A few words should be written about the state of the medical transcription industry today. The industry has gone from one offering virtually no training options a couple of decades ago, to one that has attracted an increasing number of participants - not all of which are reputable. To be fair, many of these training programs are well meaning. However, some are simply ill prepared to deliver a training experience that will yield a positive career outcome.

Remember - you can spend just as much time and money (and in many cases much, much more) on a second or third rate program as you can on a first rate program. In my experience, I have found that most people who select one of these lesser options do so for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Effectiveness of their marketing messages
2. Perceived low price of the program
3. Lack of available information regarding alternative training options

When evaluating any MT training program, consider what your ultimate goals are. Many people who express an interest in the MT career field have two primary goals:

1. To get a good job upon graduation
2. To work from home as a medical transcriptionist upon graduation

Both of these goals depend on the ability of the training program you choose to deliver a marketable education and to facilitate a number of positive post-graduation employment opportunities.

So when you consider the cost of a program that is fundamentally incapable of delivering on either of your goals, then what initially seemed like a great value can quickly turn out to be one of the most expensive and frustrating options imaginable.

Ultimately you should do your homework and ask the hard questions. Look at the evidence of how existing transcription employers view the training program you are considering. Look at whether the program is approved by AHDI. In the end, there are few decisions you will make that will ultimately prove to be more important to the success of your career.