Job Market

If you’re considering Medical Transcription as a career you’re probably asking these questions:

• What is the Job Market?
• How much does it pay?
• Can I work from home?
• Will computers voice recognition programs make the career obsolete?
• How long does it take to get trained?
• What exactly is the work like?
  

Here is some basic information that can help you decide if this career is right for you.

Job Market
The job market is good if you’re accurate and have good speed. Voice recognition computers are not likely to replace live MTs. The software has trouble if a speaker is not clear, such as having a cold or mumbling, or an unusual accent, and the user must actually conform to the computer’s needs. Voice recognition is not a flexible and easy to use system. MTs will always have an editorial function.

Your employment depends on standard job hunting practices, professionalism, and your skill as an MT. These jobs are not always listed in the newspaper; calling medical offices and clinics on your own helps.

What counts most is your accuracy and speed in the test given by the potential employer, and the professionalism you show to the company in the application process. National companies that hire MTs to work remotely from their home usually state that 2 years’ experience transcribing is required. However, current feedback from MTs now working at home indicate that, after an inquiry, the companies will usually give you a skills test. If you test well (90%), the experience requirement will often be waived. There is a definite need for workers in this field.

A good place to research remote work job openings nationally is on this web site: http://www.mtdaily.com/ It is not a complete list, but it is a good place to start getting a feel for career opportunities.

Job Placement: When you’ve completed training the instructor will gladly provide a letter of reference and talk with any potential employer about your skills. You will also receive a signed completion document confirming your completion.

Live Instruction Versus Self Guided Training

Internet or CD Rom transcription training is available from other sources. However, it has been the experience of our former lead instructor, Carol Pettit, that many students who try to learn medical transcription at home or at schools that promote very rapid training, frequently approach Rogue Community College to gain the expertise required for actual employment. "Learning medical transcription," states Pettit, "is like learning any other skill.  One wouldn't expect to learn to become a tennis pro in a few weeks or without personal guidance.  Our success rate reflects the quality of our program." 

This is a precise and exacting career involving language comprehension, patient care and safety, and much more than just listening and typing fast. Interacting in person with a qualified and experienced instructor is extremely valuable and sets you on a strong path to success in the field. Live instruction is also recognized by employers as a superior method. For example, a large local employer has actually never hired a first-time transcriptionist with only self-guided or distance-learning training.

Pay
By the line, mostly, some by the hour. For the skilled and Certified MT, pay is very good. Sample Ranges:

• Beginning; $10 an hour plus, or .06 to .10 cents a line, benefits usually provided. An average beginning weekly per line speed would be approximately 3,000 for full-time. An average beginning income could be $10-14 K per year, depending on full or part-time, the per-line rate and your speed.
• Advanced; $15 + an hour, or .11 - .15 cents a line, benefits usually provided.
• If you end up running your transcription as a small business, there is the potential for much larger income. As a private contractor you would locate sources of dictation (phyicians, clinics, hospitals), set the prices, and provide excellent service. That means 99% accuracy and a high rate of production.  Of course, this option includes the usual business organizational skills such as effective bookkeeping, paying taxes quarterly, and promoting your business.

Certification
At the end of advanced class you will receive an RCC certificate of completion, but it’s not the American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT) certification. That organization recommends 3-5 years experience in a hospital setting before sitting for the exam, which consists of a written Part A covering theory and a practical Part B. However, if you feel you’ve developed your skills to an extremely high level, and you’ve joined the AAMT, you may sit for the exam earlier. Approximately 50% of those taking the practical exam pass. You can still work doing medical transcription, even if you’re not a Certified Medical Transcriptionist.

Working from Home
This is currently an option for entry level transcription. You will want to create a separate, clear, quiet working environment with uninterrupted time for medical transcription. You must show you follow HIPPA regulations that deal with patient privacy issues. If you test well for an employer, working at home is a possibility after on the job training.

Training Time
RCC has 3 levels, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. One per term, 66 hours of training in each level. 

What’s it like to be an MT?
Successful MTs are patient, detail oriented, have above-average spelling and grammatical skills, enjoy very precise work, and are able to work on their own. They cannot be satisfied with a report that is less than excellent. This is a sedentary position--sitting at a computer, listening, researching, and keying. MTs are always studying on their own for improvement and expanding their medical knowledge base. You MUST be a self-motivated person and be able to work on your own, even in a clinic setting.

Equipment Needed After Class & Work Delivery Methods
MTs who work at home either have their own transcribers or have them provided by the employer. Transcribers cost approximately $200 to $600. Home-based medical transcriptionists deliver their transcription several ways: digital telephone service, wherein the MT receives dictation via the computer and returns it the same way; pick up tapes and drop off the tapes and a hard copy of the reports; drop off a floppy disk so that the employer's office can print the work; or all work done via the internet and sent encrypted.

For more information phone Rogue Community College, Workforce Training at 541-245-7619.