Home Based Medical Transcription

Ads in the classified section of many magazines promise great salaries for medical transcribers working from home. However, proceed with caution - these ads may make promises they can't deliver on.

The Reality of At-Home Medical Transcription

While there are likely some people who are making good money in medical transcription from home, others who train for it may never find work. What ads don't mention is that while you may get trained in medical transcription, it is up to you find the work.

Further, many medical establishments don’t allow new MT's to work from home. Some require 6 months or more onsite work. And lastly, companies that do hire home based medical transcriptionists often require 2 years or more of transcription experience.

Knowing the reality that that home based medical transcription requires training and experience; it is still a viable choice for a work-at-home job. There are many terrific resources for getting certified and finding work.

How to Get Started in Medical Transcription

Before pursuing a career in medical transcription, get more information. Visit the sites below to learn what is required, and visit the message boards to see what other MT’s are saying about the work.

Contact doctors and the medical establishments in your area and find out if they outsource their MT needs. If not, ask if their MT’s work in the office or at home. If they can work at home, find out what the requirements are in terms of experience and training.

Once you have training, be prepared to sell yourself. The links below may help but don’t ignore your community for jobs that will get you experience - which you need to get other home based MT jobs offered online.

Websites that offer information about medical transcription:

• MedWord.com has information on careers and certification in medical transcription.
• Medical Transcription Daily covers pretty much everything on medical transcription; education, resources, etc.
  
• MTJobs provides MT services to the Department of Veteran Affairs. Uses home based MTs but you must have experience.

Before you spend money on courses, workshops, or software, research to make sure you are getting what you will need to be an employable MT. The resources listed here should help steer you in the right direction. But ask for references, talk to medical personnel, and check with consumer safety sites such as the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission to help avoid being scammed.