When I graduated from high school, girls were encouraged in one of two directions: secretarial school or nursing. I chose the secretarial path. For fourteen years I worked for Corporate America, successfully using my secretarial education in the business world. Although I enjoyed my job, passion was missing. After my third child was born, my priorities changed and I left the corporate marketplace. Almost immediately, previous coworkers looked to me as a possible caregiver for their children. I started with just a few children and found I enjoyed the work at home atmosphere and all it afforded me as a mom. Soon business was booming and I became a registered child care provider with New York State. I learned valuable skills as my own small business owner: income & expense reporting, customer service, time management, planning and executing a preschool curriculum. Now, after having high chairs, toys and cribs surround me for more than 20 years, it is time for a change. But what path to take was the question.
I have always been intrigued by medical terminology. I loved biology classes in school. A relative is in the medical profession, and I love to read through case histories and articles. I also really love numbers. I almost get giddy at tax time! This gave me two directions to consider. I dove right in and took a college course in Medical Terminology and another class in Human Biology. I excelled and enjoyed both classes tremendously. I have found my path. I noticed when watching TV, ads mentioning COPD , BPH – I now know what they are talking about! That excites me. Exactly what do to with my renewed passion was my next decision. I considered nursing as there is a shortage and jobs are abundant. However, although I enjoy the terminology part of biology, I was not a very good lab partner for dissection. I knew that if I could not dissect a frog, working on a cadaver and dissecting other animals was not going to work for me.
Working in a doctor’s office seems a good fit. However, after working for myself, at my own pace, for the past 15 years, having to get up and rushed out of the house in the morning to go to work isn’t as appealing. So I turned my research to medical transcription jobs. Medical transcription appeals to me for several reasons: First, my interest and excitement with biology and terminology. I find medical terminology interesting and believe I can learn a lot without becoming bored. Secondly I could do medical transcription at home and have the flexibility that affords me. I do enjoy volunteering in the local schools and working with the youth soccer program. Working at home would allow me to continue with those passions. Thirdly my secretarial and computer skills would be put to use and kept sharp. And finally, should I decide that the home environment no longer suits my needs/wishes, medical transcription is a field and skill that affords me the opportunity to seek employment outside of the home in a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital. SN:0MA9N2ESY
My research has shown that although electronic medical records is a growing field, it is expensive and not all professionals are ready to make that leap. The forecast for the job market remains encouraging for the next five to ten years. The move towards electronic medical records affords the possibility of job growth. With a background in medical transcription, my interest in accounting could also lead to opportunities with medical billing. There are several schools offering medical transcription degrees/certificates. So how to choose? As a mother, I do have responsibilities to my family. I cannot go to school full time and not bring in an income. I need to be available for my children’s’ appointments and commitments. On line or home study schooling seems to be a perfect fit. Many of the degree/certificate programs include classes on keyboarding, medical terminology, and human biology – all of which I have already completed on my own. I stumbled upon The Future MT website. It seems to be exactly what I have been looking for: Practical education and experience in the medical transcription field. My goal is to ease out of my child care responsibilities and into a career in medical transcription. Future MT Inc seems to be my vessel to make this a reality.