The VLC talks with working grads
VLC graduate Renee Delk
VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Renee: I am an Independent Contractor for Ascott Transcription Services, a national transcription company. I have been working part-time for them since July 12, 2004.
VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Renee: I am still employed full-time as a secretary for the Federal government.
VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Renee: I have always been fascinated by the medical field. When my husband became disabled a couple of years ago, I started looking for something that I could do at home in case the time ever came when he could not stay alone.
VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Renee: I took the Professional [now Advanced] Course.
VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Renee: It took 8 months.
VLC: Who was your instructor?
Renee: My instructors were Bev, Carol, and Sheila.
VLC: What impressed you most about the course?
Renee: The extensive transcription practice. Although there were times when I never thought I would get through it all!!
VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Renee: Again, the actual transcription practice. It was fun to start hearing all the words I had been studying and actually knowing what they meant!
VLC: Do you find the practice tapes are helping you in a real-work situation?
Renee: Absolutely! Since most of the transcription practice was actual dictation, I felt very well prepared when I actually started working. I realize that I still have a lot to learn, but VLC gave me an excellent start!
VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Renee: I researched every online company I could find and applied for the ones that appealed to me. Since I still have a full-time job, I needed to work for a company that would allow for a flexible schedule.
VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Renee: I graduated from the course June 10th and received an offer from Ascott on July 1st.
VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Renee: I am paid by the line.
VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Renee: Choose a well-rounded course. People usually focus on the transcription portion of the course, but the academic portion is your foundation. If you don't know what the words mean, then the transcription will be very difficult. Before I started my course with VLC, I bought some practice transcription tapes online and became very discouraged when I didn't understand anything that was being said. After I finished my course, it was amazing how much easier it was to understand those tapes!
