If you're a new medical transcriptionist looking for a job and have asked this same question, then you know that your foot must be pretty big to get through that door.
Why? Because the room is bigger than you can imagine.
Even with the best training available, excellent technical skills and a good beginning background, it may not be enough to secure that on-site job you want. And if you're thinking about working at home as a medical transcriptionist, you have even greater challenges to consider.
Employers expect that the MT they hire is experienced and will not waste their time. Most on-site facilities have no time (or personnel) to further 'train' their MTs. You're pretty much 'off and running' when you're hired. And most of your colleagues will not want to use their 'production time' to help you because it means less money for them.
To qualify as a 'good candidate' you need the most focused training you can obtain, not only to be correct, but also to be competitive. The days of on-the-job training are practically nonexistent, so you can't count on that as a valid training venue.
In recent years, medical transcription has evolved into a subspecialty of medicine, thanks in part to resources available via the Internet, in addition to on-site training at community colleges, business schools, and other related centers. As a result, facilities want an MT who can handle the job coming right out of the gate, after graduation, and with an MT certificate.
In the 'real world' of MT, you'll be exposed to a lot of information you just don't have in the beginning, but that you will need and learn as you move through your career. In addition, there are several learning curves that must be mastered to be truly successful.
Here are 9 steps you can take to secure the job you want in your MT career:
1. Enroll in a good training program. You need to know anatomy and medical language, and to have language skills that include dialects. Today, most medical facilities employ ESL (English as a second language) physicians. Some dialects, even native ones, can be very strong and unclear, and accurately transcribing such dictators requires additional care to see that all medical terms, and especially medications, are transcribed without error. A mistake could literally mean someone's life is in the balance.
2. Your proficiency in technical skills and manual aptitude is an absolute requirement for getting hired. During your career, your exposure to different types of equipment and software will expand beyond your imagination, so be prepared to learn and quickly adapt to new systems, because you may find yourself in situations where you work with several systems at once.
3. If necessary, seek additional training in a comprehensive program that includes anatomy, medical knowledge and language, transcription skills, and practice tapes of real cases with real dictators.
4. When job hunting, check local directories for facilities in your area and surrounding cities. Make inquiries first with a phone call and speak personally with the contact person associated with the job you seek.
5. Follow up with a written letter of introduction that includes your resume and MT certificate, and refer to your initial contact by name.
6. Review MT Internet sites and forums for both online and offline opportunities using a variety of search engines, such as Google, Yahoo, AltaVista, etc., entering "MT jobs." Pose questions via email or call the numbers listed on the websites for more information.
7. Keep your mindset in a forward-thinking mode and have a positive attitude. Show initiative and confidence that you can do the job, and ask the employer questions about the job you want.
8. Be Resourceful. Explore all options as you move forward in your job search. The competition factor is greater than you might think, so do your homework and be innovative about your MT career.
9. Continue to practice, practice, practice until you get that job!
A newbie with thorough training, good skills and determination is a good candidate to seek a position in a private office that requires basic MT skills and knowledge. Many such offices are under less stringent time crunches than larger facilities, where the pace is faster and more demanding. Thus, you have more time to continue building your skills, to learn and look up what you don't know.
The possibility of a newbie being hired by a large facility is diminished due to the level of expertise required and competition with more seasoned MTs. These are coveted positions and, generally, only the best and most experienced MTs prevail.
It depends on the needs of the facility, but it IS possible to get a job right out of the gate by being properly prepared with knowledge, skills, and a creative mindset.
Cynthia Peavler Bull is founder of CYN-R-JE Consultants LLC™, mentor and author of "How To Be A Medical Transcriptionist" that gives you insider facts, secrets, tips and techniques on how to get started as an MT. To begin your career at the head of the class visit http://www.howtobeamedicaltranscriptionist.com |
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