How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Scribe?
Becoming a medical scribe is a fantastic way to jumpstart a career in healthcare. It provides hands-on experience in medical settings, often acting as a stepping stone for those aiming to pursue further medical training or education. But one common question that prospective scribes often ask is: How long does it take to become a medical scribe?
In this blog, we will explore the typical training timeline, discuss the factors that can influence how long it will take, and look at how medical scribe certifications come into play. We’ll also take a look at the skills you’ll learn, the different types of training programs available, and how long it takes to complete them.
Let’s dive into this essential guide for future medical scribes in 2025!
What Does a Medical Scribe Do?
Before delving into the timeline, it's essential to understand the role of a medical scribe. Medical scribes are trained professionals who assist healthcare providers by documenting patient encounters in real-time during a medical consultation. This documentation typically includes medical histories, patient examinations, diagnoses, treatment plans, and other critical data that healthcare professionals rely on for patient care.
The role is demanding and requires accuracy, familiarity with medical terminology, and quick typing skills. Many scribes work directly alongside physicians, assisting them with tasks such as:
Electronic Health Records (EHR) management
Medical transcription and charting
Assisting with patient interviews
Providing general administrative support
Medical scribes play an indispensable role in improving the efficiency of healthcare professionals by ensuring that they spend more time interacting with patients and less time documenting information.
Related Blog: Top Online Medical Scribe Training Programs in 2025
How Long Does it Take to Become a Medical Scribe?
The time it takes to become a fully trained medical scribe depends on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of the typical timelines involved in different stages of the process:
1. Medical Scribe Training Programs
The first step to becoming a medical scribe is enrolling in a medical scribe training program. The duration of these programs varies based on the type of course you choose. Training can be done through:
Online training programs
In-person classes
Hybrid (online + in-person)
The length of training programs can range anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months. Typically, the training includes a mix of theoretical coursework, hands-on practice, and simulated clinical environments to help students learn the necessary skills.
Online medical scribe training is often more flexible, allowing students to complete courses at their own pace. These programs typically take 3 to 6 months to complete, depending on how many hours a student can dedicate to their studies.
On the other hand, in-person training may take 4 to 8 weeks, as students benefit from immediate access to instructors and clinical practice.
Related Blog: Medical Scribe Training: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started
2. Certification Process
While certification isn’t always required to become a medical scribe, it’s highly recommended. Many employers prefer or require certification, as it ensures that candidates have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively in the field.
The certification process usually takes an additional 1 to 2 months following the completion of the training program. To become certified, students need to pass an exam, which typically includes:
Medical terminology
HIPAA regulations
EHR software systems
Documentation techniques
Certifications are provided by organizations such as the American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group (AHDPG) and The American College of Medical Scribe Specialists (ACMSO). These certifications can be a great way to boost your credibility and marketability as a medical scribe.
Related Blog: What to Expect in a Medical Scribe Certification Exam
3. On-the-Job Training and Shadowing
Once you’ve completed your training and certification, on-the-job training begins. This phase typically lasts around 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the specific healthcare environment. During this time, you'll shadow experienced medical scribes, learn the ropes, and start handling tasks independently.
The duration of on-the-job training can vary depending on the complexity of the medical facility and the types of patients you encounter. Hospitals, private clinics, urgent care centers, and specialty practices each have their own unique needs and workflows.
Related Blog: Medical Scribe vs. Medical Assistant: Which Career Path Is Right for You?
4. Full Proficiency and Job Readiness
After completing your formal training and shadowing, you can officially start working as a medical scribe. However, like many healthcare positions, becoming fully proficient in your role can take time. Most medical scribes reach full proficiency within 6 months to 1 year of hands-on experience, as this gives them time to get comfortable with medical terminology, healthcare workflows, and the demands of the job.
Factors That Can Influence the Time It Takes to Become a Medical Scribe
While the timeline above is typical, there are several factors that can impact how long it takes to become a medical scribe. These include:
Your Prior Experience
If you have a background in healthcare, such as being a nursing assistant or a medical assistant, you might be able to fast-track your training. You may already be familiar with medical terminology, clinical environments, and patient interactions.The Type of Program You Choose
As mentioned earlier, online training can be more flexible but might take longer. In-person or hybrid programs tend to be more structured but may also be completed in less time.Workload and Dedication
The more time and effort you dedicate to your studies, the quicker you’ll complete your training. Some people may complete programs in less than the average timeframe if they commit to studying full-time.Location and Facility Needs
Some medical facilities have more comprehensive training or shadowing programs that may take longer, while others may have more streamlined procedures to get you started faster.Type of Medical Facility
Larger hospitals or specialized medical centers might have more intricate and diverse medical scribe duties, requiring additional training. Smaller clinics, on the other hand, might have simpler documentation tasks, shortening your overall training period.Technology Familiarity
If you're already comfortable using electronic health records (EHR) systems or similar medical software, you may progress faster in your training. If you’re unfamiliar with EHR platforms, you may need extra time to familiarize yourself with these tools.Clinical Specialization
Some medical scribes are trained to work in specialized fields like cardiology or orthopedics. Specializing in a particular medical area might extend the time needed for training, as you will need to become familiar with more complex terminology and procedures.Job Placement Availability
Some scribe programs offer job placement assistance after certification. If you’re able to find a job quickly, your on-the-job training could begin sooner, shortening the overall time before you're fully employed.Employer Requirements
Some employers may require additional training beyond certification before allowing new scribes to work independently. These extra requirements can lengthen the timeline to start working as a full-fledged medical scribe.Level of Support from Training Programs
The amount of support you receive from your training program, such as mentorship or access to resources like mock patient interactions, can impact how quickly you gain proficiency. More comprehensive support often leads to faster competency in the role.
How to Speed Up the Process
If you're looking to fast-track your journey to becoming a medical scribe, here are some tips:
Choose accelerated training programs that provide intensive, fast-paced coursework.
Complete additional certifications in medical terminology or basic life support (BLS) to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Take advantage of internship opportunities that provide hands-on experience early on.
Stay up to date with EHR systems and other software that medical scribes use, so you can hit the ground running in your job.
Becoming a Medical Scribe in 2025
In conclusion, becoming a medical scribe generally takes between 2 months to 1 year, depending on the type of training you choose and how fast you complete each stage. However, the rewards of this career, especially in 2025, are well worth the time invested.
At ACMSO, we provide Medical Scribe Certifications that are highly respected in the industry, helping you jumpstart your career as a certified medical scribe. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your qualifications, our training programs can guide you every step of the way.
10 Less Commonly Known Facts About Medical Scribes
Medical scribes have been proven to reduce physician burnout by handling the administrative workload.
Medical scribes are often trained to use specific EHR systems, making them highly specialized.
Some medical scribes work remotely, especially in telehealth settings.
Medical scribe training programs sometimes include customer service elements to handle patient interactions better.
The job of a medical scribe can lead to opportunities in other healthcare roles, such as medical assisting or physician assistant programs.
Medical scribes can work in a wide variety of settings, including emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, and surgery centers.
The demand for medical scribes has increased due to the shift toward digital record-keeping in the medical industry.
Some medical scribe programs offer guaranteed job placement upon certification completion.
Medical scribes often work closely with medical coders and billers to ensure accurate records for insurance claims.
Virtual medical scribe roles are becoming increasingly popular as healthcare providers adapt to remote working environments.
FAQS
-
Most people can become a medical scribe in as little as 2 to 4 weeks if they enroll in a fast-track or intensive training program.
-
No, a college degree is not required. Many scribes begin with a high school diploma or GED, though some employers prefer candidates pursuing healthcare degrees.
-
Training programs usually last anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on whether the course is full-time, part-time, or self-paced.
-
Yes, many scribing jobs allow you to start right after completing your certification or onboarding, especially if you’ve trained with a recognized provider.
-
Yes, most employers offer 1 to 2 weeks of on-the-job training to familiarize you with their workflow, software, and expectations.
-
The timeline is similar—2 to 6 weeks—though some remote positions may require additional technical training or stronger typing and communication skills.
