The whole purpose of me taking the MT course was to be able to stay home and work. I've set my sites on that. I'm tired of the commute, office politics and stuff likd that! I understand that MTs in a hospital are usually put out of the way and stuck in a corner somewhere. Or in the basement -- with no windows!
I'm working with an MT once or twice a week now to get the hang of things. I'm not getting paid, but I'm getting real experience that's not part of school. And from my point of view, the 'real world' is easier than school! My school seems to specialize in foreign-speaking doctors who mispronounce words and use incorrect terminalogy. Working in a hospital you will have to deal with those complexities all the time, but working for myself at home, I can be a bit more selective. That might sound arrogant, but I do have that choice now.
My school isn't cheap, but they do allow for the easy-payment-plan. That has really helped us out since I was laid off in March. I got a small severance package but that pretty much has gone toward school.
Now that it's time for the 'rubber to meet the road, I'm getting a little scared! But I'm also very anxious to get this new career going!

This message is to give the real truth about transcription schools over the internet. I am a recent grad. of Education Direct. It is a great program and gives you a solid foundation for medical transcription. Here is what I have learned and I am sure that this applies all around. You will get out what you put in! You can test with Medquist with any school you attend. Practice tapes with REAL physicians is a plus. Hillcrest tapes are much slower and easier to understand, but DO give you the starting practice that you need! I chose Education Direct because I get two actual transcribers. I am going into business for myself and this was important to me. I would definately be realistic about the work-at-home possibilities. Most compainies do not take "newbies". The Medquist test will test ALL of your ability and the transcription part is VERY difficult if you have not listened to actual physician reports before. GOOD LUCK and be prepared to give it your all.

This is for Curley Sue. I sent you a private message about At-Home Professions.

Dena

Thanks Texasflower! Your message made me feel better about my choice with Education Direct and should encourage others who can't afford the pricier programs. Everything is overpriced anyhow! I can't believe how much some practice tapes sell for. I am currently studying the unit on law for medical office professionals and really enjoy the textbook. Once I finish that, then I'm ready to start the actual terminology and transcription portion of the course. I've already had practice with the SUM beginning program from the previous school (in my opinion, the only beneficial item I received from there) and have some of the Absolute Experience tapes too which sound pretty challenging but I haven't tried transcribing them yet until I am well into this course. For Christmas, I'm asking for a Microsoft Natural/ergonomic keyboard. Best of luck to all!

For everyone looking into schools here I wanted to post this again. YOU CAN TAKE THE MEDQUIST TEST even if you do not take a program that says they will give you "an opportunity" to test. YOU MUST choose a school that is strong on terminology/body systems and reference materials. Also, if you want to work locally - go with the transcribers. There ARE good schools that do not cost a fortune and you can pay monthly. The MEDQUIST test is given through MTTEST.com. A lot of companies offering at-home employment test through this site. LOOK OUT for "to good to be true" promises from some of these schools. They can't get you a job - YOU have to do the work and test for it! GOOD LUCK! Being a NEWBIE is VERY challenging, but if you put your heart and soul in it you can find work.

I needed to read some encouraging posts this morning, and thank you Texas.