Does anyone out there know of Employers that will hire people to work at home on their computers? I have a medical and secretarial background. I'm a stay-at-home mom and absolutely do not want to leave the care of my children to strangers, but our income could use a little boost. (I'm paying for my computer by donating plasma twice a week.) My husband works full time, but we are really struggling. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

-- Mother-of-four (SUPERGS63@AOL.COM), February 23, 2000

Answers

On an earlier thread it was mentioned that Medical Transcriptionists have pretty good jobs. As a matter of fact, I am investigating this at my local community college...think it takes 3 or so quarters with maybe 5 credits per quarter...not too overwhelming.

Since you already have two of the related skillsets, it should be an easier transition for you. You are probably already set up to network. Our local paper has ads that feature work at home as a benefit.

You didn't mention what region of the country you are in. I know markets vary a lot.

Good luck.

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), February 23, 2000.

While there are certainly legitimate newspaper ads for working at home, be leery of them and investigate them thoroughly before sending any money to them. You may even wits to contact your state attorney general's office to inquire about them. Like was pointed out, the medical transcription work does pay well, and our local newspaper is carrying such an ad currently. The ad is by a local medical group so should be legit. The problem with medical transcription is the having to learn all of the medical terms and words. Good luck.

-- greenbeanman (greenbeanman@ourtownusa.net), February 23, 2000.

The medical transcriptionist idea is a great one for you. There is definitely a need for them and you are probably already familiar with the terminology from your background. Don't be afraid to go after some of those wantads just because they are looking for someone to work in the office. Bring them a proposal to work at home part time. They may find that they like the idea and change their mind about having someone in the office. Get creative in your proposal. Right now it is a great market for people looking for work. I work in human resources and I know it is getting very tough to find good employees. Talk to your previous employers and see if they will provide you with reference/recommendation letters. Talk to the potential employer and see what their needs are and then tell them how you can help them meet those needs. Try not to think of yourself as an employee looking for work. Instead, meet them on terms that you are a service provider and they are a client. Come across as a professional and refer to them as clients in your conversations with them. Sell them on the idea. You have an excellent background to provide this kind of service. In today's employment world there are a lot more "free agents". It doesn't have to be the old employer/employee relationship. Just a thought.

-- Colleen (pyramidgreatdanes@erols.com), February 23, 2000.

Update on Medical Transcriptionist classes:

Where I am (Washington State) it's 45-46 credits...so it could be done in ~three 15 credit quarters. Summer can be distance learning or independent study at the college I am looking at, so for two more or less intense quarters one can get certified as a Medical Transcriptionist. I think it's about $526 per quarter for 15-18 credits, plus $100-200 for books (or cheaper if you find them used) per quarter.

Thought you might like to know. Working from home sounds better and better as gas prices go higher and higher! But the investment is considerable. As they say, your mileage may vary....

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), February 29, 2000.

Hi. Several people have suggested medical transcript. Before you go and take classes on this call your state office or local office about regulations on home businesses. I took a business class and I was told for my state you can't do medical transcription in your own home. You have to be employeed at the office you are seeking to do business with. Also it is a tough field, you have to think about how doctors talk, some don't talk very clear and when transcribing from a tape recording it might be hard to hear. Plus not all doctors have English as their first and main language. There are many that are from foreign countries so there will be ancents on their words. And last but not least, you are dealing with peoples medical files. There is no room for error with them. It could mean life and death for the patients. Go to your public library. There are many books out there that give ideas and tips on what to do. That is what I have been doing and I have gotten many good tips and things that I have been researching. That is another thing, research the area that you have a interest in or you are good at. You will find something but it may take some time and some money to get into it. Keep trying and don't give up, I'm not.

-- seeker at home as well (maewag@hotmail.com), April 25, 2000.

I am currently in the Medical Transcriptionist program. It is very time consuming, just FYI. In the Medical Terminology class alone, we have lost over a third of those who started this quarter (usually blow out over half, I understand). I spend 3 hours a day, *mimimum* on this class alone, and I have two other classes (a 10 key/business math class, and beginning Transcription).This is a light load at only 14 credits. Even in the beginning classes we are listening to foreign docs transcribe from their cars, while it's raining, with the radio on, while they have a cold!! We also have a tough Law and Ethics class to get through. I will take that this fall.

It isn't for everyone, but it is for some, and you are absolutely smart to check about your local laws. People will most likely have to work (when they find a job) in an office at least until they establish themselves. The pressure to turn the documents around within 24 hours is challenging, so you should be able to type >70 wpm anyway.

Just thought I would share back at you, and if I survive this, I'll let you know how the job search is next winter! We'll see....

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), April 25, 2000.