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AHDI offers a voluntary credentialing exam to individuals who wish to become Registered Medical Transcriptionists (RMTs). The RMT exam was developed to assure consumers and employers that successful candidates are qualified to practice medical transcription. It is based on the skills and knowledge described in the AHDI Model Job Description Level 1 MT and the competencies outlined in the AHDI Model Curriculum. Many practitioners and AHDI members are recent graduates of MT education programs or work in doctors' offices and clinic settings. They do not qualify for the Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) exam, designed to test for the skills and knowledge of a level 2 MT practitioner and requiring a minimum of two years of acute care experience. For successful RMTs who acquire two years of acute care experience, taking the CMT exam would, of course, be further assurance of their advanced skills and knowledge and a logical career path to follow.

The RMT credential is awarded upon successfully passing the AHDI registered medical transcriptionist examination. This credential is maintained upon the successful completion of a required online course, including a final exam, and payment of a renewal fee.

RMTs:

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Eligibility Requirements

Recent graduates of medical transcription education programs, MTs with fewer than two years' experience in acute care, and MTs practicing in single-specialty, clinic, radiology, and pathology areas are all eligible to take the RMT exam. The Credentials Development Team titled the successful candidate a Registered Medical Transcriptionist to reflect the registries that exist within other allied health professions.

The Testing Process

The AHDI RMT Exam consists of both medical transcription-related knowledge items and transcription performance items. The transcription performance items include transcribing dictation, editing, and proofreading. The examination is available worldwide where selected Thomson Prometric test centers are located. Upon passing the exam at the testing center, an RMT credential will be provided immediately. If one does not pass the exam, a report will be given indicating the objective areas where improvement is needed.

The procedure for applying to take the exam is detailed below. At the time the candidate presents to the test center, he or she must present a currently valid government-issued photo ID. It is the candidate’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of his/her name as it appears on the Authorization to Test and the confirmation from the test center, and that the information matches that on the government-issued photo ID. No study materials or references may be brought in to the testing center, and no electronic aids will be available (spellchecker, macros, etc). The candidate will be testing on the test center computer equipment. The candidates may not bring their own keyboards or headsets to the test center. Foot pedals are not provided. A standard wav player is operated using the mouse.

Special Needs Accommodations

If a candidate is subject to a disability covered under the Americans With Disability Act (ADA) and requires special accommodations or modifications to take the test, a brief statement describing the accommodations or modifications requested and appropriate documentation verifying the need for such accommodations must be submitted to AHDI at the time of application.

Results

Candidates who successfully pass this exam will become RMTs. They will immediately receive their RMT credential from the testing center.

The candidates who do not pass will receive a score report that shows where they need improvement. Test results are provided upon completion of the exam.

Applying to Take the Exam

To take the RMT Exam, candidates must first apply for eligibility by completing the RMT Exam Application. Effective November 1, 2008 a $10 fee will be applied to exam applications to offset the cost of processing. This fee is non-refundable and will be collected by credit card submission at the time the application is completed. Any eligibility extensions requested before the eligibility end date will be granted at no additional cost. An Authorization to Test letter—including instructions for registering with the independent testing company administering the exam (Thomson Prometric) will be sent to the candidate within two weeks. Upon receipt of the Authorization to Test, the candidate will contact Thomson Prometric to schedule an exam date and to make payment. The Authorization to Test is valid for 90 days. This means the RMT exam must be scheduled and taken within the 90 days covered by the Authorization to Test. If the exam is not completed within that time frame, a new application must be submitted to AHDI.

To locate a testing center near you, please visit www.prometric.com/ahdi. Please click on the “Locate a Testing Center” hot button and follow the instructions.

If you need further assistance locating a testing center near you, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-982-2182, extension 2456.

Cancellation Policy

Candidates who wish to cancel or reschedule an exam must do so before noon Eastern Standard Time at least two (2) business days before the originally scheduled date or else forfeit their exam fee.

Ongoing Credential Maintenance

Individuals who successfully complete the AHDI RMT exam are recognized as Registered Medical Transcriptionists and are entitled to use the RMT designation. The credential is valid for three years. Renewal of the credential is accomplished by paying a renewal fee and by successfully completing an online course and final exam during the three-year cycle.

For more detailed information on the RMT Exam, please refer to the RMT Candidate Guide.

Fill out an online application to take the exam here.

View the current list of Registered Medical Transcriptionists.