Medical Transcription Program Details
First, the demand
for qualified medical transcriptionists (MTs) is amazing. There
just aren't enough available MTs to manage the enormous
documentation driven by the healthcare profession. Check out the
Department of Labor's website at
http://www.dol.gov/ for their information about medical
transcription.
Second, there are
many large transcription services that are in dire need of MTs to
man their accounts. Most of these MT jobs allow you to work at
home.
Third, there is
no way I can give you (in a short email) an idea of how much can be
made. I actually have a transcription service research project and
MT interview project which I require of my students in order that
they will understand the different methods of compensation, from
independent contractors (ICs) to independent service owners to
employed MTs, etc., and how to go about seeking that first job. One
of my students interviewed someone from Orange County who made
$110,000 last year. But was that gross and did she have other ICs
working for her or was that all profit? There is no way an
entry-level MT will be able to make that kind of money. It takes
lots of time, and there is a definite learning curve. If you ask
any practicing MT just how hard they worked at the beginning and how
much money they initially made, you would hear stories of how almost
everyone struggles initially.
Finally, it
typically takes a minimum of 2 years in the college setting or in a
Regional Occupational Program course to be entry level ready.
Academics aside, it takes an average of 500 hours of transcription
practice alone to be ready to enter the job market. I'm sure you've
seen all kinds of ads about how you could be ready in a matter or
weeks to months. Don't believe it. I've had students who have paid
lots of money for courses which promised that, and they ended up
coming to me and virtually having to start over. Sad.
At Grossmont
College, you must take the medical terminology class (BOT 161)
first. Although it is not a "requirement" in order to take the
beginning MT class (BOT 216), I've found that students who did not
take the terminology class first end up dropping out of the BOT 216
class because they don't understand what they are transcribing. You
also need to be fully familiar with Microsoft Word and have a typing
speed of 50 wpm.
Each class is 1
semester: BOT 216, BOT 218, BOT 217 (A, B, & C--each a semester).
The classes are currently held every Tuesday from 5-10 p.m. As for
getting in those 500 hours of transcription time, well I suggest you
do the math.
Is it worth it?
I absolutely LOVE medical transcription. In my opinion, yes it is
worth it because of the ongoing challenge of learning something new
every day. Is it difficult? Yes. I don't sugar-coat it. One has
to know enough medicine to catch doctors when they make errors; and
believe me, they make errors all the time. Is it rewarding?
Absolutely. It's thrilling to be the unseen patient advocate. It's
marvelous to be able to work in your home and not have to commute to
work and pay the exorbitant gas prices we are seeing in San Diego,
etc., etc.
Hopefully I've
answered your questions AND encouraged you at the same time, of
course with a touch of realism. I suggest you also check out the
professional organization's website at
www.aamt.org and I'm sure you will find more answers to your
many questions. Also, at Grossmont College we utilize The SUM
Program, which is one of the best MT programs out there. You can go
to
www.hpisum.com and check out this program.
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