The VLC talks with working grads
VLC graduate Melissa Dees
VLC: Where do you work as a medical transcriptionist and how long have you been there?
Melissa: I am working independently for AssistMed Document Solutions, Gadsden, Alabama since May 2005.
VLC: Do you work at home or in an office?
Melissa: I work at home, part-time because I still have children at home. I work 2 to 4 hours a day, sometimes a full day. I have a gastroenterology account and have two regular clients, and one occasional client from the Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi area.
VLC: What did you do before becoming an MT?
Melissa: I was a social studies and English teacher, 8th grade.
VLC: Why did you decide to become an MT?
Melissa: This is something that I have always been interested in, and when I had children, I really wanted to stay home and work. I love this job and it is ideal.
VLC: Which of VLC medical transcription courses did you take?
Melissa: I believe the courses have changed since I enrolled, but I took the Professional Edition.
VLC: How long did it take you to complete it?
Melissa: It took me two years. I was also taking a Clinic Coding course and had two children at home. I took off most of December and a lot of the summer time.
VLC: What did you enjoy most about the course?
Melissa: I enjoyed the transcription of course, but I really enjoyed just learning the terminology; I'm still learning everyday.
VLC: Do you find the practice dictation is helping you in a real-work situation?
Melissa: Absolutely. This course is wonderful. I have also suggested this course to several friends and others who were interested.
VLC: How did you go about applying for jobs?
Melissa: I posted my resume on Monster.com, Telecommuting Homeworkers, and searched the internet. I ran across a website the a list of medical transcription companies, tested, and they contacted me.
VLC: How long did it take you to find a job?
Melissa: It took four to five months.
VLC: Are you paid by the line or by the hour?
Melissa: I am paid by the line.
VLC: Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of training to be an MT?
Melissa: Yes. Research the institutions offering a course, make sure they are accredited and offer an extensive program, and enroll. The VLC is wonderful. I was well trained when I completed the course.
VLC: Do you have any advice on beneficial resources for new MTs?
Melissa: Yes. I think the course is offering different resources than when I enrolled. The AAMT BOS is a necessity. Also, a good medical abbreviation book is helpful. Any word book by Stedman's is great. Just don't buy a lot of word books until you get a job. I think the course offers Stedman's Surgery, Equipment, and Pathology and Lab books. I use two different medical dictionaries - Stedman's and Taber's. Both of these have different entries for diseases, syndromes, etc. Also, Google is wonderful. Just be careful documenting items on the internet. Another website is www.rx.com. I use that frequently. Hang in there.
