The VLC talks with working grads
VLC graduate Ann Penni of Massachusetts
VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Ann: I work for a woman who started her own transcription company a few years ago. I started two months ago. The company is in Washington state; I live and work in Massachusetts.
VLC: Do you work at home or in an office?
Ann: I work at home, Tuesday through Saturday, approximately five to six hours per day. I have a one-year-old, so I work mostly when she naps and when she goes to sleep at night.
VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Ann: I was a high-school science teacher. Prior to that, I had worked in a laboratory.
VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Ann: When my daughter was born, I wanted to be able to stay home with her. I had previously taught anatomy & physiology, and biology, so medical transcription seemed to be a good match.
VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Ann: I took the Advanced course.
VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Ann: It took me seven months, but I took some breaks along the way. I could have spent more time at it, and finished quicker.
VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Ann: I really enjoyed the practice dictations, although sometimes they were very challenging!
VLC: Do you find the practice tapes are helping you in a real-work situation?
Ann: Absolutely. The reports I type now are just like the practice files. Sometimes when I am working, I refer back to the VLC practice reports (I printed them out and saved them).
VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Ann: I looked at the VLC Online Resources, and also MT Stars and MT Daily for companies that were hiring. It was discouraging at first, because almost every help-wanted ad says that they want MTs with at least two-years of experience. I decided to apply for every job that listed three years of experience or less. I was asked to test with several companies, and I was quickly offered jobs at two different companies.
VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Ann: It took me about five to six weeks to find a job. Since starting this job, I have had several other job offers from companies that tested me.
VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Ann: I am paid by the line.
VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Ann: The more practice, the better. Also, don't be too discouraged if the practice files seem impossible to understand. When you hear the same doctor(s) all the time, you are quickly able to understand what they are saying.
VLC: Do you have any advice on beneficial resources for new MTs?
Ann: Don't be too attached to actual books. I used to prefer books to electronic publications, and I started out with print versions of a drug index, a medical dictionary, an English dictionary, and the AAMT Book of Style. I am now finding it much quicker to use the electronic versions, rather than have to stop, grab the book, find the page, etc.
