Breaking into the healthcare field without prior experience can seem daunting, but becoming a medical scribe is one of the most accessible ways to start. Even if you don’t have a healthcare background, many medical scribe services offer on-the-job training, making it possible for motivated candidates to land the role and gain valuable clinical exposure.
Whether you're a pre-med student, someone considering a career change, or simply interested in working closely with physicians, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting hired as a medical scribe even if you’re starting from scratch.
Understand What a Medical Scribe Does
A medical scribe works alongside healthcare providers to document patient visits in real time. This includes entering medical histories, physical exam findings, diagnoses, and treatment plans into electronic health records (EHRs). The role requires attention to detail, fast typing, and strong listening skills.
Today, medical scribe services offer both in-person and remote opportunities. The remote model is often referred to as telescribe, where the scribe works virtually, listening in on patient visits via secure technology and updating records from a remote location.
Understanding the distinction between in-person and telescribe roles is essential, as each requires different soft skills and work environments.
Highlight Transferable Skills
Even if you’ve never worked in healthcare, many other experiences can prepare you for the role. Think about the following:
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Typing speed and accuracy: Most companies require at least 50-60 words per minute. Practice and test yourself regularly.
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Attention to detail: Experience in data entry, customer service, or administrative tasks can show your ability to work accurately.
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Communication and professionalism: Scribes often work in fast-paced clinical settings, so being able to communicate clearly and remain composed under pressure is a major asset.
When applying, focus on these transferable skills in your resume and cover letter. Show how your background—whether in retail, tutoring, or tech support has built a foundation for success as a medical scribe.
Consider Online Training Programs
While many employers offer training once you're hired, completing a basic medical scribe certification or online anatomy course can boost your chances. Programs like the Medical Scribe Certification & Aptitude Test (MSCAT) or online courses in medical terminology can help demonstrate your commitment and readiness to learn.
Even short-term investments like watching YouTube tutorials on EHR systems or shadowing a healthcare worker (if possible) can make your application stand out.
Apply to the Right Companies
Several reputable companies specialize in hiring and training medical scribes. These medical scribe services are often open to candidates with no clinical background, provided they meet the minimum qualifications and show a willingness to learn.
Top companies offering entry-level opportunities include:
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ScribeAmerica
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ProScribe
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ScribeX
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Aquity Solutions
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iScribes (a Nuance company)
Many of these organizations also offer telescribe positions, which can be ideal for those looking for remote work, especially during college or gap years.
Prepare for the Interview
Medical scribe interviews often include typing tests, grammar assessments, and scenario-based questions. Be ready to answer questions like:
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“How would you handle a situation where the physician is speaking quickly and you miss part of the encounter?”
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“How do you manage stress or multitasking in a high-pressure environment?”
Demonstrate a positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and your understanding of the scribe’s role in improving workflow and patient care.
Be Willing to Start Small
Many telescribe roles start part-time or during evening shifts. Be flexible with your availability and open to learning. Even part-time work offers rich exposure to clinical documentation and can serve as a stepping stone to other roles like medical assistant, nurse, or physician.
Final Thoughts
Getting hired as a medical scribe with no prior healthcare experience is entirely possible. By emphasizing your transferable skills, completing basic training, and applying to reputable medical scribe services, you can get your foot in the door. Whether you pursue an in-person or telescribe position, the role offers a unique, front-row seat to the world of medicine and a strong foundation for a future in healthcare.
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