The VLC talks with working grads
VLC graduate Cindy Wood of Idaho
VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Cindy: I work for a company called Sten-Tel out of Massachusetts. Most of the time, I do editing of medical documents rather than transcribing. I did not think I was going to like this and I was very disappointed at first that I had not landed a job with Medquist as a transcriptionist. However, I have grown to love this job. The editing is much less taxing on your wrists, and I am able to do a lot more lines in editing than I can do in transcription.
VLC: Do you work at home or in an office?
Cindy: I work from my home in Pocatello, Idaho. I generally work about 15 to 20 hours a week.
VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Cindy: I owned my own dance studio.
VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Cindy: I've always been interested in anything to do with medicine.
VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Cindy: I cannot remember exactly what it was called, but I believe it was the Online Advanced Certificate Course.
VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Cindy: It took me about two years, but I was running my own business with 170+ students in dance at the same time. If you were able to dedicate more time to the course, it would not take nearly as long.
VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Cindy: I loved to take tests. I really enjoyed the MIME program and being able to take a test anytime I was ready.
VLC: Do you find the practice dictation is helping you in a real-work situation?
Cindy: Yes, definitely. Looking back, I even think some of the practice dictation is much harder than what I've had to deal with in the working world.
VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Cindy: Well, I started applying before I had finished the course, but I would not recommend that. I searched the Web and looked for companies that were hiring newbies. I would send my resume to them and wait for a reply. I got a lot more response after my resume was updated to say that I had completed my schooling.
VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Cindy: After I finished the course, about 1 month.
VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Cindy: I am paid by the line.
VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Cindy: If you like to work with the computer, do not mind working alone, and are interested in medical terminology, etc., I would say go for it!
VLC: Do you have any advice on beneficial resources for new MTs?
Cindy: I use Dictionary.com daily (lots of times daily). I also use the Medilexicon site quite a bit. I also would recommend editing if that is an opportunity that comes up. If you can find a company that has great voice recognition software, you will really enjoy editing versus transcription. You will still need and use all of the training you receive in a medical transcription course, but I believe you will find editing more rewarding.
