I asked her how she does it. Here’s a transcript of our interview:

How Did You Become a Medical Transcriptionist?

Believe it or not, I never went to school for it. We have a junior college and university in town, but I just fell into it. A friend of mine was doing it, and I watched her do it once. I figured if she could do it, I could do it. Now, I guess I’m proof that I was right.

What Tools Do You Need to Be a Medical Transcriptionist?

All I use is my computer, a transcriber, and a printer. I bought the printer and transcriber second hand. And I have a couple of books, like medical dictionaries, to help me if I get confused about spelling or something.

How Much Can You Make as a Medical Transcriptionist?

It depends on who you work for, and how you charge. My friend started out doing pool work for a transcription company. So the doctors would pay the company, and the company would pay my friend. Then she figured out she could do it on her own, and she’s making more than double what she used to, even though she is doing less work. Me, I started out charging 14¢ per line of transcription. I’m a pretty fast typist, so it came out to a good deal. Then I listened to other transcriptionists who told me I should charge a flat rate. So now, I charge doctors a flat rate. So I get paid the same, no matter what. Some weeks, they might have 100 patients, but other weeks they might have 20 patients. And no matter what, I get paid the same amount.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to make money as a medical transcriptionist at home, and how to find doctors who need your services, vist the Medical Transcription Work From Home site.

Employees are free to create their own schedule, two weeks in advance, so you will have control over what hours you work.  At your scheduled time, you will log in, receive your assignments, transcribe them, and email them back to the clients.

Employees are paid 1/2 cent per word typed. Though that doesn’t sound like a lot, fast and accurate typists have been known to make over $15 per hour.

If your application is approved after you apply, you will be invited to take a few skills tests.  If those are passed, you will be asked to order your supplies (a dictation/transcription foot pedal), which cost about $75.

If you’re intersted in performing this online transcription job at home, please go to http://typist.youdictate.com/TypistNav/employment.htm