How to Become a Medical Scribe

November 5, 2022 AD

So, you’ve always wanted to work in healthcare but don’t have years to spend on medical school? Enter the Medical Scribe — the unsung hero of modern medicine. Picture yourself typing furiously in a doctor's office, hearing everything from “No, that’s not a rash, that’s just a bad sunburn” to “You might want to lay off the pizza” while maintaining an up-to-date record of the patient’s every move. It’s like being a backstage manager in a show that’s all about health and wellness. And the best part? No stethoscopes required!

Being a medical scribe is a high-energy, detail-oriented role that is crucial in today’s fast-paced healthcare system. But how exactly do you get into this job? What do you need to know? How do you stand out? And most importantly, why should you care about becoming a medical scribe? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a journey to answer all those questions (and more).

What is a Medical Scribe?

A medical scribe is a professional who works alongside healthcare providers, documenting patient visits and ensuring that all information is captured accurately. Whether in a hospital, urgent care center, or a private clinic, scribes help doctors by recording notes about the patient’s symptoms, the treatments they receive, and follow-up tasks like lab tests or specialist referrals. This documentation is not only vital for patient care but is also essential for maintaining accurate medical records.

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Visit Documentation: Transcribing the doctor's dictation of patient consultations, treatments, and procedures into the patient’s electronic health record (EHR).
Organizing Patient Data: Managing follow-up appointments, lab tests, and referrals to specialists.
Supporting the Healthcare Team: Aiding in the day-to-day administrative and operational tasks that keep a healthcare practice running smoothly.

Why Become a Medical Scribe?

Here’s the deal — becoming a medical scribe opens doors to multiple opportunities. If you’re a premed student, it's like getting a VIP pass to the healthcare world, giving you experience that looks great on medical school applications. But even if you’re not aiming for med school, the job offers a fascinating entry into healthcare, a flexible schedule, and the chance to help doctors and patients directly.

Benefits of Becoming a Medical Scribe:

Experience in the Healthcare Field: A fantastic way to get your foot in the door of the medical industry.
Great for Premed Students: If you’re considering medical school, this job provides hands-on experience that’s valuable in applications.
Flexibility: With the ability to work in various medical settings, many scribe positions offer flexible hours — a perfect balance for students or those with other commitments.
Skill Development: Develop your typing skills, attention to detail, and medical terminology knowledge — all of which are transferable to a wide range of healthcare careers.

Qualifications Needed to Become a Medical Scribe

The best part about becoming a medical scribe is that it doesn’t require years of schooling. However, certain skills and qualifications can make you stand out.

Basic Qualifications:

No Formal Degree Required: While many scribes have completed at least some college coursework, it’s not a requirement to start.
Typing and Writing Skills: Since scribes must transcribe medical information quickly, strong typing skills (preferably 50-80 words per minute) are essential.
Attention to Detail: Accuracy is key when documenting sensitive patient information. Precision is the name of the game.
Basic Knowledge of Medical Terminology: While you don’t need to be a medical expert, having some understanding of medical terms will help.

Recommended Certifications:

Though certifications aren’t always required, they can greatly enhance your credibility and chances of landing a job. One of the most recognized certifications is provided by organizations like ACMSO (American College of Medical Scribe Operations), offering affordable, high-quality training and certification.

How to Become a Medical Scribe: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Get Certified (or Enroll in Training)

While it’s possible to find a medical scribe job without formal certification, completing a recognized certification program is one of the most common and recommended paths. Certification ensures you have the foundational knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of a medical scribe effectively.

There are several accredited programs available to help you get certified. These programs typically provide comprehensive training in medical terminology, healthcare systems, and scribing procedures. Most of these courses are offered both online and in-person, so you can choose one that fits your schedule and learning preferences.

Look for programs that are recognized by healthcare organizations, such as the ACMSO (American College of Medical Scribe Operations), which provides a cost-effective and robust certification program. Their Medical Scribe Certification is designed to get you job-ready by focusing on practical skills like fast typing, medical terminology, and real-world scenarios that you'll likely encounter on the job. The training also helps you understand the importance of accurate documentation in maintaining patient care and safety.

Certifications often require you to complete a certain number of hours of coursework, which typically lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. With programs like ACMSO's offering affordable, flexible training, you'll be well-equipped to confidently enter the field. While not all employers require certification, many prefer it, and it will make you stand out in a competitive job market.

Step 2: Find a Job

After obtaining your certification, the next step is to find a job. Medical scribe positions are available in a variety of healthcare settings, and you'll have the opportunity to work in different environments depending on your interests.

Common Medical Scribe Workplaces:

Hospitals and Emergency Departments: Scribes in hospitals or emergency rooms work in fast-paced environments, helping to document patient information during high-pressure visits.
Primary Care and Specialty Clinics: Medical scribe positions are also available in outpatient settings, such as family practices, cardiology offices, or dermatology clinics, where they assist with routine patient visits and ongoing care.
Urgent Care Centers: These healthcare centers often need scribes to help with documenting patient visits during walk-in appointments for minor illnesses or injuries.
Telemedicine Providers: With the rise of telehealth, remote medical scribe positions are becoming more common. These positions offer the flexibility of working from home while supporting healthcare providers during virtual consultations.

Once you’ve decided which setting you’d like to work in, it’s time to start searching for job opportunities. You can check local job boards, healthcare provider websites, and even staffing agencies that specialize in healthcare employment. Make sure to tailor your resume to highlight your newly acquired certification and relevant skills, such as fast typing, familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems, and medical terminology.

In addition to traditional job postings, some healthcare systems have internal job listings, so it’s worth networking and inquiring with local hospitals or medical practices about available positions. Networking with professionals already working as scribes or in the healthcare industry can also increase your chances of landing your first job.

Step 3: Gain Experience

After landing your first job as a certified medical scribe, the next step is to gain hands-on experience. As with many entry-level positions, it’s important to be prepared for a learning curve. You will likely begin as a trainee or entry-level scribe, which means you’ll be supervised closely as you familiarize yourself with the specific processes and documentation requirements of the facility.

Your primary responsibilities will include transcribing patient encounters into the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, managing patient records, and possibly scheduling appointments or assisting with referrals. Initially, you may be tasked with simpler or routine cases as you get used to the workflow, but as you build confidence, you’ll be given more complex tasks.

Building Experience and Advancing in Your Role:

The key to success as a medical scribe is to focus on accuracy, speed, and attention to detail. As you gain experience, you’ll become more efficient and familiar with the medical terminology and documentation style used in your workplace. Over time, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the healthcare process, which will be invaluable if you decide to pursue other opportunities in the medical field, such as medical coding, billing, or administrative roles.

As you advance in your role, you may be given more responsibilities, such as training new scribes or taking on supervisory tasks. Experienced scribes often transition to higher-level roles or become lead scribes, overseeing teams of scribes and ensuring the quality of documentation. The skills you develop as a medical scribe are also transferable to many other roles within the healthcare industry, making it a stepping stone for career advancement.

It’s important to remember that the more experience you gain, the more valuable you become to your employer. In fact, experienced scribes may be able to negotiate higher salaries or more flexible working hours as they gain a reputation for being reliable, accurate, and efficient.

Additional Tips for Success as a Medical Scribe

Stay Organized: Medical scribing involves managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Being organized and prioritizing your tasks will help ensure you keep up with the fast pace of healthcare settings.
Continue Learning: Healthcare is an ever-evolving field, and staying updated on new medical procedures, technologies, and terminology is important. Take the initiative to expand your knowledge, either through additional certifications or simply staying curious.
Master EHR Systems: Familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems is essential. Different healthcare organizations use various platforms, so learning how to navigate them efficiently will be a key skill in your role as a scribe.
Develop Strong Communication Skills: As a scribe, you'll be working closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Good communication is essential for ensuring that all patient data is accurately captured.
Prepare for Long Shifts: Medical scribing can be a physically demanding job, especially in fast-paced environments like emergency rooms or hospitals. Prepare for long shifts and sometimes challenging work conditions.

The Medical Scribe Work Environment

Medical scribes work in a variety of healthcare settings, from fast-paced emergency rooms to smaller private practices. The environment can vary significantly depending on where you work, but most scribes work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, helping to ensure the accurate documentation of patient interactions.

Work Schedule:

Many medical scribe positions offer flexible hours, especially in outpatient settings like urgent care or private practices. Full-time positions typically require 40 hours per week, but part-time positions and shifts during evenings or weekends are also available. This flexibility makes scribing an ideal job for students or anyone with other obligations.

Salary and Job Outlook for Medical Scribes

While salary can vary based on location, experience, and the specific employer, the average pay for a medical scribe typically ranges from $13 to $16 per hour. In some areas, the wage can be higher, especially for those with more experience or specialized skills.

Job Outlook:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for medical scribes is expected to grow in the coming years as healthcare providers continue to look for ways to streamline their processes and reduce administrative burdens. The rise of electronic health records (EHRs) has increased the need for skilled professionals who can ensure that patient information is accurately documented and readily accessible.

Conclusion: Start Your Scribe Journey Today!

Becoming a medical scribe can be your gateway to a fulfilling career in healthcare, whether you’re aiming for medical school or just want to help doctors provide excellent patient care. If you’re ready to take the next step and want to be among the most qualified in the field, check out ACMSO’s Medical Scribe Certification. With their affordable, expert-led programs, you can be confident in your new career path.

Don’t wait — start your journey today, and let’s change the world of healthcare together, one scribed note at a time!

Facts About Medical Scribes

Medical Scribes Don’t Need a Medical Degree: While you’re working in a healthcare environment, you don’t need a degree in medicine to be a scribe.

TechTarget

Scribes Can Specialize: Some scribes specialize in certain fields, such as emergency medicine or cardiology.

Wikipedia

Virtual Scribing is on the Rise: With the rise of telemedicine, virtual scribes are in high demand.