The Fast Track to a Flexible Medical Transcription Career |
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June 12, 2006
by Gabby Hyman
gabby.hyman@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Medical transcriptionists (MTs) often enjoy a flexible work schedule, the option to work from the comfort of home, and still earn a good wage and benefits. MTs listen to dictated physician recordings and convert them into written documents used for patient records. Using a headset, foot pedal, and transcription software, they draw from their knowledge of health care terminology and proper English usage to create reports vital to the medical community.
MTs come from all walks of life. Some join the field when their existing jobs become unsatisfying or just don't fit changes in their lives. Some take medical transcription work as a means of sticking to a hectic family schedule or combining several jobs. You'll need to attend training courses at a medical transcription school to prepare. Most medical transcription training programs allow you to learn at your own pace, which makes for an ideal transition between careers.
Medical Transcription Training Simplified
Most medical transcription schools provide overall training in transcription equipment and software, in addition to a fundamental medical vocabulary. They also provide education in specialties such as pathology, radiology, and surgery. By their very nature, medical transcription jobs require working MTs to know medical abbreviations, symbols, terminology, and procedures.
One MT Career, Many Paths
Since medical transcription schools provide you with a broad knowledge of the practice of medicine, many students find it a great foundation for training for other medical professions. In addition to working from home, medical transcriptionists take jobs in hospitals, transcription company offices, physicians' clinics, and laboratories.
Bright Prospects for Medical Transcription Careers
Medical transcription jobs will grow faster than the average of all other careers in the country through 2014. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as the aging American population grows in size, so will the need for trained medical transcriptonists to handle the flood of documentation. That means it's a good time to become a MT.
Source
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
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