Starting a career in healthcare doesn’t have to mean attending medical school or becoming a licensed clinician. With a bachelor’s degree in a medical or pharmaceutical-related field and targeted training, you can qualify for one of the most accessible clinical support roles: becoming a medical scribe. But how do you get started? That’s where medical scribe job training comes in.
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a college student preparing for med school, or a career changer looking for a quick on-ramp into healthcare, medical scribe work can help you build essential experience fast. Medical scribe job training equips you with the skills to support physicians, document patient encounters, and understand the language and flow of modern medicine. Plus, many programs can be completed in just a few weeks.
The demand for scribes is only increasing. A study published in Annals of Family Medicine found that using medical scribes improves clinician satisfaction, patient interactions, and reduces documentation time. These are all key reasons that the role is expanding rapidly.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what a medical scribe does, what training involves, whether you need certification, and how to land your first job quickly. We’ll also explore how platforms like Wing Assistant can help connect you to top remote medical scribe jobs and kickstart your career.
What Is a Medical Scribe?
A medical scribe is a trained professional who works alongside physicians to document patient encounters in real time. Their primary role is to input clinical notes into Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, allowing doctors to focus more on patients and less on administrative tasks.
Medical scribes typically accompany doctors in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and increasingly, telehealth visits. During a patient consultation, the scribe records the patient’s history, symptoms, physical examination details, diagnostic information, treatment plans, and follow-up instructions.
By reducing the documentation burden on healthcare providers, scribes improve workflow efficiency and help reduce the potential for physician burnout. According to research from the American Medical Association, physicians who work with scribes are able to see more patients per day and spend less time charting after hours.
If you’re wondering how to become a medical scribe, the path is straightforward for those with the right background. At Wing, qualified candidates typically hold a bachelor’s degree in a medical or pharmaceutical-related field, have strong English communication skills, and have some training in EHR/EMR systems through a medical scribe training program. Many scribes use this job as a stepping stone to careers in medicine, nursing, or healthcare administration.
It’s a front-row seat to the practice of medicine, and a smart starting point for any healthcare career.
Why Consider a Medical Scribe Career?
Becoming a medical scribe offers one of the fastest and most effective ways to break into healthcare without years of training. It’s especially appealing to people who want exposure to real clinical settings before committing to advanced education.
Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Unmatched exposure: You’ll observe physician-patient interactions, diagnostic reasoning, and treatment planning firsthand. This kind of immersion is ideal for pre-med, pre-nursing, and allied health students.
- Resume booster: Medical schools, PA programs, and nursing schools value direct clinical experience. Scribing shows initiative, attention to detail, and familiarity with clinical environments.
- Job flexibility: You can find full-time, part-time, night, weekend, and remote medical scribe jobs, making it easy to work while in school or caring for family.
- Transferable skills: You’ll build expertise in EHR systems, HIPAA compliance, medical terminology, and clinical documentation—all valuable across the healthcare industry.
Plus, there’s a strong and growing job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9% growth for health information roles between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Entry-level scribes typically earn between $14–$20 per hour, with advancement opportunities in training, management, or healthcare administration. Some companies also offer tuition reimbursement or pathways into other healthcare roles.
In short, Medical scribing is more than just a job. It’s a launchpad.
Overview of Medical Scribe Job Training
To become a scribe, you’ll need specialized medical scribe job training to prepare you for clinical environments, EHR systems, and documentation standards. This training equips you to work quickly and accurately under pressure while maintaining patient privacy.
What’s Included in a Training Program?
Most comprehensive medical scribe training programs cover:
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- HIPAA and patient confidentiality laws
- EHR navigation and documentation
- SOAP note formatting
- Physician workflows and communication
Some programs offer simulations that mimic real patient encounters to help you practice note-taking, using dummy patient data in mock EHR systems.
Training Formats and Time Commitment
Training can be completed in several ways:
- In-person programs: Offered by some colleges or clinics; often intensive and fast-paced.
- Hybrid models: Blend self-paced online modules with live sessions.
- Online medical scribe training: Most flexible and accessible, often self-paced, and ideal for busy schedules.
Popular online training providers include:
- AHDPG’s Certified Medical Scribe Program
- Medical Scribes Training Institute
- ACMSO Medical Scribe Certification
Most programs last from 2–12 weeks and cost between $300–$1,500. Some employers reimburse training fees or offer job placement support.
How to Choose the Right Program
When evaluating a program, look for:
- Hands-on EHR practice
- Certification preparation (if needed)
- Resume and interview support
- Employer partnerships or job boards
A well-structured online medical scribe training course can get you ready to work quickly, sometimes in as little as a month. With solid training, you’ll enter the job market confident and prepared.
Do You Need Certification to Get Hired?
One of the most common questions from aspiring scribes is whether you need a scribe certification to land a job. The answer? It depends on the employer and the type of role you’re pursuing.
Many scribe employers do not require formal certification. What they value more is your ability to understand medical terminology, document efficiently, and communicate clearly. However, some employers, especially those offering remote medical scribe jobs, will expect higher baseline qualifications.
At Wing, for example, a scribe certification isn’t required. But to be considered, you must meet specific criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree in a medical or pharmaceutical-related field
- At least 1 year of experience in medical documentation or as a medical virtual assistant
Strong English communication skills (B2 level or higher) - Familiarity with EHR/EMR systems, HIPAA, and clinical workflows
Certification programs like those offered by AHDPG (CMSP) or AAPC can still boost your resume and credibility. This is especially beneficial if you’re applying to hospital networks or looking to work freelance. But for roles like the ones at Wing, demonstrated skills and experience take priority.
Bottom line: A scribe certification is helpful, but not essential, especially if you already meet professional and educational medical scribe requirements.
Tips to Land a Medical Scribe Job Fast
Once your training is complete, it’s time to shift gears and launch your job search. Breaking into the field can happen fast if you know where to look and how to position yourself.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you land entry-level medical scribe jobs efficiently:
1. Apply to Major Scribe Employers
Start by applying to companies that are known for hiring and training new scribes. These organizations often provide structured onboarding and support systems that make them great places to begin your career:
- ScribeAmerica
- ProScribe
- Aquity Solutions
- HealthChannels
- Wing Assistant
2. Use Targeted Job Search Strategies
Cast a wide net, but be strategic. Job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn are great, but you’ll also need to optimize your search.
- Set alerts on Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter using terms like “medical scribe (entry-level),” “no experience scribe,” or “remote medical scribe jobs.”
- Filter by shift type (night/weekend roles are often less competitive).
3. Update Your Resume & Cover Letter
Your application materials should reflect your readiness for a clinical support role. Tailor your resume to emphasize skills that employers look for in new scribes, including:
- Typing speed (60+ WPM is ideal)
- Familiarity with EHRs
- Clinical or customer service experience
- Soft skills like communication and multitasking
4. Network & Ask for Referrals
Sometimes, who you know can make all the difference. Networking opens doors to unlisted jobs and adds credibility to your application. Here are some good places to start:
- Join Facebook groups for aspiring scribes
- Connect with former classmates or instructors
- Engage on LinkedIn with scribe-related content
5. Be Flexible
Accepting part-time, overnight, or float positions can help you break in. Once you’re in the system, internal transfers and promotions are easier. Persistence pays off. With training and a proactive approach, most new scribes find work within 2–6 weeks.
Remote Medical Scribe Jobs: Are They a Good Option?
Remote medical scribe jobs have exploded in popularity since the rise of telehealth, and they’re definitely here to stay.
Instead of working on-site, remote scribes either join telehealth sessions live via secure video/audio platforms or review pre-recorded consultations and transcribe them into the EHR
Advantages of Remote Scribing:
- No commute = more flexibility
- Work-from-home jobs are ideal for students, parents, and caregivers
- Broader job market since you’re not limited by geography
Potential for multiple specialties as companies serve varied clients
What You’ll Need:
- A distraction-free, HIPAA-compliant workspace
- Reliable high-speed internet
- Strong typing, listening, and multitasking skills
- Comfort with remote onboarding and training
Some remote roles prefer candidates with prior scribing experience or scribe certification due to the independent nature of the work. However, many companies hire directly into remote positions from strong training programs.
Launching Your Medical Scribe Career Remotely with Wing
Wing Assistant is a fully managed virtual assistant provider that offers remote medical scribe jobs through its healthcare support services. It’s an ideal place to start if you’re looking for structure, support, and real growth potential.
Here’s why Wing stands out:
- Dedicated placements: You’ll work consistently with specific providers, which allows you to build trust and deep workflow familiarity.
- Onboarding and supervision: Wing trains you in essential systems, protocols, and communication tools, and assigns you a Team Captain for daily support.
- Flexibility: Choose between full-time and part-time roles to suit your schedule.
- Quality control: Wing uses AI monitoring tools and team-based quality checks to help you improve and succeed.
- Technology access: The Wing Workspace App includes secure messaging, workflow tracking, and password sharing.
In addition to these advantages, Wing provides a clearly defined medical scribe role with responsibilities such as documenting patient history, transcribing physician notes and orders, updating EHR/EMR systems, and ensuring medical records are accurate and compliant with regulations. You’ll also support coordination between providers and patients.
To work with Wing, you’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree in a medical or pharmaceutical-related field
- At least 1 year of experience as a medical VA, documentation specialist, or similar
- Excellent English communication (B2 level+)
- Familiarity with EHR/EMR systems, medical terminology, and HIPAA
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and the ability to work U.S. hours
You’ll also need a high-speed wired internet connection, a noise-canceling headset, a working webcam, and a modern computer setup.
Perks include: paid training, HMO coverage, performance incentives, paid holidays, overtime pay, internal promotions, and upskilling programs—all in a 100% remote environment with a values-driven, team-first culture.
Start Your Medical Scribe Career with Confidence
Becoming a medical scribe is one of the smartest, most affordable ways to break into the healthcare industry. With just a few weeks of medical scribe job training, you can start earning money, gaining real-world clinical experience, and building the skills that set you apart, whether you’re applying to med school or changing careers.
Training programs like online medical scribe training make it easier than ever to get started from anywhere. And while scribe certification isn’t always required, it’s a worthwhile option for increasing your chances with top employers or remote jobs. Once trained, you’ll find plenty of entry-level medical scribe jobs across the country, or from your home office. With flexibility, exposure, and upward mobility, it’s a role that opens doors.
If you’re serious about getting started, Wing Assistant is ready to help. With structured support, real clinical assignments, and flexible roles, Wing is an ideal launchpad for your healthcare journey. Explore Wing’s services now, or schedule a free consultation to discuss how Wing can support your medical scribe career path.
Kandice is a content writer & strategist with over 5 years of experience in digital marketing. She specializes in SEO-optimized content for the SaaS and tech industry. She’s a digital nomad, currently based in Mexico, and is passionate about helping other business owners and freelancers increase their productivity when working remotely. When she’s not behind her computer you’ll find her at the beach snorkeling, playing volleyball, doing yoga, or cooking up a delicious vegan meal.
