medical transcription question

[momNP2be]

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Hi all,

I will be starting nursing school in Aug 2006 (finally). I have been offered training to become a medical transcriptionist. Has anyone else done this? I have a 2 year old and I'm 5 months pregnant, so I will have to support them through school. I've done some research and it sounds like a tough market out there for mt's but this particular company says they will train me and when I meet their standards, they will hire me. I really don't want to live on loans since I'm already in debt. Does anyone have experience with this field? Or can you give me advice on jobs that I could possibly do from home so that I can support my kids through school but also see them once in awhile 😕

 

[fab4fan]

I have no experience with transcription, but my mother has done it for many years. She got into it with OJT, and she's quite good at it.

If you have no familiarity with medical terms/meds, then get hold of a Tabers and a nurses' drug reference book. These will help you immeasurably.

Speed and accuracy are crucial. Note to docs: Please, you will make the transcriptionist's life much easier if you don't mumble, don't dictate at breakneck speed, if you spell out unusual medical terms or medications, and do not eat while you're dicatating. The transcriptionist really isn't interested in hearing you chew and slurp.

Make sure you know how your employer will be paying you. Most places pay per line, but some pay based on speed. That's crummy when you get a doc who speaks very slowly or is disorganized and constantly pausing or saying "Uhhh..." Another note to docs: Please have your pt info in front of you or dictate right after you've seen the pt. The transcriptionist doesn't get paid to listen to you collect your thoughts. Your dictation will get back to you in a more timely fashion if you do your part.

 

[sandst]

Hello. I have been working for a major hospital in my area as a transcriptionist for about 4 years now. We always have a full time opening. Transcriptionists are very hard to find! It is a good job with plenty of flexibility. I work at home but can work at the hospital if I wish. The pay is really, really good, but I get paid by the hour. I am planning on going to graduate school, so I started transcribing because I thought it would give me the most flexibility to fit school in my schedule since is a 24/7 job. I have never really worked by the line, so I can't tell you how that really is. Most people do only hire experienced people, so if someone offers training plus a job, that is a pretty good deal. Do it only if you don't mind sitting and typing for hours on end. So, it has been great for me as my graduate school friendly job. If you have any other questions, let me know!