The VLC talks with working grads
VLC graduate Crystal Paliani of Washington
VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Crystal: I have recently done some MT work at the doctor's office where I work. I also work at home for a company out of Washington.
VLC: Do you work at home or in an office?
Crystal: I work from home. Only part time, mainly at night between 8:00 and 12:00. They are really easy to work with and have no problems with any of the times I choose to work part time.
VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Crystal: I am still a nurse's aide and run an indigent drug program at a local doctor's office.
VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Crystal: I want to eventually work only from home and be available for my family at any given time.
VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Crystal: Student edition.
VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Crystal: Somewhere close to 20 months.
VLC: Who was your instructor(s)?
Crystal: Carol, Sheila, and Bev
VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Crystal: I liked the fact that I could do it at home at my own pace. I also liked that when you took a test you got the results back really fast.
VLC: Do you find the practice tapes are helping you in a real-work situation?
Crystal: Yes. They are so much like what I listen to all the time.
VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Crystal: I applied at many different places via the net.
VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Crystal: It took me about three months to find work
VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Crystal: By the hour when I do office work for my doctor, and by the line for my net job.
VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Crystal: Study hard, learn all you can, do as many practice tapes as possible, and look up things you don't know instead of just relying on someone else's ideas, and learn to always double check your work.
