|
|
Share your thoughts about this on the forum!
If the program you select does not provide them, you will need to purchase a number of books. Equipment is often provided by your employer, but be prepared. Medical transcription is one of the few legitimate jobs where you may be required to rent equipment from your employer. You will have the option to purchase your own, of course, from any source you choose, but I prefer to rent, as it ensures that my equipment is compatible, and I have easy access to troubleshooting. However, I am currently on a Dictaphone system, and many companies are now using the Internet, so that the only equipment necessary is a foot pedal, which is far more affordable.
You will absolutely need a medical dictionary, current drug guide, medical abbreviation book, style book and anatomy text. Note the emphasis on current for the drug book. New drugs are coming out all the time, and you won't want to waste valuable transcription time looking up drugs online unless you have to. Anatomy, on the other hand, pretty much doesn't change, so buy it used. Your employer may have a preferred book of style, so you may decide to wait. The AAMT Book of Style for Medical Transcription is quite good, however.
In addition, I strongly recommend a medical phrase book, as well as books for any specialty you may transcribe in. The medical phrase book is one I have found to be invaluable. There are many times when I cannot quite understand what the doctor is saying, but catch a word, and figure out the rest by looking it up in the phrase book. Update your library as necessary and as possible. I do not suggest buying texts for specialties you do not currently transcribe in - wait until you need them.
I recommend getting books from companies such as Stedman or Dorland. The best drug book is the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR), but when you're just getting started that may be overkill. I use a Nursing Drug Guide, which is generally quite adequate. While you can supplement your library with online resources, you will need to be very careful, as the Internet is not necessarily the most reliable source of information. Be choosy about resources, and if you aren't certain, that's why you can put a deficiency in a report (something you'll learn about during your training).
Add to Your Social Bookmarks: 
Del.icio.us 
Digg 
Furl 
Reddit 
Simpy 
Spurl 
Y! MyWeb - Netscape
Site Map - Press Room - Disclaimer - Disclosure
Copyright © 2003-2008 Stephanie Foster unless otherwise indicated