|
||
If you don't know a lot about MT, then I will assure you it is a real profession and a real possibility. It is not a get rich quick scheme or overnight money maker.
If you're shopping around for an online medical transcription course, here are a few things to keep in mind.
How to choose the right course and avoid scams
Make sure the company offering the course is reputable and has been around for a long time. You can do this by checking with the Better Business Bureau. Here are a few other things to look for.
Send the school an email asking a question about their course. If they respond promptly in a professional matter that's a good sign. If they seem overly pushy be a bit weary.
Look at their website. Is it professional? Do they give you statistics about their success rates, student testimonials, Q and A section?
Do they have an online student log in area or online support if you have questions?
Are their company details listed on their website? Such as how long they've been in business, contact details (mailing address and phone number).
Do they make exaggerated promises about their course? If they are promising you will make a lot of money in a short time, then be careful. No one can really predict how much you will make or how long it will take you. They should give general statistics and figures in an unbiased way.
Do they provide financial aid or payment assistance?
Do they have a list of graduates or companies which have hired their graduates?
Do they give you updates of students who have graduated from their school?
Do they have a student message board, a newsletter or information which will make you feel part of a community?
Studying from home can be lonely at times, a reputable course will offer you assistance from the very beginning until you find a job.
Finding the right medical transcription school may be the most important decision you will make in your career. This may seem like a bold statement - especially since, at first glance all medical transcription schools look pretty much the same. But nothing could be further from the truth. There are really only a few medical transcription schools that are truly competency-based. That is, schools that prepare you to get a job upon graduation.
DIPLOMA MILLS
Oh, don't worry, there are plenty of “diploma mills” out there. The problem is that in this business, a diploma is not what matters. The only thing that matters is whether you can perform the work. And the only way to learn to do the work is to enroll in a top-flight medical transcription school. Taking shortcuts on a fast track to a diploma is a total waste of time and money. Too many people find this out the hard way — and it is a very costly mistake, indeed.
MYTH OF NO OPPORTUNITY
Unfortunately, most people who make that mistake become completely discouraged and disillusioned and just give up, assuming that there is no real opportunity for a career in medical transcription. When the reality is that there are hundreds of unfilled medical transcription job vacancies every day of the year. Right now the medical transcription industry is literally begging for new talent. But medical transcription companies need people that can produce, not people that require a lot of handholding and mentoring.
CONVENIENCE
One aspect you will want to consider in finding the right MTS for you is convenience. Some vocational and community colleges offer MT programs. The obvious challenge there is travel time and arranging your schedule to fit theirs. One great benefit for going the home-study route is that you can study whenever YOUR schedule allows. For many stay-at-home moms, this is a very, very big advantage.