subject: Should You Study Medical Transcription Online Or Through A Local Program? [print this page] You have a lot of options when you decide to study medical transcription. There are tons of courses available. Perhaps one of the most basic questions you may have about the entire thing is whether to study online or go to classes at a college or vocational school in your area.
The final right decision depends on you.
If you really need the organization and scheduling controlled for you, a local program may be the best. Attending classes in person for some people is just what they need to get through their studies.
An online course is more challenging in some ways, as they are often at least somewhat self paced. You have to be more dedicated to doing the work without direct supervision from an instructor. Instructors are available in quality courses for when you need help, but they aren't in the same room with you, and that makes a big difference for some people.
On the other hand, if you plan on working at home as a medical transcriptionist, that's exactly the kind of work conditions you need to get used to. There's something to be said for learning the skill of working unsupervised before you land the job.
My personal preference is for AHDI approved online courses, and I can tell you why. It's not just the preparation for your future career at home. It's that potential employers are more likely to have heard of the school if it's one of the major online programs.
Finding that first job in medical transcription can be challenging. It's the usual chicken and egg problem - employers want you to have two years of experience before they will hire you. How you get the experience is your problem.
Good quality online transcription training programs give you a way around that issue. The best ones are trusted by employers, and you can get tested for a position without the experience they require of others. The fact that you completed a known program tells them that you at least deserve to be tested.
This doesn't mean that you will never find a job if you complete a local program. It may add to the challenge or you may choose to work in an office rather than at home to get your experience. There are advantages to that too, as you can get tips directly from experienced transcriptionists.
But if you want to work at home, two years is a long time to wait after graduation to qualify for the job you really wanted in the first place.
Whatever kind of course you choose, make sure that it meets your needs as a student. Paying for a course that you aren't comfortable with, and that leaves you struggling to learn is no way to break into medical transcription as a career.
by: Stephanie Foster
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
