BACK
| Within one
year, medical transcription as a career has suddenly shot into the limelight.
While many talk about it, few really seem to know what it entails, and
what the prospects are in this area.
This is what it's all about. Doctors in USA dictate into audio tapes the case histories of their patients. These tapes are sent to India where the Medical Transcriptionist (MT) hears the tapes and keys the data into a computer. The data files are then sent back to the US to maintain records, and for follow up. While at a glance this may look like a typist's or data entry operator's job, it involves more than that. The MT has to be a responsible person who understands medical terminology and can correctly transcribe the data, as human lives may depend on it. Presently, most of the transcription work comes from USA, but it is likely to spread to other countries soon, including India. Thus the work is likely to grow at a very fast pace, and those entering the field now will be the pioneers. ENTRY: Firms taking up medical transcription work either take in trainees or employ trained MTs. Lately, a few private schools have come up which provide training to become an MT. This is the first step to enter the field. Admission is given generally to science graduates, but those who have completed their 10+2 are also considered if they have a good understanding of English. At present, entry in this field is only at the lowest level, though one can specialise in a particular area of medicine such as radiology, surgery etc., so as to be in greater demand. The starting salary is usually around Rs 5,000 per month. There is opportunity for freelance or part-time work also. APTITUDE: To make a good MT, one should have a science (particularly biology) background, ability to type quickly on a computer keyboard, an ability to pick up medical terminology, good audio skills (be able to listen and grasp well, particularly English spoken with a foreign accent), creative thinking and a good understanding of English (though speaking is not required). The ability to work on the computer for long hours will stand you in good stead. THE FUTURE: After roughly two years' experience, an MT can apply for certification as a Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) and later as a Medical Language Specialists (MLS). These levels bring in higher remuneration. Capable candidates can move on to become supervisors, editors, trainers of MTs, and managers of the MT units. There are opportunities to go abroad also, and many other countries are likely to offer similar work in India due to our comparatively cheaper workforce.As mentioned earlier, this is a very new field, but with tremendous opportunities for enterprising persons to open up newer avenues. A youngster who started as an MT two years ago, and is now setting up her own training establishment, says proudly, ''I am happy that I did not trod the beaten path of doing a computer diploma. I feel proud that I am a pioneer in a new field, which is supplementing the medical profession.'' SOME ADDRESSES: Many private schools for training MTs are opening up: Akson Insititute of Medical Transcription, 2/3,
L R Complex, Bellary Road, Bangalore - 24, Ph- 3432310
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