1. What Medical Scribes Do
Medical scribes turn doctor-patient interactions into documented electronic health records (EHR). As a clerical scribe, you’ll also document laboratory tests and procedures to give providers the most up-to-date information.
Your job is to support physicians with non-clinical tasks, and you’ll need to follow HIPAA compliance. This non-clinical role suits many settings, and you’ll have opportunities to work anywhere from physician offices and emergency departments to outpatient specialty clinics.
2. Requirements to Become a Medical Scribe
To get started in this entry-level role, you’ll need:
- High school diploma or GED
- Strong accuracy and typing speed
- Ability to work in fast-paced environments
- Some knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy
- Strong English skills
- Optional: certification to improve competitiveness
3. Training & Certification
Getting trained and certified with the Apprentice Medical Scribe Professional (AMSP) credential prepares you for an exciting career as a medical scribe.
Working with simulated systems, your training covers how to document and update patient records and handle clinic workflows. You’ll also learn anatomy and medical terminology, HIPAA/HITECH regulations and the basics of medical coding.
At MedCerts, you can follow one of three pathways that boost confidence and prepare you for diverse roles:
- HI 6400: Medical Scribe Professional: 14 weeks. Gain AMSP exam prep and all the skills you need to be a medical scribe.
- HI 6500: Medical Scribe and Administrative Professional: 20 weeks. AMSP + Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification training to prepare you for scribing and medical office roles that boost employability.
- HI 9800: Clinical Medical Assistant and Scribe Professional: 34 weeks. AMSP + CMAA + Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certifications give clinical medical assisting, admin support and scribe training for broad knowledge and in-demand skills.
4. Train to Become a Medical Scribe Online at MedCerts
- Meet requirements and enroll at MedCerts.
- Follow all training modules and simulations, and complete the coursework.
- Take the AMSP exam (and any other exams included in your chosen program).
- Apply to job openings at clinics, specialty practices or hospitals.
- Utilize MedCerts Career Center to prep a resume and practice interviews.
5. Career Outlook & Job Opportunities
This beginner-friendly role – with about 25,000 openings nationwide – is the perfect way to launch your healthcare career. You’ll also get hands-on experience documenting accurate patient records. Plus, you can use it as a stepping stone into career pathways like medical assisting, medical coding or advanced clinical roles.
Salary: $27,300–$33,150
Job growth: 3.3%
6. Why Students Choose MedCerts
With MedCerts, you get the training you need: short, flexible and online. You also get student advisor support throughout your program, affordable tuition (with many workforce and military funding options), interactive content and career coaching to support your career goals. You can follow many MedCerts pathways and even stack your credentials to boost competitiveness.
What Are You Waiting For?
There’s never been a better time to jump into the healthcare field. Medical scribing has solid job growth and suits a personalized career journey. Plus, you’ll feel fulfilled helping providers and organizations streamline patient care and keep the focus where it matters.
