The VLC talks with working grads
VLC graduate Shirley Stotler of Missouri
VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Shirley: I work out of my home for a company located in Kansas City, Missouri.
VLC: Do you work at home or in an office?
Shirley: I work out of my home, part time, at the present. I would say that I work around 30 hours a week.
VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Shirley: I was (and still am) an executive assistant in a manufacturing company.
VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Shirley: Medicine has always attracted me. When I started thinking about making a career change, I also started thinking about working from home, and this seemed the best way to go.
VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Shirley: I don't remember which one I took. I do know that the transcription seemed endless.
VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Shirley: I took a little over 2 years, mostly because personal issues got in the way, and I had to put my course on hold for awhile.
VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Shirley: The transcription.
VLC: Do you find the practice tapes are helping you in a real-work situation?
Shirley: Yes, they were definitely a help. However, I have never had a dictator who speaks as badly as they did on some of those tapes!
VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Shirley: I placed an ad on MT Desk.
VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Shirley: Well…would you believe less than two hours? Seriously, I got an e-mail almost right away offering me a chance to test. I did very well on the test, and they offered me a job. It really wasn't much of a job hunt.
VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Shirley: I am paid by the line.
VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Shirley: Be ready to study, study, study. Even after you finish your course and are working, the learning never ends.
VLC: Do you have any advice on beneficial resources for new MTs?
Shirley: I love all of the Stedman books, especially the abbreviations one.
