Posted: April 1st, 2005

The VLC talks with working grads

VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Pam: I just began working for an independent podiatrist two-doctor office in Seattle, WA. This is my first job since graduating.

VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Pam: Immediately preceding my MT career I was a real estate agent for a short while. Prior to that, I worked in the buying offices of a large retail chain located in the Pacific Northwest.

VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Pam: I became an MT because I like word processing, and I liked all of the flexibility that this profession offers, i.e., work from home as an independent contractor or for an MTSO or medical office; or work in-house for an MTSO or medical office, and it appeared to be a sufficient second income.

VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Pam: I became involved in the local AAMT chapter about 5 months prior to graduating from the VLC course. Once I graduated I had made enough contacts with MTs that I felt comfortable approaching individuals and asking them for advice or leads that they could offer me in landing my first position. "By chance," one of the first people I contacted had just received a call that morning from an MT who was looking for her own replacement. It just happened to be almost perfect (pay was great for entry-level, 28 hours a week, in-house small 2-doctor office, training provided, benefits). I called and inquired in the morning, immediately faxed my resume, had an interview in the afternoon and was hired the next morning! It was almost too easy!

VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Pam: Within 1 week of graduating.

VLC: Do you plan on getting certified? Why?
Pam: Yes. I plan to be certified within 2 years. Why? Mostly self-satisfaction. Plus, it challenges me to keep learning more. I also take my career seriously and, for me, I feel that being certified shows seriousness and professionalism.

VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Pam: Paid by the hour.

VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Pam: GET INVOLVED WITH OTHER MTS! This was my first exposure to the medical field, so I didn't have any contacts. Without getting involved with my local AAMT chapter, I would have felt lost and alone. They have all been great people to get to know.

VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Pam: Professional edition.

VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Pam: One year.

VLC: Who was your instructor?
Pam: Beverley Henderson.

VLC: What impressed you the most about your instructor?
Pam: Always did answer my questions. Fairly quick to respond.

VLC: What impressed you most about the course?
Pam: I liked that I could work at my own pace and submit all my work via email. Great study materials provided.

VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Pam: Unit 6 - Transcription, as well as the study material, i.e. Ainsworth Keyboard, flashcards, BodyWorks CD.

VLC: Do you find the practice tapes are helping you in a real-work situation?
Pam: Yes. And I intend to continue on with the "additional" material provided, (i.e. SUM mini-module Medicine/Surgery, and MTTI Practice tapes) to help me prepare for my certification.

VLC: What do you expect to be doing five years from now?
Pam: Working from home as an MT, full-time, with my certification.