The VLC talks with working grads
VLC graduate Ruth Andrick of Minnesota
VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Ruth: I started with RI Unlimited last month.
VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Ruth: I was an registered nurse for 29 years.
VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Ruth: I thought it would be good way to use the knowledge I have in health care.
VLC: Which of the VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Ruth: At the time I signed up, it was called "The Comprehensive Course," [now, Advanced].
VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Ruth: 12 months.
VLC: Who was your instructor(s)?
Ruth: Sheila for the first several modules and Carol (who is wonderful by the way) for latter ones.
VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Ruth: I could set my own timeline and did not have to "go" to class; I could bring it home when the time suited me. Getting questions answered was just a keystroke away via e-mail to the instructors.
VLC: Do you find that the practice dictation is helping you in a real-work situation?
Ruth: Most certainly! The dictation I am presently getting could be any one of the practice tapes.
VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Ruth: I actually found a posting on the student message boards from another student stating that RIU hired "newbies." I thought I would just check out their website and I applied from there.
VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Ruth: Only the length of time it took RIU to respond to my resume, about 10 days.
VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Ruth: We are paid by the (65 character + spaces) line.
VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Ruth: The healthcare arena is the biggest job market in the country today. If you want to feel assured of employment, this is a good place to be. Also, there is a great deal of latitude in the MT area. You can work in a hospital, a medical office, for a transcription company (of which there are many) as an independent contractor from the comfort of your own home, or start your own business! Does it get any better?
