Medical scribe training prepares you for a career documenting patient encounters alongside physicians. Whether you're pursuing scribe work as a pre-med pathway, a healthcare career step, or full-time profession, proper training is essential for success.
This guide covers everything you need to know about scribe training in 2026, from choosing the right program to certification options and what to expect during the training process.
In This Guide
Scribe Training Overview
Medical scribe training combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. The goal is to prepare you to accurately document patient encounters in real-time while understanding medical terminology, anatomy, and EHR systems.
Training Timeline Overview
Classroom/Online Training
Medical terminology, anatomy, documentation standards, EHR basics
Clinical Floor Training
Shadow experienced scribes, practice documentation, learn workflows
Supervised Independent Practice
Work independently with chart audits and feedback until competency
80-160
Total training hours
2-8
Weeks to complete
$0-1.5K
Training cost range
Training Curriculum
Scribe training curriculum covers the knowledge and skills needed to document patient encounters accurately and efficiently. Most programs include the following core topics:
Medical Terminology
- • Root words, prefixes, and suffixes
- • Body system terminology
- • Common abbreviations and acronyms
- • Pharmacology basics
- • Diagnostic and procedural terms
- • Specialty-specific vocabulary
Anatomy & Physiology
- • Major body systems overview
- • Anatomical terminology and positions
- • Common pathophysiology
- • Physical examination components
- • Laboratory values interpretation
- • Imaging modalities basics
Documentation Standards
- • SOAP note format
- • History of Present Illness (HPI)
- • Review of Systems (ROS)
- • Physical Exam documentation
- • Medical Decision Making (MDM)
- • Assessment and Plan
EHR & Technology
- • EHR navigation (Epic, Cerner, etc.)
- • Chart opening and closing
- • Order entry basics
- • Template usage
- • Smart phrases and macros
- • Typing speed optimization
Compliance & Professional Topics
HIPAA Compliance
- • Privacy Rule basics
- • Protected Health Information
- • Minimum necessary standard
- • Breach prevention
E/M Coding Basics
- • CPT code structure
- • MDM levels
- • Time-based billing
- • Documentation requirements
Professional Conduct
- • Scope of practice
- • Patient interaction
- • Dress code and appearance
- • Workplace professionalism
Training Program Types
Several pathways exist for scribe training. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and whether you already have a scribe position.
Company-Provided Training
Most CommonMajor scribe companies (ScribeAmerica, PhysAssist, Proscribe) provide comprehensive training to hired candidates at no cost. This is the most common pathway into scribing.
Pros:
- • Free training
- • Paid during training
- • Guaranteed placement
- • Site-specific preparation
Cons:
- • Must commit to company
- • Training timeline varies
- • May not be transferable
Independent Certification Programs
$300-1,500Organizations like ACMSS offer independent certification programs that lead to credentials like CMSP. Good for candidates who want certification before applying to jobs.
Pros:
- • Nationally recognized credential
- • Portable certification
- • More competitive for jobs
- • Self-paced options
Cons:
- • Out-of-pocket cost
- • No guaranteed job
- • Still need clinical training
Community College Programs
$500-2,000Some community colleges offer medical scribe certificate programs, often as part of health information technology or medical assistant tracks.
Pros:
- • Academic credits
- • May include clinical placement
- • Financial aid eligible
- • Broader healthcare education
Cons:
- • Longer duration (semester)
- • Higher cost
- • Fixed schedule
Online Courses
$200-800Online platforms offer medical scribe training courses covering terminology, documentation, and EHR basics. These provide foundational knowledge but not clinical experience.
Pros:
- • Fully self-paced
- • Lower cost
- • Accessible anywhere
- • Good for preparation
Cons:
- • No clinical component
- • May lack accreditation
- • Limited hands-on practice
Scribe Certifications
While certification is not legally required to work as a medical scribe, it demonstrates competency and can enhance job prospects. Several certification options exist:
Certified Medical Scribe Professional (CMSP)
The most widely recognized national certification, offered by the American College of Medical Scribe Specialists (ACMSS).
$400
Exam fee
150
Questions
3 hrs
Time limit
2 yrs
Recertification
Other Certifications
Registered Medical Scribe (RMS)
Offered by AHDI (Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity). Focus on medical transcription and documentation quality.
Cost: ~$300
Company-Specific Certifications
ScribeAmerica (ScribeU), PhysAssist, and others offer internal certifications. Valid within the company but may not transfer.
Cost: Included in training
CMSP Exam Content Areas
Medical Terminology
25%
Documentation
30%
Clinical Knowledge
25%
Compliance/Ethics
20%
Scribe Company Training Programs
Major scribe companies each have their own training programs. Here's what to expect from the largest providers:
ScribeAmerica (ScribeU)
The largest scribe company with the most comprehensive training program.
Duration
120-160 hrs
Format
Online + Clinical
Cost
Free (employed)
Paid Training
Yes
PhysAssist Scribes
Second-largest scribe company with strong presence in hospital systems.
Duration
80-120 hrs
Format
Hybrid
Cost
Free (employed)
Paid Training
Yes
Proscribe / Envision
Focus on emergency department and hospital-based scribing.
Duration
100-140 hrs
Format
In-person + Online
Cost
Free (employed)
Paid Training
Varies
Training Success Tips
Before Training
- Study terminology: Get a head start on medical terminology using free resources or textbooks
- Practice typing: Aim for 60+ WPM with high accuracy using typing.com or keybr.com
- Review anatomy: Refresh basic anatomy and physiology knowledge
- Research your specialty: If placed in a specialty, learn common conditions and terminology
During Training
- Take detailed notes: Create your own reference guides and cheat sheets
- Practice mock charting: Use practice scenarios to build speed and accuracy
- Ask questions: Don't hesitate to clarify confusing concepts
- Review charts: Study how experienced scribes document encounters
During Floor Training
- Stay focused: Minimize distractions, stay engaged with the encounter
- Develop abbreviations: Create personal shorthand for common phrases
- Seek feedback: Ask physicians and trainers for specific feedback
- Build relationships: Connect with physicians you'll work with regularly
After Training
- Continue learning: Keep studying specialty-specific content
- Review your charts: Learn from audit feedback and corrections
- Consider certification: Pursue CMSP or other credentials
- Stay current: Follow updates in documentation and coding requirements
AI Tools for Scribe Training
Modern AI documentation tools can help scribes learn faster by providing instant feedback on documentation quality and completeness. Consider exploring AI-powered training resources.
Explore AI Documentation ToolsFrequently Asked Questions
How long does medical scribe training take?
Medical scribe training typically takes 80-160 hours total, completed over 2-8 weeks. This includes classroom/online instruction (40-80 hours) covering medical terminology, anatomy, and documentation, plus clinical floor training (40-80 hours) shadowing experienced scribes. Some accelerated programs complete in 2 weeks, while part-time programs may take 2-3 months.
What certifications are available for medical scribes?
The main certification is Certified Medical Scribe Professional (CMSP) through the American College of Medical Scribe Specialists (ACMSS). Other certifications include Registered Medical Scribe (RMS) from AHDI and company-specific certifications from ScribeAmerica (ScribeU), PhysAssist, and others. CMSP is the most widely recognized national credential.
How much does scribe training cost?
Scribe training costs vary: company-provided training (free, paid employment); independent certification programs ($300-1,500); community college programs ($500-2,000); online courses ($200-800). Most scribe companies provide training at no cost to hired candidates, making paid programs unnecessary for many aspiring scribes.
Can I take medical scribe training online?
Yes, the classroom portion of scribe training is available online from multiple providers including ACMSS, Career Step, and company-sponsored programs. However, clinical floor training still requires in-person shadowing in a healthcare facility. Hybrid programs combine online coursework with in-person clinical experience.
What is covered in scribe training curriculum?
Scribe training covers: medical terminology and abbreviations, anatomy and physiology basics, documentation standards (SOAP notes, HPI, ROS, physical exam), EHR navigation (Epic, Cerner, etc.), HIPAA compliance, E/M coding fundamentals, specialty-specific documentation, and professional conduct. Training also includes clinical scenarios and mock charting exercises.
Do I need scribe training before applying to scribe jobs?
Not necessarily. Most scribe companies (ScribeAmerica, PhysAssist, etc.) hire candidates without prior training and provide comprehensive training as part of onboarding. However, having prior certification or training can make you a more competitive candidate and may lead to faster placement or higher starting pay.
Related Resources
The Future of Medical Documentation
While scribe training remains valuable, AI documentation tools are transforming healthcare. PatientNotes AI works alongside scribes and physicians to streamline documentation.