Minnesota Medical Transcription Training and Schools

About Medical Transcription Careers in Minnesota

Medical transcriptionists, at the most basic level, transcribe the dictations or notes of physicians, correct the transcripts for grammar, punctuation, and terminology errors, and turn produce a clean report for patient records. Additionally, the transcriptionist must be well-versed in anatomy and physiology and adhere to professional standards regarding patient confidentiality.

Prospective medical transcription students have several training opportunities in Minnesota. Associate-degree, diploma, and certificate programs are available. In addition to online and distance learning programs, Minnesota offers traditional brick-and-mortar educational institutions. Additional schools may offer medical transcription training as part of a degree program in allied-health services.

Medical Transcription Training Schools

  • Dakota County Technical College
  • Hennepin Technical College
  • Lake Superior College
  • Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical
  • Minnesota State Community and Technical College
  • Northland Community and Technical College
  • Rasmussen College
  • Ridgewater College
  • Rochester Community and Technical College
  • Saint Paul College
  • TechSkills Medical

Medical Transcription Careers in Minnesota

Prospective medical transcription students should have strong computer skills, the ability to concentrate for long periods of time, and have an interest in the medical field without undergoing several years of training or dealing with irregular working hours.

Medical transcriptionists have several career options open to them. While many opt to work within a formal health care setting, there is a growing trend toward telecommuting. This second option is particularly viable for those residing in more remote areas where lengthy commute times limit career opportunities.
The U.S. Department of Labor forecasts strong growth in medical transcription careers in the urban areas of Duluth, Minneapolis, and Saint Cloud. Nationally, medical transcription jobs are expected to maintain a sustained growth rate of about 11 percent.

There are more career opportunities in Duluth proportionally than in Minneapolis. However, with Minneapolis’ larger population, there are more jobs numerically. The average annual salary for a transcriptionist in Minneapolis is $36,000. Duluth’s average salaries are about $34,000, while those in Saint Paul are about $33,000.

Financial Aid in Minnesota

Individual transcription training schools and programs often offer a mix of scholarships, grants, and loans. Some are underwritten and administered by the educational institutions themselves. Others are part of the wider state and federal financial-aid system. The financial aid offices of educational institutions are valuable sources of more information.