Medical Transcription Info & News

5 Steps to Start Your Medical Transcription Career

2009-05-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

Want to start a medical transcription career? Medical transcription provides an ideal way to start a career in the growing health care industry -- the number of transcriptionists is expected to grow 14 percent in the next decade (BLS). Become a valuable addition to the industry without having to perform any clinical tasks -- doctors rely on accurate transcriptions of their patient visits every day. Here are the steps you'll need to take to start your medical transcription career:

1. Learn how to type -- This is the most important requirement to start your medical transcription career. Anyone can learn to type -- there are a number of "learn to type" programs which are available and many cater to the beginner.
2. Improve typing speed and accuracy -- In order to be successful as in medical transcription, you need to be able to type quite fast, usually from 60 words per minute and upwards as a beginning medical transcriptionist. If you already purchased a typing program to learn how to type, you can use the exercises to increase your speed. Medical transcription also requires that you produce accurate work. If you focus on the quality of work, you will also eventually improve your speed -- the more you do, the quicker and easier the work will become.
3. Take a medical transcription course -- Most people may think that being a good typist is enough to succeed as a medical transcriptionist, but this is not the case. If you already have experience working in a medical environment, then you may be familiar with medical terminology. Most people will need to enroll in a medical transcription course -- this will familiarize you with all the medical terms you need and provide a solid basis of transcription knowledge. Choose an accredited medical transcription school to get a high-quality education -- many offer the medical transcription courses online, so you can study on your own time, even while you keep your current job.
4. Become a registered medical transcriptionist -- You can get extra credentials by becoming a registered professional -- many medical transcription courses will provide the basis you need to pass the Registered Medical Transcription (RMT) examination -- the RMT exam is available through the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) and provides you with extra credentials for your career. This will give you an edge over the competition, and demonstrate to employers that you are serious about your medical transcription career.
5. Set up a place to work -- If you decide to work as a medical transcriptionist at home rather than in a medical office or facility, you will need to set up a work space that you can use as your "home office." Remember that the more you type, the more money you will earn. Medical transcription usually has a 24-hour turnaround, so you need to be able to return any work you take on within 24 hours from receiving it. This will become easier as you get faster at typing. The good news is that by working at home, you can work around your schedule and complete your work when it works best for you.

Stable, Flexible and the Opportunity to Work from Home -- A Medical Transcription Career Has It All!

2009-04-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

Many people dream of working from the comfort and security of their own homes, but few actually manage to make it happen. One of the most intriguing -- and most highly sought after -- work-at-home career opportunities is in the field of medical transcription. Medical transcriptionists are an essential part of the health care field, and the need for qualified medical transcribers only grows every day.

Medical transcriptionists provide a valuable service to many different segments of the health care field, including medical clinics, doctor's offices, hospitals and more. All of these health care providers have an interest in accurate medical records and quality medical transcription services, and those who are able to provide those services should find themselves in high demand.

A number of factors now in play virtually guarantee the continued need for highly qualified and experienced medical transcription professionals. One of the prime factors, of course, is the aging of the population. As the Baby Boomer generation inches closer to retirement, their health care needs are expected to grow exponentially, and that means a greater need for medical professionals of all kinds.

One of the most important benefits is that a medical transcription career is one of those rare careers that can be done quite effectively from home. With a computer and transcription equipment, medical transcription professionals can do their jobs just about anywhere -- including the local coffee shop, the front deck, the home office or even the beach. Medical transcribers can work where they want, allowing them to accomplish their professional goals without sacrificing time with their family.

How do you start a legitimate medical transcription career? You just need to enroll in an accredited online medical transcription school. Go online and do you homework -- make sure you choose a medical transcription school with the right credentials. Complete your medical transcription training online day or night. Your hard work and dedication will pay off -- before you know it, you will have the background to start a work-at-home medical transcription career.

With more people turning to their families for comfort and support, it has never been more important to balance the needs of work and family. Working from home as a medical transcriptionist can give you the time you need to enjoy your family while still earning a very good living. A medical transcription career fits with your life!

A Work-At-Home Medical Transcription Career is Within Reach!

2009-04-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

Is your ultimate goal to work from home? Medical transcription is an ideal way to have a stable career, with the flexibility to set your own schedule and be there for your family. Here are some things you can do to give your medical transcription career an advantage:

1) Enroll in a medical transcription school that offers job assistance - Once your training is complete, you can learn how to create an effective resume, conduct a solid job interview, uncover job leads, and more. Choose a school that goes the extra mile for you and provides job assistance.

2) Join a professional association - Connect with other medical transcription professionals. Choosing an association, such as the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI), gives you access to other professionals in the field. Find out first-hand what it's like to work as a medical transcriptionist and even gain a lead on job opportunities.

3) Contact doctors in your area - If you want to really know what doctors require for their medical transcriptionists, contact them and ask pointed questions. Do they outsource their medical transcription jobs? Do they require experience before they let a medical transcriptionist work from home? This is a great way to learn what you need to do to work with doctors in your area.

4) Avoid ads promising "Work from Home" - Any ads promising a quick way to start your career or not requiring any education don't have your best interests in mind. Becoming a medical transcriptionist takes work and dedication - your medical transcription course can take up to 18 months. Make sure you get started with an accredited medical transcription school.

5) Get experience - After you complete your medical transcription course, try to get experience. Contact a local doctor's office and maybe offer to work at a discounted rate for the first month or arrange to start an internship. This can provide the doctor with affordable medical transcription work and also enable you to get experience under your belt - leading to your ideal work-at-home medical transcription job.

6) Become certified - Take the extra step and become a certified medical transcriptionist. This can add credentials to your resume and let potential employers know that you are really serious about your medical transcription career. As you look for a job, this can really make you stand out and give you an advantage in the job market.

Your ultimate goal is to work from home as a medical transcriptionist - and this is a goal that is within reach. Get your medical transcription training and make contact with doctors in your area. You might need to gain a little experience first, but it is possible to work at home in your career. Knowing the reality of the required training and experience will make it easier to plan for your work-at-home job. Be proactive - get started today!

Medical Terminology is Major Part of Your Medical Transcription Career

2009-04-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

Medical terminology is the basis of all medical careers. If you want to start a medical transcription career, you need a thorough understanding of medical terminology to succeed. It's the starting point for a career in the medical field.

Medical terminology can be defined as an industry-specific vocabulary for accurately describing the human body and associated conditions, procedures and diagnoses. It involves three basic parts: root words, prefixes, and suffixes. The root word is a term derived from a source language, such as Greek or Latin, and usually describes a body part. It is the main, or middle, part of the word. The prefix is an affix that is added to the front of the root word. It is used to modify the word's meaning and give additional information about the medical term, such as location, number or time. The suffix is an affix that is added to the end of a word. It is also used to add meaning to the word, such as condition, process, or procedure. Put together, the root word, prefix and suffix create a specific medical term.

In a medical transcription or other medical-related career, the deciphering process is a vital part of understanding the medical term. It usually requires practice on your part to effectively and accurately form and decipher medical terms. To understand a medical term, you need to break down the word and look at its component parts: root word, prefix and suffix. By evaluating them one-by-one, you can learn each meaning and then put them together for full comprehension.

Understanding medical terminology is fundamental to accurately performing a medical transcription career - think of it as a stepping stone to reach your career goal. Without a complete understanding, you would not be able to accurately spell or use medical terminology in your transcriptions. All medical professionals consult their medical dictionaries on a regular basis - add a handy medical dictionary to your reference library. Your thorough knowledge of root words, prefixes and suffixes will set you on the path to a successful career.

How to Start Your Own Medical Transcription Business

2009-03-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

Do you like the idea of being your own boss? Would you like to start your own business where you call all of the shots? A medical transcription career can enable you to do just that! It's a convenient, flexible career that lends itself to working independently from home. You can join the growing health care industry as a small business owner. What could be better?

With the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) citing that medical transcriptionists working as independent contractors earn more than those who work for transcription services, there's no reason not to venture out on your own! A little planning and preparation can start your medical transcription career off right. Here's what to do:

1) Complete a medical transcription course -- If you haven't already done so, you need to enroll in an accredited medical transcription school and complete your training. This will give you a solid foundation and serve as the basis for your future medical transcription career.

2) Create a business plan -- You need to create a business plan. It is important to define your short- and long-term medical transcription goals, detail your marketing objectives, and devise a business strategy. This includes determining how you are going to find business and manage your clients. You should follow this plan when dealing with the day-to-day operations of your medical transcription business.

3) Get the financing -- There will be some start-up costs involved in beginning your new medical transcription business. Research your financial options and pick the one that suits your needs. Family and friends, investors and bank loans are typical sources for funds.

4) Fill out the proper paperwork -- You need to make it official. There are city, county and state forms that need to be filed before you can operate your medical transcription business. These include licenses, permits and approvals. Find out which apply to you. This information is readily accessible online.

5) Learn about the competition -- It is essential that you conduct research and learn about other medical transcribers in your area. Establish reasonable prices for your medical transcription services, and determine what will give you a competitive edge -- how can you make your medical transcription business stand out?

6) Get started -- You need to decide where and how you will run your business. A home office will probably suffice for your medical transcription business. You will also need to determine type of business equipment is needed, such as a computer, software, medical transcription equipment and office supplies.

7) Open the door -- When all of the above steps have been completed, you are ready to start working as a medical transcriber -- as your own boss. Put your business plan into place and start finding clients.

Starting a medical transcription career from home can enable you to earn a steady paycheck while enjoying the flexibility and convenience of working on your own. With the proper groundwork in place, you will be prepared to become a small business owner and effectively manage your medical transcription career. Good luck!

The Face of the American Workforce is Changing -- Medical Transcription Can Provide Much-Needed Opportunity & Flexibility

2009-03-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

The overall make-up of the American workforce is shifting, with more women taking up full-time positions than their male counterparts. With the increasing amount of layoffs and economic troubles today, more responsibilities are being placed on women's shoulders to earn a steady income.

According to The New York Times, over the past year, 82 percent of the people getting pink slips have been men -- leaving women to oversee the day-to-day operations of corporate America. It is projected that women soon will become the majority gender in the workforce.

How is this affecting today's families? Women are being called upon to do more. They are making larger contributions to the family income. Where men were once the dominant providers, women are now becoming the primary money makers. It is also putting greater expectations on women as they assume more responsibilities -- at work and at home.

There is a solution. President Obama's Address to the Joint Session of Congress highlighted the opportunities available in the health care industry. Higher standards in electronic health records and new technology will lead to increased opportunities in health care careers such as medical transcription -- creating a way for women to assume a stable career that is family-friendly.

Medical transcription provides women with a flexible, convenient career opportunity -- a way to effectively juggle personal duties and build a solid career. It is a career that can be performed at home and scheduled around family needs, while providing a steady income that can support their family. As the need for accurate and reliable health records increase, so will the need for qualified professionals.

Doctors need detailed, up-to-date records of their patients' medical care. Medical transcription enables women to accurately and quickly transcribe the dictated words of physicians. With their knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and grammar and punctuation, they can build a solid career providing accurate and error-free reports. An online medical transcription program can provide the hands-on training needed to get started.

Current economic times are changing the face of the American workforce. Women are assuming a more dominant role and making larger financial contributions at home. As they manage more responsibilities, they may need a flexible, convenient career that fits with their family -- medical transcription can be the answer.

Want a First-Hand Account of What It's Like to be a Medical Transcriptionist? Conduct an Informational Interview!

2009-02-20T16:48:00.000-08:00

An informational interview -- it might be old fashioned, but it is the best way to get an "inside" look at a medical transcription career. Get your foot in the door and find out information about what it's like to work in this career. Firsthand accounts from a medical transcriptionist or health care provider can tell you exactly what to expect -- better than any information you can find on the Internet.

This type of interview is less formal than a regular interview, and provides YOU with the opportunity to ask the questions. Imagine having someone sitting in front of you, at your disposal that you can ask:

- What is your medical transcription job like?
- What does a typical day entail?
- What are your duties and/or responsibilities?
- How did this type of work interest you?
- How did you get started?
- What medical transcription training or knowledge do you need to succeed?
- What do you like most about your medical transcription career? The least?
- What do you recommend I do first?
- What advice can you offer for my medical transcription career?

Find a local company, doctor's office or fellow transcriber and make an appointment for an informational interview. This should be easy -- most people would be happy to talk with someone that is interested in their medical transcription career.

Some important things to consider: make a list of questions beforehand, dress as you would for a normal interview and bring a notebook. First, you don't want to go to you interview unprepared. Take some time beforehand to come up with some thoughtful questions. This is your one chance to ask pointed questions about medical transcription -- don't hold back! Second, you want to make a good first impression. You never know if your informational interview will lead to an actual interview or job offer, so dress in a professional manner. Third, bring a notebook to the interview. This will enable you to refer to your written questions as well as take notes. You want to remember what you learn, so go ahead and write down the important points.

If the health care industry is calling you and you think you'd like to pursue medical transcription, conduct an informational interview today. It is an ideal way to get a clear picture of a medical transcription job before you actually get started. You can see what a medical transcription career is like from someone that is actually doing the job -- what could be better? Also, it is a great way to network in your future career and get to know other industry professionals.

Growing Interest in Areas Least Likely to be Affected by the Economy -- Like Medical Transcription!

2009-02-04T16:04:00.001-08:00

With unemployment on the rise -- more than 30,000 jobs were lost in December alone -- more people are turning to careers that are least likely to be affected by today's tough economy. One area on the rise is medical transcription.

Vocational schools and colleges report being faced with more inquiries about health care programs than ever before! Health care is one of the industries expected to increase by double-digit numbers in the next decade -- with 3 million new wage and salary jobs projected from 2006 to 2016. This is prompting more job seekers to turn to training schools, such as medical transcription schools, to get skills that will be in demand today and in the future.

As an aging population requires more medical care, there will be a growing need for people to provide transcription services -- creating high demand for trained medical transcription professionals. The increased need for proper documentation will lead to opportunities in doctor's offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers nationwide.

With job prospects "good" for most health care fields, including medical transcription, more people will make the decision to get re-trained in a secure health care career. As other industries decline, health care will continue to be a good choice for a recession-proof career.

Safeguard Your Work-at-Home Medical Transcription Career

2009-01-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

As a medical transcriptionist, you can build your medical transcription career from home and be your own boss. However, as you get started, beware of schemes that make false promises and take your money -- all with no results. Becoming a medical transcriptionist takes time and dedication as you complete your medical transcription courses, build your credentials and find employment. Watch out for promises of an instant medical transcription career.

Here are some things to be wary of:

- Requests for large sums of money
- Promises of a job
- Meetings or seminars held at a hotel

There are no shortcuts when it comes to your medical transcription career. Make sure you do it right -- enroll in an accredited medical transcription school today.

Medical Transcription Training for Service Members

2008-10-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Military service has always been one of the highest callings to which young men and women can aspire. The desire to protect one's country and the freedoms it holds dear is strong in many people, and a career in the military holds many rewards. Some of those rewards are financial, and the military branches provide excellent support for those who seek to advance their education with career training.

Of course the financial and educational rewards are not the only motivating factors, and a career in military service provides many other benefits as well. From the satisfaction of serving one's country to the pride that comes from a job well done, there are many reasons why a career in the military is such a popular choice.

No matter which branch of the service you choose to make home, it is a good idea to explore the online education opportunities – and one of the best options these day is medical transcription training. In fact an online medical transcription course is a perfect fit for the military lifestyle, since the medical transcription online program eliminates many of the burdens standing in the way of a traditional medical transcription course. Since a medical transcription online course can be earned from anywhere in the world, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen are free to learn wherever they may find themselves.

Choosing to study medical transcription is a great way for those military personnel to enhance their career prospects as well as their job satisfaction. A military background can be a big benefit when it comes time to seek a job in the private sector, and having solid medical training will make those former service members even more sought after.

But the benefits of an online medical transcription course go far beyond the service members themselves. To learn medical transcription is also a great choice for the spouses and family members of those in the military. Earning a medical transcription certificate is a great way for those spouses and family members to enhance both their earning power and their satisfaction. Survey after survey has shown that those with more education earn far more than their less educated peers, and the value of a medical transcription class from an accredited online medical transcription program simply cannot be denied.

For more details, visit our military online education center.

Enhance Your Life with a Medical Transcription Career

2008-10-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

Even in the best of times career training can pay big dividends, but the advantages of attending an online school are even greater when the economy enters a downturn. When the economy hits an inevitable bad patch, companies of all sizes take a closer look at those on their payroll. Unfortunately for those without specialized training, those less educated workers are often the first to go when the cutbacks come.

One important career to consider, which doesn't require a college degree, is medical transcription. In order to truly understand the value of a medical transcription course it is important for workers to consider the unemployment rates by education level. No matter what the state of the economy, survey after survey has shown that those who have more education, either from a traditional school or an online school, have a rate of unemployment significantly lower than those who have very little education. This dichotomy is an important consideration, and one more reason to consider the advantages of an online medical transcription course.

Consider the Advantages of an Online Medical Transcription Program
Of course the advantages of medical transcription class go far beyond the financial, and many adult students find great satisfaction in the simple act of learning about how to become a medical transcriber. Many workers have found it difficult to find the time to pursue their learning goals, and the challenges of working full time and going to school can be quite daunting. That is why making a commitment to study medical transcription is such a great idea. Instead of driving to a far off school and spending hours in a boring classroom, smart learners can pursue a medical transcription online class from the comfort of their own homes and offices.

What to Look for in an Online Medical Transcription School
Of course not all online medical transcription programs are the same, and it is important for adult students to consider their options carefully. It is important to consider a number of factors when choosing to pursue medical transcription online training, including the reputation of the school and the value of the career training program.

For instance, it is important for those considering advancing their online education to choose an accredited online medical school. With so many scams and diploma mills out there, it is vital to attend an online medical school with a verifiable and high quality program. Choosing an accredited medical transcription online school greatly enhances the value of your medical transcription training and will help secure your dream to work as a medical transcriptionist.

Online Medical Transcription School and the Busy Worker

2008-10-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

These days it seems like everyone is working harder and harder just to stay in the same place. With so many of us working ten, twelve hours and more every single day just to keep up with an every expanding workload, advancing one's career can seem like a far off goal. The thought of driving across town and sitting in a traditional classroom for three or four hours after putting in a full day at work can be anything but pleasant, and it is no wonder so many workers have given up on their educational dreams.

Fortunately for harried workers there are a number of alternatives to that traditional classroom. In these days of the Internet and worldwide connectivity it is easier than ever to pursue medical training and earn a certificate in medical transcription, for example. No matter what your educational or career aspirations, chances are good that there is an online medical transcription school out there ready to make your dreams come true.

There are many great reasons why even the busiest workers should explore the value of a medical transcription course or medical transcription program. One of the most important reasons is that in some cases the employer will be more than willing to pick up part of the tab. Many large corporations, and a number of smaller firms as well, have recognized the value of sending their workers to learn a new skill, including medical transcription. Having a well educated and dedicated workforce is a major competitive advantage for a medical office or healthcare organization, and smart business owners understand that providing reimbursement for that medical transcription online program can be a real motivator.

Those healthcare organizations who have chosen to reimburse some or all of the cost of a medical transcription class can benefit from increased employee retention, higher morale and increased productivity. Workers who are considering advancing their education should be sure to inquire about programs that help pay the cost of a medical transcription online school.

Having a medical transcriber education is a great way for workers to increase their competitive advantage in a difficult job market. It may not be fair, but when tough times hit, those with the least education are often the most likely to find themselves standing in the unemployment line. To make matters even worse, those laid off workers often find it difficult to find meaningful new employment without the power of career training behind them. By increasing their skills, those workers can increase their value with the company. Not only will that medical transcription training make it easier to find a new job – it may also help to make a layoff less likely.

Why is HIPAA Important to Medical Transcription?

2008-10-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The act, which became effective July 1, 1997, is a grouping of regulations that strive to combat abuse and fraud in health insurance and health care delivery. As a medical transcriptionist, you must follow HIPAA regulations and secure the hundreds of patient records you'll come into contact with.

Patient records are confidential and it's your duty to keep them that way. If you work at home, this means working in an area away from family and friends - no one can hear the dictation you're transcribing. Additionally, if you use a family computer to complete your work, make sure all your transcription files are protected by using a screen saver password. Ideally, you should have a computer dedicated solely to your transcription work.

Now here's an important question - is your computer set up to help you stay HIPAA compliant? To protect patient confidentially, equip your computer with at least the following:

- Secure, password protected email and FTP sites
- File encryption software
- Regular Windows updates involving computer security
- Firewall protection

There are other ways to ensure file protection, so visit your local computer software store to better understand your options. Follow a security protocol at home and with your computer - you'll work more effectively, stay HIPAA compliant and keep your career on track.

By Danielle Macklin, Medical Transcription Schools

$600 off Medical Transcription Course - Last Week to Save!

2008-09-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

Allied Medical School extended your opportunity to save $600 off their online Medical Transcription Course through Friday, September 5! Claim your savings and conveniently train from home at your own pace. You can have a rewarding medical transcription career in the booming health care industry. Work from home, maintain family responsibilities and secure your own financial independence. Don't miss this lucrative opportunity - call Allied today at 888-822-2923!

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Medical School

Medical Transcription Fits the Military Spouse Lifestyle

2008-09-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

If you're the proud spouse of an active-duty servicemember, you know that moving from state to state, as needed, is part of their job. And sometimes, starting over is tough - especially if you contribute to your family's financial stability. But what if you could maintain a fulfilling career, no matter where you moved? If that sounds like a plan to you, consider a career as a professional medical transcriptionist.

Medical transcription involves interpreting oral dictations from doctors and other health care professionals into accurate data for patient medical records. Doctors speak into a tape recorder and the recordings are typically sent to a transcriptionist via the Internet. So no mater where your spouse is stationed, you can complete your transcription work as long as you have an Internet connection.

As a medical transcriptionist, you have the choice to work from the comfort of home - no matter where home is. It's a very attractive career choice, especially for moms who want to be home with their children and save money on childcare. Plus, you can adjust your schedule as needed. So if you decide you want to take a Friday off, it's up to you. With a medical transcription career, you have the flexibility to balance life with your career goals.

Not only can you work from home, but you can train from home too - just choose a convenient online medical transcription school! But be selective so you receive the best training possible. Make sure your online medical transcription school has the proper accreditation, financial assistance options, live student support and career assistance.

As a military spouse, you may be eligible for a Career Advancement Account (CAA). That means up to 100% of your education costs could be covered. Not all online schools accept CAA funds, so do some investigative work before committing to
any program.

Why wait? Prepare now, and if your spouse gets stationed somewhere new, your medical transcription career will move with you. Support your spouse's military lifestyle, be home with your children and enjoy the rewards of a fulfilling career - you can have it all!

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Medical School

$888 Online Medical Transcription Course - Limited Time Offer

2008-08-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

Ready to work from home and manage your own schedule? Consider a rewarding career as a medical transcription professional! And here's the perfect incentive: through August 29, you can purchase Allied's reputable online Medical Transcription Course for only $888. That's a dramatic savings of $600! Why wait? Maintain at-home responsibilities and social relationships while contributing to your family's financial security. Call 888-822-2923 today to get started!

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Medical School

Is an Online Medical Transcription School Right for You?

2008-08-22T08:18:00.001-07:00

Considering a career in medical transcription, but need to get trained first? Why battle traffic, spend hours in a crowded classroom and endure expensive trips to the pump? Choose an online medical transcription course! It's the perfect fit for busy, career-minded individuals - especially moms.

Online Medical Transcription School Perks Include:

Train and Maintain Responsibilities

Contribute to your family's financial security and maintain your household responsibilities when you receive your medical transcription training online. There's no need to spend money on childcare. Be home with your children and study after they're asleep. And when you complete your transcription training, you have the choice to work from home too. Medical transcription is the perfect career choice for the mom who wants to have it all!

Train When You Choose

Enjoy flexible, self-paced medical transcription training from the comfort of home. Why? An online school allows you to customize your training to fit your unique schedule - no matter how much it changes from day-to-day. Study when you have time and control how much you want to learn. So if your week brings about unexpected obligations, like caring for a child with a cold, put off studying and easily pick up where you left off when you're ready. With an online medical transcription school, you're in charge!

Train Where You Choose

Complete your transcription training from wherever you choose. An online education allows you to access your assignments and tests through the convenience of your computer. Study and complete your online training from home, a child's soccer game or even a favorite cafe without the hassle of traveling to a classroom across town.

You can have a career, care for your family and contribute financially. So what are you waiting for? Choose an online medical transcription school with the proper accreditation, live educational support, financial assistance options and a career assistance program. Before you know it, you'll be a medical transcription professional with a fulfiiling career.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Medical School

Ten Helpful Medical Transcription Tools

2008-08-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

1. File Management Software. Line counting, invoice creation and daily work logs. Do you have time to do all this and more? You don't have to with management software. Research options and choose a program that meets your needs. It's like having a personal assistant.

2. Spell Checking Tool. Ensure the accuracy of your reports with a medical terminology spelling reference tool. Several comprehensive programs can be easily downloaded off the Internet for free.

3. Electronic Medical Dictionary. A must-have tool for creating thorough and accurate medical reports. Get the electronic version and have instant access to definitions, pronunciations and illustrations.

4. The AAMT Book of Style. Medical transcription has specific rules for punctuation, grammar and editing. Get the CD-ROM version for time efficiency and make sure your reports meet set standards.

5. Encryption Software. Your medical reports will contain confidential patient data. Ensure your reports are transported over the Internet safely with encryption software.

6. Antivirus Protection. Can you imagine unintentionally infecting clients with a computer virus? Protect yourself. Protect your clients. Purchase or download a free antivirus program. Most importantly, use common sense when opening email attachments - no antivirus program is 100% effective.

7. Internet File Backup. There are several options for backing up your essential records and accounting information. One convenient option is off-site Internet backup. So if your computer crashes, your files are still be accessible by logging onto your online account.

8. Paper Shredder. As a medical transcriptionist, you'll need to master paper flow. Stay organized - shred unwanted paperwork right away.

9. Internet Fax. Why tinker with a space consuming fax machine? Easily send faxes via email instead. Several companies offer basic, online fax programs for free.

10. Professional Association Membership. Network, stay on top of industry news/trends and more. Association memberships are a beneficial career tool - especially if you work from home.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Medical School

The Medical Transcription Process

2008-08-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Are you considering medical transcription training, but wondering how the medical transcription process works? Here's a brief overview of what's involved:

1. A patient visits their doctor to discuss a medical problem/concern or for a check-up.

2. The doctor examines the patient and may request lab tests or prescribe a treatment.

3. After the patient leaves, the doctor uses a voice-recording device to record information about the patient's appointment, ailment, prescriptions, etc.

4. The doctor can record their findings in several ways. For example, the doctor may use the online recording services of a medical transcription firm, which will hold an oral report for a medical transcription professional to access at a later time.

5. The medical transcriptionist accesses the report, listens to the dictation and transcribes it into the proper report format for the patient's medical record.

6. Once complete, the transcriptionist sends back the patient's updated medical record to the doctor's office.

7. On the patient's next visit, the doctor can access updated medical records and make sound decisions concerning their health and treatment - thanks to the hard work of a professional medical transcriptionist.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Medical School

How Moms Can Work from Home

2008-08-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

Are you a mom who wants to work from home? After completing online medical transcription training, moms have the convenient opportunity to work from home. Yet, with the benefits of setting your own schedule and staying close to family comes the challenges of working efficiently. Check out these helpful work-at-home tips. With a little organization and pre-planning, you can have a rewarding career and be a mom too!

Create a schedule every week.

Review your workload and form a plan of attack every week. How much work will you complete each day? Factor in interruptions from children or other at-home responsibilities. Setting manageable expectations will keep you focused. And once you meet your daily goal, you'll enjoy time with your children that much more - you know you're on track for the week.

Get your kids on a schedule.

Your kids will be thrilled to have you at home and will want your undivided attention. During the day, there will be times for play and times for work. Explain to your children that in order for you to be home with them, they need to adhere to a schedule. And reward them for their efforts. It may take some time for your schedule to work, but stay firm - its well worth the effort.

Have a trusted sitter on speed dial.

In order to manage your at-home business, you may need to conduct meetings, make special client phone calls or complete rush jobs. In these cases, seeking the help of a trusted sitter is a smart career move. Factor in your sitter needs when creating your schedule at the beginning of the week.

Make lunchtime fun.

Lunch breaks are something everyone can look forward to. Plan your lunch meals at the beginning of the week. That way, you can spend more time with your kids instead of pondering food choices in the pantry. If weather permits, take your kids outside and engage them in conversation. If possible, pick a day each week where you all enjoy lunch and playtime at a local park.

Keep kids busy with pre-planned activities.

While you work, keep kids busy with fun activities. For example, set up a play area where games, puzzles, books and toys are easily accessible. Consider an activity table and challenge your kids with exciting arts and crafts projects they can safely do while you work. And of course, take full advantage of nap or movie times.

Keep refreshments in a convenient place.

With some pre-planning and organization, you may be able to avoid countless trips to the kitchen for drinks and snacks. For dinks, consider a water service and put paper cups where your kids can reach them. Prepare healthy snacks ahead of time, like apples slices with peanut butter, and place them on fun, individual, plastic plates for each child. You don't want your kids grazing on food all day, so set times each day when they can expect their special snacks.

As you perfect your medical transcription skills, you'll also improve your tactics for efficiently balancing work and family time. Every child is different, so creativity and patience is key when working at home. And you can do it! Take the next step towards contributing to your family's financial security while at home - find an online medical transcription school and get started today.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Medical School

Five Important Medical Transcription Skills

2008-08-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

Ready for a career in medical transcription? Now's a great time! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2006 to 2016 - that's faster than the average for all occupations! Prepare now with online medical transcription training and sharpen these five important medical transcription skills:

Listening

Medical transcriptionists translate oral recordings of doctors and health care professionals into clear patient records. You'll need to concentrate so you don't miss important details. Use your foot pedal to control the pace of the dictation and get a set of noise reducing headphones to improve your listening skills.

Computer Keyboarding

You'll transcribe recordings by typing on the computer. Don't worry if your typing skills need a boost. Enroll in an online medical keyboarding course, and with a little practice, you can increase your typing speed.

Good Grammar

Good grammar is part of transcribing clear patient records. Make sure you have a computer program that assists you with proper punctuation, abbreviations and report styles in your transcription work.

Resource Skills

Your medical vocabulary will continually expand with experience. But sometimes, you'll need additional help. Have a medical dictionary by your side and learn how to efficiently search for terminology and important medical data. Get a medical dictionary on CD-ROM - it will save you time.

Staying Current on Trends

The health care industry is experiencing tremendous growth. To accurately type patient records, you'll need to stay on top of new medications and procedures. Join a professional association like AHDI and receive publications with the latest industry news, network with other transcription professionals and attend key conferences.

These skills will help you succeed as a medical transcription professional. And if you feel like your lacking in an area or two, don't worry! The good news is that each of these skills can improve with practice and experience.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Medical School

Where Do Medical Transcriptionists Work?

2008-08-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest benefits of becoming a medial transcriptionist is the option to work from home. Besides setting your own dress code and schedule, you're able to maintain at-home responsibilities and contribute to your family's financial security.

But, what if working from home isn't for you? Medical transcriptionists are valuable members of a variety of health care settings such as:

- Doctors' Offices
- Public, Private and Teaching Hospitals
- Medical Schools
- Medical Transcription Businesses
- Clinics
- Government Medical Facilities
- Insurance Companies
- Research Centers
- Legal Offices
- Laboratories

Any health care setting that requires dictation for the purpose of documentation requires the services of a qualified transcriptionist. This means transcriptionists have the opportunity to work for and alongside physicians, surgeons, pharmacists, technicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists or many other types of medical personnel.

As a medical transcriptionist gains experience and expands their professional responsibilities, even more career opportunities may become available. For example, qualified transcriptionists may become supervisors, quality assurance specialists or teachers who educate future medical transcription professionals.

So what are you waiting for? Check out online medical transcription training programs and begin your training from the convenience of home! Medical transcription isn't just a job; it's a fulfilling career that offers choices, flexibility and challenging new opportunities to those who seek them out.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Medical School

$600 off Medical Transcription Training

2008-07-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

Want to work from home and stay close to family? Pursue a flexible career in medical transcription! And from July 28 through August 29, you can save $600 off Allied Medical School's online Medical Transcription Course! Maintain at-home responsibilities and social relationships while contributing to your family's financial well-being. Treat yourself to a fulfilling medical transcription career - find out how today! Call 888-822-2923!

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Medical School

How to Choose a Medical Transcription School

2008-07-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

Do you want to say goodbye to your boss, make your own schedule and work from home? Begin a career in medical transcription, and with some hard work and dedication, these goals are within reach.

But first things first - you must obtain medical transcription training from the right school in order to get started. So, which school is the "right" school for you? Check out this helpful list and decide which benefits are most important to you:

Accreditation

If your medical transcription school isn't accredited by a qualified accrediting agency, find another school. Why? Accreditation means the school operates on a sound financial basis, has an approved study program, has qualified instructors, approved recruitment and admissions policies and advertises its courses in a factual manner. Accreditation is your assurance that the course you take will lead to a viable certificate or diploma.

Online Courses

If you're interested in working from home, then start by receiving your medical transcription training from home too. An online medical transcription school offers many perks. For example, you can study when and where you want while juggling a job and family responsibilities. Plus, you can study at your own pace, set your own schedule and avoid gas guzzling trips to crowded classrooms.

Financial Assistance

When you're ready to take on a new career challenge, training costs can feel like a road block. Don't let money prevent you from pursuing your medical transcription career - choose a school that offers financial assistance programs. Flexible monthly payments or using a co-borrower are two helpful options.

Student Support

If you opt for online medical transcription training, how will you get help if you need it? That depends on the online school you choose. Look for a school with an educational support department that assists students with academic inquiries and a tech support department that helps students with computer problems. You should have multiple ways to access your school's student support departments, including email, phone and fax.

Career Assistance

Once you complete your medical transcription training, what's next? Find a job! But don't go it alone. From resume and cover letter assistance to learning how to network with employers, your medical transcription school should help you prepare for your career. Some medical transcription schools even offer life-time career assistance programs and other special perks.

Once you're confident you've found the right school, focus on your education and become one step closer to a rewarding medical transcription career where you're in charge!

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Medical School

Do You Want Flexibility in Your Career?

2008-04-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

If you ask today's working professionals what they desire most in their careers, many would say "flexibility." Faced with lengthy commutes, long hours and increased time away from home, many people are looking for a way to have solid careers that fit in with their lives. The answer? Medical transcription training!

The Bureau of Labor Statistics names medical transcription as one of the 10 most flexible jobs available today. You can begin your medical transcription training by learning online, from the convenience of home. A flexible medical transcription career can be yours!

Get the Flexibility You Want!
- You don't have to punch a time clock
- Set your own hours
- Complete your work at your own pace
- Build a long-term career
- Start your medical transcription training online today!

An aging population, increased insurance regulations and necessity for accurate patient data is expected to create an increased demand for trained medical transcriptionists. Many doctors' offices outsource this valuable service, creating an abundance of opportunities. Imagine working from home and having a fulfilling career at the same time. It's possible with medical transcription training.

The best news? In as little as four months, you can complete your medical transcription training. Enjoy the flexibility of learning from home -- and working as a medical transcriptionist from home. You are in charge of your medical transcription career!