Introduction
Introduction
Are you a medical student searching for entry-level medical jobs in the US? Have you come across both remote medical scribe jobs USA and virtual medical scribe jobs and wondered what sets them apart? At first glance they might look similar but understanding the difference can help you find the right path in your medical careers in 2025. Whether you want flexibility, a stepping-stone into healthcare jobs, or experience with AI in healthcare, this breakdown helps you decide.
1. What is a Medical Scribe?
1. What is a Medical Scribe?
1. What is a Medical Scribe?
1. What is a Medical Scribe?
1. What is a Medical Scribe?
A medical scribe is a healthcare assistant who documents patient encounters in real time for providers. Scribes help with electronic health records (EHR), enabling physicians to focus more on patients not note-taking.
2. Who is a Remote Medical Scribe?
2. Who is a Remote Medical Scribe?
Remote medical scribes work off-site often from home. They log into EHR systems and listen to, or observe via video, the provider-patient interaction. They type notes, help with medical coding remote jobs, and may support multiple locations.
3. What is a Virtual Medical Scribe?
3. What is a Virtual Medical Scribe?
3. What is a Virtual Medical Scribe?
3. What is a Virtual Medical Scribe?
3. What is a Virtual Medical Scribe?
Though the term overlaps, virtual medical scribe jobs often involve integration within telemedicine platforms: you join the video visit directly, document live, and sometimes even interact with patients to clarify details.
4. Key Differences at a Glance
4. Key Differences at a Glance
4. Key Differences at a Glance
The difference comes down to environment and technology. A remote medical scribe usually works in coordination with on-site clinical staff, often observing via secure audio or video links and documenting in real-time within EHR systems. Meanwhile, a virtual medical scribe typically engages directly in telehealth platforms alongside the physician, and might have partial access to patient interaction especially in post-COVID care models.
Remote scribes are typically contracted through scribe service companies and assigned to clinics or hospitals. Virtual scribes, however, are more likely embedded within digital health companies or telemedicine platforms. While both follow clinical schedules, virtual scribe roles may include evenings or weekend shifts, aligning with broader telehealth service hours. Tools also vary, with virtual scribes often using proprietary platforms while remote scribes rely on standard EHR portals.
5. Shared Responsibilities & Overlaps
5. Shared Responsibilities & Overlaps
5. Shared Responsibilities & Overlaps
5. Shared Responsibilities & Overlaps
Despite their differences, both roles require proficiency in medical terminology, fast typing speed, and strong attention to detail. Both remote and virtual medical scribes assist physicians by updating patient records, charting notes, and flagging follow-up actions. They offer similar benefits to early-career healthcare professionals especially in developing clinical acumen, gaining EHR exposure, and learning healthcare workflows.
6. Benefits for Medical Students
6. Benefits for Medical Students
6. Benefits for Medical Students
6. Benefits for Medical Students
These roles are excellent opportunities for students aiming to boost their applications to residency programs or professional schools. The job teaches you real-time documentation, physician workflows, and interaction with AI in healthcare systems. It also provides essential flexibility making it a smart choice for part-time healthcare jobs. Plus, it positions you perfectly for roles like physician assistant jobs, registered nurse jobs, and healthcare administrator jobs.
7. Salary & Career Outlook
7. Salary & Career Outlook
7. Salary & Career Outlook
7. Salary & Career Outlook
On average, medical scribes, whether remote or virtual, earn between $15 to $25 per hour. This varies depending on geographic location, the company, and your level of experience. Many organizations offer training, and the experience can open doors to roles in radiology jobs, medical technologist jobs, and even pharmacist jobs with additional schooling. It’s a strong entry point for long-term clinical careers.
8. Related Healthcare Careers for You to Consider
8. Related Healthcare Careers for You to Consider
8. Related Healthcare Careers for You to Consider
8. Related Healthcare Careers for You to Consider
Scribe jobs are just the beginning. With clinical exposure and EHR knowledge under your belt, you’re prepared for a wide range of healthcare positions including:
Remote nurse practitioner jobs
Physician assistant jobs
Medical coding remote jobs
Travel occupational therapy jobs
Paramedic jobs in USA
All these roles are frequently posted on HubMed, making it easier than ever to grow your career.
9. Employer Preferences & Tech Integration
9. Employer Preferences & Tech Integration
9. Employer Preferences & Tech Integration
9. Employer Preferences & Tech Integration
Today’s healthcare employers are looking for more than note-takers. They want candidates familiar with documentation standards, privacy compliance, and systems like Change Healthcare. Knowing basic medical coding, being comfortable with AI in healthcare, and showing an understanding of virtual care workflows will give you a competitive edge. Highlighting this on your HubMed profile is key.
FAQs
FAQs
FAQs
FAQs
Q1: Are remote and virtual scribes the same?
A1: No. Remote scribes typically observe clinic encounters from afar, while virtual scribes often participate in live telemedicine sessions.
Q2: Do I need certification to work as a scribe?
A2: Not always, but having a certification or training in EHR systems or medical terminology can give you an advantage.
Q3: Can I work as a scribe while in med school?
A3: Absolutely. The roles are often designed with students in mind, offering flexible scheduling.
Q4: Will this experience count for med school or clinical applications?
A4: Yes. Admissions teams and employers value hands-on clinical documentation experience.
Q5: Are these roles eligible for visa sponsorship?
A5: Some employers on HubMed do offer visa sponsorship. Filter your search accordingly.
Q6: Can virtual scribes work outside of 9-5?
A6: Yes. Many telehealth providers operate on extended hours, offering you evening and weekend shifts.
Sources
Sources
Sources
Sources
- American Medical Association – What is a Medical Scribe?
https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/medical-scribes-helping-physicians-document-care
- HealthIT.gov – Electronic Health Records Overview
https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-electronic-health-record-ehr
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Healthcare Occupations
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm
- AAPC – Medical Coding Career Guide
https://www.aapc.com/medical-coding/medical-coding.aspx
- National Institute of Health – The Future of AI in Healthcare
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8183277/
- American Telemedicine Association – Telehealth Overview
https://www.americantelemed.org/resource/why-telemedicine/
- Medscape – Scribe Salary Data
https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2023-scribe-compensation-report-6016354
- Change Healthcare – Solutions for Clinical Workflow Optimization
https://www.changehealthcare.com/ - HubMed – Healthcare Job Listings and Career Tools https://hubmed.ai/
