The VLC talks with working grads
VLC graduate Marla Dycio
VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Marla: I just got offered a job with AccuStat Carolinas. I am starting Monday with a single neurology account. I am working as an Independent Contractor. Full time, Monday to Friday. It is a 24-hour turn around time!
VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Marla: I was a Medical Claims Clerk at AIG insurance.
VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Marla: I wanted a healthcare oriented position but with the ability to work at home so I could raise my daughter too.
VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Marla: The Professional Medical Transcription Course
VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Marla: About 13 months.
VLC: Who was your instructor?
Marla: Carole Nusca, Beverley Henderson, Susan Wuilleme and Sheila Cryer.
VLC: What impressed you the most about your instructor?
Marla: They were very knowledgeable in the field.
VLC: What impressed you most about the course?
Marla: It was very thorough and had a lot of dictations to get you ready for the job.
VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Marla: All the dictations.
VLC: Do you find the practice tapes are helping you in a real-work situation?
Marla: Yes, they were very helpful.
VLC: Is there anything about the course or the training system you would recommend changing?
Marla: Having all the teachers stick to the same guidelines. Sometimes different teachers would tell you to do things differently.
VLC note: Instructors now all follow the same AAMT formatting guidelines.
VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Marla: I looked and applied to a lot of jobs on Homeworkers.org. I also kept checking my local newspaper.
VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Marla: About two months.
VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Marla: By line.
VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Marla: Stick to it. It can be discouraging at times, but keep positive and it will pay off.
VLC: What do you expect to be doing five years from now?
Marla: Hopefully, running my own medical transcription business.
