Becoming a Medical Transcriptionist
Many women are interested in getting into the field of Medical Transcription, but are uncertain if it will be the right career choice for them. Some worry it may be too difficult or time-consuming, and really don’t know if they have what it takes to even be a transcriptionist. Well, for starters, you really have to enjoy or at least have some interest in the medical field. You most likely will be typing dictation from doctors and health care professionals. I, myself, love anything that has to do with health or medicine, but that’s just me. My mom is a nurse so I grew up hearing about medical issues and disease since about the age of 4.
For those of you who aren’t too keen on the idea of typing medical reports 8 hours a day, there is always Legal and General Transcription. I’ve done some transcription for natural scientists, mostly on hurricanes and other weather-related subjects. Although it wasn’t my main area of interest, I must admit I really learned a lot from that experience. If you are more into legal matters and the law in general, Legal Transcription is the way to go! If you simply love to type, then try General Transcription.
Now, how do you obtain the skills needed for this profession? I was fighting this part of it every step of the way. I will admit that I’m a bit lazy. The thought of sitting in a classroom again right after high school and having to learn something new didn’t appeal to me at all. I decided to go the “distant learning” route. The books/tapes/materials were all sent to me through the mail and I learned Medical Transcription in my spare time, on my own schedule. Moms and women with current jobs will definitely benefit from doing it this way. And for you gals who wouldn’t mind learning this skill in a classroom, you’ll be happy to find that your local community college will most likely offer this program to you. It wouldn’t hurt to check out the financial aid options available if money might be an issue. It usually is, that IS why you’re looking for a new career in the first place, right?
So what about the job outlook? It looks good! Medical Transcriptionists are in high demand. Computers and voice recognition systems simply cannot be trusted enough to document patient reports. I chose to work at home, not because I have any children or anything like that. Maybe it’s just that “lazy” thing kicking in again! It will take some work finding work, but we all have to go through that when job hunting for any new position. The best option is to get yourself a business card made up as soon as you’re certified and hand it out to as many doctors and hospitals as possible. Make it look nice and professional, and make sure you put “CMT” after your name (as long as you are certified). It will make you look very well-educated and legitimate, and you’ve earned it! With my mom being a nurse, I had some great connections to doctors. Another possibility is working through a regular transcription company. The best way to access these companies is to surf the net. You’ll find tons of them. If working at home isn’t for you, many hospitals and clinics/doctor’s offices will hire in-house MT’s. I believe you will be paid per hour, not per keystroke, as you would if you were working from home. The pay rate per keystroke can range anywhere from 6 to 12 cents per 65-character line.
Whichever path you choose in Medical Transcription, I promise you it will be a rewarding experience. I have done this for 3 years now and I wouldn’t change a thing. You’ll be surprised how many interesting people (not to mention doctors) you’ll meet in the process of just looking for a Medical Transcription job. Yes, ladies, this would be the time to buy that new “smart but sexy” career outfit. It wouldn’t hurt to look your best when handing out your business cards. After all, most doctors are men. Good luck to all of you!
