As medical records become more technical and computerized, a new job called medical scribe, or documentation assistant, is opening up in hospitals, doctor’s offices, urgent care centers and veterinary clinics.

The scribe transcribes clinical visits in real time, managing and organizing information for later use by medical professionals.

Another in-demand job in the medical field is sterile processing technician.

These short-term healthcare career training programs are being offered at Warren Community College at its Phillipsburg campus. 

Four courses are required for the medical scribe specialist certification.

Skills necessary for the job are: typing proficiency (at least 60 wpm), excellent organizational skills, knowledge of medical terminology, ability to multitask and reliability.

The four courses address: medical transcription, electronic health records maintenance, medical terminology and anatomy and physiology. All are offered online on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. either Feb. 27 to April 26 or June 12 to Aug. The 157 hours of course work explore legal and health issues and the construction of healthcare notes and also go over body systems and their symptoms and problems that the scribe may need to be aware of. Sample scenarios will be used for practical applications.

The cost, including books and exam vouchers, is $3,342.

Dianne Czar, RN, program coordinator for allied health/personal enrichment courses, explained a medical scribe keeps the doctor focused on the patient rather than doing chart entries. “The use of medical scribes is becoming more popular in this area,” said Czar, adding that the program is ideal for people who already have a heathcare certification and are interested in changing focus.

The sterile processing technician plays a critical role in infection control by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing and distributing medical supplies. The technician performs decontamination and packaging of reusable surgical supplies, working out of the central service department of a health care facility. Upon completion of the coursework, students will sit for the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician exam.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be 70,152 sterile processing techs by 2029 working in hospitals, doctors offices, outpatient care centers and dental offices.

Tuition for this program is $1,995, including texts and all materials. Students may be eligible for grants.

Czar noted that both St. Luke’s University Health Network and Hunterdon Medical Center indicated that the programs will help them attract qualified employees, and are pleased to see Warren offering them. 

For registration information and other details about these two programs, email czar@warren.edu or call 908-835-2333.