Medical Transcriptionist?
By Amber
@AmbiePam (121277)
United States
August 13, 2008 11:59am CST
My mom had to quit her full time job last year (she was a professor at a local college), but she still teaches an online class for a school a few hours away from our home. She has one Masters, and is half way through another, although she isn't in school, and doesn't plan to finish that second Masters anytime soon. But she needs a full time job, and my dad suggested being a medical transcriptionist. She apparently would only have to take a few classes. It would be kind of ideal because she could work from home, even when she is sick (which has been a problem for her). But I was wondering if you guys knew anything about it? Will she go out at all? She needs to be around people, and I don't know if they go to the doctor's offices, or what. Since she hasn't had a job she doesn't get to be around people other than church and dinners with friends and family. I know my dad wants to make sure she has the chance to get out of the house, and she knows this too. Can you tell me anything about it?
2 people like this
5 responses
@jillhill (37353)
• United States
13 Aug 08
I did see a program on this on our local news....the gal started this service for Mayo Clinic...but it's been a long time ago that I saw the program and if I am not mistaken they do go out...I think this company worked so many days...like two from the clinic and the rest from home....It would be an ideal job for her is she would like doing it.....I do have a friend that is a medical transcriptionist at our local clinic.....she really loves her position....and they also attend classes too for updates etc.
2 people like this
@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
13 Aug 08
I used to work in a hospital and spent time around mt's all the time. If your mom is not well, I don't suggest it. It is a very boring job. Many people who do it get carpal tunnel. It is not worth it. I have a friend who does it at home. You have to go after contracts to get the job. They don't last indefinately, just for a period of time and then you have to go after another one. I have a friend who did it in a hospital, too. Nobody really wants to do it. They do it because they have to to make ends meet. Meeting other people and spending time with others is not part of the job. Sure they will want to meet you and make sure you are legit. I have read that there are jobs being online teachers and have a better chance of going to the university and mixing with people in that job. If she is going to invest the time in taking courses, it would be better put on her second Master's than in mt work.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (121277)
• United States
14 Aug 08
She doesn't need to really interact with people on a daily basis, just get out. I don't think she wants to finish her second Masters because she only started it because the college she was working for wanted her to, and they were paying for it. And she has carpal tunnel, she had surgery several years ago, and now she wears braces on her hands. Really she just needs to make money to make ends meet for her and my dad. She doesn't really like socializing, she just wants to make sure she gets out of the house now and then. Sometimes my dad has to drag her out to go to dinner with friends. lol Her biggest health problem is fatigue, I think from the fibromyalgia. They guy she talked to told her she would only have to take one class. I know she already has degrees, but only one class? I thought for sure she'd have to take more than that.
@Yestheypayme2dothis (7874)
• United States
14 Aug 08
If she already has CP, she may not like this job for long. One course (did he say how many hours?) should do it..it may be a 9 month course of several hours a week. It is not an exotic well paid job. It should not take much education to do it. But it is not creative and unless she get a telecommute job with a hospital, she will have to go after contracts. I have a friend who does and she just lost a contract. She could try it but don't get excited about it. I feel concerned about her wrists.
1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
28 Aug 08
I have wandered about being a medical transcriptionist. My cousin thought about doing this. I don't know anything about it but would like to. I do hope that your mom finds a job that is right for her and something she can get out and meet people and be around people. But I think they send everything to you in mail and you mail back out to them. I am not sure on this though.
1 person likes this
@chrislotz (8136)
• Canada
16 Nov 08
I can't really tell you anything about it but I would like to know more about it
myself so that is why I am responding to this discussion. I am posting from my
email so I can't read your other responses till after I post mine.
I would like to know more about it because I would like to do this same thing. I am
working outside of my home right now but I have a medical ailiment and it is hard for
me some days. So I would like to find a job that I can work at home and make enough
money to live on. I think this would maybe be the ideal thing for me.
So if you know more about this subject, as this discussion is 4 months old you might,
please tell me more.
Alright then, talk to you later my friend,
Your friend, Chris 
1 person likes this
@LouiseKnittel (4764)
• United States
13 Aug 08
I have no idea of where to go for this type of job. I do know od online ones. But, those of course willnot get her out of the house. If you want to know about the online ones I can send it to you in a PM.
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