The VLC talks with working grads
VLC graduate Marianna Hayne of Ontario
VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Marianna: I work for Scribes Data. I have been there for a year. They are located in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
VLC: Do you work at home or in an office?
Marianna: I work from home. I generally work about 7-9 hours a day. The company is very flexible. I work for a hospital so I type for many different dictators.
VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Marianna: I worked as an administrative secretary for a province sponsored cancer program.
VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Marianna: I always enjoyed the medical field and, having two babies, it was nice to work in a field where I could work from home.
VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Marianna: I took the Advanced.
VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Marianna: It took me about six or seven months.
VLC: Who was your instructor(s)?
Marianna: I have many different instructors; I remember Shirley and Carole.
VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Marianna: I enjoyed the flexibility of being able to do it at my own pace and at home.
VLC: Do you find the practice tapes are helping you in a real-work situation?
Marianna: The transcription is the most helpful part of the course. The terminology is important but the words sound different when dictated.
VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Marianna: I used the MSN message board. I also asked around and tested for every company that I could.
VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Marianna: It took me about five or six months to find a job. But the company I work for is awesome and it was worth it.
VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Marianna: I am paid per dictated minute.
VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Marianna: This is a very exciting field. It may take a long time to find work but you cannot give up. I was discouraged, but when I was least expecting it, a great job for a great company came along and I am very happy and grateful.
