To get that credential, or not, that does seem to be the question on many of your minds. Today let’s talk about those credentials a little bit.

If you are a new graduate right out of school, you are probably first considering taking the RMT, or Registered Medical Transcriptionist, exam. It is the entry-level test given by AHDI and new graduates are encouraged to take that one right out of school. I’ve seen many new graduates take and pass this exam.

If you have some experience in the profession, then it’s the CMT, or Certified Medical Transcriptionist, exam that you want to take a look at. This test is said to test the knowledge base of someone who has been doing medical transcription in an acute care or multi-specialty setting for at least two years. It is more intensive in testing the knowledge base than the RMT, which is why the recommendation is to work in the industry for two years before attempting to take this one.

Only recently have I seen that a few new graduates are sticking their feet into the water and attempting the CMT, or Certified Medical Transcriptionist” exam. So should a new graduate attempt the CMT right out of school? I think that depends on the graduate and the program they take. As we all know, everyone learns differently and everyone applies themselves differently. My thoughts on this are that if a new graduate has the knowledge and skill to pass the CMT, then they should go for it! In addition, what a testament to the training program they attended! Schools whose graduates can produce CMT-ready medical transcriptionists are surely doing something right!

What’s the Benefit?

The discussion about credentialing often evolves around the “what’s it in for me (WIIFM)?” question. I don’t think that’s unreasonable at all. In today’s world, with our economy as it is, we are all looking for ways to be sure that we are spending our money wisely. It’s an investment and we want to be sure there is a good return on that investment. The answer that says “it’s for the good of the profession” really doesn’t do a lot to answer the WIIFM question.

When I took the CMT exam, I did it for me. At the time, I had my own business and I simply wanted credentials to put on a business card. It seemed to me that would make it look more professional. I didn’t make a connection that said then I could charge more for my services, at least not at the time. However, as I went back into the business world from the world of self-employment, I definitely found that having the CMT helped me. More employers are now paying a little more if you have a credential, so why not get it? If it benefits you monetarily, it’s a good investment! For a new graduate, the benefit is in being able to say you are competent to enter the work place. It says you have passed the national exam that shows you have a minimum level of knowledge (I know, when you finish school, nothing seems “minimum”!). More employers are recognizing credentials now, some reimburse your testing costs, and some even pay an additional rate for having a credential. If you, for example, find an employer who pays even 1/4 of a cent per line for that credential, you could make up to $600 more in a year. Compare that with the cost of taking the test of around $200 (depending on which test and whether you are an AHDI member) and you have made your investment back!

So what about it? I’d like to hear from you in the comments section. Do you have your credential already? If so, what benefit has it given you? If you don’t, are you taking a prep course of some kind to prepare? Lastly, if you don’t have it, I’d like to know if there is an interest in a prep course being done here. It would come with a minimal fee, and if there’s an interest, we can sure talk about doing that in the near future. Please be sure to post your comments here so we can get some discussion going and see where it goes!