Certified Medical Transcriptionist – Retired (CMT-R)

Certified medical transcriptionists (CMTs) who choose to retire or leave the industry may opt to carry a retired credential status moving forward. The CMT-R is designed to signify that an individual has a history of sustaining a credentialed status through continuing education during his/her years of active employment in the industry but is no longer working in the industry and therefore no longer engaging in professional development activities related to the career.

Any CMT no longer practicing medical transcription may choose to retire their CMT credential and maintain the designation of CMT-R, or Certified Medical Transcriptionist-Retired. Once a CMT credential is retired, individuals are prohibited from using the CMT alone, and thereby implying a commitment to continuing education, and are required to include the “-R” designation with any use of CMT from that point forward.

A CMT may choose to retire their credential at any point during the credentialing cycle (ie, you do not have to wait until the end of your 3-year cycle).

Retired CMTs who want to reinstate their full CMT status will be required to recertify by examination.

Individuals who wish to retire their CMT credential must submit an application form and a one-time processing fee of $45.00. Download the form here.

CMTs desiring to retire their credential who do not submit the proper forms and fees to the Modesto office by the deadline will be considered lapsed and will no longer be eligible to identify themselves as CMTs.

A lapsed notice will be sent to any CMT who does not submit their application and fees prior to their recertification deadline. Effective November 1, 2012, CMTs have up to 90 days from their original expiration date to submit the documentation and fees to retire their credential. A $50 late fee will be assessed along with the normal processing fee of $45.

After the 90-day grace period, the only way to become certified again is by successfully passing the CMT exam.