Key Points:

• Medical Transcriptionists type patient records; Sterile Processing Technicians clean, sterilize, and prepare medical equipment.
• Medical Transcriptionists typically earn more than Sterile Processing Technicians.
• Demand for Sterile Processing Technicians is expected to grow faster than for Medical Transcriptionists.
• Both jobs require training, but Sterile Processing Technicians often need in-person training, while Medical Transcriptionists can sometimes complete their training online.
• Sterile Processing Technician training programs are typically shorter (6-12 months) and less expensive than Medical Transcriptionist programs (1-2 years).

In the world of healthcare, there are a multitude of roles and career paths to choose from. Two such options are medical transcriptionist and sterile processing technician. While both of these professions are vital to the smooth operation of a healthcare facility, they have distinct differences in terms of job responsibilities, education, and career outlook. In this blog post, we will explore the roles of medical transcriptionist and sterile processing technician, discuss the differences between the two, and provide insights into their respective education and training requirements, as well as career outlook and salary potential.

What is a Medical Transcriptionist and Sterile Processing Technician?

Medical Transcriptionist:

A medical transcriptionist is a healthcare professional who listens to voice recordings made by healthcare providers and transcribes them into written reports. These reports become part of a patient's medical record and are used by healthcare professionals for various purposes, including diagnosis, treatment, and billing. Medical transcriptionists must have a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as excellent listening and typing skills.

Sterile Processing Technician:

A sterile processing technician, also known as a central service technician, is responsible for ensuring that all surgical instruments and equipment are properly cleaned, sterilized, and maintained. They play a critical role in preventing the spread of infection and ensuring the safety of patients and healthcare providers. Sterile processing technicians must have a thorough knowledge of infection control practices, sterilization techniques, and medical equipment.

Difference between a Medical Transcriptionist and Sterile Processing Technician

While both medical transcriptionists and sterile processing technicians work in the healthcare field, there are several key differences between these two professions:

Job Responsibilities:

• Medical Transcriptionist:

  • Transcribe voice recordings into written reports
  • Review and edit transcriptions for accuracy
  • Ensure that transcriptions adhere to legal and ethical guidelines
  • Maintain patient confidentiality
  • Collaborate with healthcare providers to clarify information or resolve discrepancies

• Sterile Processing Technician:

  • Clean and decontaminate surgical instruments and equipment
  • Assemble and package sterilized instruments for use in surgeries and other medical procedures
  • Operate sterilization equipment, such as autoclaves
  • Maintain inventory of sterile supplies and order replacements as needed
  • Follow strict protocols for infection control and sterilization

Work Environment:

• Medical Transcriptionist:

  • Typically work in an office or remote setting
  • May work for hospitals, clinics, or transcription service companies
  • Often have flexible work schedules, including part-time and remote options

• Sterile Processing Technician:

  • Work in hospitals, surgical centers, or other healthcare facilities
  • May be required to work evenings, weekends, or on-call shifts
  • Often work in sterile processing departments or central supply areas

Skills and Qualifications:

• Medical Transcriptionist:

  • Excellent listening and typing skills
  • Strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Familiarity with medical transcription software and equipment

• Sterile Processing Technician:

  • Knowledge of infection control practices and sterilization techniques
  • Understanding of medical equipment and surgical instruments
  • Ability to work efficiently and follow strict protocols
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills

Medical Transcriptionist vs Sterile Processing Technician: Job Description

Medical Transcriptionist:

Medical transcriptionists play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by transcribing voice recordings into written reports. These reports are an essential part of a patient's medical record and are used by healthcare professionals for various purposes, including diagnosis, treatment, and billing. In addition to transcribing, medical transcriptionists also review and edit transcriptions for accuracy, ensure that they adhere to legal and ethical guidelines, and maintain patient confidentiality. They often collaborate with healthcare providers to clarify information or resolve discrepancies in the transcriptions.

Sterile Processing Technician:

Sterile processing technicians are responsible for cleaning, decontaminating, and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment. They play a vital role in preventing the spread of infection and ensuring the safety of patients and healthcare providers. Sterile processing technicians must follow strict protocols for infection control and sterilization, as well as maintain an inventory of sterile supplies and order replacements as needed. They are also responsible for assembling and packaging sterilized instruments for use in surgeries and other medical procedures.

Medical Transcriptionist vs Sterile Processing Technician: Education and Training

Medical Transcriptionist:

To become a medical transcriptionist, individuals typically need to complete a postsecondary certificate or associate degree program in medical transcription. These programs provide training in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as transcription techniques and software. Some programs also include hands-on experience through internships or practicums. While certification is not always required, it can enhance job prospects and demonstrate proficiency in the field. The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) offers the Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) and Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS) certifications for medical transcriptionists.

Sterile Processing Technician:

The educational requirements for sterile processing technicians vary by employer and state. Some employers may only require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others may prefer candidates with a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in sterile processing or a related field. These programs typically cover topics such as infection control, sterilization techniques, medical equipment, and anatomy. Some programs may also include a clinical component to provide hands-on training. Certification is not always required, but it can enhance job prospects. The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) and the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) offer certifications for sterile processing technicians.

Medical Transcriptionist vs Sterile Processing Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

Medical Transcriptionist:

The demand for medical transcriptionists has declined in recent years due to advances in voice recognition technology and electronic health records. However, there are still opportunities available, particularly for those with formal training and certification. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to decline 2% from 2019 to 2029. The median annual wage for medical transcriptionists was $33,380 in May 2020.

Sterile Processing Technician:

The employment outlook for sterile processing technicians is more favorable. The BLS projects a 7% growth in employment from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing demand for healthcare services and the emphasis on infection control are contributing factors to this growth. The median annual wage for sterile processing technicians was $37,770 in May 2020.

Final Thoughts

While both medical transcriptionist and sterile processing technician are essential roles in the healthcare industry, they have distinct differences in terms of job responsibilities, work environment, required skills, education, and career outlook. It is important for individuals considering a career in healthcare to carefully evaluate their interests, strengths, and goals to determine which profession aligns best with their aspirations. Whether it be the meticulous attention to detail required for medical transcription or the focus on infection control and sterilization as a sterile processing technician, both professions offer unique opportunities to contribute to the field of healthcare.

Dreambound has strategically placed its educational programs in various locations, making it easy for aspiring individuals to access valuable opportunities. For a thorough insight into the dynamic realms of these two vocations, we encourage you to delve into more detailed information by visiting:

• Medical Transcriptionist in South Carolina
• Sterile Processing Technician in South Carolina
• Sterile Processing Technician classes near you