MT course - Wrong decision?

[tanumom]

Hi everyone,
I joined FTCC medonline in Feb 3. I took the speed typing test in the second module. My highest WPM was 35. I'm confused now if I have taken a wrong decision of enrolling in a course before knowing what I'm capable of. I have no prior transcription or typing experience. Is this ok for a beginner or should I drop the idea of transcribing??

[jodymt414]

Hi,

I am not sure if I would totally drop the idea, but keep practicing to increase your speed. After you get down all the grammar, etc., your speed is going to be a very important factor in making money. Just keep practicing is all I can say.

[Joline86]

I am not familiar with FTCC medonline but I have been looking into medical transcription courses as well and from everything I have been reading you should concentrate on learning the transcription part of it and your typing speed will increase with experience. You could also check out some sites that will teach you to increase your typing speed or invest in software if you want to go that route. One other tip that I read (not sure where) is that you should type everyday, even if it is just to record your thoughts for the day or what you did that day. HTH!

- Joline

[crouton]

Your first step needs to be learning how to type. If you don't want to drop the course and you really want to do it, you are committed to doing it, then buy something like Mavis Beacon or Typing Tutor and learn to type correctly. As you continue to build your typing skills, then type everything correctly - emails, message boards, letters, whatever you normally type on your computer. Include your typing lessons with your schooling. It is, of course, a major part of this work. Now, 35 WPM is not bad for a beginner. You will get faster with practice.

Now transcription, to me, is harder than just typing. When I'm typing an email or a letter to someone I'm typing my own words and thoughts. When I transcribe, I first have to hear what is being said, understand the context in which it is said, then type it on the screen. I also have to think about punctuation and grammar and formatting as well. It takes a lot of different skills, not just typing skills.

Whether or not to drop the course depends on you. Are you willing to put in the time to learn to type and build your speed? Are you willing to commit to the coursework? Are you willing to spend the money for the course? Are you willing to build other skills, such as listening skills? Only you can answer those questions for yourself.

[Sadie1Lady1]

I just wanted to say that Crouton hit the nail on the head. That is a totally excellent post. There is so much more to transcription than just typing.

Thank you Crouton for putting it all into words just how much is involved.

[luvzminis]

Just a suggestion, for what it's worth.
The MT job industry is not looking pretty right now. Many companies are outsourcing work to India and elsewhere, and even experienced MTs here in the states are short on work. Personally I would consider another job direction, though you may (a big "may") find something local. MT is overcrowded with applicants, and people are quite discouraged and disillusioned.
Take a look at the postings on MT Stars and see for yourself. Sorry to be so discouraging, but just a friendly heads up.

[SoccerMomx2]

When I first started doing transcription, my speed sucked. Just putting it mildly. But I stuck with it. Crouton is right in that post though. You have to have an ear for it, basically what Crouton said.

Don't get discouraged at all. Things will come.

[sandijv]

Don't be discouraged. I have been an MT for 2 years. My typing was mediocre at best when I started. There are a lot of shortcuts and tricks to learn in the trade. Things are slow right now, but I usually have plenty of work. The thing many transcriptionists seem to be the most surprised at is the time it takes, not to type, but to actually HEAR what is being said and the time looking stuff up. Good luck