How to Become a Medical Scribe
Interested in a medical job that doesn’t require advanced degrees? Learn how to become a medical scribe. Professionals can pursue this role as a clinical requirement for medical school, and as a health career in itself. If you’re curious about the job of a medical scribe, learn more about what this role is like and how to get started.
What Is a Medical Scribe?
Medical scribes are more than just dictation experts: They document patient interactions and verbal assessment findings, input orders into the electronic health record (EHR), organize information, and help increase efficiency in clinical care. Their work allows providers, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, to see more patients and provide more care.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what medical scribes do:
- Write detailed notes to document patient encounters, including history, symptoms, recommendations, and education given by providers.
- Navigate online health platforms with expertise and efficiency.
- Communicate with healthcare professionals to ensure information is translated to the broader team.
- Multitask to maintain efficiency, including transcribing during conversations, asking questions for clarification, and more.
Key Skill Areas for Medical Scribes and Transcriptionists
- Efficient typing and computer navigation
- Basic knowledge of medical terminology
- Verbal communication and interpersonal relationship skills
- HIPAA compliance and patient privacy
Major Employers for Medical Scribes and Transcriptionists
This role is needed in multiple healthcare settings. These are some of the work environments where medical scribes are needed:
- Intensive care units (ICUs)
- Emergency departments (EDs or ERs)
- Outpatient clinics
- Ambulatory care
The scheduling requirements for scribes depend on the role and clinical area. In general, these jobs are in person, and certain settings may require night shift and weekend coverage. If you choose to work in an outpatient clinic or ambulatory care, your schedule may be more similar to that of an office.
Pros and Cons of Working as a Medical Scribe
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Opportunity to gain experience in a medical setting without additional schooling.
Work hours can contribute to requirements when applying for medical school, PA school, or other educational paths. Roles typically do not require prior experience. |
Roles can be fast-paced, with a high learning curve.
Salary is lower than that of other medical professionals. Depending on the work setting, there may be few opportunities for career advancement. |
Medical Scribe Salary
The average medical scribe in the U.S. earns about $41,000 per year. Keep in mind that, if this is your first role, you may earn less. And scribes with several years of experience in their specialty may earn far more. Earning certifications and pursuing additional responsibilities may also help you negotiate a higher salary from your employer.
How to Become a Medical Scribe: 2 Steps
How long does it take to become a medical scribe? This role typically requires a high school diploma or GED, and there is no additional training to complete, so becoming one might be as fast as getting a first job offer.
Step 1: Assess Your Readiness
Since there are no specialized education requirements for this role, you’ll want to do a quick self-assessment to determine whether your skills are currently a good fit or whether you may want to self-study to prepare. Review the skills necessary above, and consider your typing and technology skills in particular.
For example, some organizations recommend a typing speed between 40 and 70 words per minute to enter this role. A typing speed of 70wpm or higher is considered excellent for scribes. You might consider taking a readiness exam to see where your skills lie.
Optional Step: Earn Certification
Do you need a certificate to be a medical scribe? No, but several certifications exist for professionals in this area. Most programs include a course component as well as a medical scribe certification exam, which you can complete at your own pace. Again, these are not a practice requirement, but if you feel unprepared for a role, they may help you gain confidence and will look great on your resume.
Step 3: Apply for Roles and Start Your First Scribe Job
If you’re ready to start your job search, check out medical scribe jobs. But before applying, update your resume. Clinical experience is generally not a requirement to work as a scribe. Whatever your previous experiences are — whether in education, professional roles, volunteering, or something else — try to showcase how those experiences helped you gain skills in communication, technology, teamwork, and multitasking.
Because they’re often pursued by aspiring students, scribe positions can be competitive. To help set yourself apart, include a cover letter in your application. This is a great chance to show why you’re interested in the role, what personality attributes you bring, and any experiences you’d like to expand on. Once you land an interview, try to approach it as a friendly conversation. If this is your first role, focus on showing that you’re interested in gaining skills and contributing to high-quality care.
Find Roles for Medical Scribes and Other Health Professionals
Now that you know how to become a medical scribe, you might be curious about other job openings in your area. The good news is, you don’t have to scroll through job boards to stay updated. Sign up for personalized job notifications to let the opportunities come to you.