Encore: Q&A of a Working QA, Part Two

If you missed Part One, check it out here. Again, here’s Laura, a working MT and QA gal: Do you work full-time or part-time, and why? I work full time because I need full-time pay. We have a tiered system where the higher your line counts, the higher your rate of pay is. Working full time allows me to reach the higher line counts and the higher pay scale. What is the best part of being an MT and/or QA? The best part of being an MT is the freedom. My current job allows me to be at home without … Continue reading →

Encore: Q&A of a Working QA, Part One

I did an interview with Sheila, a working MT, and so now we’re on to Laura, a working QA! Laura graduated from MT school with near perfect scores and went on to be a part of a special MT program with a large company. She has thrived everywhere she has worked, and was even recently promoted from MT to QA at her company. She is still in training for the QA position but she is nearing the end of that training and I think has had enough overall experience in the MT field that she’s the perfect gal to interview … Continue reading →

Encore: Q&A of a Working MT, Part Two

For Part One, check this out. Again, here’s Sheila, a working medical transcriptionist: What is the best part of being an MT? The best part about this career for me is that it is interesting and suits my personality. I am very detailed oriented by nature and this job requires that. I also like a job where I can see my productivity at the end of the day so it feels like I accomplished something. I feel like I finally have a career instead of just a job too. And conversely, what is the worst part of being an MT? … Continue reading →

Encore: Q&A of a Working MT, Part One

This blog is part of a series on transcription. If you haven’t read the other blogs in this series, make sure to check out the summary page for a listing of all transcription blogs. This is the question and answer of Sheila, a working MT. If you missed the introduction to this, please check this out. Sheila is a terrific MT, and when I was trying to decide who to interview, my thoughts naturally drifted to her. If I could choose who would transcribe my medical reports at a hospital, Sheila would be at the top of the list. If … Continue reading →

But Wait, There’s More! MT Blogs Continued

This blog is part of a series on transcription. If you haven’t read the other blogs in this series, make sure to check out the summary page for a listing of all transcription blogs. Now that we’ve finished discussing how you’re going to survive working as an MT with children, we’ve got just one more important topic to cover: Life from the point of view of a person who is currently working as a transcriptionist. I interviewed the schools (which that is a very important part of becoming an MT, of course) but even more important than that, is deciding … Continue reading →

What Equipment is “Nice to Have” as a Medical Transcriptionist?

This blog is part of a series on transcription. If you haven’t read the other blogs in this series, make sure to check out the summary page for a listing of all transcription blogs. I discussed the basics needed to become a medical transcriptionist here. Once you get going as an MT and start making money, you may find that you are more profitable if you invest in some equipment above and beyond the absolute bare minimums. Sometimes these extras are required when getting hired on with a medical transcription company, but usually they are just strongly encouraged, not required. … Continue reading →

What Basic Equipment do I Need to Be a Medical Transcriptionist?

This blog is part of a series on transcription. If you haven’t read the other blogs in this series, make sure to check out the summary page for a listing of all transcription blogs. One of the biggest reasons to go into medical transcription work is the ability to start up and run a successful business off a shoestring budget. Most jobs require you to have a four-year Bachelor’s degree–medical transcription only requires a certificate of completion after finishing a specialized course dedicated to just MT work. You don’t have to take Psychology 101 or Advanced Physics, just courses dedicated … Continue reading →

The Joys of MT Work

This blog is part of a series on transcription. If you haven’t read the other blogs in this series, make sure to check out the summary page for a listing of all transcription blogs. Sometimes, I think people envy medical transcriptionists a little more than they should. “Wow, you get to stay at home and make great money with a flexible job that offers health insurance and a 401k program??! Where do I sign up?!” I thought that since I was doing my best to cheer on MT work this week, it was only fair if I posted a bit … Continue reading →

Do I Have to go to School to Become a Medical Transcriptionist?

This blog is part of a series on transcription. If you haven’t read the other blogs in this series, make sure to check out the summary page for a listing of all transcription blogs. Do you have to go to school to become an MT? Absolutely. I have seen people try to worm, wiggle, and sneak past this requirement in every way imaginable. I have heard different variation of this strain for a long time: “I bought some books off eBay and read them, and then I bought some CDs that have medical dictation on them, and I’ve been practicing … Continue reading →

The Common Denominator in Transcription

This blog is part of a series on transcription. If you haven’t read the other blogs in this series, make sure to check out the summary page for a listing of all transcription blogs. Today, I wanted to dedicate one blog to what each type of transcription (general, medical, and legal) all have in common with each other, before I dive into all the differences between them. Number One: Most companies require you to have a high-speed Internet connection in order to work for them. Why? Because the files you are working with can be very large, and with a … Continue reading →