Frequently Asked Questions

What is a medical transcriptionist?

Medical transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and other healthcare professionals and transcribe them into medical reports, correspondence, and other administrative material. They generally listen to recordings on a headset, using a foot pedal to pause the recording when necessary, and key the text into a personal computer or word processor, editing as necessary for grammar and clarity.
(Source: US Department of Labor)

What do MTs typically earn?

Medical transcriptionists had median hourly earnings of $14.20 in 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $13.76 and $16.51. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.79 , and the highest 10 percent earned more than $19.65 . Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of medical transcriptionists in 2004 were as follows:

General medical and surgical hospitals	$14.36
Offices of physicians	13.95
Business support services	14.27

Independent contractors almost always receive production-based pay, and typically charge about 12¢ to 13¢ per Standardized Line
(Source: US Department of Labor)

Are the practical assignments/reports physician dictated?

Yes. All of our practice dictation is recorded by doctors in their customary environments to train the student's ear for real-work situations.

What is SmarTechnologies?

SmarTechnologies teaches through sight, sound and touch to improve productivity and accuracy for MTs. SmarTechnologies, which includes quick study guides and keyboard training, is included in our Advanced and Expert MT courses to will enhance your learning experience.

What is the Work Placement Program and how do I become eligible for it?

The Work Placement Program was developed to help MT students find jobs when they finish our Expert and Max courses. An overall average of 95% qualifies grads for the WPP. When this grade has been achieved, the VLC will put students in contact with participating MT companies, who have waived their usual two-year work experience requirement. Students then test with companies that have openings. Students who are enrolled in the Advanced course can upgrade to the Expert course for a fee and become eligible for the WPP. This also includes extra transcription practice.

WPP Benefits Summary

Helps qualified grads find jobs sooner
Qualified students can test for job placement with our participating MT companies upon graduation
Eliminates "pounding the pavement" and cold calling companies
Customary two-year work experience requirements waived
May include both full-time and part-time work

Plus, our Graduate Career Center offers many services, including one-on-one counseling, a "help hot line" and resume evaluations.

What employment opportunities do MTs have?

Qualified professionals can obtain positions with doctors in private practice, hospitals, clinics, labs, government agencies, insurance companies. The current trend is for medical transcriptionists to work from home on a contract basis for several different doctors or medical professionals in healthcare facilities. Anyone who graduates from our Medical Transcription course has the potential to earn a very lucrative income working part-time or full-time in this profession.

Do I need to be certified to start working as an MT?

No. When you have two years of experience as a medical transcriptionist, you will be eligible to apply to the American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT) to write their certification examination. You will become a CMT upon successful completion of this examination. The VLC offers a certification preparation module in the Expert Certificate course, which prepares students for this exam. (No online course offers certification; certification is only available through the AAMT).

Does the VLC follow the AAMT COMPRO?

The VLC curriculum is in accordance with all processes outlined in the American Association for Medical Transcription's (AAMT) Competency Profile for MT Education Programs (COMPRO) ensuring you receive the training and information you need to successfully transcribe for any reputable healthcare facility or transcription employment agency.

Will I be able to work at my own pace?

Yes. The unique modular format of the M.I.M.E. instruction method allows you to stop after each segment and start again at your leisure. It can be finished in 5 to 7 months, but since it is done at your own pace, your personal schedule governs your completion time. Most students take up to 12 months.

Will I have a teacher?

Yes, you will have an experienced instructor as your mentor and guide throughout the course. All required transcription exercises are marked by an instructor and, if necessary, discussed with students. Module tests are evaluated by an experienced, practicing medical transcriptionist. Instructors are available throughout the week to assist with any problems or concerns you may have by email, phone (9AM - 5PM EST) or through the VLC's forum.

Will my tests be graded?

Yes. All required transcription exercises are personally graded by an experienced medical transcriptionist and returned within two business days. All other tests are automatically marked and grades are forwarded to students immediately. Copies of the graded tests are also reviewed by an instructor.

Will I be able to retake tests?

Yes, after five days if you do not achieve a passing grade. This ensures you have enough time to review material. Your instructor will work with you to identify the problem areas, and help you succeed on future tests.

Is there a final exam?

Yes, once you have completed all required assignments a final exam is scheduled. You will receive 3 downloadable reports and have 24 hours to complete and submit them through our online system.

Can I start the course right away?

You can start your Medical Transcription course within minutes of registration. You don't need any materials to get started.

How long will it take me to complete the course?

The amount of time it takes to complete the course is dependent upon the time you are able to spend in study. Some students are able to complete the course in as little as five months. However, most students take one full year to finish their studies. The course is entirely self-directed; you may take as much time as you need.

Do you have payment plans available?

You can choose from a variety of payment plans, and even opt for "Tuition Only" if you want to buy previously used supplies from other sources, such as Amazon.com or our student message boards. In special cases, we will even customize a payment plan for you.

Do you offer financial assistance?

We offer our students financial assistance in a variety of ways: payment plan choices, zero-interest policy, tuition-only option, and even a customized payment schedule in specialized cases.

Will I need to purchase anything extra for the course?

If you choose a payment plan that includes materials, you will not need to buy anything extra, although some add-on materials are available from the VLC Book Store. If you opt to pay "Tuition Only", you can purchase supplies as you go along from Amazon.com (new or previously used), or check the message boards to see if graduates are offering them for sale.

Do you include a hardcopy of the course?

Hard Copies are optional on checkout on our courses.

When will I receive my materials?

Materials are shipped within 3 - 5 business days and typically arrive between 10 and 15 business days after shipment, depending on the location. Materials are divided into additional shipments with payment plans.

Why do you use a footpedal and not a transcriber?

Most MT companies now transfer dictation via the Internet and do not use cassette tapes any longer. With the use of a footpedal, transcriptionists can control the playing of the dictation from their computer. This method is much faster, as companies do not have to rely on postal or carrier services. Once you have completed the course, you can continue to use the footpedal when you are employed.

Do I need to be online to complete the course?

You will need to be online in order to complete each course module, unless you have received a hardcopy of the course. You must, however, be connected to the Internet to submit your completed tests and assignments.

What are the computer requirements?

To operate all equipment and software, your computer must meet these minimum requirements:

Platform:	IBM PC-compatible
O/S:	Windows 95/98/NT/2000/Me/XP/2003/Vista NOTE: Macintosh computers will work fine with our courses, as long as you can submit assignments (transcription course) in at least .doc or .rtf (Rich Text Format) formats. Some extra bonus software may not work however. ie. Smartype
Storage:	at least 5GB of free disk space required for uncompressing sound files in Express Scribe (transcription course)
	CD-ROM Drive
Port:	One USB Port, or one 15-pin Game Port for foot pedal (transcription course)
Software:	Microsoft Word 2000 or higher, which is required for submitting assignments (transcription course) and SpellMed dictionary

How long has the VLC been an online school?

For over ten years now, the VLC has offered learning opportunities in expanding fields. Hundreds of students have passed through our MT courses to become successful medical transcriptionists. Take a look at our student interviews and testimonials.

What is the future of the medical transcription industry?

The US Department of Labor forecasts the annual growth rate of the MT profession to be 21%-35% through 2012. This means a continuation of excellent job potential over the next eight years. Medical transcription is an ideal career for anyone with typing skills and an interest in healthcare.

What is your refund policy?

Students who withdraw from a course will receive a tuition refund based upon the applicable schedule listed below. Cancellation in writing must be received by Virtual Learning Center by 5:00 p.m Eastern Standard Time on the applicable day in order to be eligible for the refund. Upon written cancellation, the Virtual Learning Center will refund the appropriate percentage amounts of the total tuition payment less the initial registration fee. If materials have been shipped, all applicable Shipping and Handling Fees will be deducted from any refunds owing to the student. If the student's actual payments made are insufficient to cover the non-refundable portion of the tuition based on the refund schedule below, no refund shall be issued.

Refund Schedule

	Refundable Portion	Non-Refundable Portion
Within 48 hours of enrolling	100%	0%
Within 3 days of enrolling	80%	20%
Within 5 days of enrolling	50%	50%
Within 15 days of enrolling	30%	70%
Within 30 days of enrolling	20%	80%

There are no refunds after a period of 30 days from the date of enrollment. To obtain a refund for books and learning materials they must be sent in resalable condition to the Hamilton office within thirty (30) days of Notice of Cancellation. If books and materials are not returned within thirty (30) days, or are not in resalable condition, the School may retain the portion paid by the student and equal to the cost of the materials. Any tuition monies due to the student, shall be refunded within 30 days from receipt of the written notice.

Is the VLC a member of the Better Business Bureau?

Yes, the VLC is a member of the BBB with a satisfactory record.


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