When I first got into medical transcription, I wanted so badly to become a certified medical transcriptionist. I just thought it was the absolute end. Then I got incredibly busy and soon was loaded with work. As fate would have it, I happened to luck into the medical-legal field, typing workers’ compensation reports for orthopedic surgeons.

Workers’ compensation is a specialized field because a medical transcriptionist who works in this specialty really has to have a good understanding of the legal system in addition to being a good medical transcriptionist. Thus, MTs who have such an understanding of both the medical and legal aspects of workers’ compensation can and do command higher wages.

I have written the above to let you know that despite the fact that I was not an RMT or CMT, I have made more than most seasoned MTs who work in a general doctor’s office or hospital. However, this type of MT work involves more than the normal medical transcription work. Taking patient histories, editing workers’ compensation reports, and reviewing medical records are a few of the duties that MTs in the medical-legal field perform.

My point is this: The amount of money one makes in medical transcription varies greatly, depending on the type and quantity of work that is completed. It is not dependent upon whether one has an RMT or CMT behind one’s name.

With regard to being a registered medical transcriptionist or a certified medical transcriptionist, it is a personal matter of pride, committment, and passion. Others in the MT field recognize that as well. It probably will give you an edge when interviewing against other MTs who have not done so. And it certainly will boost your confidence when you interview.

In the final analysis, when getting a job and being able to negotiate the highest salary, it still comes down to what you know, how well you can transfer your knowledge and skills from one company to another, and how your knowledge and skills will increase the company’s bottom line.