Correspondence Study Program For Would-be Medical Transcriptionists?
Q: any of you might know of a home study program for
medical transcription. I am subcontracting at home for a one-person
transcription service (who has spent several months patiently and kindly
training me). I have several medical terminology books, an old Medical
Transcriptionist Course (without tapes) and a biology book to learn from.
Right now, I am transcribing for physical therapists, and occasionally a
urologist and OB-GYN. What I need, though, is the well-rounded education
most of you received before entering this rewarding occupation. It would
be helpful to take a home study course that provided tapes I could
transcribe. Reading those medical words is one thing. Hearing them
pronounced is quite another!
A:Being homebound due to neurological disorders, I also was looking for a
medical transcription correspondence course, as I had heard being an MT
was something that could be done at home and I would be able to finally
get off disability.
I checked around a bit, took At-Home Professions MT course. I've been
working for 16 surgeons, 3 PTs, 2 GPs and 1 DO for 6 years now. The course
was well-rounded, offered medical terminology for all specialties; SOAP,
H&P, intake, discharge summary, surgical, etc. formats; physiology and
chemistry basics; MT as business studies, billing, etc.; and many tapes of
actual dictation from various doctors/specialties (lots of foreign docs).
Dorland's Medical Dictionary came with course, and recommendations for
buying other references.
Course is divided into chapters, each is sent in and graded, sent back
with many helpful notations, phone link with live professional for help,
advice, questions, etc., and reasonable price for all (I paid $9 down and
$39/month - total was around $350-400 (I forget) back in 1989.
They also offer legal transcription which I checked into, very intensive.
Checked in my area and there was no market for this, so never took this
course.
There are other correspondence courses available, but
this seemed to fit my needs the best.
PS - I have never gotten any flak from docs regarding where I got my
training... some MTs may think correspondence courses are "less than," but
for those who have no alternatives, it worked for me.
I would also recommend a course that uses the SUM Program of medical
transcription. California College is has an accredited program that can
lead to an associates degree and uses the SUM program. For info call
1-800-221-7374 and ask for extension 339, Bonita Chamberlin