The VLC talks with working grads
VLC graduate Rhonda Woito of Ontario
VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Rhonda: I work for Scribes Voice and Data Services out of their Cambridge, Ontario, Canada office.
VLC: Do you work at home or in an office.
Rhonda: I work at home as a subcontractor. I am expected to do a minimum number of dictated minutes/week, which I have no problem meeting, but it is totally up to me how I schedule my work hours. I love having that flexibility. There are times that they request extra hours or specific hours to help with the workload. I would say that I work about 40-50 hours a week. I work on two different hospital systems doing H&Ps, discharges, OP notes, progress notes, consultations, various diagnostic studies, etc.
VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Rhonda: I was a laboratory supervisor for a mining company.
VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Rhonda: The biggest reason was that I wanted to work independently at home. I researched the various options I had and medical transcription seemed to be the best choice for me. I really like learning so it was very important to me to choose a field that would give me the opportunity to continue learning. The medical field is always changing and advancing so it certainly met that criteria.
VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Rhonda: I took the Advanced Medical Transcription course.
VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Rhonda: About three months… I really focused and put in long hours so that I could get working quickly.
VLC: Who was your instructor(s)?
Rhonda: Carole Nusca and Sheila Crier
VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Rhonda: While I was anxious to get to the transcription part, I really enjoyed the anatomy and terminology portions. It was very good preparation for the transcription.
VLC: Do you find the practice tapes are helping you in a real-work situation?
Rhonda: Definitely; having done Forrest General was a big eye opener. Let me tell you, though, I have had a lot of really bad real-life dictations.
VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Rhonda: I applied via the Internet.
VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Rhonda: About five months. It is really hard to get that first job, as employers often stress that you must have two or more years experience.
VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Rhonda: Neither. I am paid by the dictated minute.
VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Rhonda: Only do this if you are willing to learn and if you strive for excellence. It is very easy to make mistakes, but you have to remember that the lives of patients are at risk if you transcribe something incorrectly. I often spend more time proofing my work than actually doing the first draft. I take the time to research terms, phrases, procedures, etc. that are new to me. I check the context in which a term is used to make sure that it fits - so many terms sound alike. I am not saying that I am 100% error free, but it is my goal.
