Medical Transcription: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Medical Transcription is a specialized field focused on accurately converting spoken medical content into written documentation. Professionals in this discipline ensure the precision, clarity, and compliance of patient records, clinical reports, and administrative communications within healthcare environments.
- Medical Terminology: Mastery of anatomical, physiological, and pathological terms essential for interpreting and transcribing clinical speech with technical accuracy.
- Dictation and Recording Techniques: Training in capturing spoken medical content through various audio formats, including real-time and delayed dictation, with attention to clarity and context.
- Analysis of Clinical Notes and Visual Evidence: Development of skills to interpret handwritten or digital clinical documentation, imaging reports, and other supplementary materials to support accurate transcription.
- Data Processing Applications: Proficiency with transcription software, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and digital workflow tools used in modern medical documentation.
- Report and Correspondence Formatting: Instruction in standardized templates and structure for medical reports, discharge summaries, operative notes, and formal medical correspondence.
- Professional Standards and Ethics: Understanding of confidentiality, accuracy, and accountability in handling sensitive patient information within healthcare settings.
- Healthcare Law and Regulatory Compliance: Study of legal frameworks such as HIPAA, documentation requirements, and jurisdiction-specific regulations governing medical record integrity and privacy.
Medical Transcription Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Medical Transcription Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Medical Transcription degrees, including Medical Transcriptionists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 43,070 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Medical Transcriptionists 31-9094 | $37,550 | $26,370 - $53,890 | 43,070 | $18.05 |
Medical Transcription Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $27,390 in North Carolina to $52,190 in Minnesota—a 91% difference. The highest-paying states include Minnesota, Wyoming, and Wisconsin. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 43,070 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Medical Transcription by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 11 institutions offering Medical Transcription programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Medical Transcription is found at Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) (10 graduates), Bishop State Community College (BSCC) (8 graduates), College of DuPage (COD) (8 graduates), Spoon River College (SRC) (8 graduates), and Delta College (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 56 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) |
Other Award
|
10 | Rochester, Minnesota | Public | rctc.edu |
Bishop State Community College (BSCC) |
Other Award
|
8 | Mobile, Alabama | Public | bishop.edu |
College of DuPage (COD) |
Other Award
|
8 | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
Spoon River College (SRC) |
Other Award
|
8 | Canton, Illinois | Public | src.edu |
Delta College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
7 | University Center, Michigan | Public | delta.edu |
Snead State Community College (SSCC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Boaz, Alabama | Public | snead.edu |
Black River Technical College (BRTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Pocahontas, Arkansas | Public | blackrivertech.edu |
Richland Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
2 | Decatur, Illinois | Public | richland.edu |
Indiana University (IUSE) |
Other Award
|
1 | New Albany, Indiana | Public | ius.edu |
Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Ottumwa, Iowa | Public | indianhills.edu |
New Mexico State University |
Other Award
|
1 | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | dacc.nmsu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Medical Transcription programs
How much can I earn with a Medical Transcription degree?
Salaries for Medical Transcription graduates vary by role and location. Medical Transcriptionists earn a median of $37,550 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Minnesota average $52,190 compared to $27,390 in North Carolina. Approximately 43,070 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Medical Transcription programs?
Currently 11 accredited institutions offer Medical Transcription degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) (10 graduates), Bishop State Community College (BSCC) (8 graduates), and College of DuPage (COD) (8 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Medical Transcription growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,935 in 2010 to a peak of 141 in 2020, before declining slightly to 56 in 2023-24. This represents a 97% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Medical Transcription degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Medical Transcriptionists. Related occupations employ approximately 43,070 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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