The VLC talks with working grads
VLC graduate Diane Carson of Iowa
VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Diane: I have been working for Ascott Transcription Service in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I have just celebrated my 6-month anniversary (04/02/2005) with this company.
VLC: Do you work at home or in an office?
Diane: I am employed as an IC (independent contractor) and I work 8:00 a.m. to 4: p.m., Monday to Friday.
VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Diane: I operated my own home daycare for children. After 21 years, I thought it about time for something new.
VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Diane: After being self-employed for 20+ years, I have no Social Security built up, so I needed to find a second career that I could do into my retirement years. I have a friend who has been a transcriptionist now for 9+ years, making good money, so I thought I would check into this. This course was not easy. I had no medical background, but enjoyed using my brain again.
VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Diane: After checking into a local college ($16,000 and a 2-year program) I decided to enroll in the VLC's Professional Edition in 03/2003.
VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Diane: I completed the course in 1-1/2 years (graduated 08/2004) after taking some time off to enjoy the summer of 2003.
VLC: Who was your instructor(s)?
Diane: Sorry, I don't remember the first one, but I do know I finished up with Carol, who was great!
VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Diane: I so enjoyed this course. It really made me apply myself, to think, to learn, maybe for the first time in 20+ years. The best parts, though, are the friends I made through the message board, not only with the other students who went through the course with me, but the new students that I can help now that I have finished the course. Some have applied and have been hired by the same company that I am working for.
VLC: Do you find the practice tapes are helping you in a real-work situation?
Diane: I find that some of the worst, hardest to understand tapes are not so unlike what I encounter everyday on the job.
VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Diane: I do believe I found this company by looking not only on the "Companies that hire VLC grads" on the website, but also from referrals on the message board.
VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Diane: I applied to this company approximately 3 weeks after finishing this course and was hired.
VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Diane: I am contracted as an IC and I am paid by the line count.
VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Diane: This can be a very rewarding career, but you must be accurate and know how to research. If you intend on working from home, you must be disciplined, accurate, and, knowledgeable. It is so easy to be distracted, telephone, TV, etc….
