By Frieda Cooper
Today, there are numerous work from home opportunities. Widespread use of the Internet has made it possible for people to access information from any corner of the world. So basically, you can live in the US but work for a company based somewhere in Europe. Now, any work that involves excessive use of computer software can be done right at the comfort of your own home.
Medical transcription is one such job. Not only can medical transcription be done from home, it is one of the hottest careers in the United States today. Statistics show that the field of medical transcription is growing steadily and will continue to grow at a rate of 8% till 2022. So it is by far a great career option, especially for those who want to work from home You can be sure of job stability even in times of economic turmoil. Isn’t that a relief?
Here are 5 things you should absolutely be aware of before starting your home-based medical transcription career.
1. You can’t become a home-based medical transcriptionist overnight
Medical transcription requires professional training because you need to be well-versed with a wide range of medical terms before you start working as a transcriptionist. Training in medical transcription can take anywhere from 4 to 18 months, depending on where you enroll. Online schools usually take about 4 months to complete the training. CareerStep, a reputable medical transcription training school, offers a course in medical transcription as well as medical transcription editor training that can be completed in less than 4 months at an affordable tuition.
2. You need work experience
The truth is that you cannot expect to start working from home the minute you finish your training. There are many things about medical transcription that are learned on the job as well. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll get hired as a freelance transcriptionist when clients don’t have any work experience under your belt. This means that you need to work with a hospital/private practice early in your career to build a stable network. You must first gain at least 6 months of work experience (if not more) before your work in medical transcription can be permanently transferred to your home.
3. A stable client is key
The first thing you need to have a successful home-based medical transcription career is a steady clientele. Of course, you need clients to get work! So, while you’re gaining work experience, focus your energies on networking and building relationships with people you want to work with in the future. Show them that you are a skilled and dedicated transcriptionist. That way, when you move your work to your home, it will be easier to build a clientele.
4. Medical transcription is not a get-rich-quick scam
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical transcriptionists earn an average of about $30,000 a year, which is not a very glamorous salary. However, considering the fact that you don’t have to drive to and from work every day and you can work at your convenience, $2.5k a month doesn’t seem so bad. The appeal of the profession lies in job stability and a steady, monthly income.
5. Medical transcription is not a walk in the park
Medical transcription involves transcribing doctors’ notes; Notes which will probably be filled with the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. There are abbreviations that you need to learn for these illnesses as well as the names of the drugs that are prescribed. It requires mental effort and precision. You can’t make a mistake. A patient’s life may depend on it.
So now you know. You don’t need a fancy degree to become a medical transcriptionist, you can train and work from home at your convenience, and you’ll never find yourself out of a job if you choose the medical transcription path. So what are you waiting for? Make an informed decision and take a step toward starting your medical transcription career today!
See Career Steps to learn more.
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