Medical Scribe Certification

A study published in JCO Oncology Practice found that more than 100 surveyed doctors agreed that using a medical scribe significantly improved their patient consultations. Physicians reported that scribes helped them save valuable time per patient, allowing them to focus more on patient care rather than documentation. By reducing administrative burdens, scribes enable doctors to conduct more thorough assessments and build stronger patient relationships.

A medical scribe is a trained paraprofessional responsible for documenting practitioner-patient interactions in real time. They ensure that every detail of a consultation is accurately recorded and later verified by the healthcare provider—whether a doctor, registered nurse, or another medical professional. Beyond documentation, scribes assist in updating electronic health records (EHR), streamlining workflows, and coordinating with healthcare staff to ensure seamless access to patient information. Their role is crucial in improving efficiency, reducing physician burnout, and enhancing overall healthcare delivery.

The demand for medical scribes is rapidly increasing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for medical assistants—many of whom take on scribe responsibilities—is projected to grow by 18%, creating over 100,000 new jobs annually through 2030. This trend highlights the growing recognition of medical scribes as essential contributors to modern healthcare.

Qualities and qualifications of medical scribes

A medical scribe—also known as a Clinical Scribe, Documentation Assistant, or simply Scribe—acts as a personal assistant to doctors and healthcare providers. Their primary role is to document patient interactions in real-time and update the electronic health record (EHR) system. This allows doctors to focus more on patient care instead of paperwork.

Although the medical scribe community includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, the most typical profiles among medical scribes are:

• Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) looking to update their skills already have experience in healthcare settings and may take on scribing to refine their medical documentation skills, gain exposure to different specialties, or advance their careers in clinical practice.

• Pre-med and pre-health students preparing for careers in medicine, dentistry, optometry, or veterinary science – Many students pursuing these fields become medical scribes to gain hands-on experience, familiarize themselves with medical terminology, and strengthen their applications for competitive healthcare programs.

• Students take a gap year before starting medical school or other healthcare programs – Some students use their gap year to work as scribes, allowing them to develop clinical knowledge, build relationships with physicians, and improve their understanding of patient care before starting their formal medical training.

• Nursing, counseling, sports medicine, or rehabilitation therapy students working toward associate or bachelor’s degrees – Students in these fields benefit from scribing by improving their ability to document patient histories, understand medical procedures, and gain practical exposure to different healthcare environments.

• High school graduates with strong biology or chemistry knowledge and excellent communication skills – Aspiring healthcare professionals who have not yet entered college can become medical scribes to gain early exposure to the medical field, develop crucial documentation skills, and build a foundation for future studies in healthcare.

A medical scribe tracks, processes, and records information of a highly technical nature in a time-critical fashion, often working in a high-pressure environment such as an Emergency Room (ER) or a Trauma Care Center. Medical scribes work in fast-paced environments like emergency rooms (ERs) and trauma centers. To perform well, they must have:

• Strong listening skills to accurately record doctor-patient conversations.

• A good vocabulary and spelling ability to write complex medical terms correctly.

• Fast typing speed (60-70 words per minute) for real-time documentation.

• Excellent organization skills to manage patient notes, charts, and checklists.

• The ability to focus in a noisy and high-pressure setting, like an ER.

Real-World Example

A medical scribe working in an emergency room (ER) must document medical details quickly and accurately, despite numerous distractions. The environment is often chaotic, with loud noises, distressed patients, and multiple doctors and nurses discussing cases simultaneously. In such high-pressure situations, a scribe must remain calm, focused, and precise while recording critical information, ensuring that nothing important is missed.

Personal Traits of a Successful Scribe

Beyond technical skills, successful medical scribes possess key personal qualities that set them apart. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small errors in medical records can lead to serious consequences. The ability to handle stress is also essential, as ERs and busy clinics can be overwhelming. Strong teamwork skills enable scribes to communicate effectively with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Additionally, adaptability is vital, as every patient case is different, and a scribe must adjust quickly to new situations. While technical skills can be learned, these personal traits are more challenging to develop and play a significant role in a scribe’s overall success.

Key Traits of a Successful Medical Scribe

Medical scribes play a crucial role in healthcare, assisting practitioners in documenting patient interactions accurately. Both doctors and scribes agree that certain qualities are essential for success in this role. A study surveying medical professionals and scribes identified five key characteristics that define an outstanding medical scribe.

1. Willingness to Ask Questions

One of the most important traits of a great scribe is not being afraid to ask questions. Accuracy is vital when entering information into a patient’s electronic health record (EHR). If something is unclear, a scribe must feel comfortable clarifying details with the doctor to ensure there are no mistakes.

2. Ability to Handle Pressure and Criticism

Healthcare environments, especially emergency rooms and busy clinics, can be intense and unpredictable. Medical scribes must be able to adapt to rapidly changing situations, stay calm under pressure, and accept feedback—sometimes given in high-stress moments. Being able to handle constructive criticism helps them improve their skills and perform better.

3. Discretion and Ability to Blend In

A good scribe knows how to remain unobtrusive. Patients may feel uncomfortable sharing personal health details, so a scribe should maintain a professional presence without drawing unnecessary attention. Many healthcare providers describe the ideal scribe as a “fly on the wall,” present but not disruptive.

4. Quick Learning Ability

Medical scribes are constantly exposed to new medical terms, procedures, and documentation techniques. To succeed, they must quickly grasp complex medical terminology and learn how to apply it correctly in real-time documentation. This skill is essential for maintaining efficiency and accuracy in fast-paced healthcare settings.

5. Genuine Interest in Medicine

Not all medical scribes plan to become doctors or nurses, but having a real interest in healthcare is important. A strong passion for medicine and patient care makes the job more meaningful and helps scribes stay engaged in their work. Those who are genuinely interested in healthcare tend to perform better and contribute more effectively to patient outcomes.

Where Do Medical Scribes Work?

Medical scribes are employed in a variety of healthcare settings, assisting physicians across different specialties. Their responsibilities and work environment can vary depending on the facility they are assigned to. Some scribes work in high-pressure emergency rooms, while others assist in outpatient clinics or specialized medical practices. They may be required to work long shifts, including nights and weekends, depending on the needs of the healthcare provider. Regardless of the setting, scribes play an essential role in ensuring that patient records are meticulously maintained.

• Primary Care Centers – Scribes assist family doctors and general practitioners in documenting patient visits, tracking medical histories, and ensuring that prescriptions, diagnoses, and follow-up instructions are accurately recorded. Their work helps primary care physicians manage large patient loads while maintaining high-quality care.

• Urgent Care Clinics – In fast-paced urgent care settings, scribes document patient symptoms, treatments, and test results efficiently. Since urgent care visits are often unplanned and time-sensitive, scribes help streamline the process, ensuring that patients receive timely treatment without unnecessary delays in documentation.

• Specialist Clinics and Hospitals – Medical scribes work with specialists such as cardiologists, dermatologists, and orthopedic surgeons. They record complex medical information, assist in compiling patient histories, and ensure that all specialist recommendations are accurately documented, which is crucial for long-term treatment and management.

• Emergency Rooms (ERs) – The ER is one of the most challenging environments for a scribe. They must document information quickly while doctors handle critical cases. Scribes track patient symptoms, test results, and treatment plans in real-time, ensuring seamless communication between emergency staff.

• Inpatient Hospitals and Clinics – In hospital settings, scribes assist in documenting ongoing patient care, including daily progress notes, medication updates, and doctor-patient interactions. Their work ensures that healthcare providers have access to comprehensive records for long-term and post-hospitalization care.

What Do Medical Scribes Do?

Medical scribes perform a range of tasks that support doctors and improve workflow efficiency. Their primary responsibility is to document patient interactions accurately, ensuring that medical records are comprehensive and up to date. They work closely with physicians, tracking important details such as diagnoses, treatment plans, and test results. Scribes also assist in handling administrative tasks, reducing paperwork for doctors and allowing them to spend more time with patients. Their role is essential in ensuring accurate medical documentation, which is critical for patient safety and quality care.

• Listening to Doctor-Patient Interactions:  Medical scribes observe consultations either in person or remotely. They listen carefully to ensure they capture all relevant details, including symptoms, medical history, and prescribed treatments. By documenting the conversation in real-time, scribes help physicians keep accurate and thorough medical records.

• Taking Detailed Medical Notes: Scribes compile notes based on patient consultations, including diagnoses, recommended treatments, and follow-up instructions. These notes must be precise and structured so that other healthcare providers can easily access and understand a patient’s medical history when needed.

• Updating Electronic Health Records (EHRs):  Scribes ensure that medical charts, checklists, and required documentation are correctly filled out in a patient’s EHR. They must be highly detail-oriented, as even minor errors in documentation can lead to miscommunication and potential medical complications.

• Clarifying Medical Terminology – Since medical professionals often use shorthand or abbreviations, scribes must correctly spell out medical jargon and enter the full forms into records. This step is crucial in preventing confusion and ensuring that documentation is clear for all healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care.

• Recording Patient Test Results – Scribes update EHRs with test results such as lab work, X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic tests. They ensure that these results are properly recorded and readily available to doctors, allowing for timely diagnosis and treatment planning.

• Assisting with Billing and Coding – Under the supervision of a physician, scribes may enter billing codes related to treatments and procedures. Accurate coding is essential for insurance claims and medical billing, ensuring that healthcare facilities receive proper reimbursement for services provided.

• Retrieving Patient Records – When patients return for follow-up visits, scribes retrieve past medical records and update them with new information. This process ensures continuity of care and helps doctors track a patient’s progress over time.

Why Are Medical Scribes Important?

Medical scribes play a critical role in improving the overall efficiency of healthcare services. Their accurate and timely documentation allows doctors to focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks. Well-maintained medical records enhance patient safety, facilitate better communication between healthcare providers, and contribute to more effective treatment planning. Additionally, scribes help healthcare facilities manage patient loads more effectively, reducing wait times and improving the overall patient experience. Organizations like ACMSO emphasize the importance of professional medical scribes in maintaining high documentation standards and ensuring seamless healthcare operations.

• Better Patient Care – Detailed and accurate records ensure that patients receive the correct treatments, medications, and follow-up care. By maintaining well-organized records, scribes help prevent errors, ensuring that healthcare providers have access to the right information when making medical decisions.

• Improved Monitoring – Accurate documentation allows doctors to track a patient’s progress over time. They can monitor changes in symptoms, response to treatments, and any new health concerns, leading to more effective and personalized care.

• Seamless Billing and Insurance Processing – Proper documentation simplifies the medical billing process, reducing administrative errors and streamlining insurance claims. This efficiency helps both healthcare providers and patients avoid unnecessary delays and complications in medical billing.

• Advancing Medical Research – Comprehensive patient records contribute to medical studies and research. Data collected from medical scribes can help identify trends in diseases, treatment outcomes, and preventive care strategies, ultimately improving healthcare practices and medical knowledge.

How much do medical scribes get paid?

The salary of a medical scribe varies based on location, experience, and employer. Some estimates include:

• $30,225 (Talent.com)

• $32,506 (Glassdoor)

• $32,616 (Indeed)

• $35,922 (Salary.com)

On average, medical scribes earn around $14 per hour, which is significantly higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. While the pay isn’t the highest, most medical scribes view the role as a stepping stone toward careers in healthcare.

Top motives listed by the majority of scribing candidates

The Benefits and Growing Role of Medical Scribes

1. Firsthand Exposure to Medical Practice

Working as a medical scribe provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience healthcare delivery up close. It is an ideal pathway for individuals interested in the medical field, as it allows them to:

• Develop familiarity and confidence in using complex medical terminology.

• Gain insight into the healthcare system, from patient interactions to treatment protocols.

• Evaluate their aptitude and interest in pursuing a long-term career in healthcare.

By working alongside physicians, scribes acquire valuable experience that can be instrumental in shaping their future career decisions.

2. Contributing to Healthcare Without Direct Patient Care

Not everyone is suited for frontline healthcare roles due to physical, psychological, or financial constraints. However, medical scribes play a vital role in improving healthcare efficiency without the need for direct patient care. By assisting physicians with documentation and administrative tasks, they help streamline operations, reduce physician burnout, and ensure accurate medical records—all of which contribute to better patient outcomes.

3. Expanding Career Opportunities

While some individuals choose to build a long-term career as a medical scribe, the role also serves as a stepping stone to other lucrative professions within healthcare. The experience gained in medical documentation, electronic health records (EHR) management, and clinical workflows can lead to opportunities in various fields, such as:

• Medical Records and Health Information Specialist – These professionals manage patient records in large healthcare facilities. While some employers require certification, many value hands-on experience in EHR management. Median salary: $51,840.

• Insurance Verification Specialist – This role requires proficiency in medical terminology, EHR coding, data management, and communication skills. Median salary: $60,936.

Many medical scribes also advance their careers by earning healthcare degrees, leading to roles such as:

• Registered Nurse (RN) – Provides direct patient care. Median salary: $75,330.

• Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Requires an advanced nursing degree and provides primary and specialized care. Median salary: $111,680.

• Physician Assistant (PA) – Works under a physician’s supervision, diagnosing and treating patients. Median salary: $115,390.

• Physician (MD/DO) – Requires extensive education and training but offers significant career rewards. Median salary: $208,000.

With a solid foundation in medical documentation and clinical exposure, scribes gain a competitive edge when transitioning to these advanced healthcare careers.

Tele-Scribing: The Future of Medical Scribing

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward telemedicine, transforming the role of medical scribes. As virtual consultations become a permanent fixture in healthcare, "tele-scribes" or "virtual scribes" are increasingly in demand.

Unlike traditional on-site scribes, tele-scribes work remotely, observing and documenting patient encounters via teleconferencing and screen-sharing. Their primary responsibilities mirror those of in-person scribes but include unique tasks such as:

• Secure Data Management – Tele-scribes must log in to medical record databases using HIPAA-compliant, encrypted connections, ensuring patient confidentiality and data security.

• Real-Time Documentation – They assist physicians by updating EHRs live during virtual consultations, minimizing the physician’s administrative burden.

• Collaboration and Verification – Since they are not physically present, tele-scribes may need to coordinate with practitioners for clarifications, ensuring accurate and complete documentation.

As telemedicine continues to grow, tele-scribing presents a flexible and evolving career path for medical scribes, allowing them to work remotely while playing a crucial role in healthcare efficiency.

Why medical scribe certification and why it matters

At present, medical scribing is an under-regulated sector, meaning that it is possible to be recruited as a scribe with little to no prior experience or certification. The previous section outlined the diverse backgrounds of medical scribes, while highlighting the traits and abilities essential to doing well in the profession.

However, there are several sound reasons why an aspiring medical scribe should first complete an accredited certification program such as the ACMSO medical scribe Training or MST:

1. ACMSO’s program is developed and taught by physicians experienced in training medical scribes

What this means is that the ACMSO medical scribe certification actually prepares you for everything you need to know and deal with as a medical scribe, whether on-site or as a tele-scribe.

2. The ACMSO MST is comprehensive, with a wide coverage of medical specialties and health-care contexts

As an ACMSO-certified medical scribe, you can be confident of coping with the rigors and requirements of diverse specialties, from cardiology to dermatology and everything in between, including neurology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, endocrinology, psychiatry and numerous others.

The program has an especial focus on infectious diseases, geared towards preparing medical scribes to support practitioners in coping with outbreaks and pandemics like COVID-19. 

3. Certification through ACMSO equips you to handle practitioner-patient consultations

Physicians widely use the ‘SOAP note’ (Subjective – Objective – Assessment – Plan) approach to structure patient consultations, and accurate documentation of this forms a crucial part of a medical scribe’s task. ACMSO MST certification training will allow you to develop not just familiarity but expertise at recording all important aspects of SOAP notes, including:

• Subjective elements such as CC (Chief Complaint) and HPI (History of Present Illness)

• Objective details like ROS (Review of Systems), vital signs and physical exam findings

• Assessment by the practitioner, including problem and differential diagnosis

• Plan of action, outlining practitioner-recommended tests, scans and any additional consultations and/or referrals, as well as medications, therapy and other suggested treatments. 

4. The format of the ACMSO MST courses is designed to optimize attention and absorption

ACMSO maximizes your returns on the time and effort you invest in certification, by including a strategic mix of infographics, text and video material that heighten your cognitive engagement, in addition to practice modules of real-life cases that evaluate your retention and application of what you’ve learned.

5. ACMSO MST certification courses are fully online, and can be completed at your own pace

Many trainees enrolled in the ACMSO MST are busy professionals or students handling heavy work-loads. Accordingly, the program offers great flexibility, allowing trainees to complete individual modules at any time of day or night, and to pace the coursework to suit their schedules. This also makes it ideal for trainees who can dedicate several hours of study every day, allowing them to fast-track certification and complete in as little as two weeks.

6. Through ACMSO MST, you gain experience in working with all major EHR systems currently used in health-care settings

Due to the multiplicity of EHR platforms available at present, it is crucial that aspiring medical scribes must develop versatility in navigating and using different systems for recording and tracking patient medical records. ACMSO offers training in all major EHR systems, including EPIC, Cerner, Meditech, CPSI, Allscripts, Medhost, Netsmart and Athena. 

7. The newly revised ACMSO MST certification course integrates all essential facets of training required for tele-scribes

Due to the COVID-19 induced shift in health-care delivery, a major proportion of practitioner-patient consultations have moved online, apparently for the long term. The ACMSO program assures that its trainees emerge with the competencies required to handle tele-scribing with ease and integrity.

8. The MST certification offered by ACMSO has solid accreditation

ACMSO’s MST program is accredited by two of the country’s most trusted medical organizations – the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

9. Completing the ACMSO MST confers multiple benefits

As an ACMSO-certified medical scribe, you are also eligible to receive letters of recommendation, such as those required for a medical school application. You can additionally have your résumé reviewed by the experts at ACMSO and get ACMSO support in medical scribe job placement.

10. The ACMSO MST certificate highlights all modules of the course

Your ACMSO MST certificate details your training in human biological systems, medical terminology, patient history and EHR platforms. By doing this, it effectively showcases your competencies to recruiters, enhancing your chances of getting hired quickly.

Tips from the pros for aspiring medical scribes

As the need for medical scribes and tele-scribes grows, these occupations represent an exciting opportunity for building a rewarding career with great growth prospects. As you set out along this path, do take a minute to look over the insights shared by some of the best medical scribes in our community – they share their experiences on what helped them most on this journey:

1. Be a medical scribe to find out if health-care is right for you

Most pre-med and pre-health students who have current or past experience as medical scribes recommend this path as the best way to figure out if the field of health-care is a good fit for you.

“No matter how much you study, or if medical dramas are your favorite, there’s only one way to find out if you’re cut out to be in health-care… go be a medical scribe!” was the way that one former scribe who’s now in med school summed it up.

2. Build your confidence as a future health-care practitioner vicariously

Even if you’re absolutely sure that you’re going to enter health-care, the idea of being responsible for people’s health and their lives can be scary. Working as a medical scribe is a really good way of gaining confidence in your own ability to carry out a patient consultation.

“By the time you’ve been a scribe for a year, you’ve done hundreds of consults, and you know you can do it on your own, when the time comes,” said one of our early trainees.

3. Maximize your exposure and versatility by scribing for different specialties

Many students enter health-care training without having a clear idea of what specialty they’d like to go in for. The medical scribes we spoke to affirmed that their scribing experience played an important role in helping them gain that clarity. 

As one scribe who was recently accepted into medical school explained, “I realized that ER and psychiatry wasn’t for me… I’m clear now that what I want to do is pediatrics.”

4. Scribing takes 100% focus and high energy

All the scribes we surveyed were clear about one thing… there’s no room for distraction on the job! In fact, our interviewees recommended that even off the job, medical scribes should be careful about getting derailed by excessive social drinking, partying and similar activities that could leave them with low energy and poor attention on the job.

One former scribe summed it up like this, “The medical record you create is supposed to help someone live a healthier life. That’s a serious responsibility.”

5. The first few weeks are overwhelming – don’t quit!

Not surprisingly, nearly all the scribes in our survey had this suggestion for aspiring medical scribes. No matter how well-prepared you are, they all said, you’re likely to find it tough going at first. As one scribe declared,

“Don’t worry, it gets better. Give yourself time – you’ll surprise yourself!”

Less-Known Facts About Medical Scribes:

Tele-scribing is a growing field: With the rise of telemedicine, medical scribes are increasingly working remotely, expanding career opportunities. Telemedicine.gov outlines the growing role of remote healthcare services.

Medical scribes can work in various specialties: Scribes assist in a wide range of specialties, including cardiology, dermatology, neurology, and infectious diseases. According to Medline.gov, scribes play an essential role in various medical fields.

Certification can reduce errors: Certified scribes are trained to prevent documentation errors that could lead to medical complications. Certification standards can be found at the Department of Health and Human Services, highlighting the importance of certified professionals in healthcare.

Scribes improve patient outcomes: By ensuring accurate documentation, scribes help improve communication between healthcare providers, leading to better treatment planning. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provides guidelines for improving healthcare outcomes with proper documentation.

They assist with billing and coding: Scribes can help with medical billing and coding, ensuring that healthcare providers receive proper reimbursement. Information on coding standards can be found on the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Scribes have a flexible career path: Many medical scribes transition into other healthcare roles, including nursing, medical records management, or even becoming physicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides career outlooks for healthcare professions, including the role of medical scribes.

Conclusion

Medical scribes play a vital role in modern healthcare by enhancing the efficiency of medical practices, improving patient care, and reducing physician burnout. Through accurate documentation, scribes ensure that healthcare providers can focus on delivering high-quality patient care without being bogged down by administrative tasks. With the growing demand for medical scribes, particularly in telemedicine, this profession offers exciting opportunities for individuals interested in healthcare careers. Certification programs, like those offered by ACMSO, provide essential training and improve job prospects for aspiring scribes, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in various medical settings. Whether you're looking to gain hands-on experience before pursuing a medical degree or seeking a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a certified medical scribe can be a crucial stepping stone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• How long does it take to become a certified medical scribe?

  
  Certification programs like ACMSO’s Medical Scribe Training (MST) can be completed at your own pace, with some trainees finishing in as little as two weeks, while others take several months depending on their schedule.

• What skills are essential for a medical scribe?

  
  Medical scribes need strong listening skills, fast typing ability (60-70 words per minute), attention to detail, and the capacity to work in high-pressure environments.

• Can medical scribes work remotely?

  Yes, with the rise of telemedicine, many medical scribes work remotely as "tele-scribes," assisting doctors through virtual consultations.

• Do medical scribes need formal certification?

  While certification is not always required, certified scribes are more likely to secure higher-paying positions and advance in their careers.

• What is the salary of a medical scribe?

  Medical scribes typically earn around $14 per hour, though salaries can range from $30,225 to $35,922 annually depending on the region and experience.