The VLC talks with working grads
VLC graduate Jennifer Bolen of Texas
VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Jennifer: Right now, I work for Accustat out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
VLC: Do you work at home or in an office?
Jennifer: I work at home about 2 to 4 hours a day. I am in the middle of a move from Michigan to Texas, then I will be pursuing my own business with the help of a friend, who has a very lucrative business of her own with 10 years experience.
VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Jennifer: My main background is in sales.
VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Jennifer: My daughter was diagnosed with the #1 genetic killer of children under 2 years old (Spinal Muscular Atrophy/www.our-sma-angels.com/jerika - this site is still in progress; also www.fsma.org), and we spent a lot of time in the hospital so I knew I could not get a job working 40 hours a week.
VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Jennifer: Expert.
VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Jennifer: It took about 2 ½ years, only because I was taking care of my disabled daughter and working part time during the whole thing. I could have probably gotten through in 1 year.
VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Jennifer: The transcription, though it was challenging. It felt great with more and more experience to recognize more phrases and words that first sounded like nothing that could possibly be part of the English language.
VLC: Do you find the practice dictation are helping you in a real-work situation?
Jennifer: Yes, of course.
VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Jennifer: I was on the MSN group board and saw a post that Accustat was hiring, so I e-mailed the contact.
VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Jennifer: Not long, 10 months.
VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Jennifer: By a 65-character line.
VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Jennifer: Be persistent, stay with it each and every day so you can always continue to grow your knowledge base.
VLC: Do you have any advice on beneficial resources for new MTs?
Jennifer: I always used my Saunders Pharmaceutical book, Taber's encyclopedia, and, of course, the Spellex program.
