What Does a Medical Scribe Do?
A medical scribe supports healthcare providers by documenting patient encounters in real time during medical examinations. Working side-by-side with physicians or remotely through tele-scribe platforms, they input essential clinical information into the electronic health record (EHR), including medical history, physical exam findings, lab and imaging results, diagnoses, procedures, and treatment plans. This documentation allows providers to focus fully on patient care while maintaining accurate, timely records for billing, compliance, and continuity of care.
Medical scribes must have a strong grasp of medical terminology, attention to detail, and the ability to keep up with fast-paced clinical conversations. They are frequently found in emergency departments, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices. While the position is non-clinical, it plays a critical role in healthcare efficiency and documentation accuracy. Many medical scribes pursue careers as physicians, PAs, or nurses, making the role an excellent early-career opportunity for aspiring medical professionals.
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Medical Scribe Core Responsibilities
- Document patient encounters in real time alongside providers
- Input patient history, exam notes, diagnostic results, and treatment plans into the EHR
- Assist with chart preparation and post-visit documentation updates
- Ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance in all clinical notes
- Maintain patient confidentiality and follow HIPAA regulations
- Communicate effectively with providers regarding documentation needs
- Support physicians with non-clinical administrative tasks as assigned
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
- Fast and accurate typing (typically 60+ WPM)
- Understanding of clinical documentation requirements
Soft skills
- Attention to detail and active listening
- Ability to multitask in fast-paced environments
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Discretion and professionalism with confidential information
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Recommended: Associate’s degree or coursework in biology, health sciences, or pre-med
Certifications
- None required
- Medical scribe training certification or EHR-specific training is recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Epic, Cerner, or other major EHR platforms
- 6–12 months in a healthcare, transcription, or medical documentation role
- Interest in pursuing a clinical or healthcare career
National Average Salary
Medical scribe salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Medical Scribe is:
$38,565
Sample Job Description Templates for Medical Scribes
Emergency Department Medical Scribe
Position Overview
We are seeking an Emergency Department Medical Scribe to assist physicians in fast-paced hospital environments. In this role, you will document patient encounters in real time, ensuring accurate and comprehensive clinical records for acute and high-acuity visits. This is an ideal opportunity for individuals interested in emergency medicine, trauma care, or preparing for a future clinical role.
Responsibilities
- Record patient history, provider notes, and clinical assessments during exams
- Document labs, imaging, and procedures in real time within the EHR
- Track patient progress and update records throughout their ED stay
- Support providers during rapid transitions and critical care events
- Maintain strict confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with emergency department EHR workflows
- Familiarity with medical terminology, triage protocols, and diagnostics
- Fast, accurate typing under pressure
Soft skills
- Ability to stay composed in high-stress, high-volume environments
- Excellent multitasking and active listening skills
- Dependability and strong communication
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate’s degree or coursework in health sciences is recommended
Certifications
- Medical scribe training or EHR certification is recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in an emergency, trauma, or urgent care setting
Outpatient Clinic Scribe
Position Overview
We are hiring an Outpatient Clinic Scribe to support healthcare providers in documenting patient visits during scheduled appointments. This role is focused on improving documentation efficiency in primary care or specialty office settings. It’s ideal for candidates who thrive in structured, daytime environments and want clinical exposure.
Responsibilities
- Record detailed patient-provider interactions in the EHR
- Document exam findings, test results, assessments, and treatment plans
- Ensure charts are completed and signed off in a timely manner
- Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to clinic protocols
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with outpatient workflows and EHR documentation
- Knowledge of medical terminology and diagnostic coding
- Fast typing and accurate data entry
Soft skills
- Professional demeanor in patient-facing environments
- Organization and attention to detail
- Clear communication with physicians and clinical staff
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate’s degree or related coursework is recommended
Certifications
- Medical scribe training program completion is recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a clinic, physician’s office, or outpatient practice
Remote Tele-Scribe
Position Overview
We are looking for a Remote Medical Scribe (Tele-Scribe) to document virtual or in-person patient encounters from a remote location. Using secure audio and video tools, you will work in real time with providers to input clinical information into the EHR. This fully remote opportunity is ideal for tech-savvy candidates with healthcare interest and scheduling flexibility.
Responsibilities
- Join live virtual patient visits or review recordings to complete charting
- Accurately input clinical documentation into the provider’s EHR system
- Maintain HIPAA-compliant data handling and remote work protocols
- Communicate with physicians digitally for clarification or updates
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong typing and real-time documentation skills
- Comfort using virtual meeting platforms and secure data tools
- Proficiency in EHR platforms used remotely
Soft skills
- Strong self-motivation and remote work discipline
- Excellent written communication
- Adaptability across specialties and workflows
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate’s degree or health-related coursework is recommended
Certifications
- Tele-scribe training and HIPAA certification are recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in remote medical documentation or transcription
Surgical Scribe
Position Overview
We are hiring a Surgical Scribe to assist surgeons with documentation before, during, and after surgical procedures. This includes real-time intraoperative note-taking as well as post-op updates. The ideal candidate is comfortable in clinical and procedural settings and has a strong understanding of anatomy and procedural terminology.
Responsibilities
- Document surgical consults, intraoperative findings, and post-op plans
- Enter procedure notes and operative summaries into the EHR
- Coordinate with perioperative and nursing teams for complete records
- Ensure compliance with surgical documentation and billing protocols
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong grasp of surgical anatomy, instruments, and terminology
- Experience with operative note templates and procedure coding
- Ability to keep pace with intraoperative discussions
Soft skills
- Precision and composure in clinical settings
- Discretion and professionalism during sensitive procedures
- High attention to detail and accuracy
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate’s degree or surgical technology coursework is recommended
Certifications
- Medical scribe or surgical documentation certification is recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in a surgical department, OR, or pre-op/post-op setting
Pediatric Medical Scribe
Position Overview
We are seeking a Pediatric Medical Scribe to support providers in documenting patient visits for newborns, children, and adolescents. This role requires comfort working in a child- and family-centered environment and the ability to accurately capture age-specific documentation.
Responsibilities
- Record well-child visits, sick visits, vaccinations, and developmental milestones
- Document physical exams and provider assessments in the EHR
- Assist with maintaining up-to-date records for school forms, immunizations, etc.
- Support provider-patient communication through accurate charting
Requirements
Hard skills
- Understanding of pediatric growth charts and developmental screening tools
- Familiarity with childhood immunization schedules and pediatric terms
- EHR documentation proficiency
Soft skills
- Friendly and professional demeanor with families and children
- Patience and attentiveness in busy pediatric settings
- High organizational skill with attention to patient history details
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate’s degree or coursework in pediatrics or child development is recommended
Certifications
- Pediatric-specific scribe training is recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a pediatric office, school health clinic, or family practice
Specialty Practice Scribe
Position Overview
We are hiring a Specialty Practice Scribe to work alongside providers in focused disciplines such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, dermatology, or neurology. You will document exams and assist with capturing detailed medical histories, procedures, and treatment plans tailored to the specialty’s needs.
Responsibilities
- Document patient encounters and specialty-specific assessments
- Input procedural details, imaging/lab results, and treatment decisions
- Update care plans and ensure comprehensive documentation for complex cases
- Maintain accuracy and efficiency in high-volume clinics
Requirements
Hard skills
- In-depth knowledge of specialty-specific terminology and workflows
- EHR documentation aligned with specialty protocols
- Ability to keep pace with advanced clinical discussions
Soft skills
- Precision and attentiveness to technical detail
- Professionalism in patient-facing environments
- Adaptability across specialists and subspecialties
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate’s degree or coursework in life sciences or a clinical specialty is recommended
Certifications
- Specialty scribe or clinical documentation training is recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a specialty medical office or diagnostic setting