Medical transcription is a good career choice for those who want to be in the medical field. The flexibility makes it attractive with many part-time and full-time positions available. An experienced transcriber and even a well trained new one can work from home or in hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices.
Step 1
Determine whether this career is for you. Medical transcription requires a lot of hours in front of the computer. Your back and neck must be able to handle the sitting. Your wrists must endure non-stop typing, and you may suffer eye strain during long shifts. On the other hand there is plenty of flexibility. If you want to work from home but self-employment isn't for you, some companies will employ you and even give full benefits. Spending time with someone already in the field is a great way to scope out the job. If you don't know a medical transcriptionist, find a chat room or forum of active transcribers. They can answer all of your questions.
Step 2
Brush up on your skills. Medical transcription requires good grammar and spelling. You must be a fast and accurate typist or able to become one. As a self-employed transcriber your income will depend on it and if you're employed your job will. You also need excellent study skills. A good transcriber doesn't just type medical terminology--she knows it. Having a good understanding of the medical words you type will make you more valuable to your employer or client.
Step 3
Pick a school. Be careful here. Some schools have a reputation for training great transcriptionists. Others are more concerned about getting your money than giving you a solid education. If you know the doctor or hospital you hope to gain employment with ask their opinion on schools. Do your research. Some online schools offer quality courses just as acceptable as a community college and have an impeccable reputation backing them. You may even bypass the experience required by some employers if you have a certificate from the right school. Cost and payment options may also be a factor for you.
Step 4
Find funding. Whether you choose a traditional or community college, online or correspondence school you may be able to secure a loan with your bank or credit union. Financial help is less likely with non-traditional schools but not unheard of so make sure that you ask. The good thing about the online and correspondence schools is that most of them offer a payment plan small enough for the tightest budgets. A few of them spread the payments out interest-free. Just remember to thoroughly investigate the reputation of the school.
Step 5
Realize that being a medical transcriptionist is a respectable and viable career. There may be a tough learning curve as you will have to learn the medical side of this field as well as how to use the equipment and software, but once you master it you will be rewarded with more than just a job.
Skill: Moderately Challenging
Tip: An ergonomically designed office will help prevent the physical problems that are often a hazard of this occupation. Some transcriptionists prefer the ergonomic keyboard and believe it helps prevent carpal tunnel.
Keyword: medical transcription
