Medical Scribe Program Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Medical Scribe?

  • Medical Scribe Professionals are individuals trained in medical documentation who assist a physician throughout his or her workday. They serve as a personal assistant to doctors to help make them more efficient and productive.

Why do Allied Health Professionals make great Medical Scribes?

  • More extensive training and experience with Anatomy and Physiology
  • More extensive training and experience with Medical Terminology
  • Committed to capturing the complete and accurate story for each and every patient
  • Committed to providing healthcare documentation services long-term

Where can I work as Medical Scribe?

  • Since every patient’s health record has to be documented, scribes can be used by any physician! While some physicians choose to use recognition software, some definitely would choose to work with a qualified scribe instead of software.
  • There are many medical offices (including Ophthalmic offices) that employ Scribes within our local area. There are even opportunities to work within the ER setting.

How much do Medical Scribes get paid?

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average annual wage for medical scribes was around $34,220 in May 2021. This may vary depending on where you get hired and your level of experience in the healthcare field. View local salary and job market information here.

What are some of the topics covered in the course?

  • Medical Terminology
  • ICD-10
  • SOAP Notes
  • Role of the Scribe
  • EMR practice

What are some characteristics of a good scribe?

  • Strong English grammar skills.
  • A compelling interest in healthcare.
  • Outgoing and friendly personality.
  • Superior analytical and resource skills.
  • Strong computer and keyboarding skills.
  • Keen listening skills.
  • Self-starter.
  • Strong hand-eye coordination.
  • High level of concentration.
  • Attention to detail.
  • A commitment to lifelong learning.

Why is there an attendance policy?

  • Attendance is of huge importance due to the amount of information covered in each class period. This is a condensed course, and topics are covered at an accelerated pace. Regularly missing class will hinder your ability to be well prepared for the national certification exam. Furthermore, poor attendance is one of the biggest reasons employers site for firing employees. It is in your best interest to make good attendance a priority not just in your school life, but your work life as well.

What is the American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group and why is it important to be certified?

  • The American Healthcare Documentation Professional Group (AHDPG) is a premier provider of healthcare documentation services, staffing, and training.
  • Certification proves that you have a certain level of understanding to be competent in the role.

How much does the certification exam cost? Where do I take the exam at?

  • The AHDPG ASCM certification exam fee is included in your tuition, therefore you will not have to pay out of pocket for your first attempt. The exam will be scheduled for a date approximately 1 week after your class ends and will be administered here at Laurel Ridge. If you need to retake the exam, you must wait a minimum of 30 days, and the cost is $165.

What other exam information do I need to know?

AHDPG offers two credentials for medical scribes:

  • Apprentice Medical Scribe Professional (AMSP)
  • Certified Medical Scribe Professional (CMSP)

Apprentice Medical Scribe Professional (AMSP)

The Apprentice Medical Scribe Professional (AMSP) credential is awarded to a candidate who successfully passes the Medical Scribe Certification Exam and possesses less than 200 hours of documented front-line, on-the-job medical scribe experience.

Certified Medical Scribe Professional (CMSP)

The Certified Medical Scribe Professional (CMSP) credential is awarded to a candidate who successfully passes the Medical Scribe Certification Exam and possesses 200 hours of documented front-line, on-the-job medical scribe experience.

NOTE: An Apprentice Medical Scribe Professional (AMSP) achieves Certified Medical Scribe Professional (CMSP) status immediately upon the submission and approval of attaining 200 hours of front-line, on-the-job medical scribe experience.  Documentation can be emailed to [email protected] for approval.

Is there an externship with this program?

  • This program does not come with an externship component to the course. Once you receive your AMSP certification, you can begin applying for positions and working in the field.
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