Some people like direct sales; whereas others prefer to not only work out of their home but also to work in their home. If you fall into the latter category, then perhaps you may want to consider a career as a medical transcriptionist.

While approximately four out of ten transcriptionists work at hospitals and doctor's offices, there is also plenty of work that can be performed in the comforts of your own home. You can telecommute from your home office as an employee, a subcontractor or even as an independent freelance medical transcriptionist.

Almost always you will find that employers prefer medical transcriptionists who have completed a postsecondary training program at a vocational school or community college. If you do not have this type of background or training, there are a number of options to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.

If you do an internet search on "medical transcription" you will see a large number of results. There are more than a few self study training programs available. Just make sure you exercise due diligence when selecting a training program.

Typically you can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $1,000 for a course. You may be able to find some for less and also for more. Included in your curriculum will be a series of text, workbooks, reference guides and audio tapes. Plan to spend a chunk of time in the books learning the terminology before you will ever begin to transcribe.

It is important to note that while it is relatively easy to study the text with small children around, it is not as effortless practice transcribing when you have young ones to care for. You must have an extremely quiet environment in which to hear and understand the person dictating. If you have children who should not be left unattended, then focusing with headphones on may not be the best idea.

At home medical transcription is a great career for mothers who have babies who sleep often or older school aged children. If you enjoy an office environment and type at a pretty good pace, this may be a wonderful medium to earn an income in your pajamas!