The VLC talks with working grads
VLC graduate Cindee Daugherty
VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Cindee: I found a position with SoftScript, Inc., which is based in Modesto, CA. I was hired in March 2005.
VLC: Do you work at home or in an office?
Cindee: I work at home on a part-time basis, 20 hours a week. SoftScript allows their employees to set their own schedules when first hired. You are then expected to stick to this schedule. I have 2 accounts, a primary and a secondary.
VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Cindee: I was the executive assistant for the general manager of a company that manufactures medical products and equipment. After that, I was home full time with my children for 7 years.
VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Cindee: I have always had an interest in the medical field, and in college considered pursuing medicine as a career. I found the idea of endless studying and no sleep too daunting, I suppose. For a while, I contented myself watching TV shows such as 'Trauma-Life in the ER'. I am also one of those people who gets peeved by spelling errors in magazines, classified ads, marquee signs, you name it! I never thought that would actually be beneficial! After my children came along, I began looking for a career that would allow me to combine my interests, possibly telecommute, and offer a flexible schedule. I signed up with the VLC and haven't looked back!
VLC: How long did it take you to complete your course?
Cindee: Two years.
VLC: What did you enjoy most about it?
Cindee: I loved that it was a self-paced course and there was no time limit as to completion. I was caring for my children and also began a part-time job 1 year into it.
VLC: Do you find the practice dictation is helping you in a real-work situation?
Cindee: Yes, definitely! Especially with the ESL doctors.
VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Cindee: I sent out resumes to every company that I heard positive things about from the Grad Section of the VLC student message board and on MTChat. I also took every on-line test I could that was available. I also joined AAMT and put that on my resume.
VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Cindee: I began sending out resumes when I was almost finished with SUM Advanced, which was my last section before taking the final. By the time I had my certificate, I had a job.
VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Cindee: I am paid by the line, including spaces.
VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Cindee: Anyone considering Medical Transcription as a career should know that it is very challenging, and you should carefully examine your reasons for pursuing training. I have been working for 8 months, and am just now really feeling comfortable with my accounts and the dictators. It really takes a commitment and dedication to the field, because it is a constant learning process that does not end with school.
VLC: Do you have any advice on beneficial resources for new MTs?
Cindee: My company provided Stedman's E-Dictionary and a wonderful electronic drug reference. It is really great to have these on my computer at my fingertips. I am grateful these were provided to me. I also purchased the Medical Phrase Index and several of the Stedman's reference books. I have found the Medical and Surgical Equipment Words and the Abbreviations book the most useful.
