Are you considering a medical career? Being a virtual medical scribe is the perfect entry point.
With its high demand among healthcare professionals, high average salary, and flexibility, being a virtual medical scribe could be lucrative for an aspiring healthcare provider.
If you’re applying for this role in the medical field, read this guide before you click “apply” on job sites:
Virtual medical scribe: Role overview 
A virtual medical scribe supports doctors and other healthcare providers from their own home or a coworking space. They document patient encounters in real-time, allowing the latter to focus on providing higher quality care to patients.
As a scribe, you listen to conversations between the doctor and patient during virtual or in-person visits (via a remote setup), entering the relevant details into the Electronic Health Records (EHR) system.
Main responsibilities:
Documenting patient history, physical exams, assessments, and treatment plans.
Managing EHR data and updating records with medications, diagnoses, and other critical information.
Assisting in ordering laboratory tests, imaging studies, and writing prescriptions under the doctor’s supervision.
Ensuring all medical documentation is accurate, complete, and follows
Tasks of a virtual medical scribe
As a scribe, you’ll be responsible for tasks that require great attention to detail and a deep understanding of medical terms.
Live charting 
The most critical task is real-time documentation of patient-doctor interactions. You need to listen to and record the patient’s symptoms, the physicians’ diagnosis, and the treatment plans.
EHR management
You must also navigate various electronic medical record systems, ensuring patient information is updated promptly and accurately.
Administrative support
Some virtual scribes may handle scheduling follow-ups, managing referral documents, or coordinating lab results.
Medical coding and billing support
Depending on the employer, full time scribes may assist with coding diagnoses and procedures, ensuring compliance with coding standards for insurance purposes.
Success Journeys of DocVA Clients
Skills and requirements of a virtual medical scribe
To succeed as a virtual medical scribe, you’ll need a combination of soft and technical skills:
Medical terminology – You’ll need a strong grasp of medical language so you can accurately document patient encounters.
Attention to detail – Accuracy is also crucial to make sure the medical records are correctly maintained, even in high-paced environments like large hospitals.
Typing proficiency – You need to type quickly and efficiently to minimize errors when you’re documenting live conversations.
Familiarity with EHR software – Experience with EHRs such as Epic, Cerner, or Athenahealth, is often required or preferred in virtual medical scribes.
Communication skills – Since the scribe interacts with doctors and medical staff remotely, clear written and verbal communication is essential.
Time management – You may need to keep up with a fast pace while maintaining precision, as most jobs operate on tight schedules.
HIPAA knowledge – Understanding privacy regulations and how to handle sensitive patient information is mandatory in healthcare roles.
Career advancement of a virtual medical scribe
While being a virtual medical scribe is an excellent entry-level position, it also opens the doors to various career advancement opportunities:
Specialization – As a scribe, you’ll gain specialized experience in fields such as cardiology, emergency medicine, or pediatrics. This niche experience will lead to more opportunities within those specializations.
Medical coding certification – Some virtual scribes may choose to become certified medical coders, which adds a valuable skill set that can increase job prospects and pay.
Healthcare administration – The experience gained as a virtual scribe can serve as a stepping stone to more administrative roles in healthcare, including office management or operations.
Pre-medical experience – For those pursuing a career in medicine, virtual medical scribing provides real-world exposure to patient care and medical processes, making it a great way to strengthen medical school applications.
How to increase your chances of being hired as a virtual medical scribe
A. Highlight your relevant experience
Tailor your CV and cover letter to show relevant skills such as medical terminology, typing speed, EHR familiarity, and healthcare administration.
B. Get certified
Some employers prefer candidates who have acquired certifications or coursework in medical coding and billing. The Scribe101 by ScribeAmerica is free, while The Medical Scribe Certification & Aptitude Test (MSCAT) by the American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group (AHDPG) costs $165.
C. Research employers
Different companies have different needs. So, be sure to research specific employers like ScribeAmerica, ProScribe, DocVA, or Robin Healthcare to understand their expectations.
D. Prepare for assessments 
Many companies test applicants on typing speed, accuracy, and medical terminology. Practice these skills before applying. There are free sites that allow you to practice these, such as 10FastFingers, Keybr, or TypingTest.
E. Emphasize flexibility and availability
Part-time virtual scribe roles require flexibility, so be sure to showcase your availability and willingness to adapt to different schedules.