FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What credentials do I need to work for MedGarde?

MedGarde is not a transcription school. As such, we require proof of graduation from a formalized transcription curriculum prior to hire. If you’re a student currently enrolled in an academic program, be sure to refrain from applying until proof of graduation can be obtained by MedGarde directly from your school. Individuals who have received professional training on-the-job (and can substantiate a minimum 3-year work history as a transcriptionist) can also be considered.

How do I become a medical or legal transcriptionist?

If you’re seeking training to become a medical or legal transcriptionist, we encourage you to visit any of the schools listed below. These institutions offer a variety of classroom and home-based training options. All of the medical transcription schools are jointly endorsed by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI – formerly the AAMT):

• Medical Transcription Education Center
• The Andrews School
• Career Step
• Lakeshore Technical College
• TRS Institute
• Exact Med Transcription Training
• CanScribe Career Centre
• Central Texas College
• Everett Community College
• Andrews & Holbrook Training
• Seminole Community College
• Richland Community College
• Legal Transcription Training

For more information about becoming a medical transcriptionist, please visit AHDI by clicking here. Good luck with your studies!

Do I have to be certified?

MedGarde encourages transcriptionists to seek certification, but certification is not a prerequisite to hire – having the proper educational requirements is the prerequisite to hire.

What are the technical requirements?

• A high speed internet connection in the form of DSL, cable or T1. Satellite connections are incompatible with our system.
• Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7. Our system is incompatible with Macintosh computers.
• Microsoft Word (version 2000, 2002, XP, 2003, 2007 or 2010).

Do I need reference books?

Yes! Transcribing without references is like trying to transcribe without a keyboard – it simply can’t be done. This is part of what makes the transcription field so exciting and interesting. To maintain accuracy, references are an essential tool. Reference materials are available here (for medical transcriptionists).

How much work would I be responsible for?

MedGarde transcriptionists are required to transcribe a minimum of 30 minutes of dictation five days per week.

How much time do I have to do the work?

MedGarde’s standard turnaround time for most clients is 24 hours. Some accounts have a shorter turnaround time. The specific turnaround time will vary from account to account based on the requirements of the client.

Will I have to transcribe for doctors with accents?

Possibly. Depending on the account you’re assigned to, there could be dictators who speak English as a second language (ESL). However, transcriptionists need not fear ESL dictation as our support team provides excellent tools to help you decode any unfamiliar dictation. This support, combined with feedback from our proofreading staff, works to make ESL dictation as routine as non-ESL dictation.