Online Campus :: Dakota College at Bottineau

Course Description: This course is an introduction to basic medical transcription through the process of transcribing medical dictation and completing related assignments.

Transcription skills emphasizing correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling are studied. Basic transcription practice that includes a variety of dictated medical reports is also included. An emphasis on AAMT (American Association of Medical Transcription) style and format is included.

The student will gain exposure to the following specialties by transcribed reports and assignments: dermatology, urology, gastroenterology, cardiology, pulmonary medicine, endocrinology, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology, neurology, psychiatry, pathology, and radiology

Schedule: Fall, Spring, and Summer. This course is offered in eight-week sessions, three times during the year. Sessions start at the beginning of fall semester, at the beginning of spring semester, and at the beginning of summer term.

Delivery Method: Online. Students are not expected to come to the campus at any time.

Prerequisite Courses: AH 134, AH 171, and PHRM 215.

Instructor: Melissa Coleman; email: melissa.coleman@dakotacollege.edu

Textbook: Health Professions Institute. Medical Transcription Fundamentals and Practice. 3rd ed. Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0-13-188143-3 (includes a CD-Rom).

Other Materials: Medical Dictionary; Pharmaceutical Drug Reference; Headset; USB Foot pedal. All materials (except headset) can be ordered by contacting the Bookstore.

You can order your books through the DCB Bookstore.

Course Objectives: It is expected that students will be able to:

Apply proper English usage including proper grammar, punctuation, and style, and the use of correct spelling, and sentence structure.
Accurately use grammar and style references for research.
Apply correct medical transcription rules of style according to the AAMT Book of Style, 2nd Edition.
Accurately use medical language and structure.
Identify, pronounce, spell, define, and understand medical terminology related to human structure and function, general medicine and surgery, medical and surgical specialities, diagnostic and interventional procedures, laboratory and pathology medicine, and medications.
Accurately transcribe a total of 360 minutes of actual physician dictation applying knowledge in English, medical knowledge, technology, healthcare documentation, and professional practice.
Demonstrate the ability to proofread and correct a transcribed healthcare document.
Identify and flag inconsistencies or discrepancies in the dictation.
Understand the need for productivity and quality standards.
Understand the importance of the need for continuing education and professional medical transcription certification.
Understand the various types of dictation equipment and understand how to use this equipment.
Understand and apply correct ergonomic habits.

Work Expectations:

One transcription assignment per chapter (four reports), completed assignments e-mailed to instructor using proper transcription format as taught in the course
Seventeen chapter quizzes and a final online exam

Exams - Policies & Procedures:

The course uses online quizzes/exams that do not require a proctor; the time allowed for completing exams is not limited.
Exams can be taken at any computer with Internet access; therefore, students need to set up or select an environment conducive for testing (e.g. distraction-free area at home, a computer lab at a library, etc.).
Students are expected to complete the course in 8 weeks or less. This means that students need to take a MINIMUM of 1 or 2 chapter tests each week (18 tests in all).
Quizzes consist of a mixture of question types including matching, true/false, multiple choice, and short answer questions. There are approximately 15 questions on each chapter quiz and 100 questions on the final exam.
Quizzes are taken in sequence following the order of the chapters. Students are not allowed to take quizzes out of sequence. For example, the quiz on Chapter 4 can not be taken until a student has completed the quizzes on Chapters 1, 2, and 3.

Technology Required: Click here to view our technology required page.