Medical Transcription - Getting Started

Getting Started
By Chris Dunn

In most cases, the only things you will need to get started in a medical transcription (besides an intense motivation to work at home) will be a computer and an Internet connection. The Internet connection assumes that you select an online medical transcription school, which is highly recommended. An online program will most closely approximate the real world experience. And as you start out this extra online experience will give you a significant competitive advantage.

As far as computers go, it is generally not necessary to go out and buy a brand new computer in order to get started in a medical transcription school. A used Windows based computer will do nicely. You really just need something that is a Pentium class or higher and that has Internet connectivity. You will also need a good word processing software package, such as Microsoft Word. Any computer that was manufactured in the past 5 years or so should be adequate for most medical transcription schools. If you feel compelled to purchase the latest and greatest computer make sure you shop around. A lot of the high end capability of most new computers will be wasted as most of what you will be doing will revolve around word processing. The most intensive computer activity you will likely be performing — either in your training or on the job — will be downloading digital dictation files from the Internet to your hard drive.

Once you have the requisite equipment, you are ready to enroll in a medical transcription school. If you have done your homework you should feel confident about your enrollment decision. Paying for your schooling is probably the biggest obstacle most people have to overcome. Many medical transcription schools have counselors that work with prospective students to help them explore financing options. A reputable school will probably have access to Sallie Mae financing, which is an academic finance company that specializes in educational funding. Depending on your school, you may also find a variety of other financing options and possibly scholarship opportunities that will help defray the costs of the program. Don’t be afraid to ask about these things when you discuss your enrollment options with an enrollment counselor.

It can be hard to know where to start in selecting the right medical transcription school. Make sure you choose a medical transcription school that understands your needs as a person, and can work around your budget, schedule, and lifestyle to aid you in becoming the best MT possible! Remember, all you need are a few basic skills and a medical transcription education, and you'll be on the road to personal freedom and financial stability!

Chris Dunn has created a website to help stay-at-home moms (and others) pick a good medical transcription school. Visit it at http://www.MedicalTranscriptionSchool.com.

Medical Transcription - Medical Transcription Employee

There is a lot on the internet about starting your own medical transcription business and that is a wonderful idea! But did you know you can work from home as an employee?

Many people do not want to have to contact doctors and hospitals to obtain their own clients. This is why being an employee is so attractive. It is sometimes difficult to get your own clients if you live in smaller cities or rural areas. There usually isn't much employment at all in rural and smaller areas without commuting a good distance to find work.

If you are an experienced transcriptionist and generally have around two years experience, you could be hired by the many companies in the United States that will provide the work for you. Many of these companies have health insurance, 401K, life insurance and other benefits.

Another advantage is if you move anywhere you can take your job with you and that truly is a luxury. Although the pay is somewhat less than it would be if you had your own business, you can make a good living from transcription at home with a company providing you the transcription work and avoid all the headaches of self employment taxes, paying for your own benefits, etc., that come with starting your own transcription business.

Working from home as an employee is a very good option, when starting your own business is not feasible because of your location and when the extra work of running a business comes into play.

Diana Owen, MT

If you would like more information, visit my website at =>http://www.medical-transcription-home.com

The author has worked from home as an employee for 10 years and has written an ebook titled "Medical Transcription at Home".