ellie’s foray into medical transcription

I thought I would post a question a visitor, Lauren, had posted as I think it’s a common concern with people concerning the field of medical transcription. . .

“I am a married mom of two who lives in Fl. . .I
am very interesting in the MT field and think I’m leaning towards taking the
course that Career Step provides. I am very nervous about learning the
materials (my medical background only consists of 5 years as a pharmaceutical
rep and most of that terminology i’ve forgotten since i’ve been home w/ the kids
for years now). I would need to work from home right out of the gate…do you
think this is realistic to achieve as a C.Step grad oneday?? Also, if i work
20-25 hrs a week at first what kind of income do you think that would translate
to??”

I totally understand your concern and fears about investing in a few profession.  Yes, it’s very possible to work from home right away after graduating.  There are so many companies that hire medical transcriptionists from home; it’s really quite endless the number of companies.  The hardest hurdle actually is getting hired as a new grad.  Many companies are very hesitate to hire new grads simply because there is a learning curve with new grads.  Many companies would rather hire experienced people, because it’s easier and cheaper, which is understandable. 

But there are many companies too that will hire new grads (I have a blog entry which links to a list of such companies).  Also I recommend that grads invest in the RMT credential as that will signal to an employer that you are very serious, and educated, to take on a medical transcription position right out of school. 

I really can’t answer the income question as that would depend on what company you work for and if you decide to be an employee or an independent contractor (which if you’re looking for more part-time hours, you would probably need to go down the IC route).  I personally have made a stable paycheck being a medical transcriptionist but it did take some time to really be consistent with my paychecks since you are paid on production.  When you first start out, you won’t be very fast and so your paychecks will not be as large but if you give yourself time to get trained and to know your specific account information, you can make a stable paycheck. 

I hope this helps a little.  You can make it if you really feel this is the right field for you and it would be something you would like to do.  Medical transcription is the right career path for me as I greatly enjoy the medical field (I didn’t have much of a medical background either when I started, just secretary work) so doing this is a great pleasure.  Just now, it’s not easy and you need to be very motivaated and focused and it helps to have the support of your spouse/partner to make it work. 

Good luck to you!

Ellie Jacobson