CAREER PROGRAMS:
Health Care Technologies
Medical Transcription
Program Options
- Associate of Science Degree
- Certificate of Achievement
Program Information
The Medical Transcription Program offers instruction in medical terminology, keyboarding, word processing, and medical transcription. Transcriptionists work in all types of health care facilities, in hospitals, or with a transcription service in their facility or at home transcribing discharge summaries, history and physicals, progress notes, letters, and other reports such as autopsy and radiology reports.
Upon completion of all required courses, students are placed in an internship in a local health care facility. This is a valuable experience in applying the knowledge and skill acquired in class to the workplace. A Statement of Eligibility for Internship, and completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better are required prior to entry into internship, (Htech 54A is required; Htech 54B is optional).
Many graduates from this program wish to start their own home-based transcription business. Currently, there is one internship site in a remote site that accepts students as interns working from their home. The WVC Health Care Technologies Department is a member of the American Association of Medical Transcription (AAMT).
Career Paths
Medical Transcriptionists are in high demand in the Bay Area. Major hospitals and clinics often look for qualified transcriptionists in the specialty departments. West Valley College Medical Transcription students have been in priority with many facilities in this area due to their background and skills learned in the program. Other career opportunities can be:
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Office Reception
Program Opportunities
The Health Care Technologies Department offers eight other programs:
- Clinical Assistant
- Massage Therapy
- Insurance Billing Specialist
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Office Reception
- Orthopedic Technician
Department Chair
Kristine Gaiero
408.741.4019
e-mail: kris_gaiero@westvalley.edu
- Requirements and suggested sequence of classes
Questions about Career Programs? Call 408.741.2098
email: cathy_aimonetti@westvalley.edu
or stop by the Career Programs Center, AAS 35
REVISED July 22, 2008
Other Health Care Technology Program Offerings
