The medical field is booming and with it, the demand for the skilled medical scribe. But have you ever wondered how many people are jumping into medical scribe training? A recent study shows that approx 34% of medical students are having scribe experience prior to starting medical school. The American College of Medical Scribes highlights the increasing demand for scribes in healthcare facilities.
But before diving in, there might be a question that arises in your mind: “How long does it take to complete the medical scribe training program?”. Well, the answer is- it depends.
Today in this blog post we are going to shed light on this crucial question. Let’s read on if you want to step into the healthcare world through the scribing door.
Is Training Essential to Become a Medical Scribe?
Many pre-med students wonder if they need any kind of training to be a professional medical scribe. Apart from being in the entry-level position, medical scribing plays a significant role in the healthcare industry.
The HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) mandates specific training for scribes who are responsible for managing patient details in the EHR system.
In addition to HIPAA training, the scribes for doctors also undergo specific training courses required to pursue their medical duties. While a degree in medical-related studies is not mandatory, a complete understanding of medical terminology and procedures is crucial. If you have all this knowledge, you can immediately start working as a medical scribe even after completing your graduation.
What is the Duration of Medical Scribe Training?
There are several medical scribe training programs available in the United States. The length of these scribe training courses generally spans from a few weeks to several months. Here we provide the breakdown of various phrases of the training process and their stipulated timeline. Let’s have a look:
- Classroom Training: This initial training program lasts about 2-4 weeks. It includes classroom sessions where the trainees can learn the basics of medical terminology, anatomy and the fundamentals of medical details documentation. This training course helps individuals to obtain a detailed understanding of medical processes.
- EHR Training: If you wish to become a medical scribe, proficiency in Electronic Health Records is vital. The EHR training course is typically integrated with the initial classroom training and continues throughout the training period. During this training program, it ensures that the scribes are well-aware of using various EHR systems integrated to modern healthcare settings.
- On-the-Job Training: After completing the initial classroom training, the scribes need to undergo an on-the-job training program. This course typically lasts for 1-3 months. During OJT, the trainees work under the sincere supervision of experienced healthcare professionals and medical scribes. This hands-on training allows the trainees to experience the real clinical setting. It also allows them to handle patient encounters and navigate the documentation workflow.
- Continuous Assessment: After going through initial classroom and on-job training programs, it is crucial to go for continuous education and assessment courses. If you want to keep yourself updated with the latest EHR system and healthcare regulations, participate in ongoing training sessions. Regular assessments ensure that the scribes are maintaining the competency and stay updated with the latest medical standards.
So, on a simple note, the duration of the medical scribe training programs can range from approx 3-6 months. This time frame widely depends on various factors like type of course and number of hours it takes per week to provide the course.
The Bottom Line
Ready to start your medical journey as a scribe? Well, medical scribing is an amazing gateway to fulfill your dream career journey in the healthcare industry. This offers valuable experience and prepares you for future medical journeys.
With the right medical scribe training program, you can be ready to become a professional one and make a real difference in patient care.
So, what are you waiting for? Start thorough research and embark on this exciting medical journey.
