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Medical Transcription Brochure
Why Medical Transcription?
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Why Choose Eugene Vocational?
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Our AHDI (formerly AAMT) approved program has been featured on the Wall Street News Hour, and many other journals and magazines, including HOME Business Journal, Opportunity World, Home Business Connection, and Inc. Magazine.
Eugene Vocational School partners with top companies that hire medical transcriptionists (MTs), so Eugene Vocational graduates get hired for the best jobs!
Our training is:
- Comprehensive - covers all MT specialties
- Competency-based - prepares student for real work
- Recognized by top employers
Many students come to us recommended by employers that would not hire them because of the "inadequate training" they had received from other programs. Sadly, some students learn about Eugene Vocational only after spending hundreds — even thousands of dollars on "inadequate training".
Eugene Vocational School graduates are welcomed hires by industry partners - often, our graduates get to PICK AMONG MANY JOB OFFERS!
The decision to become a medical transcriptionist is important. PLEASE, browse the material and articles we have available on our website to learn why medical transcription should be your next career.
What is Medical Transcription?
Every time a patient is admitted to a hospital or is seen in an emergency room or has an x-ray — anytime there is a patient interaction with a medical professional, doctors dictate (record a voice file) information for a medical record or document.
The medical transcriptionist is the key person who "transcribes" medical information (converts reports from dictated form to written form) to be produced as hard copy or sent to storage in a computer system.
As long as people get sick, injured, or visit medical personnel for other reasons, there will be a job for medical transcriptionists. Medical transcriptionists must know medical terminology thoroughly, must have a command of English grammar, and be efficient with technology, especially the keyboard! Transcriptionists must be able to work independently, know how to research unfamiliar terms and phrases, and be conscientious workers with a good eye for detail.
At Eugene Vocational, our emphasis is on preparing you, as a student, to become one of the highest-quality transcriptionists in the industry. There is a strong and growing demand in the industry for excellent transcriptionists. As a Eugene Vocational student, you will develop the skills necessary to produce a polished medical document and step into your career with a quality company on graduation.
Why Become an MT?
Medical transcriptionists enjoy many benefits, including:
- Train at home to work at home
- High demand = High income
- Growing Market = Job security
- Flexibility
- Quality time with family
- No daycare costs
- No commute
- Finish training quickly - Set own pace
- Comfortable, home-based career
- Rewarding, interesting work
People become motivated about medical transcription for many different reasons; they become MTs so they can work from home, earn great income, avoid long commutes and costly daycare, have job security in a growing market, or enjoy more quality time with family. Whatever your personal reasons for looking into medical transcription, know that Eugene Vocational is your best resource for training, assistance, and support to prepare you to confidently step into a new career as a medical transcriptionist.
Eugene Vocational encourages prospective students who may have questions or concerns about becoming a medical transcriptionist to speak one-on-one with our Office of Admissions & Enrollment by calling toll-free: 1-877-325-7058. You may also search for answers to your specific questions on this website.
Sample Case Study - "Common Concerns": One mother of three recently related how she put off enrolling in her online course because she thought she "typed way too slow to be a good medical transcriptionist." At the time she wasn't aware of the rapid improvement most students gain in their typing speeds after they enroll in Eugene Vocational's training, which includes a keyboarding improvement unit developed expressly for students who want to improve their typing speed and earnings potential.
Don't let unreasonable worries or concerns hold up your progress towards graduation from Eugene Vocational and placement in a rewarding new career; get the answers you need and get started today!
1. Train at home to work at home
Eugene Vocational offers quality training that teaches the skills necessary for you to work successfully from home as a medical transcriptionist, using advanced home-based technologies and support. You will learn how to utilize the latest in Internet, remote support, networking, and telecommuting technologies.
Eugene Vocational's curriculum prepares you to work at home. We conducted a survey a few years ago across the United States and determined that approximately 83% of all transcriptionists work at home. Unless you have had the advantage of working from your home, you cannot imagine the FREEDOM that such a lifestyle gives you!
Imagine nobody looking over your shoulder. Imagine no limit to your potential. Imagine working a little harder--and making a little more money. Your hard work does not go to pad someone else's pocket! And you don't have to sacrifice what matters most for a great career!
During 2006 and 2007, the Good Morning America program on ABC has run a series about legitimate, income-producing work at home opportunities. Medical transcription was highlighted several times. Tory Johnson reports on the MT industry, "I talked to a dozen companies that hire home-based agents, and they're all eager for new hires — both part-time and full-time employees as well as independent contractors. Some of the biggest employers in this field are Focus Infomatics, MedQuist and Spheris [All of which recommend Eugene Vocational]... Medical transcriptionists are paid by the line, so it's a field where productivity drives compensation..."
Salary.com reports similar income for trained "medical records transcriptionists" on their site.
Compensation methods for medical transcriptionists vary. Some are paid based on the number of hours they work or on the number of lines they transcribe. Others receive a base pay per hour with incentives for extra production. Employees of transcription services and independent contractors almost always receive production-based pay. Independent contractors earn more than do transcriptionists who work for others, but independent contractors have higher expenses than their corporate counterparts, receive no benefits, and may face higher risk of termination than do employed transcriptionists.
3. Growing Market = Job Security
The demand for at-home medical transcriptionists trained by Eugene Vocational is at an all-time high and growing! According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "Demand for medical transcriptionists is expected to increase due to rapid growth in health care industries spurred by a growing and aging population."
The U.S. Department of Labor projects 14% growth in the number of medical transcriptionist positions between 2006 and 2016. Their report also says, "Contracting out transcription work overseas and advancements in speech-recognition technology are not expected to significantly reduce the need for well-trained medical transcriptionists domestically."
Eugene Vocational enjoys favorable name recognition nationwide, which allows our graduates to seek comfortable employment arrangements.
Medical transcription offers a variety of work and compensation options, many of which can fit your unique needs or situation. You can customize your hours, schedule, etc. with your employer upon graduation. This allows you control over your own life and freedom to do the things you love. If you're a morning person, you could get up early and work in your pajamas! Or whenever is best for you.
When you have the FLEXIBILITY of working at HOME, every day can be different if you want. And any time that you spend typing, you can put a few MORE DOLLARS in your pocket!
Working from home as a medical transcriptionist provides you with the opportunity to earn great income at home, so you don't sacrifice family time and the things that mean the most to you!
If you are like most people, you likely get up early every morning, get dressed, and leave your children in the care of friends, relatives—even total strangers—who you hope and pray are capable, compassionate, and kind while you go off to a job you don't particularly like. And then the MAJORITY of what you make goes to PAY FOR DAYCARE! The same daycare you would rather not be using in the first place. Because no matter how much you like your daycare center, nobody loves your children as you do. Nobody delights in their achievements, is as patient with their antics, or cares as much about their development as you! Simply put: There's NO SUBSTITUTE for YOU !
Maybe you've already given all that up and now you do stay at home with your family. But you CAN'T MAKE ENDS MEET! You're missing out on essential income, barely getting your bills paid every month, but what if you could HAVE IT ALL? Your family and an INCOME—even a rewarding career?
Enroll in Eugene Vocational's medical transcription course to achieve the FREEDOM to be the parent you want to be!
Maybe you've grown accustomed to waking up every morning to drive off to a job you may not particularly like. Perhaps, you have to fight traffic to get there, maybe even sit in gridlock for hours. (That's not at all stressful, right?) You go through all of this just to make nowhere near as much money as you're worth. You're overworked and underappreciated. You may have to put up with ridiculous office politics and have somebody constantly looking over your shoulder. All you have to look forward to is the trip back home in your car for which you spend a chunk of your salary on burning gasoline.
There is a better way! Home-based MTs work for top companies and enjoy a rewarding career without the headaches. MTs don't waste time and money commuting to and from work!
8. Complete Training In Relatively Short Period
Most careers require years of schooling and an expensive college degree or advanced degree to earn a reasonable income. Eugene Vocational provides you with the opportunity to study at home for a comparatively small investment to prepare you for a rewarding career in a fast-growing industry!
As a Eugene Vocational student, you will set your own pace! You can grab A COUPLE OF HOURS A DAY, five days a week to complete your training. Or you can train full-time and be done in as little as FOUR MONTHS. If you need a little more time, extensions are available.
9. Comfortable, home-based career
Working at home means BEING at home. You can be there for all the important events in your children's lives! When you work at home and set your own schedule you can plan in that quality time that you otherwise wouldn't have. When your work is done you can take your kids to the park, to sporting events, to visit family, to do nothing!
With the flexibility of working at home every day can be different. You won't have to worry about expensive daycare, long commutes to the office, or spending money on a fancy wardrobe. You get to spend your time and money on the thing that really counts... your FAMILY!
10. Rewarding, interesting work
As an MT, you will play a key role in creating accurate medical documents. As such, you will become a medical language specialist, meaning you will learn many fascinating things about science, human biology, physiology, the medical industry, and other interesting subjects.
Like most MTs, you will enjoy your work. It goes by fast, and with computers getting faster and better all the time, you can almost treat your work like a game--except instead of earning points and a higher score you can make more money! The more you type, the more money you will make!
Why Choose Our Training?
Since 1992, Eugene Vocational has provided comprehensive competency-based training programs for the MT industry — the program excels in many areas, including:
Remember, the most important thing you, as a prospective student, can know prior to enrolling in a medical transcription course is this: Eugene Vocational GRADUATES GET JOBS!
Medical transcription companies, like Medquist and Spheris (links open in new window), rely on Eugene Vocational to graduate enough high-quality, competent MTs to meet rapidly growing demand! Companies recommend our training to "graduates" of other MT courses after refusing to hire them on the basis of the graduates' "inadequate training."
Eugene Vocational's innovative program has been featured on the Wall Street News Hour, as well as many journals and magazines, including HOME Business Journal, Opportunity World, Home Business Connection, and Inc. Magazine.
Also, be sure to take time to listen as Andrea Anaya, course author and founder of Eugene Vocational, talks about Eugene Vocational's course: (Download Mp3 - Transcription Made Easy)
Quality training will be the key to your success as a medical transcriptionist. Unlike other programs, Eugene Vocational does not use a random compilation of unrelated textbooks and materials in its training. It is a unique training package consisting of a custom-designed curriculum that utilizes a "programmed learning" approach to the major skill areas of medical transcription. Every concept builds upon the next, making learning easier and fun!
This competency-based approach to training provides you with the precise knowledge and skills needed to succeed. The training program includes many hundreds of exercises — each designed to build effective medical terminology, pronunciation and word-building skills.
Our copyrighted Keyboard Kinetics typing system has been proven to improve keyboard efficiency and increase typing speed on average 20-30 words per minute.
As part of your course, you will transcribe genuine dictation from actual physicians, transcribing hundreds of reports in all major specialties. All dictation is taken from actual medical records.
The Eugene Vocational training program focuses on preparing you for success in the real world. Eugene Vocational is the only school that offers a fully interactive ONLINE approach to education. The online courses integrate sound, video, a virtual classroom, discussion forum, virtual library, and INSTANTANEOUS feedback on exercises and exams.
Every word you type as part of your online training emphasizes spelling and improves your skills—preparing you even more for your career.
Plus, you get all the benefits of sharing a classroom with others through our online forums and chats—you will make new friendships and associations without leaving the comfort of your own home! Additionally, your online course includes a PC foot pedal and transcription software.
Many medical transcription services are national with CLIENTS and MTs scattered throughout the United States. The high cost of long-distance phone calls and the ease of an INTERNET delivery for dictation is changing the industry. More and more companies are utilizing the same WAV technology utilized by our online course to get their work transcribed.
As an ONLINE student, you not only have the equipment and know how to use it, you have EXPERIENCE putting it all together! You will establish recognized competence in the medical transcription field.
Although our training programs are self paced and extremely user friendly, you can be assured that our experienced student support staff is on call to answer your questions. Our support staff is uniquely qualified to answer content and transcription questions. Members of our student support staff have taken the Eugene Vocational course and/or have worked as medical transcriptionists. Our technical support staff is also available six days a week to assist you with any technical issue that may arise. Support options include online, email, fax and toll-free phone support.
Eugene Vocational's dedicated graduate support staff works closely with students and recruiters to facilitate career placement and identify employment opportunities for Eugene Vocational graduates.
Eugene Vocational maintains close relationships with top medical transcription services nationwide and actively works to provide its Platinum graduates with as many career options as possible. Our graduate support staff works with students throughout their education to prepare them for placement and also provides ongoing support once graduates are actively working.
Most employers want to TEST an applicant's skills before hiring them. As part of your Eugene Vocational course, you will take a final examination that provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your skill level, have your abilities evaluated by other MTs, and receive critical FEEDBACK!
Versions of our skills assessment exam are utilized by many of the largest companies in the field to screen their applicants. This means, after passing your course exam, you will be able to SUCCESSFULLY test with employers. In fact, some employers may make you job offers based solely upon your final exam score!
Program Overview
The Eugene Vocational program has been developed in collaboration with top industry experts and employers to help you develop the skills necessary to be the highest quality medical transcriptionist. To see what sets Eugene Vocational's program above the rest, be sure to check out our interactive online demo!
The demo will allow you to take an in-depth look at each of the program modules, or subjects, and experience the ease of navigation and the interactive learning environment the Eugene Vocational program provides.
Training Details:
- Benefits of online study
- Online learning tools
- Medical transcription curriculum
- Reference books & resources
- Student & technical support
- Job placement assistance
- Timeline for course completion
- Recommended computer system specifications
- Gain practical experience
You'll train hands-on with dictation taken from real patient records to create industry standard medical reports, preparing you for the workplace.
- Receive instantaneous feedback and grading
You'll not have to wait on slow instructors or other students' disruptions. With instant feedback on all of your work, you will quickly master each skill and progress through the course.
- Network with other students and make new friends
You'll enjoy access to a vibrant online community of students, graduates, employers, and industry experts through online forums and chat rooms.
- Train at home or on the go, and set your own pace
You'll have 24/7 access to the course materials, giving you the freedom and flexibility to train whenever or wherever is convenient for you, so you can learn at your own pace.
- Online skill assessments that reflect employer hiring exams
You'll be better prepared for the post-graduation job market because the Eugene Vocational skill assessment tests are similar to those used by employers to hire new employees. In fact, Eugene Vocational is the industry's leading provider of pre-employment testing.
2. Online learning environment & tools:
- Intuitive navigation
Simple, intuitive navigation is quick and easy to learn, so you'll be able to start making real progress from day one.
- Images & visual enhancements
Photos, illustrations, as well as many transcription specific forms, documents, charts, and references enhance your learning experience.
- Interactive coursework exercises
Coursework contains hundreds of exercises that help you review concepts and simulate the professional transcription experience and give you a chance to reflect on your progress.
- Games & flashcards
Crossword puzzles, word searches, and flashcards are scattered throughout, so you learn important terminology, concepts, and definitions while having fun!
- Transcription practice tools
The course contains online tools that will allow you to practice transcription procedures on hundreds of authentic medical reports using built-in, real-world resources.
- Study planner, grade book, & enhanced security
The program offers tools to help you set and track study goals, chart your progress and see results from all exercises and tests, and monitor account access and safeguard your private information.
3. Medical transcription curriculum:
Eugene Vocational's curriculum is designed to prepare you to successfully work as a medical transcriptionist. You'll be fully trained to transcribe medical reports of all difficulties, specialties, and from a wide variety of dictators. The curriculum is designed by industry experts and incorporates the feedback and suggestions of graduates, employers, instructors, and industry associations.
Visit our Curriculum Details page that describes in depth the contents and purpose of each module, or course subject.
4. Reference books & resources:
When you enroll, you will receive a student subscription to the Stepping Up bimonthly newsletter, a transcriptionist foot pedal, and a subscription to BenchMark Knowledge Base, an application designed to increase the quality and speed of medical transcription by providing quick access to a variety of reference materials. Your subscription to BenchMark KB will provide you online access to the following up-to-date industry resources:
Unified Stedman's Content
- Stedman's Medical Speller
- Stedman's Quick Look Drug Book
- Stedman's Abbreviations, Acronyms & Symbols
- Stedman's Medical & Surgical Equipment Words
- Stedman's Medical Dictionary
- Stedman's Medical Terms & Phrases
AHDI Membership
- Annual electronic membership
- Public question search
- Professional practice network
- Links to RMT/CMT exam
- Knowledge Base support network
Physician Search Locator
- 1 million+ U.S. and Canadian-based physicians and dentists
- Multiple search options
- Updated monthly
Quality Tools, Alerts and Indicators
- Integrated AHDI Book of Style
- Joint Commission Dangerous Abbreviations and Recommendations
5. Student & technical support:
Eugene Vocational has support teams dedicated to your success, and they are easy to reach and quick to respond to your questions and concerns. They also have the reputation for providing a personal touch to your online learning experience, offering a little boost or pep talk when you need it most. The student support team has professional experience working in the healthcare industry as medical transcriptionists, managers, and instructors, so they are uniquely qualified to answer your questions about both the curriculum and the industry. The technical support team will help you with any technical or computer issues you may encounter within the program.
It is our mission to help you achieve your educational goals and quickly transition to employment as a medical transcriptionist. To accomplish this mission, Eugene Vocational partners with industry employers and institutions, and these strong relationships often lead to preferential status for Eugene Vocational graduates applying for employment.
7. Timeline for course completion
The Eugene Vocational Medical Transcription program can be completed in 640 hours, or 4 months if you work on it full time. Additional extensions are also available for purchase, should you need more time.
8. Required computer system specifications:
Hardware:
- 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM (256 MB or higher recommended)
- 56 Kbps modem (Broadband-DSL cable modem recommended)
- Super VGA (1024 x 768) or higher resolution adapter and monitor
- CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
- Sound card and speakers (headphone port recommended)
- Available USB port or serial port (for foot pedal)
- Color printer (Not Required)
Software:
- Adobe Flash version 7 or higher recommended
- Real Audio Player or Windows Media Player
- Internet access
Browser:
- Internet Explorer 7.x OR
- Firefox 2.x/3.x OR
- Safari 3.x
- Javascript and cookies must be enabled
Operating System:
- WindowsTM XP with SP2 OR SP3/Vista
OR
- Mac OS X 10.4.11 or greater/10.5
CURRICULUM DETAIL
The Eugene Vocational Medical Transcription online career training program consists of 21 modules, or course subjects, that are broken into smaller units. The program helps you develop transcription skills through the acquisition of knowledge and hands-on application. Immediate assessment and guidance is offered upon the completion of each unit, and a final exam is scheduled and graded by our transcription student support specialists.
Medical Transcription program module descriptions:
Program Orientation
This module provides you with an overview of training components, instruction on how to navigate the program, and tips and resources for getting the most out of the course. You will be introduced to the medical transcription industry, medical transcription training program, and become oriented within the online program. A syllabus for each of the modules in the program is presented, as well as information for navigating, using the features and functions of the online program, and understanding tests and feedback. Skills necessary to be a successful medical transcriptionist are outlined, and a host of available resources is presented along with a detailed study guide designed to enable a successful learning experience.
Technology and the Medical Professional
In this module you will learn basic computer skills, including using hardware, software, peripherals, wireless technology, using the Internet as a resource, and operating various facilities for data storage and networking. You will learn about the many software and hardware products available that are specifically designed for the healthcare environment.
Keyboard Kinetics
This module will teach you keyboard basics, such as which fingers are supposed to touch which keys, and help you increase your efficiency on the keyboard.
Medical Word Building
In this module you will learn medical word building, including root words, combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes.
Grammar and Punctuation
This module is a refresher course in fundamentals of English grammar and punctuation. You will be taught to recognize and identify proper usage and correctly punctuate sentences.
Anatomy and Disease
This module will introduce you to basic human anatomical structures and the various diseases that affect these structures. You will be introduced to disease entities, diagnoses, and treatments.
Pathophysiology
This module will familiarize you with the major body systems, including the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, excretory, cardiovascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems, and the diseases associated with each system.
Mastering Medical Language
This module will teach you the specialized vocabulary used by healthcare providers and familiarize you with a variety of nuances unique to medical language. Specifically, this module will cover word differentiation, abbreviations, plurals, foreign terms, and slang and jargon in medical language.
Pharmacology
In this module you will be introduced to the science of pharmacology and provided an overview of basic pharmacologics, including drug actions and effects, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, and drug classifications and formulary. This module also gives you the opportunity to see and reference commonly prescribed drugs and other pharmaceutical terms in the context of medical reports.
Building the Medical Record
The purpose of this module is to teach you how to build the medical record. Specifically, the module will cover report types, report components, formatting rules, and effective resources. The physical exam and laboratory data report components will also be studied in detail in this module.
Diagnostic Reports
In this module you will exposed to diagnostic reports. You will take an in-depth look at emergency medicine, physical medicine, radiology, and pathology. Each unit will contain terminology, headings, exercises, and sample reports.
Focus on Medical Specialties
This module will introduce you to the various types of reports transcribed by medical transcriptionists and provide you an opportunity to study in depth reports from every major medical specialty. You will be introduced to specialty-specific information including terminology, abbreviations, types of reports, and document formatting through sample reports, varied exercises, targeted curriculum, and word lists.
Midterm
This module provides you an opportunity for self-assessment after completion of the objective modules and before moving on to the practical components of the training program.
Perfect the Text
In this module you will improve your editing skills by reviewing common proofreading problem areas, including commonly misspelled words, fragments and run-on sentences, punctuation, capitalization, incorrect words, and sloppy dictation.
Introduction to Transcription
This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of transcription with both tips and exercises designed to facilitate a smoother transition into the transcription practicum portion of the program. In addition, this module includes a brief preparatory transcription practicum to help you gradually step into medical transcription.
Clinic Notes
This module will allow you to gain practical experience transcribing authentic clinic note dictation. It includes a wide variety of clinic notes and progress notes across various specialties, such as cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, otorhinolaryngology, GI, GU, neurology, OB/GYN, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedic, pediatrics, podiatry, primary care, and psychology.
Basic Acute Care
This practicum module provides you with practical experience transcribing authentic acute care dictation files. This module includes basic hospital reports, including radiology, emergency room (ER), multispecialty clinic, discharge summaries, operative reports, procedure notes, consultations, and physicals, all with accompanying account instructions.
Enhancing Productivity
This module provides you information and exercises for tracking and improving productivity, along with tips for preparing to be productive on the job after graduation. This module also includes extensive descriptions of productivity tools, software commonly used in the medical transcription industry, and a 4-month free trial of a word expander software program to be used with the training program.
Advanced Acute Care
This practicum module exposes you to a wide variety of account instructions and difficult acute care files. The module is broken down into an in-depth account instructions unit, verbatim instructions unit, radiology unit, complex account instructions unit, and an extremely advanced acute care unit. All dictation is authentic, and the full spectrum of dictator accents and dictation style is covered. The practicum files cover radiology reports, operative reports, consultations, history and physicals, ER reports, discharge summaries, procedure notes, and progress notes.
Final Exam Preparation
This module provides you with final exam information, including an overview of the final, tips for preparing for the final, scheduling the final, and accessing the examination.
Speech Recognition
This final module teaches you about speech recognition technology's role in the health information management industry. This module addresses common myths associated with the emergence of SRT, the history of SRT, and how SRT works. This is a conceptual module designed to give you a working knowledge of the speech recognition engine and how medical transcriptionists and medical editors fit into SRT.
ENROLLMENT
Eugene Vocational enrollment will ensure a quick and easy transition to your new career.
Enrollment in Eugene Vocational School's Online Training Program - $2,695.00 (plus shipping)
Your Enrollment Includes:
- Twenty-one in-depth online training modules (See Curriculum Details) that prepare you for work as a medical transcriptionist and allow you to learn at your own pace
- Unlimited student and technical support from qualified professionals
- Lifetime access to networking opportunities in Eugene Vocational's student forum and chat room
- 15-month subscription to the BenchMark Knowledge Base, a complete set of web services that brings together an extensive collection of online medical transcription reference materials into a single application, with real time updates to keep students up to date on terminology and reference data
- 15-month electronic membership to the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)
- PC transcription foot pedal and software to make your computer a "transcriber"
- Free subscription to Eugene Vocational's Stepping Up newsletter while enrolled
- Eugene Vocational certificate of completion upon graduation
- Individual consultation with a placement coordinator - Correspond with one of our senior counselors to develop your career plans.
- Employment and referral directories - Access national, regional, and local transcription services in the US.
- Contracts and pricing guide - Learn about contracts and pay in the medical transcription world.
- Personal copy of Start Your Own Successful Medical Transcription Business - A comprehensive 400 page volume written by Chris Dunn, MBA, to assist those who want to be their own boss.
- Personalized interview, resume, and sales letter advice
- Access to Eugene Vocational's help hotline for a full year after graduation - Call toll-free when you need assistance you can't get (or don't want to ask for) from your new employer.
The Eugene Vocational Medical Transcription program can be completed in 640 hours, or 4 months if you work on it full time.
FAQ’S
- What is medical transcription (MT)?
- What is the future of the medical transcription industry?
- Do I need to be certified?
- Do I need to be a good typist to be a medical transcriptionist?
- What is the job market for a medical transcriptionist?
- How much can I earn as a medical transcriptionist?
- Who do medical transcriptionists work for?
- How do I find work after I've finished the course?
- Can I start my own business after I finish the course?
- What do I need to work from home?
- What are the advantages of training with Eugene Vocational?
- Is Eugene Vocational accredited?
- Is Eugene Vocational AHDI (formerly AAMT) approved?
- What type of student support does Eugene Vocational offer?
- How much practice transcription is included in the course?
- How is the Eugene Vocational course structured?
- How long does it take to finish the course?
- Can I contact someone who has already taken the course?
- Do I have to follow the syllabus order?
- How is the final exam administered?
- What equipment do I need?
- What payment options does Eugene Vocational offer?
- Can I get a discount if I share with someone?
- What is your refund policy?
- How soon will I receive my materials?
- What are the benefits to taking the Eugene Vocational online course?
- Can I upgrade to the Platinum program?
- Which Norton Firewall settings need to change
1. What is medical transcription (MT)?
Medical transcription is the industry that renders doctor-dictated reports, procedures, and notes into an electronic or paper format in order to create files representing the treatment history of patients. Health practitioners dictate what they have done after performing procedures on patients.
2. What is the future of the medical transcription industry?
There will be a need for medical transcriptionists into the foreseeable future. Although much is made of the possibility of speech recognition technology forcing transcriptionists out of jobs, there are certain things a transcriptionist can do which a machine cannot. For example, speech recognition software and technology is based on the predictability of dictation. Thus, errors in pronunciation, syntax, and grammar at present can only be rectified by expert people — that is, transcriptionists.
At times current or developing medical procedures invoke specialized clinical conditions and these conditions cause new terminologies to be introduced. Once again expert people — transcriptionists — can make adjustments quickly. And speech recognition technology can adjust but much more slowly.
Transcriptionists, with their training, can adjust to the variation in practitioner speech habits, in dialect differences, and in foreign doctor dictation language differences.
These are just a few of the facts that bolster the argument that we shall need transcriptionists for a long time to come.
Eugene Vocational provides a certificate of graduation to all graduates who have demonstrated competency by passing our final examination. Eugene Vocational is a recognized leader in medical transcription training and our certification is accepted by many employers seeking entry level transcriptionists.
The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (formerly AAMT) maintains a Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) program, providing independent certification. A small percentage of medical transcriptionists have obtained this certification. Few employers require the certification. Eugene Vocational graduates generally do well on the CMT exam after completion of the course. Eugene Vocational does not require completion of the CMT exam. Eugene Vocational encourages those who desire this certification and those whose potential employers require this certification to seek certification under this program.
4. Do I need to be a good typist to be a medical transcriptionist?
If you have average typing skills and a desire to learn, then we will take care of the rest. Our keyboard kinetics module is designed to help you increase your typing speed and your accuracy, both of which are vital to the success of a medical transcriptionist.
5. What is the job market for a medical transcriptionist?
A well-qualified conscientious medical transcriptionist, according to all the latest information, has a secure future. There is a huge demand for such MTs in all areas of the country, although presumably some regions have a stronger demand than others. With national services hiring, location is not as crucial as it once was. While voice recognition systems are seen as a distant threat to the MT's vocation, experts are predicting that it will be years, if ever, before voice recognition takes over the MT's vocation. Even then, experienced MTs will be needed as editors and record managers.
6. How much can I earn as a medical transcriptionist?
Medical transcriptionists earn a good living. Most transcriptionists are paid on a production basis, so the more you type, the more you make. According to the 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the United States Department of Labor, the median annual salary of medical transcriptionists in 2008 was $30,060, with the middle 50% of transcriptionists making between $27,090 and $38,590 a year, plus benefits.
As of August 2009, Salary.com reports that the middle 50% of medical transcriptionists make between $33,163 and $40,705 a year, plus benefits.
7. Who do medical transcriptionists work for?
A transcriptionist can live in Podunk Valley, California, 100 miles from the nearest city, and work for a client at the other end of the country, in Boston or New York. That is happening more and more. MTs may work for medical facilities as employees in-house; they may work for transcription services in-house (actual employees) or at home (independent subcontractors or statutory employees).
Potential clients are doctor's offices, medical clinics, hospitals (of all shapes and sizes), rehab centers, ambulance services, company medical centers (some big companies have their own medical transcription departments), and transcription services, large and small.
There is also the option for a medical transcriptionist (MT) to acquire his or her own clients, in which case that MT is a self-employed entrepreneur.
8. How do I find work after I've finished the course?
As part of our Platinum Program, we offer assistance with finding employment. Upon a student's graduation, we will supply him/her with a list of names and numbers of possible employers. Because a person's employment potential is based upon their performance, we cannot guarantee employment. However, we do try to aid graduates in getting started in their employment. Our support network extends nationwide and has hundreds of contacts including services, clinics and hospitals. Once again, this option is for students enrolled in the Platinum program.
For all Eugene Vocational students, regardless of the enrollment option selected, you will be able to accurately transcribe medical reports. The course provides actual transcription experience, and the majority of our students throughout the country find employment upon graduation.
9. Can I start my own business after I finish the course?
Today much medical transcription is outsourced, that is, done by services or individuals outside of the medical facility where the patients are seen and treated. Although for many years transcription has been a job that could be done at home, with today's technology that is truer than ever. A transcriptionist can live in Podunk Valley, California, 100 miles from the nearest city, and work for a client at the other end of the country, in Boston or New York. That is happening more and more. MTs may work for medical facilities as employees in-house; they may work for transcription services in-house or at home. (You'd think these terms would mean about the same thing, but they don't. Isn't English fun?) They may work as employees for those services or as independent subcontractors or as statutory employees. (The IRS makes the rules, and while we can't go into detail about them here, any prospective MT needs to inform himself or herself regarding them. There are pros and cons for each category.) Or a qualified MT can hit the pavement (so to speak) and acquire his or her own clients, in which case that MT is a self-employed entrepreneur. (These have the potential to make the most money, but they also have the greater headaches generally.) Potential clients are doctor's offices, medical clinics, hospitals (of all shapes and sizes), rehab centers, ambulance services, company medical centers (some big companies have their own), and transcription services, large and small.
Traditionally transcription has been taken from dictation on cassette tapes (a step beyond dictabelts, which are REALLY old technology), standard, micro, or mini. These tapes are placed in a transcriber with a head set and foot pedal, and the MT types what is dictated. Much transcription is still done that way, but less and less as time goes on. A step above cassettes is the C-phone, still widely used. This is a phone set, also with headphones and a foot pedal, through which the MT accesses dictation in a central system and transcribes it. The system may belong to a transcription service or to a medical facility. The transcribed report is likely then sent over the modem or through the internet to the client or employer, where it is printed out or stored in the computer. Medical transcription is deadlines. Most reports have to be returned within 24 hours or less from the time of dictation. The latest technology enables the transcriptionist to receive dictation in audio files on the Internet, which are then transcribed and sent over the Internet to employer or medical facility. Obviously, the more comfortable a potential MT is with technology, the better.
10. What do I need to work from home?
To effectively work for most companies you will need a COMPUTER, but nothing fancy. Every computer on the market today is about 10 times more powerful than anything you need to do medical transcription. Essentially as a transcriptionist you will be word processing. If you can use a typewriter, you can use a computer for medical transcription, EVEN IF YOU HAVE NEVER TURNED ON A COMPUTER BEFORE. (However, the more familiar you are with computers, the more productive you will be and the more money you will make.)
You will need a good MEDICAL DICTIONARY. As a medical transcriptionist you will want to be able to find definitions as well as find words doctors might be saying. If you enroll in the course, you will receive a Medical Dictionary.
That's it!! As far as equipment goes there is not a huge investment, even if you want to set up your own business.
.11. What are the advantages of training with Eugene Vocational?
Eugene Vocational offers the convenience and flexibility of learning to be a medical transcriptionist at home. This means, of course, that students study when their busy schedules permit. The course is competency based. This means that the successful graduate acquires the skills and competencies to enter the job market, working at home or for a service, clinic or hospital. Also, in today's Internet world the student can learn in the electronic medium which will be used during employment.
One of the popular course options provides assistance in obtaining employment.
12. Is Eugene Vocational accredited?
Eugene Vocational IS REGISTERED UNDER THE UTAH POSTSECONDARY PROPRIETARY SCHOOL ACT (Title 13, Chapter 34, Utah Code).
Registration under the Utah Postsecondary Proprietary School Act does not mean that the State of Utah supervises, recommends, nor accredits the institution. It is the student's responsibility to determine whether credits, degrees, or certificates from the institution will transfer to other institutions or meet employers' training requirements. This can be done by calling the prospective school or employer.
Eugene Vocational satisfies all the conditions to operate legally in the State of Utah.
SUMMARY: Accreditation is a peer review process extensively used in education. Eugene Vocational has not sought to be accredited (1) because of the expense, (2) because its program is competency based, (3) because traditional approaches to training medical transcriptionists are often both accredited and inadequate, (4) because external reviewers are unlikely to offer suggestions for improving our program, and finally, (5) because there is no commonly shared definition of shared content nor a professional organization at present by means of which content codification could be engineered or by means of which students could transfer from one program to another.
13. Is Eugene Vocational AHDI (formerly AAMT) approved?
Yes. Eugene Vocational's Platinum-Level and Gold-Level Medical Transcription Training Programs are among only a handful of training programs approved by AHDI (The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity, formerly AAMT). AHDI approves programs that comply with established criteria for quality medical transcription education.
14. What type of student support does Eugene Vocational offer?
Our student services department exists to help students in whatever ways they might need help. We answer questions about the course, any problems or confusing issues students may have. We try to offer encouragement. We give suggestions and pointers on working effectively through the course and accept and pass on such suggestions and pointers other students may come up with. We grade the final exam and provide instruction for those who do not pass it in hopes that our input will help them pass it the next time. We monitor the forum and focus on the issues that students bring up there. We welcome calls, emails, and letters from students and try to be responsive to their concerns in a timely manner. We simply see ourselves as mentors, trainers, and supporters, here to address whatever needs the students may have relative to the course and to the goal of becoming working medical transcriptionists.
In addition, Platinum Level students receive a graduate packet containing an employment referral directory, a start-up contracting and pricing guide, and various brochures, such as information on speed typing programs. Our student support staff provides personal employment consultations, evaluations of sales letters and resumes, letters of reference, and a help hotline for the first six months of employment (or longer if need be). We at Eugene Vocational are frequently asked by employers and services for graduates, and we refer our students, Platinum Level first, to those who inquire.
Our goal is to provide training for those who wish to enter the field of medical transcription, as well as to do all we can to help them find employment when they complete the course.
15. How much practice transcription is included in the course?
There are more than 800 ACTUAL MEDICAL REPORTS which you will type as part of your Eugene Vocational training. The majority of these were dictated by REAL DOCTORS.
My goal in writing the course was simple: I wanted anyone who went through the materials conscientiously to BE ABLE TO DO MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION when they were finished, and hands-on experience is the most valuable tool available.
The whole program was developed by medical transcriptionists and other people who were successfully involved in the medical transcription industry. The Eugene Vocational training you receive is the most practical and comprehensive available anywhere.
16. How is the Eugene Vocational course structured?
The course consists of a series of exercises in subjects vital to medical transcription. Our online course integrates the curriculum with powerful online learning tools, including instant feedback & grading, spellcheckers & text comparison, electronic flashcards, plus much more!
For more information, please read a detailed description of the course structure.
17. How long does it take to finish the course?
The Eugene Vocational Medical Transcription training program is designed to be completed in 640 hours, or full time for a period of four (4) months. Extensions beyond the four month enrollment are available. Enroll today to use this 8 month extension voucher immediately!
18. Can I contact someone who has already taken the course ?
Eugene Vocational maintains a list of graduates who are willing to respond to phone or e-mail inquiries regarding the Eugene Vocational course and their experience in the work force. Contact and inquiries should be kept brief.
19. Do I have to follow the syllabus order?
The idea of an independent course is independence. The syllabus was designed merely to help you optimize your training. With the Eugene Vocational course you can work through the entire program TOTALLY AT YOUR OWN PACE! All the materials are self explanatory and follow a step-by-step process that guides your training.
20. How is the final exam administered?
When you have completed the Eugene Vocational course, you can schedule your exam using the scheduling tool directly inside the program. You will be emailed the web address of the exam. Students have a total of 48 hours in which to complete both the objective and transcription portions of the exam. You should schedule the final during a time when you have a two-day consecutive period. It should not take the whole two days to complete the exam; however, you may want the time to go over your answers before submitting the final for grading. Our counselors, human beings with medical transcription experience, will carefully evaluate your exam. You must achieve an 85% or higher in order to pass. If your score is less than 85%, you have two additional opportunities to take the exam. Upon successfully passing the exam with a score of 85% or more, you become a Eugene Vocational graduate, the goal for which you have worked so hard. Then it's onward and upward from there!
- Computer: To work from home, you must have a computer. The good news is that you don't require an expensive or fancy computer. Virtually anything you can buy on the market, new or used, will work. The foot pedal provided with the training will allow you to control your computer's audio without taking your fingers off the keyboard, which will allow you to be a more productive transcriptionist.
- Reference Materials: A comprehensive medical dictionary is a must for every transcriptionist. Auxiliary books can also be useful as needed. The Eugene Vocational course contains excellent medical/surgical, and medication lists containing over 45,000 terms for your continued reference as a medical transcriptionist.
- Supporting Software: To transcribe medical reports, any basic word processing program will fulfill your need. In addition to word processors, however, there exists certain software which will increase your productivity. A few of these software programs are: SmartType, FlashForward (Word Perfect), PRD, Quick Correct, or Auto Correct. These different software programs will increase your productivity by expanding abbreviations, allowing hot key assignments, and many other advantages.
Of course, as a transcriptionist working in a medical facility, you will not need any of your own equipment.
22. What payment options does Eugene Vocational offer?
Eugene Vocational accepts personal checks, cashiers checks, money orders, American Express, Discover, Visa and MasterCard for payments made under all payment plans.
Eugene Vocational offers three convenient payment options:
- Full Payment - receive 5% off when making your payment in full:
- Four Payments - Spread the cost over four months, at no extra charge. Automatic credit card billing is preferred. Your card is charged on the same day of the month as the enrollment date. For those with qualifying credit, you may choose the billing option and make your payments by the 25th of each month.
- Contact the Financial Aid to see if you can qualify for tuition assistance.
23. Can I get a discount if I share with someone?
Eugene Vocational offers a shared learning program for relatives living in the same household.
Each participant receives their own set of reference books. The footpedal is shared. A separate sign-on and password are provided to each student. Shared students must enroll together or within 60 days of primary students enrollment. Enrollment period ends when the primary student's enrollment has expired. Extensions are available to shared learning students.
24. What is your refund policy?
If, for any reason, a student withdraws within fourteen (14) days after the initial access to online program materials has been granted, his/her money shall be refunded IN FULL, less a $50 application fee and the nonrefundable shipping and handling fee, and the Enrollment Agreement shall be rescinded. Under this policy the student must return any and all program materials and supplies received from the school before receiving the refund. Dates regarding receipt of the program will be based on the date of email with password and login for the online program. The student must notify Eugene Vocational by telephone before the fourteenth (14th) day to receive a return code, and returned materials must be sent to Eugene Vocational at the student's expense, insured and tracked through the carrier. The student will be assessed a fee of $10.00 per book for minor damage or retail price of book ($8.00 to $95.00 per book) if materials are returned written in, damaged, or destroyed. Pack returned materials to prevent damage.
If, for any reason, a student withdraws after the initial fourteen (14) day review period, the cost of the program materials is nonrefundable. The portion of the program fee attributable to tuition is $100 for all programs. Tuition only is refundable up to sixty (60) days after the date of enrollment. Any Student withdrawing under these terms terminates his/her enrollment and his/her right to transfer the program materials.
25. How soon will I receive my materials?
It takes about 3-4 days to process the application, depending on method of payment (mail/phone). Once the payment is processed the course materials are shipped UPS ground. The average wait is about 7-10 days. Additional shipping charges apply and are due with your first payment.
Once the password is emailed, the student may start the course immediately.
26. What are the benefits of taking the Eugene Vocational Online Course?
Online learning offers a great opportunity to improve your computer skills and develop your medical transcription skills and knowledge faster. The course separates the materials into units and sessions, threading course topics throughout, while offering these unique features:
Pronunciation words - Thousands of medical terms are pronounced for you at the click of a button. Pronunciation words are available in alphabetical order using a pronunciation tool that is available on every page of the online program.
Automatic graders - Exercises and tests are graded for you. Test scores are stored in the gradebook for your review. Graders are precise, encouraging you to further develop your typing skills and attention to detail.
Modern Technology - The course uses the newest in transcription technology, allowing you to play and transcribe the practice reports directly on your computer using a transcription footpedal attached. Your computer becomes a transcriber.
Communications Center - The course includes its own forum for use by online students and a live chat room, giving you private tools to communicate with other online students and Eugene Vocational student counselors.
24 hour access - The course is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can study whenever you want to.
Flexible Study - Work through the units as outlined or use the library to review books or topic areas.
27. Can I upgrade to the Platinum program?
Eugene Vocational allows and encourages all students to upgrade to the Platinum program at anytime, providing that enrollment is current.
28. Which Norton Firewall settings need to change?
In order to complete our online course, the referring URL must be known. Norton Internet Security has a setting that will block referrer information from being sent to Web sites. This can be overridden for specific Web sites, however. To do this please follow the instructions below:
- Open Norton Personal Firewall
- Click the Options button
- Click the Advanced Options button found in the new window
- In the next window, click the "Web" tab
- If the Web site you wish to allow referrer information to be passed to is not listed, click the "Add Site" button at the bottom of the window
- Enter the Web address for the Web site you wish to have specific behavior for and click OK
- Make sure the new site is highlighted in the list, and click on it, if it is not
- On the right hand side of the window, please click the Privacy tab
- Place a check in the box that reads "Use these rules for "
- Under the Browsing Privacy section, you will see an item called "Referrer". Please choose Permit from the drop down list under that title
- Click OK
At this time referrer information will be transmitted to the specific Web site chosen.