Are you interested in a career in the medical field but unsure which path to take? Two possible options to consider are becoming a medical transcriptionist or a surgical technician. While both professions are in the healthcare industry, they have different job responsibilities and require different levels of education and training. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast the roles of a medical transcriptionist and a surgical technician to help you make an informed decision about your future career.

Introduction

The healthcare industry is vast and offers a wide range of career opportunities. Medical transcriptionists and surgical technicians are two such options that may appeal to individuals with an interest in the medical field. Both professions play important roles in providing quality patient care, but they differ in terms of job responsibilities, education and training requirements, and career outlook.

What is a Medical Transcriptionist and Surgical Technician?

Medical Transcriptionist

A medical transcriptionist is a healthcare professional who transcribes audio recordings made by physicians and other healthcare professionals into written reports. These reports become part of a patient's medical record and are used for reference by doctors, insurance companies, and other healthcare providers. Medical transcriptionists must have excellent listening and typing skills, as well as a strong knowledge of medical terminology and grammar.

Surgical Technician

A surgical technician, also known as a surgical technologist, is a vital member of the surgical team. They assist surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in the operating room before, during, and after surgical procedures. Surgical technicians are responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring that all necessary instruments and supplies are available. During surgery, they pass instruments to the surgeon, hold retractors, and help maintain a sterile environment.

Difference between a Medical Transcriptionist and Surgical Technician

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

1. Job Responsibilities: Medical transcriptionists primarily focus on transcribing audio recordings into written reports, while surgical technicians assist in surgical procedures and ensure the operating room is properly prepared.
2. Work Environment: Medical transcriptionists typically work in an office or from home, transcribing recordings remotely. Surgical technicians, on the other hand, work in operating rooms and may be exposed to various surgical procedures.
3. Interaction with Patients: Medical transcriptionists have minimal interaction with patients, as their work is mainly focused on transcribing medical reports. Surgical technicians, on the other hand, work closely with patients before, during, and after surgery.
4. Level of Stress: While both professions can be demanding, surgical technicians often experience higher levels of stress due to the fast-paced nature of the operating room and the critical nature of their role during surgeries.

Medical Transcriptionist vs Surgical Technician: Job Description

Medical Transcriptionist

• Transcribe audio recordings made by healthcare professionals into written reports.
• Review and edit transcriptions for accuracy and clarity.
• Ensure that transcriptions follow medical guidelines and terminology.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and ensure the security of medical records.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to clarify any unclear or ambiguous recordings.

Surgical Technician

• Prepare the operating room for surgical procedures.
• Sterilize and arrange surgical instruments and supplies.
• Assist surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals during surgeries.
• Pass instruments to surgeons and hold retractors.
• Maintain a sterile environment in the operating room.
• Monitor patients' vital signs during surgery.

Medical Transcriptionist vs Surgical Technician: Education and Training

Medical Transcriptionist

• Most medical transcriptionists complete a postsecondary certificate program or associate's degree in medical transcription.
• These programs typically cover medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical transcription techniques.
• Some employers may require medical transcriptionists to have certification, which can be obtained through professional organizations such as the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI).

Surgical Technician

• Surgical technicians typically complete a postsecondary certificate program or an associate's degree in surgical technology.
• These programs cover topics such as surgical procedures, anatomy and physiology, sterile techniques, and patient care.
• Some states require surgical technicians to be licensed or certified, which may involve passing an exam or completing a specific number of hours of clinical experience.

Medical Transcriptionist vs Surgical Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

Medical Transcriptionist

• The demand for medical transcriptionists is expected to decline in the coming years due to advancements in speech recognition technology and the outsourcing of transcription services.
• However, there will still be opportunities for medical transcriptionists who have specialized knowledge in areas such as radiology or pathology.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical transcriptionists was $33,380 in May 2020.

Surgical Technician

• The demand for surgical technicians is projected to grow much faster than average, driven by the aging population and advances in surgical technology.
• Surgical technicians with additional certifications or experience in specialized areas may have better job prospects.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for surgical technologists was $49,040 in May 2020.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in the healthcare industry can be both rewarding and fulfilling. When deciding between becoming a medical transcriptionist or a surgical technician, it's important to consider your interests, skills, and long-term career goals. While medical transcriptionists primarily work with written reports and have minimal patient interaction, surgical technicians play a more hands-on role in the operating room. Additionally, the education and training requirements, as well as the career outlook and salary, differ between these two professions. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision about which path is right for you.

Dreambound's educational programs open doors to exciting opportunities. For a more comprehensive understanding of the potential within these two vocations, we invite you to explore further details by visiting:

• Medical Transcriptionist in South Dakota
• Surgical Technician in South Dakota
• Medical Transcriptionist classes near you
• Surgical Technician classes near you