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Medical transcriptionists create accurate, clear medical documentation for patient histories, exam notes, operative reports, and other purposes. They listen to recordings made by healthcare workers… and convert them into written reports… and also take documents generated by doctors using speech recognition technology, and closely edit them. Identifying errors, inconsistencies, and missing information is crucial to ensuring patient care isn’t compromised. Transcriptionists translate medical jargon and abbreviations and must understand complex medical terminology. They may enter their reports into electronic health records systems or submit them directly to physicians for approval. Those who work in doctors’ offices may answer phones and greet patients as well. Most medical transcriptionists work full time, though part-time schedules are not uncommon. They work for hospitals, doctor’s offices, and transcription service companies. Some work from home, with more flexible schedules than in typical offices. Reports must be completed accurately and under deadlines, which can make the work stressful. Most transcriptionists have completed either a one-year certificate program, or an associate’s degree in medical transcription. Coursework includes anatomy, terminology, risk management, legal issues, and English grammar. Many programs include supervised on-the-job experience.