How to Learn Medical Transcription What You Need to Know

If you are wondering how to learn medical transcription and work from home this article should help you find a medical transcription program that is right for you. It is important that you research and choose the right medical transcription learning program for your situation. I have been a certified medical transcriptionst for over three decades, have taught medical transcription at the University of New Mexico and have published The Word Finder Series for medical transcription which is now available on eBay. In this role, I answer many questions from people wanting to learn transcription through online courses and programs sold on sites such as eBay. The questions mostly center around the best approach to learning transcription, either online or with formal schooling. This article is a sample of my advice to their questions.

Instructions

1. 

   There is no way for me to recommend with confidence any particular correspondence programs, teach yourself programs with tapes or community college programs in any particular area of the Country. However, before enrolling or purchasing any transcription program, I do recommend that you contact each of the programs you see that may be of interest and request that they snail mail you their program information. It is also a good idea to ask for contact information from former student graduates and/or if there is a representative from their school or program that you can speak with by phone, or in person. If the program is Certified, this should be no problem. These programs and courses are expensive, so be thorough in your evaluation of the options available to you.

2. 

   The language of medical transcription involves learning college level human anatomy and physiology, Latin and Greek prefixes and suffixes, as well as having a solid background knowledge of English grammar and syntax. You will need to be able to edit content as you type to be efficient. Because of all of the above, I always recommend a community college program, if your time and money permit. If you need financial help, most community colleges and trade schools have low interest student loan programs. Consider contacting the nearest community college to ask if you can "sit in" on one of their transcription classes. If you are able to complete a formal program in medical transcription, plan to work in an office setting for at least a year. Once you have gained the confidence you need and the trust of the physician you will be transcribing for at home, you should be able to afford a computer, word processing program, a transcribing machine and a set of earphones. You will also need to be able to count lines and/or words in a document for invoicing for your work. Payment per line can vary from 8 to 25 cents per line, perhaps more. You will also need to keep accurate records and be familiar with filing a Federal 1099 income form, since you will be paid as a private contractor and are expected to pay your own payroll taxes.

3. 

   Medical transcription has been a wonderful profession for me and I recommend it to anyone who is self-motivated and has a strong interest in the field of medicine. Good luck in your search!

Tips & Warnings

• Search out medical transcriptionists in your area and ask them if they can pass along other tips.

• Do not attempt to learn medical transcription unless you are a very disciplined person.

Resources

• Word Finder Series for Medical Transcription
• Medical Terminology Health Professions on Amazon
• My other eHow articles