Posted: November 24th, 2005

The VLC talks with working grads

VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Eve: I live and work in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. I have lived here most of my life.

VLC: Do you work at home or in an office?
Eve: I work out of my home for a national company that is based out of Tennessee. I work full time (40 hours).

VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Eve: Previously, I had been an RN and quit after the birth of my second daughter. For the past 6 years, I have been, and still am, a stay-at-home mom for my 3 beautiful daughters.

VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Eve: I wanted to stay in the medical field, but due to having small children, my husband and I felt it best for me to stay at home for our children. Becoming an MT was the obvious choice and I love it!!!

VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Eve: I took the Expert course.

VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Eve: I enrolled at the VLC on April 12, 2005 and officially graduated on September 7, 2005. Only 5 months!!!

VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Eve: I was most happy with the opportunity to work at my own pace. Both the hard copy and the CD's were very well put together and afforded me both the knowledge and practice needed to become a successful MT.

VLC: Do you find the practice tapes are helping you in a real-work situation?
Eve: Oh, I'm sure I couldn't have done it without them! The real-life dictations were key in my training. The amount of ESLs was great and I'm glad for them. My job is primarily ESLs for the company's largest account. Had I not had the practice, I'm sure I would not have tested as well and not secured this position with my employer.

VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Eve: I applied to almost all of the employers listed by the VLC and a few others. I did this all online, starting a week before my official graduation.

VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Eve: I was offered 2 positions only 12 days after I graduated.

VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Eve: I am paid by the line (65 characters with spaces).

VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Eve: I would advise them to take their time and utilize every resource available, especially those offered by the VLC. Don't try to take any shortcuts. Study hard, be consistent with your studies and it will all fall into place. The medical field and the human body are very complex and challenging, but extremely interesting. You'll be constantly challenged but rewarded every day!

VLC: Do you have any advice on beneficial resources for new MTs?
Eve: I love my Taber's and my Saunder's Pharmaceutical Word Book, but I am also a big fan of the online resources such as Dorland's and RxList.