Many ideas abound about what constitutes a good MT program. Some people feel that schools that advertise on TV showing a mother working at her computer while her children play quietly at her feet is an accurate portrayal of life of an MT. What is true and what is not true in regard to MT education is what this article shall attempt to cover.

What is AAMT and COMPRO?

The American Association of Medical Transcription (www.aamt.org) is professional organization that represents medical transcriptionists. The AAMT has developed a competency profile for medical transcription education (COMPRO). This profile outlines many of areas that a good solid MT program should cover. In brief, some of these areas include following: English language, medical knowledge, technology, healthcare documentation, and professional practice. Under each of these broad headings are very particular sets of competencies that an MT student must demonstrate to show they have mastered that area. The full COMPRO guidelines are listed on AAMT’s web site, and I highly suggest that all prospective MT students visit site and go over profile in detail.

Why Not a Less Expensive, Faster Program?

When you take time to research skills that a quality MT needs, it will become evident that a shorter, less comprehensive course of study isn’t going to give you what you need to succeed in workplace. Many prospective students who look into very inexpensive fast programs buy into idea that they can learn medical transcription quickly and then begin making good money right away. You may hear some people say that a comprehensive education is not necessary, and that you just type what you hear. This type of thinking is faulty because in medical language many words sound alike but have very different meanings. Please see example below:

EXERCISE: Say following words aloud. Say them slowly and then faster: Dysphagia (dis-phage-ee-a) - Difficulty swallowing. Dysphasia (dis-phas-ee-a) - Difficulty speaking. Dysplasia (dis-plas-ee-a) - Abnormality of development.

Ileum (il-ee-um) - The small intestine. Ilium (il-ee-um) - Hip bone.

It is clear to see that without a clear understanding of meaning of these sound-alike terms, and medical context in which these terms are dictated, it would be very easy to type in wrong word. Now consider consequences of an MT typing in wrong medication because it sounded like a different one. It is true that physician’s are supposed to read completed reports for accuracy before signing them. However, MT is main person responsible for proofreading reports. Unfortunately, reality is that many physician’s are very busy and rushed. Many times they sign reports that they read quickly. It is job of MT to make sure these reports are accurate.

What are Results of Poor School Choice?

It is a fact that even if graduates of subpar programs are able to pass an employment test and get hired they have a very hard time on job. This is because they lack a comprehensive understanding of medical language. Sure, they may know some basic anatomy and terminology; however, they lack a clear understanding of what is being said. How would this effect their potential income and job security? Well, MTs are paid based on production. In other words, most MTs are paid according to how much they are able to transcribe in a day. Most companies have minimum quotas for amount of work they want each MT to produce in a day. If a new MT has to stop and look up every other word because they do not understand context or content of dictation, they are not going to be able to meet company’s minimum quotas. This happens a lot to new MTs who are poorly trained. See a comparison of two new MTs and one experienced MT and their daily production :

MT ID #: Company required daily line count Daily pay @ .07 cents Of 1,200 lines per day: per line. NEW MT #1- 1,250 lines done for day. $ 87.50

NEW MT #2- 600 lines done for day. $ 42.00

MT #3 – 2,000 lines done for day $140.00 (Has experience)

Which of these MTs would you like to be? As you can clearly see, MT #2 is not making very good money. If both MT #1 and #2 worked same amount of hours that day, why difference in pay? Maybe MT #2 had to stop many, many times during day to look up simple medical words. MT #2 is not going to be very happy with her paycheck at end of day. Also, MT #2 is at risk of losing her job because she is FAR below company’s minimum production standard for day. However, it is possible that MT #2 feels that she got a great deal on her MT education because it cost under $1,000 and only took her 4 months to complete entire program. MT #3 has about a year and a half of experience and is clearly making good money. Most new MTs are hired and then put on a probation period where all of their reports are checked by an editor or quality assurance person. Most companies allow between 30-90 days for a new MT to get up to production standards in terms of production and quality. If new MTs work is not up to company standards by that time it is likely they will be let go. This happens every day to new MTs. Being serious about getting a thorough education will avoid this problem. Investing now in a good education will assure that you can start out in workplace ready to handle difficult dictation with ease.

Here is PASTA that is being suggested: P, prepare thoroughly; A, attitude adjustment; S, start interview off smartly; T, tips to be followed; and A, after-the-interview follow-up. These five steps can provide a level of preparation, comfort, and professionalism that should impress decision makers with your performance under pressure and to demonstrate your abilities and attributes in best light.

How does one prepare (P) for an interview? You would be surprised how many people do absolutely nothing or very little in this realm. However, this is one thing that you have completely in your control. Consider following tasks that can be done in order to be more prepared than your competition: anticipate a question as an opener about qualifications and background ; anticipate a closing that will allow for you to wrap up and review your qualifications; write out answers to anticipated questions; practice or rehearse how you will deliver those answers; re-read your application; and visualize how you will present yourself verbally and non-verbally. Spending time on this first step will give you confidence and practice that will help you relax, or at least curb some of nervousness during actual interview.

Attitude (A) or your overall demeanor is a dominant factor that will influence how interviewer or panel perceives you and your personality. It is important to be positive in all ways that you express yourself and to always be courteous to everyone with which you come into contact. It is a good thing to be mildly assertive, but not aggressive or arrogant. Show that you believe in yourself and know that you are being judged on your attitude, work ethic, intelligence and honesty. In establishing your positive attitude think about what employer wants in their employees, which will most likely include all or some of following: self starter, dependable, easy to work with, works well under pressure, manages time effectively, could handle a crisis situation successfully, could handle constructive criticism, and concentrates on needs of company over personal needs.