Looking for a genuine work-at-home job without the usual scams?

Look no further than medical transcription.

The medical transcription industry has employed people at home for years.

While local clinics and hospitals often allow their employees to work from their home office, by far the biggest employers of home-based medical transcriptionists are medical transcription outsource companies.

These companies employee thousands of transcriptionists, based in their homes. The companies obtain the client hospitals and assign their transcriptionist employees to complete the transcription.

However, if you are just starting out in the profession, it may be difficult to get started with the large outsource companies. They typically require two years of experience.

One exception to that rule is that several of the companies are members of "Partners in Education" where students are assisted with education expenses and jobs following completion of course work. Some these companies include:

• Medquist
• Spheris

You can also go the traditional route of completing a medical transcription course. They are available in trade schools and also on-line. Be sure the course you take is reputable. One such company is Career Step.

Benefits to work-at-home transcriptionists include the usual benefits provided to in-house employees, plus often computer equipment is provided.

Are you suited for medical transcription? Some qualities you should have include:

• Good English language skills
• Computer skills
• Listening skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work unsupervised
• Ability to stay on task

Just like any other field, medical transcription has its annoyances and difficulties that can trip up aspiring transcriptionists. Among them are:

• Difficult-to-understand dictators, including foreign doctors
• Prolonged sitting
• Tedious clerical work

Be sure to take these things into consideration! The dream of working at home can quickly turn into a nightmare otherwise.