How to Become a Medical ScribeRequirements, Training & Salary Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a medical scribe in 2026. From requirements and training to certifications and salary expectations - your complete career roadmap.
What Is a Medical Scribe?
A medical scribe is a trained documentation specialist who works alongside healthcare providers during patient encounters. Their primary role is to document visits in the electronic health record (EHR), allowing physicians to focus on patient care rather than paperwork.
Core Responsibilities
- -Document patient encounters in real-time
- -Record medical histories and physical exam findings
- -Enter orders for tests, procedures, and treatments
- -Prepare discharge summaries and instructions
- -Maintain HIPAA compliance and confidentiality
What Scribes Do NOT Do
- -Take vital signs or perform clinical tasks
- -Administer medications or injections
- -Perform physical examinations
- -Make clinical decisions or diagnoses
- -Provide direct patient care
Common Work Settings
Emergency Departments
Fast-paced environment with acute cases and high volume
Outpatient Clinics
Primary care, specialty practices with scheduled patients
Remote/Virtual
Work from home documenting via telehealth platforms
Medical Scribe Requirements
There are no federal or state certification requirements to become a medical scribe. Requirements vary by employer, but here are the typical qualifications:
Education Requirements
- High school diploma or GED (minimum)
- College coursework preferred (biology, pre-med)
- Medical terminology knowledge helpful
- Anatomy & physiology coursework beneficial
Skills & Abilities
- Typing speed 60+ WPM
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to multitask in fast-paced settings
- Professional demeanor and communication
No Certification Required - But Helpful
While certification isn't legally required, credentials like CMSP or CCMS can improve job prospects, increase starting pay, and demonstrate expertise to employers.
5 Steps to Become a Medical Scribe
Meet Basic Requirements
High school diploma required; college coursework in biology or health sciences preferred
- -Must be 18+ years old
- -High school diploma or GED minimum
- -College coursework in anatomy, physiology, or medical terminology helpful
- -Typing speed of 60+ WPM recommended
Gain Medical Knowledge
Learn medical terminology, anatomy, and basic healthcare concepts
- -Study medical terminology and abbreviations
- -Learn basic anatomy and physiology
- -Understand common disease processes
- -Familiarize yourself with HIPAA regulations
Complete Training Program
Choose between online courses, certification programs, or on-the-job training
- -Online courses: 2-6 weeks, $200-$600
- -Certification programs: 3-6 months, $500-$3,200
- -Company training: 3-6 months (paid)
- -Learn EHR navigation and documentation
Get Certified (Optional)
Earn CMSP, CCMS, or other credentials to boost your resume
- -CMSP: Pass MSCE exam + 200 work hours
- -CCMS from AAPC: Coding-focused credential
- -Certification improves job prospects
- -Some employers require certification
Apply for Positions
Apply directly to healthcare facilities or through scribe companies
- -Major companies: ScribeAmerica, ProScribe, PhysAssist
- -Direct hire by hospitals and clinics
- -Remote scribe positions increasingly available
- -Highlight any clinical or healthcare experience
Medical Scribe Training Programs
Training options range from self-paced online courses to comprehensive certification programs. Choose based on your timeline, budget, and career goals.
MedCerts Medical Scribe Program
Medical terminology, EHR training, certification prep
Medical Scribes Training Institute
General or Emergency Medicine certification
ScribeAmerica Training
Hands-on training, mentorship, placement
AAPC Medical Scribe Course
CCMS certification prep, coding basics
What Training Programs Cover
- - Medical terminology
- - Anatomy & physiology
- - Disease processes
- - Pharmacology basics
- - EHR navigation
- - Documentation best practices
- - Clinical workflows
- - Quality coding
- - HIPAA compliance
- - HITECH regulations
- - Legal documentation
- - Ethics and professionalism
Medical Scribe Certifications
While not required, certification demonstrates competency and can improve your job prospects and earning potential. Here are the major credentials available:
Certified Medical Scribe Professional
Requirements: Pass MSCE exam + 200 hours scribe work
Cost: $150-$300
Duration: 3-6 months
Focus: Comprehensive scribing skills
Apprentice Medical Scribe Professional
Requirements: Pass MSCE exam only
Cost: $150-$200
Duration: Immediate after exam
Focus: Entry-level credential
Certified Clinical Medical Scribe
Requirements: Pass AAPC certification exam
Cost: $300-$400
Duration: Self-paced study
Focus: Coding and compliance
Certified Medical Scribe Specialist
Requirements: Complete program + exam
Cost: $500-$1,500
Duration: 3-6 months
Focus: Specialty-specific training
Medical Scribe Salary (2025-2026)
Highest Paying States
| State | Avg Annual | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $47,500 | $22.84/hr |
| California | $46,200 | $22.21/hr |
| Massachusetts | $45,800 | $22.02/hr |
| New York | $44,900 | $21.59/hr |
| New Jersey | $44,100 | $21.20/hr |
| Alaska | $43,800 | $21.06/hr |
| Hawaii | $43,200 | $20.77/hr |
| Oregon | $42,900 | $20.63/hr |
Major Scribe Company Pay Rates
ScribeAmerica
Largest scribe company, nationwide presence
ProScribe
Strong training program, hospital focused
Aquity Solutions
Growing company, virtual scribe options
PhysAssist Scribes
Physician-owned, strong culture
CityMD
Urgent care focused, higher pay
Medical Scribing for Pre-Med Students
Medical scribing is one of the best clinical experiences for pre-med students. A 2018 study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that applicants with scribing experience had significantly higher medical school acceptance rates.
Benefits for Med School Applications
- +Counts as clinical experience (most schools require 6+ months)
- +Direct exposure to patient care and medical decision-making
- +Learn EHR systems used in medical school and residency
- +Strong talking point for interviews
- +Opportunity for strong physician recommendation letters
- +Paid experience (unlike most shadowing)
Skills You'll Develop
- -Medical terminology fluency
- -Understanding of clinical workflows
- -Patient interaction and bedside manner
- -Diagnostic reasoning observation
- -Healthcare system understanding
- -Time management in clinical settings
Pro Tip: Choose Your Setting Wisely
Emergency department scribing offers the most diverse clinical exposure, while specialty clinic scribing provides deeper knowledge in specific fields. Both are valuable - choose based on your interests and medical school goals.
The Future of Medical Scribing: AI Impact
AI is transforming medical scribing, but not eliminating it. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects traditional scribe jobs declining 4.7% by 2033, a hybrid model is emerging where AI handles initial documentation while humans provide oversight and quality assurance.
Current AI Adoption
- 65-70%of Kaiser Permanente physicians use AI scribe elements
- 40%of UCSF ambulatory providers use AI scribe tools
- 95-98%accuracy rate of leading AI scribes
Evolving Career Paths
- -AI scribe quality assurance specialist
- -Clinical documentation analyst
- -Medical records specialist
- -AI training data curator
- -Healthcare operations analyst
The Hybrid Model: Best of Both Worlds
The future isn't AI OR human scribes - it's AI AND human expertise working together. AI handles initial documentation (saving up to 3 hours/day for physicians), while trained humans audit output, handle complex cases, and ensure accuracy. New AI scribe certification programs are emerging to prepare professionals for these evolving roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to become a medical scribe?
The basic requirement is a high school diploma, though most employers prefer candidates pursuing or holding a bachelor's degree in biology, health sciences, or pre-med. You'll need fast typing skills (60+ WPM), familiarity with medical terminology, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments. No specific certification is legally required, but credentials like CMSP or CCMS improve job prospects.
How long does it take to become a medical scribe?
Training time varies by path: online courses take 2-6 weeks, certification programs take 3-6 months, and on-the-job training typically lasts 3-6 months. Most people can start working as a scribe within 2-4 months of beginning training. The MedCerts program is 14 weeks, while Medical Scribes Training Institute courses take about 30 hours.
How much do medical scribes make?
Medical scribes earn $33,500-$49,300 annually ($16-$24/hour) depending on location, experience, and employer. Entry-level positions start around $12-$15/hour, while experienced scribes in high-demand areas earn $18-$24/hour. The national median is approximately $41,000/year. Washington state pays highest, while Florida pays lowest.
Does medical scribing count as clinical experience for medical school?
Yes, medical scribing counts as clinical experience for most medical schools. A 2018 study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that applicants with scribing experience had higher acceptance rates. You'll gain direct exposure to patient care, medical decision-making, and EHR systems. Most schools expect 6+ months of clinical experience, making scribing ideal preparation.
What certifications are available for medical scribes?
Major certifications include: CMSP (Certified Medical Scribe Professional) from AHDPG, which requires passing the MSCE exam plus 200 hours of work experience; CCMS (Certified Clinical Medical Scribe) from AAPC, focused on coding and compliance; and CMSS (Certified Medical Scribe Specialist) programs. While not legally required, certification improves job prospects and earning potential.
Will AI replace medical scribes?
AI is transforming medical scribing but not fully replacing human scribes. The BLS projects traditional scribe jobs declining 4.7% by 2033. However, a hybrid model is emerging where AI handles initial documentation while humans provide quality assurance and complex tasks. Medical scribes are evolving into roles involving AI oversight, data analysis, and patient engagement. New AI scribe certification programs are emerging.
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