Online medical transcription schools offer transcription training completely online. This is a major advantage for people who already have jobs or attend school because it does not require additional time for commute to a site-based program. Convenience is a major advantage to people who have busy lives and simply don't have time attend class. Taking medical transcription classes online is also convenient for families who cannot afford daycare to attend school. Daycare costs are expensive and attending class from home can alleviate the financial burden of childcare. Books and equipment are usually sent by mail which is another great convenience.
Online Medical Transcription programs usually work with students for tuition payment. Depending on the program, tuition can range from $500 to over $4,000. Online schools realize that many people seeking careers in medical transcription are financially vulnerable. Payment plans are available for most medical transcription schools, including Penn Foster. Penn Foster requires a flexible down payment and allows potential students to determine the monthly payment amount. Other schools may require a percentage of the tuition be paid in several installments. When deciding on the best option make sure that you choose a program that will allow the time you need to complete payments. Most programs have cut off times when you will not be eligible for a full refund so don't make any commitments that you can't keep.
One of the greatest concerns when attending an online school is the ability to be competitive in the job market. Most online medical transcription schools offer great programs for learning the basics of medical transcription. However, it may be difficult to find a job after graduation, especially if you plan to work from home. Medical transcription is a high-demand field but it requires many hours of experience and practice. Most companies require at least two years of experience before you are able to work for them. People looking to work from home will most likely have to work at local hospitals or clinics to gain the required amount of experience needed for most jobs. Some medical transcription schools try to reduce this con by offering career services and job placement through their programs. These programs tend to be more expensive.