Key Takeaways
- Understand the Medical Scribe Training: Medical scribe training is required to handle patient information through Electronic Health Records (EHR) and ensures compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- No Degree Needed: You do not need a healthcare degree to become a medical scribe, but knowledge of medical terminology and procedures is essential to perform the role effectively.
- Comprehensive Coursework: Medical scribe training includes HIPAA compliance, diagnostic terminology, medication names, medical procedures, and optional specialized courses for particular medical fields.
- Program Duration: How long medical scribe training takes varies by program, with comprehensive courses typically lasting 6–9 months and shorter programs covering only parts of the curriculum.
- Boost Job Readiness: Completing a full medical scribe course increases your readiness for the job, enhances practical skills, and improves your chances of employment, especially for pre-med students and those entering the healthcare industry.
Becoming a medical scribe is an excellent way how you can get accepted into medical school. We know that it is a desired road to the first experience in healthcare, thus we aim to explain as much as possible about this profession. Yet, we still haven’t answered one crucial question: what is medical scribe training? We desire to change that in this article, therefore if you wish to enter the healthcare industry through this door, we encourage you to read on!
Do you need training to be a medical scribe?
Many pre-med students ask themselves a question – do they need training to be a medical scribe? After all, this is an entry-level position, and these usually do not require any preparation. Yet, since medical scribes operate in the healthcare industry, it is a bit different.
The HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) requires specific training for healthcare workers who handle patient information via the Electronic Health Record system, and medical scribes do that. Thus, they are legally required to undergo such a course.
Apart from that, they need to undergo more specific trainings related to the medical aspects of their work. However, they are not required to hold a degree in healthcare-related studies. Knowledge of medical terms and procedures is the key to this job, yet if you have it, you can start working even after graduating from high school. Although, a degree is always an additional perk.
What is medical scribe training?
The training itself consists of several aspects, connected both to terminology and procedures. If a medical scribe wishes to work with a particular specialist, such as a cardiologist or a laryngologist, they might need to undergo some additional training in the fields related to that. So, what is medical scribe training?
- HIPAA-required training on handling patient and personal information
- Training on diagnostic terminology
- Training on medication names
- Training on medical procedures
- Specialized training (if necessary)
How long is a medical scribe training?
You might know how to get a job as a medical scribe, but do you know how long does a training for this position take? It actually depends on the type of course.
Some medical scribe training programs involve both teaching the terminology and the procedures related purely to this position. Some, however, focus only on the former or the latter. Yet, usually, such trainings may take up from 6 to 9 months. If you're wondering how long is medical scribe training, this timeframe gives you a clear idea of what to expect.
It is definitely better to take a complete course which covers both the everyday work of a medical scribe and all the theory behind it. After such a training, you will be ready to start working as a medical scribe right away! You’ll know what medical billing and coding are, how to input information quickly, and what should you watch out for. A complex training will increase your chances of getting the job significantly – this is especially important for those wishing to start right after graduating from high school.
Career Path & Growth Opportunities
Working as a medical scribe is not just an entry-level position—it can serve as a stepping stone to advanced healthcare careers. The hands-on experience gained during medical scribe training provides valuable exposure to clinical workflows, patient care, and medical documentation, which can help you explore various career paths, such as:
- Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs: Experience as a scribe strengthens your application and gives practical insight into patient care.
- Medical Administration and EHR Management: Scribes develop skills in documentation and electronic health record systems, opening doors to administrative roles.
- Medical Coding and Billing: Knowledge of procedures and terminology allows scribes to transition into billing and coding positions.
- Preparation for Medical School or Residency: Working alongside physicians gives firsthand exposure to clinical decision-making, helping pre-med students gain experience that can enhance their applications.
Pursuing a career as a medical scribe not only provides immediate work experience but also sets the foundation for long-term growth in the healthcare industry.
Medical Scribe Training - Final Thoughts
Knowing what a medical scribe training is and how long it takes will help you decide on whether you wish to pursue this type of job. The position of a medical scribe is an excellent entry point into the healthcare industry, especially for those planning to pursue medical school or other advanced healthcare roles. A well-rounded medical scribe course can significantly boost your chances of success and ensure you’re well-prepared for the challenges of the job. Medical administration jobs are a great way to begin your career in healthcare, so don’t hesitate to try them!
You might also read: How to Prepare for a Medical Scribe Interview?
