick Study Academic), or MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY: A Quick & Easy Reference Book – Basics of Terminology, Anatomy, and Abbreviations, and Medical Terminology: An Easy and Practical Guide to Better Understand, Pronounce, and Memorize Terms to help you out.

For your exam prep, I recommend using the Medical Scribe Training Manual: Fifth Edition, Medical Terminology: The Best and Most Effective Way to Memorize, Pronounce and Understand Medical Terms: Second Edition, along with The Complete Medical Scribe: A Guide to Accurate Documentation, and MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY: A Quick & Easy Reference Book – Basics of Terminology, Anatomy, and Abbreviations all available online in 2023.

Of course, if you’re already qualified, there’s always room for improvement, so check out the Ultimate Medical Scribe Handbook: General Edition, The Ophthalmic Scribe Manual: A Guide to Clinical Documentation in Ophthalmology, or perhaps How to be a Medical Scribe: Tips and Tricks from a Former Scribe and Current ER Resident and The Ultimate Medical Scribe Handbook: Emergency Department 4th Edition to keep you up to date on the latest practices!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – everything you need to know about becoming a Medical Scribe.

With the proper training and accreditation, you can begin working in this expanding and worthwhile sector. If you have excellent people skills and can work well under pressure, then a career as a medical scribe may be the perfect fit for you.

All the very best in your new job as a Medical Scribe!