What Is The Medical Transcription Career?

March 2nd, 2010 by Kate Delaney

The medical transcription career is an ever-growing position within the healthcare industry. The role of a medical transcriptionist, or MT, primarily entails listening to recorded or live voice dictations provided by healthcare professionals, and transcribing them into medical documentation, summaries and notes, reports, and correspondence letters for patient care and treatment. Depending on the work environment, this is achieved by use of headphones and a foot pedal in order to pause or go back and forth within recordings as needed, whether through an actual analog or digital transcriber, or over the computer with up-to-date transcribing software.

Medical transcriptionists need to have a proper grasp for medical terminology, as well for assessments, anatomy, abbreviations, formatting and basic procedures in order to maintain accuracy of their reports and other medical documentations. Having knowledge of legal and ethical patient confidentiality practices is also required, as well as having access to proper medical references as needed.

A transcriptionist’s work environment can vary from being at a transcription service office, within laboratories or clinics, or that of a hospital setting or a physician’s office. Telecommuting from an at-home office is also a growing method for working transcriptionists, whether under a company’s employment or as self-employed contractor. Being able to pay attention, work independently, and possessing strong skills in grammar are also important factors to have while working as one.

How much one can earn often depends on one’s experience, how many hours are worked throughout the week, how fast of a typist they are, and whether or not they worked employed or self-employed. Companies also tend to base their compensation for pay either by how many hours are worked within the week (hourly), by salary, or on a pay-per-line basis. Becoming a certified medical transcriptionist, or a CMT, can also increase one’s earning potential due to further education and certified testing.

Although a few companies will hirer at entry-level, basic medical transcription training is usually a requirement with most companies, whether working at home or within a healthcare setting. There is a wide variety of information on schooling options online, both distance learning (online) or within on-sight campuses. It is often recommended, however, to find a school that is approved by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI).

Should you be interested in learning more, you can find further information, reviews, and tips on MT-based websites and forums. Examples of audio dictations and reports, as well free software downloads for transcribing can also be found online to help you get a better idea as to whether or not the medical transcription career is the right path for you.

Read one individual’s personal story of her journey from unemployment to a secure and satisfying professional career in medical transcription. Learn how you can get your education online and find extensive resources on Medical Transcription.

, , , , , ,

Plan For Career Success In A Jobless Recovery

January 21st, 2010 by John Smith

With many positive sign from US companies and from abroad it is abundantly clear that we are at the beginning of an economic recovery. Though the recession may have ended- officially- this is likely to be jobless recovery. In a jobless recovery profit increases but companies are conservative and don’t hire back those employees which were cut during the recession. Productivity has increased and technology has allowed also for fewer workers.

Executives left with no exception because almost all the job categories have been hit in this recession. If you are one of those manager or executive who has lost her job – or if you are still hanging by your fingernail – you can contemplate your next career move during a jobless recovery because there are many things worth considering.

Stop being stubborn. Because you may not be able to get a job at the companies that meet your career goals and it may be time to start expanding your job search. Look into similar industries, different locations and even the idea of switching career is a better option.

On the other hand, prioritize your preferences and act accordingly for the likely companies, and stay on their radar. Things always change, jobs open – be in a better position to get the job. Relocation could be one of the options. For years, job seekers have been privileged enough to find jobs in their own backyard, but that idea has to be changed. Looking elsewhere for jobs that meet your career skill and goals is a better option. At worst you can come back home when the employment situations improves. At best, you may enjoy your new job enough to stay.

It is good if you start looking for jobs in these sectors i.e. in healthcare, education, government and the environment. Because it is expected to see growth in these industries in coming years due to a number of factor (i.e. healthcare reform, a push for new green jobs, turnover in government and the creation of new jobs in the industry, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will pump money into education.)

Going back to home is a good option but this not for everyone. Do not just decide that what you want to become just go straight to school without doing any research. but if you have always wanted to change careers, or go to college or grad school, now may be the best time to do it.

Never shy away from volunteer work, internships and part-time and temp work. Because these route will keep you busy during a recession, but it will also help job seekers add skills to their resumes, make contacts in the industry and offer opportunities for full-time work should openings become available.

We are experiencing a jobless recovery now, but it does not mean that there are no jobs out there. Taping into your network and making the effort to get on front of the right people. The right referral could lead to a job.

JobConcierge offers automated job search – real people who search 300 job boards and submit applications to take care of your entire online job search. The site is known for its best jobs for 2010

, , , , ,

« Previous Entries

RSS Feed