Medical Transcriptionist Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties & Sample Template)

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If you’ve Googled “Medical Transcriptionist job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again:
Bullet points. Medical jargon. Zero personality.

Most of these templates feel like they were written by a machine—or worse, by someone who’s never actually hired for the role.

But here’s the truth: a job description isn’t just a formality—it’s your first and best chance to attract the right person. And if it’s boring, vague, or generic? The most qualified candidates won’t even apply.

Before we get into examples, if you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology.

The good news? You don’t need to be a copywriter to write a great job post. You just need a better structure—and a little intention behind it.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to write a compelling, effective job description for a Medical Transcriptionist—one that actually attracts focused, detail-oriented, and dependable professionals.

You’ll learn:

  • What this role really involves (in plain English)

  • Two great templates (experienced vs entry-level)

  • What a bad job post looks like (and how to avoid it)

  • Tips to make your post stand out

  • How to use AI without sounding robotic

  • And how to evaluate candidates the smart way using WorkScreen

If you want to save time, hire right, and stop sorting through low-quality applications—this guide is for you.

Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

What Does a Medical Transcriptionist Actually Do?

At its core, a Medical Transcriptionist turns audio into accuracy.

They listen to recordings from doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals—then transcribe those recordings into clear, structured medical documents. These might include patient histories, discharge summaries, consultation notes, and more.

But this role isn’t just about typing fast.

A great medical transcriptionist understands medical terminology, maintains confidentiality, and ensures that every detail is precise, consistent, and compliant with healthcare regulations like HIPAA.

They’re the invisible bridge between spoken medical observations and official patient records. And their work plays a critical role in helping doctors, nurses, and hospitals deliver high-quality care.

If you’re hiring for this role, you’re not just looking for someone who can type—you’re looking for someone who’s:

  • Focused and detail-oriented

  • Comfortable with complex terminology

  • Able to handle sensitive patient data with discretion

  • Reliable, self-motivated, and good at managing time—especially if the role is remote

Up next, we’ll look at two job description templates: one for experienced transcriptionists and one for candidates you’re willing to train.

Two Great Medical Transcriptionist Job Description Templates

1) Job Description For Experienced Medical Transcriptionist

📌 Job Title: Medical Transcriptionist for PulsePoint Telehealth (100 % Remote)

💼 Type: Full-Time | Remote | $20–$28/hr (DOE)
🕒 Schedule: Flexible hours | Monday–Friday | EST overlap required

🎥 A Quick Hello

Watch a 60-second Loom from Dr. Maya Reyes, our Medical Director, on why accurate documentation is mission-critical to patient care. ➡️ [Loom link]

👋 About PulsePoint Telehealth

PulsePoint is a fast-growing virtual-care network serving 500 000+ patient visits a year across 17 U.S. states. Our 120 clinicians rely on crystal-clear records to deliver safe, timely care—especially to rural and underserved communities. Accuracy, speed, and empathy are the heartbeat of our service, and we treat every team member as a trusted professional.

🧠 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Transcribe physician dictations (histories, physicals, discharge notes, etc.) directly into Athena EMR

     

  • Proofread for grammar, terminology, and diagnostic accuracy

     

  • Flag discrepancies and request clarification when needed

     

  • Uphold HIPAA standards and PulsePoint’s zero-error policy

     

  • Meet daily turnaround times without compromising quality

     

🎯 What We’re Looking For

  • 2+ years medical transcription experience

     

  • Strong knowledge of anatomy & pharmacology; CMT or RHDS preferred

     

  • 60 + WPM typing speed at ≥ 98 % accuracy

     

  • Experience with any major EMR (Athena, Epic, or Cerner)

     

  • Self-starter who thrives in a fully remote, deadline-driven role

     

💡 Perks & Benefits

  • Health, dental, vision — day 1 coverage

     

  • Home-office stipend ($600) + high-quality headset reimbursement

     

  • 401(k) with 4 % match after six months

     

  • 15 PTO days + 10 company holidays + 2 annual “wellness days”

     

  • Annual $800 CEU budget to keep credentials current

     

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

You’ll be the linchpin between our clinicians and patient outcomes. Your transcripts inform treatment decisions in real time, so your work literally improves lives every day—without a commute.

📥 How to Apply

We evaluate every applicant through WorkScreen.io to test real-world speed and accuracy (no résumé black hole). Click below, complete the brief assessment, and hear back within 5 business days.

👉 [WorkScreen application link]

2) Job Description For Entry-Level Medical Transcriptionist (Willing to Train)

📌 Job Title: Trainee Medical Transcriptionist at ClearScript Docs (Remote / Hybrid)

💼 Type: Full-Time | Remote-first (Phoenix HQ option) | $16–$20/hr
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday | Choose an 8-hour block between 7 AM–7 PM MST

🎥 Meet the Team

Watch this 45-second intro from Jenna Patel, Operations Lead, on how ClearScript grows beginners into pros. ➡️ [Loom link]

👋 About ClearScript Docs

ClearScript specializes in turn-key documentation for private outpatient clinics. Founded in 2019, we’ve helped over 200 practices eliminate backlog and improve billing accuracy. We believe in hiring for potential—not just credentials—and backing it up with world-class training.

🎓 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Transcribe audio notes into standardized templates (we’ll teach you formatting)

     

  • Learn medical vocabulary, drug names, and abbreviations through guided modules

     

  • Double-check documents for clarity before submitting to QA

     

  • Protect patient privacy and follow HIPAA basics from day one

     

  • Receive weekly feedback to boost speed and accuracy

     

🌟 You Might Be a Great Fit If You…

  • Type 50 WPM or faster and love detailed work

     

  • Communicate clearly in writing

     

  • Have a quiet workspace and reliable internet

     

  • Are eager to learn healthcare terminology and grow into higher-pay roles

     

💡 Perks & Benefits

  • Paid 4-week training bootcamp + assigned mentor

     

  • Health, dental, vision after 90 days

     

  • Optional in-office days with free lunch Wednesdays

     

  • $500 annual education stipend after 6 months

     

  • 12 PTO days + your birthday off + volunteer day

     

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

We turn beginners into certified transcriptionists. If you’re looking for a career launchpad in healthcare—minus the student-loan price tag—you’ll thrive here.

📥 How to Apply

We use WorkScreen.io to give every applicant a fair shot—experience optional. Complete the quick evaluation below; you’ll get transparent feedback and next-step instructions within a week.

👉 [WorkScreen application link]

If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.

Why These Medical Transcriptionist Job Posts Actually Work

Let’s break down what makes these two job descriptions effective—and why they’ll attract better candidates than the average copy-paste post.

✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear and Specific

Instead of a generic title like “Transcriptionist Needed,” we say:

  • “Medical Transcriptionist for PulsePoint Telehealth (100% Remote)”

  • “Trainee Medical Transcriptionist at ClearScript Docs (Remote / Hybrid)”

Each one tells the candidate:

  • What the role is

  • Who it’s for

  • Whether it’s remote or in-person

That clarity alone filters out the wrong applicants and attracts people who fit.

✅ 2. The Intros Give Real Context

Instead of opening with a dry company bio, each job post leads with a video intro from a real team member and a warm welcome that frames the mission.

This builds trust and helps candidates connect emotionally before they even scroll. It also sets your post apart from 99% of the others out there.

✅ 3. The “About Us” Sections Are Human and Company-Specific

We didn’t just say “We are a fast-growing company in the healthcare industry…”

We named the company, explained what they do, and highlighted who they serve (telehealth patients, private clinics, underserved communities). This grounds the post in real-world purpose, not corporate fluff.

✅ 4. Responsibilities Are Framed Around Impact

Rather than listing vague tasks, both job posts explain why the tasks matter:

  • “Your transcripts inform treatment decisions in real time.”

  • “Your documents help clinics eliminate backlog and improve billing accuracy.”

This shows the candidate how their work contributes to something bigger than just data entry.

✅ 5. The Hiring Criteria Are Transparent but Inclusive

For the experienced role, expectations are clear and high.
For the entry-level post, we’re explicitly encouraging applicants without experience to apply. We even highlight “nice to haves” separately to reduce intimidation.

This keeps the bar high without shrinking the talent pool.

✅ 6. Perks and Benefits Are Listed Separately

Too many job posts hide perks in a wall of text or leave them out entirely. We gave each post its own Perks & Benefits section—easy to skim, real, and relevant (like home-office stipends and wellness days).

✅ 7. The “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section Speaks to Motivation

This is your sales pitch—why this job is worth their time.
It’s not just about the job—it’s about what the job unlocks:

  • Career growth

  • Autonomy

  • Purpose

  • Flexibility

We used this space to connect emotionally with the right type of person for each role.

✅ 8. The Application Process Is Respectful

Instead of “send your résumé and we’ll contact shortlisted candidates,” we say:

“We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate candidates fairly. You’ll hear back within 5 days.”

That transparency builds credibility and reassures candidates that their time won’t be wasted.

✅ 9. There’s a Video. Yes, It Matters.

Adding a short Loom or intro video humanizes your company, gives candidates a feel for your team, and boosts engagement.
It’s one of the most overlooked trust-builders in modern hiring.

A Bad Medical Transcriptionist Job Description (And What’s Wrong With It)

Let’s look at what a typical, outdated job post looks like—and why it fails to attract serious, high-quality candidates.

❌ Bad Job Post Example

📌 Job Title: Medical Transcriptionist
Company: Confidential
Location: Remote
Salary: Not specified

Job Summary
We are seeking a qualified medical transcriptionist to transcribe dictated reports from healthcare providers. Candidate should be able to work independently and meet deadlines.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Transcribe dictated recordings

     

  • Ensure accuracy of reports

     

  • Follow company policies and HIPAA regulations

     

  • Submit reports in a timely manner

     

Qualifications

  • Previous transcription experience required

     

  • Proficient in Microsoft Word

     

  • Ability to type 60 WPM

     

  • Familiarity with medical terminology

     

How to Apply
Send your résumé and cover letter to jobs@medicalco.org. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

🧨 What’s Wrong With This Job Post?

Let’s break it down.

🚩 1. The Job Title Is Vague

“Medical Transcriptionist” tells us nothing about the company, the setting, or who the job is for. It’s generic, which means it blends in with hundreds of other posts.

🚩 2. The Company Is “Confidential”

This is a trust killer. Great candidates want to know who they’re applying to—especially in remote roles. Hiding the company name is a red flag that drives away top talent.

🚩 3. No Salary Transparency

Leaving out compensation feels outdated and signals a lack of clarity (or competitiveness). Serious applicants often skip posts that don’t disclose pay ranges.

🚩 4. No Culture, No Mission, No People

There’s nothing here about why the company exists, who they serve, or what it’s like to work there. It’s transactional and cold—like filling a slot, not joining a team.

🚩 5. Responsibilities Are Too Generic

“Transcribe dictated recordings” and “Submit reports” could apply to any transcription job. It doesn’t explain why the work matters or how success is measured.

🚩 6. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is one of the coldest lines in hiring. It tells applicants, “Don’t expect to hear from us,” and instantly damages trust.

🚩 7. The Call to Action Is Weak

“Send your résumé and cover letter” is fine, but it doesn’t inspire action. There’s no sense of urgency, no personal touch, and no sign that the company actually cares about the candidate experience.

Bottom line?
This job post might check some legal boxes, but it doesn’t connect, attract, or convert. It’s forgettable—and forgettable job posts get ignored.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Medical Transcriptionist Job Post Stand Out

Want to take your job description from “pretty good” to “absolutely irresistible”? These small additions can make a big difference—especially in competitive markets or when hiring remotely.

🛡️ 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice

Online job seekers are increasingly cautious—especially when applying to remote roles. Adding a short disclaimer can build instant trust and signal that your company is legitimate.

Example:

🔒 We take your privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank information, or sensitive personal data during any part of the hiring process. If you ever receive a suspicious message claiming to be from us, please report it immediately.

🏝️ 2. Mention Time Off or Flex Days

Even part-time or contract workers want to know they’ll have breathing room. Stating your PTO policy or offering flex days shows you respect your team’s well-being.

Example:

Enjoy up to 15 paid time off days annually—including your birthday and two “mental health” flex days.

📚 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities

If you’re willing to invest in your team’s learning (even in a small way), say so. This is especially important for entry-level roles where career progression is a motivator.

Example:

We offer a $500 yearly stipend for education, plus certification reimbursement for team members pursuing CMT, RHDS, or advanced transcription credentials.

🎥 4. Add a Loom or Video From the Hiring Manager

As we covered earlier, this is one of the easiest ways to stand out. A 60-second video showing the person behind the job builds instant rapport and differentiates you from every other listing.

Tip: Use Loom, YouTube, or Vidyard and say something like:

“👋 Watch a quick video from our team on why this role matters and how we support your growth.”

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

💬 5. Make Your Call to Action Warm and Personal

Instead of ending your job post with “Apply here,” speak to the candidate like a real person.

Example:

“We’d love to get to know you. Whether you’re experienced or just getting started, we care about potential, attitude, and accuracy. Apply using the link below and we promise to respect your time—no ghosting, no games.”

Should You Use AI to Write a Medical Transcriptionist Job Description?

Short answer: Yes… but not blindly.

AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or even features inside platforms like Workable and Manatal can help you write faster—but if you just say “Write a job description for a Medical Transcriptionist,” you’ll get exactly what most job seekers are already ignoring:

  • Generic bullet points

     

  • Robotic tone

     

  • Zero personality

     

  • And content that doesn’t reflect your company at all

     

That means you’ll attract the wrong applicants—or worse, no one at all.

❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI:

“Write me a job description for a Medical Transcriptionist.”

You’ll end up with bland, recycled content that could belong to any company in any country in any industry. It won’t reflect your brand, your values, or your hiring standards.

✅ The Right Way to Use AI:

Give the AI actual context—the raw ingredients—so it can work as your assistant, not your replacement.

Try prompting it like this:

“Help me write a job description for our company, PulsePoint Telehealth. We’re hiring a Medical Transcriptionist to help us deliver clean, accurate records from remote clinicians. Our culture is remote-first, fast-paced, and focused on serving underserved communities. We want to attract detail-oriented professionals who care about accuracy and patient privacy. We offer flexible hours, a remote stipend, health benefits, and a $800 annual CEU budget. Our hiring process is transparent and fair—we use WorkScreen to evaluate skills, not just résumés. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your outline or notes here].”

When you do it this way:

  • AI can help refine your tone,

     

  • Clarify your structure, and

     

  • Polish your message

     

…but you still own the message.

Use AI as a tool to sharpen your voice—not as a shortcut to replace it.

Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.

Need a Quick Copy-Paste Medical Transcriptionist Job Description?

✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Style

📌 Job Title: Medical Transcriptionist for [Your Company Name] (Remote)

💼 Type: Full-Time | Remote | $20–$26/hr
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday | Flexible hours

🎥 [Link to short Loom or YouTube video from hiring manager]

👋 About Us
At [Your Company], we support healthcare teams across the country with fast, accurate, and HIPAA-compliant documentation. We’re a growing, remote-first company that believes in quality, trust, and giving professionals the autonomy they need to do their best work.

🧠 What You’ll Do

  • Transcribe clinician notes into EMR systems

  • Review and edit transcripts for accuracy and completeness

  • Flag missing data or discrepancies

  • Protect sensitive patient information

  • Work independently and meet consistent deadlines

🎯 What You’ll Need

  • 2+ years of experience as a medical transcriptionist

  • Excellent knowledge of medical terminology

  • Typing speed of 60+ WPM

  • Familiarity with EMR systems

  • Commitment to detail and confidentiality

💡 Perks & Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision coverage

  • Remote work setup stipend

  • 15 PTO days + mental health days

  • Ongoing training & CEU reimbursement

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll be part of a small, trusted team that directly impacts patient care. We’ll treat you like a pro, not a cog. Your work won’t just support doctors—it’ll help real patients get better care, faster.

📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate candidates based on skills—not just résumés. Click below to complete a short assessment and hear back from us within a few days.

👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]

🗂 Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format

📌 Job Title: Medical Transcriptionist
Location: Remote
Salary Range: $20–$26/hour

🎥 [Link to short Loom or YouTube video from hiring manager]

Job Brief:
We are seeking a detail-oriented Medical Transcriptionist to join our remote team. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of medical terminology, high typing accuracy, and a commitment to patient data privacy.

Responsibilities:

  • Transcribe audio files from healthcare providers into structured medical documents

  • Review reports for accuracy, clarity, and consistency

  • Collaborate with team leads to resolve discrepancies

  • Follow HIPAA compliance and organizational confidentiality standards

  • Meet daily turnaround times

Requirements:

  • 2+ years of transcription experience in a healthcare setting

  • Excellent command of written English and medical terminology

  • Familiarity with EMR/EHR platforms

  • Typing speed of 60+ WPM

  • Self-motivated and deadline-driven

Perks & Benefits:

  • Flexible remote schedule

  • Health and dental insurance

  • Paid time off + personal development stipend

  • Supportive, mission-driven team environment

Application Process:
To apply, complete the evaluation via WorkScreen.io. We review every applicant fairly and will reach out with next steps after your assessment.

👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]

What Happens After You Write the Job Post?

Once you’ve written a great job post, your next challenge is sorting through applications—fast. That’s where WorkScreen comes in.

WorkScreen helps you evaluate candidates automatically, so you spend less time guessing and more time hiring the right people.

Here’s how:

✅ Spot Top Performers Instantly

WorkScreen scores and ranks applicants based on real-world tasks—so you can instantly see who has the attention to detail, speed, and accuracy needed for medical transcription. No more résumé roulette.

✅ Filter Out Low-Effort Applicants

Tired of one-click applies and AI-generated cover letters? WorkScreen helps you eliminate copy-paste applications by making candidates prove they’re serious through short, focused evaluations.

✅ Add Skill Tests with One Click

Whether you’re hiring an experienced pro or training someone new, you can use WorkScreen’s built-in skill assessments to measure what matters.
Typing speed. Medical terminology. Attention to detail. Done.

✅ Hire Confidently—Not Just Quickly

Every candidate goes through the same fair process. That means fewer hiring mistakes, more consistency, and better hires for your team.

Ready to make your next hire your best hire? Use WorkScreen.io to evaluate applicants, spot top talent, and hire smarter—starting today. [Insert CTA button or link to create your job post on WorkScreen]

FAQ

Look for a combination of technical, cognitive, and soft skills, including:

  • Medical terminology proficiency – They should recognize drug names, anatomy terms, and diagnostic language

  • Typing speed and accuracy – Ideally 60+ WPM with >98% accuracy

  • Attention to detail – Transcription requires intense focus and the ability to catch small errors that could lead to medical misunderstandings

  • Confidentiality and discretion – HIPAA compliance is critical in this role

  • Listening comprehension – Especially when audio quality is poor or speakers have strong accents

  • Time management – Meeting same-day or next-day turnaround times is standard in most roles

As of 2025, the average hourly rate for medical transcriptionists in the U.S. ranges from $18 to $25/hour, depending on experience, certifications, and industry.

  • Entry-level roles often start around $16/hour

  • Experienced professionals or certified transcriptionists (like CMTs) may earn $28/hour or more
    Remote roles or those in specialized fields (e.g., radiology, pathology) may offer higher rates.

Certification is not always required, but it can be a strong signal of professionalism and competency.
The most recognized certifications include:

  • Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS)

  • Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT)
    That said, many employers prioritize real-world accuracy and attention to detail over credentials—especially if they use skills-based screening tools like WorkScreen.

In addition to hospitals and clinics, transcriptionists are also hired by:

  • Telehealth platforms

  • Outpatient surgical centers

  • Independent transcription service providers

  • Insurance companies (for claims documentation)

  • Legal and forensic firms that require medically-informed documentation

While both involve documentation, scribes typically work in real-time (often during patient visits) and enter data directly into EMRs under supervision.
Transcriptionists, on the other hand, work after the consultation—turning recorded notes into structured reports.
Scribing is often more interactive, while transcription is more independent and accuracy-focused.

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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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