I. Introduction
If you’re passionate about healthcare but don’t want to become a doctor, a medical scribe might be the perfect career for you. A medical scribe is a professional that assists healthcare providers in documenting patient information and managing patient care. The demand for medical scribes has increased as healthcare providers seek to enhance efficiency and productivity, which means that there are numerous employment opportunities for aspiring medical scribes.
This article is a complete guide to becoming a medical scribe. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the job responsibilities, required qualifications, and career advancement opportunities. Additionally, the article provides tips on how to excel in the profession and showcases real-life examples of what a day in the life of a medical scribe looks like.
II. The Beginners’ Guide to Becoming a Medical Scribe
A medical scribe is a professional that documents patient information and assists healthcare providers in managing patients. The role of a medical scribe is to maintain accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive medical records that healthcare providers rely on to enhance patient care. Medical scribes usually work with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other medical professionals.
Job duties of a medical scribe include:
- Documenting patient information efficiently, accurately, and in real-time
- Reviewing medical charts, reports and patient information
- Organizing and maintaining patients’ medical records both electronically and physically
- Assisting the healthcare practitioner in managing patients during the visit
- Communicating necessary information about the patient to the healthcare provider
To become a medical scribe, you need to have a high school diploma, but having a college degree, particularly in health sciences, is advantageous. Additionally, you must have excellent communication skills, strong proficiency with computers, and attention to detail. Some medical scribe jobs may require previous experience in healthcare, but not all do. Employers typically provide on-the-job training to prepare you for your role.
Some of the popular employers in the medical scribe industry include ScribeAmerica, PhysAssist, and Proscribe. These companies provide medical scribe services to healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They also offer medical scribe training programs.
III. 10 Steps to Kick-Start Your Career as a Medical Scribe
Step 1: Identify your motivations
Understand why you want to become a medical scribe. Knowing your motivations will help you stay committed and dedicated to your career goals, even when faced with challenges or obstacles.
Step 2: Research the job market
Conduct research to find out the demand and job opportunities in your area. Some cities have a higher demand for medical scribes than others. Check job boards and healthcare facilities’ career pages to determine the current job openings.
Step 3: Identify organizations that offer medical scribe training programs
Several institutions offer medical scribe training programs that you can take to build your knowledge and skillset. Examples include American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group and HealthChannels.
Step 4: Acquire basic medical knowledge
It’s essential to have a basic understanding of medical terminologies and health records management. Even though your employer may train you, having prior knowledge can help you stand out during the hiring process.
Step 5: Apply for training programs
Applications for medical scribe training programs can either be done online or offline, depending on the provider. Ensure that you read the program requirements and the costs of the training before applying.
Step 6: Complete the scribe course
The medical scribe training program typically takes about 70 hours to complete. The curriculum covers medical terminology, the electronic medical record, health information management, and medical ethics. During the training, you’ll also get hands-on experience documenting patient information, which prepares you for the job.
Step 7: Get certified
The American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group (AHDPG) offers the Certified Medical Scribe (CMS) certification. Getting certified is not mandatory, but it can increase your chances of getting hired, qualify you for higher pay, and showcase your commitment to the profession.
Step 8: Build your professional network
Join professional healthcare organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM). Attend conferences and events to build relationships with healthcare professionals and potential employers.
Step 9: Apply for job openings
After completing your training and certification, apply for job openings in your area. Use your network to search for available opportunities and ensure that you tailor your application to the specific job requirements.
Step 10: Ace the interview
Prepare for the interview by researching the healthcare provider, practicing common interview questions, and dressing professionally. Showcase your technical skills, medical knowledge, and commitment to patient care during the interview.
IV. Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Medical Scribe
A typical workday for a medical scribe involves working closely with healthcare providers to manage patient care. Medical scribes work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. During a typical day, medical scribes may:
- Update patient medical records
- Accompany the healthcare provider to patient rooms and document medical histories
- Attend to patient needs, such as taking vitals, measuring height and weight, and scheduling appointments
- Assist with ordering medical tests and interpreting medical charts and reports
Real-life experiences from medical scribes in the industry indicate that some of the most challenging aspects of the job include standing for extended periods, dealing with difficult patients, and managing unexpected changes in workflow. However, many medical scribes find the work to be fulfilling and rewarding as it offers a unique opportunity to assist the healthcare provider in delivering quality patient care.
V. The Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Medical Scribe Career
Before pursuing a career as a medical scribe, it’s essential to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the profession. Some of the pros and cons of being a medical scribe are:
Advantages of Being a Medical Scribe
- Opportunity to contribute to healthcare delivery
- Opportunity to gain medical knowledge and experience
- Opportunities for career advancement within the healthcare industry
- Job flexibility
- Competitive compensation and benefits packages
Disadvantages of Being a Medical Scribe
- Dealing with difficult patients
- Standing or sitting for extended periods
- Shift work and irregular schedules
- Fast-paced work environment
- Exposure to sick patients and infectious diseases
VI. From Zero to Hero: How to Advance from a Medical Scribe to a Medical Practitioner
Medical scribes’ career pathway offers various opportunities for career growth within the healthcare industry. Some of the ways to advance from a medical scribe include:
Option 1: Pursue Further Education
You can pursue further education by enrolling in healthcare programs such as nursing or medicine to become a medical practitioner. Becoming a nurse practitioner or physician assistant is a typical career path for medical scribes. These roles require advanced education and training but offer higher salaries and more responsibilities than medical scribes.
Option 2: Get Promoted Within Your Organization
Working as a medical scribe gives you the experience and medical knowledge that can make you a valuable asset to your organization. You can advance your career by applying for supervisory roles or administrative positions within healthcare organizations.
Option 3: Specialize in a Particular Field
As a medical scribe, you have a vast understanding of medical terminologies and patient care processes. You can become an expert in a particular field, such as pediatrics, oncology, or cardiology, by taking additional courses and certifications to improve your knowledge.
VII. Top Qualities that Recruiters Look for When Hiring a Medical Scribe
When hiring a medical scribe, recruiters are looking for professionals with a unique set of skills and qualities. Some of the top qualities are:
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Strong technical and computer proficiency
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment
- Ability to multitask and manage priorities
- Commitment to patient care
Demonstrate these qualities by updating your resume and highlighting relevant skills and experiences. During the interview, showcase your soft and hard skills, your knowledge of medical terminologies and procedures, and why you are passionate about being a medical scribe.
VIII. 5 Best Strategies to Excel as a Medical Scribe and Boost Your Career Growth
Improving your job performance as a medical scribe can help you stand out among other job applicants and position you for career advancement. Here are some strategies to excel as a medical scribe:
Strategy 1: Improve Your Medical Knowledge
The more you know about medical terminologies and procedures, the better your ability to support the healthcare provider in delivering high-quality patient care. Read medical books, research scientific journals, and shadow healthcare professionals to learn more.
Strategy 2: Seek Feedback from Your Supervisor
Feedback from your supervisor can help you identify areas of excellence and areas that need improvement. Additionally, using feedback constructively can lead to personal and professional growth.
Strategy 3: Be a Team Player
The medical scribe role involves supporting the healthcare provider and working closely with fellow healthcare professionals. Being reliable, respectful, accountable, and collaborative can help you build strong working relationships with colleagues.
Strategy 4: Pay Attention to Detail
Medical records are essential documents that healthcare professionals rely on to make informed decisions about patient care. As a medical scribe, you must be accurate, thorough, and precise in documenting patient information.
Strategy 5: Stay Up-to-date with Healthcare Industry Changes
The healthcare industry is continually evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and laws that can impact patient care. Participate in continuing education programs, attend conferences and seminars, and stay informed of any changes that may affect your role.
IX. Conclusion
If you’re looking for a career that allows you to be a critical component of the healthcare industry without becoming a healthcare practitioner, becoming a medical scribe might be the perfect fit. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of what a medical scribe does, how to train, job responsibilities, employment opportunities, and career advancement opportunities. Like any career, being a medical scribe has its share of advantages and disadvantages, but with commitment and dedication, it can be a rewarding career path.
Don’t be afraid to pursue your dream of becoming a medical scribe. With the right tools, training, and mindset, you can achieve your career goals and become a vital part of the healthcare industry.
