Posted: September 29th, 2004

The VLC talks with working grads

VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist?
Linda: I work for a national company out of Iowa. I work with three other VLC graduates. I am doing exactly what I set out to do. I work part-time from home.

VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Linda: I was in the accounting field, assistant to the Controller, and full-charge bookkeeper.

VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Linda: At the time I enrolled in the course, I was living on a ranch about 60 miles from town. When I explored employment opportunities for working from home, I learned about the MT field. When I took the introductory test, I was hooked. I knew this career would be both challenging and rewarding, and allow the flexibility I needed.

VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Linda: The Anniversary edition of the Professional Course.

VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Linda: It took me two years. I had to relocate twice in those two years. Even with the chaos of moving and changing addresses, I received my supplies and correspondence from VLC with no problems. I worked at my own pace through the course. Life didn't stop for me to take the course, but sometimes the course had to stop for my life. I reviewed and absorbed much more by not rushing through it. Everyone works through it at a different rate. Some faster, and some slower.

VLC: Who were your instructors?
Linda: Beverley Henderson, Sue Wuilleme and Carol Simpson

VLC: What impressed you most about the course?
Linda: What impressed me most was being able to go online and study whenever I had the time. Wherever there was a computer, I could log on and study. The transcription had to be done at my home computer, though, because of the software and equipment needed. The classroom was open 24 hours a day.

VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Linda: I enjoyed learning about the human body and all the processes that make it function. It's truly remarkable.

VLC: Did you find the practice tapes are helping you now at work?
Linda: The practice tapes are definitely a big help. They help train your ears to pick up difficult pronunciations and get the timing down for listening and typing at the same time. It taught me the research skills needed to track down a word, procedure, or phrase that I couldn't understand.

VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Linda: I sent my resume and cover letter to as many MT companies as I could from the list on the VLC website. I also used the Internet to search for MT jobs. Many MT companies will let you apply online.

VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Linda: I began sending out resumes a week before I graduated. I received an offer of employment as an independent contractor within five weeks.

VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Linda: The best advice I can give anyone about becoming an MT is that it is not an overnight profession. It is a serious part of the medical field. You're dealing with real people and their health issues. The MT's translation of the verbal communication from the physician to written data is a permanent part of the patient's file. There is a lot to learn. But it is one of the most rewarding careers. It is wonderful to say that I am a Medical Transcriptionist because it is not given to you; you earn it.