There are jobs where I socialize online?

People have enjoyed social media for years now and more even more people are getting connected. Aside from individuals connecting with each other, businesses and merchants have also found their way to social media sites giving people more access to information and the things that they need. They use social media not just to stay connected with each other, get information they require, buy the things they need, and share all kinds of data online (images, videos, articles and so much more) but also to ensure that they get exposure for their businesses. 

Some of the popular social media sites include Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and LinkedIn, but there are those who didn’t made it well in the industry such as Friendster and MySpace. Even so, there are still a lot of website wherein people sign up to stay connected which makes it clear that social media is now a part of our lives – especially now when almost everyone is online through their computers and even through mobile gadgets. 

Since businesses has went online and are making use of social media to expand to a bigger network and cater to all of their customer’s needs, careers are actually made out of it. Some of the titles in the industry include:

• Blogger
• Brand Ambassador
•  Brand Manager
• Community Manager
• Content Manager and Strategist
• Digital Communications Professional
• Digital Content Manager
• Digital Media Manager, Producer and Supervisor
• Director of Community
• Director, Communications Planning, Online Communications, Social Marketing and Brand Communications, Social Media Marketing
• Engagement Coordinator and Manager
• Interactive Media Associate, Coordinator, and Manager
• Internet Marketing Coordinator and Manager
• Manager Digital and Social Media
• Manager, Social Media
• Multi-Media Communications Specialist
• Online Content Coordinator
• Social Media Account Executive, Analyst, Assistant, Associate, Coordinator, Designer, Editor, Executive, Marketing Coordinator, Manager, Producer, Specialist and Strategist

Most of the careers related to social media include creating strategies for the online profile of the business they are handling and the way they reach and connect to the people online. Having ads on social media sites or posting items and services is just one thing they may do but they also ensure that a healthy consumer-business relationship remains. They use a number of social media tools to help them get the data they need and be able to make tactics, provide strategies, and target the right market for the business they handle. Some jobs in the industry may even require the professional to create content they will use in marketing their business or getting their pages viral – content may include articles, videos, images, resources, marketing promo such as discounts and many more. 

To trend in social media sites or to get people talk about you, share your links, and like your posts, can help strengthen your brand and even reach more people or possible customers. Jobs in this industry may require people to be good in analysis of data, marketing and good communications skills. 

More people are going logging on to the Internet and soon, online social demands will increase and this will definitely create more jobs and opportunities online.

Resources:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/carriekerpen/2013/07/25/is-social-media-a-career/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media

http://www.meditec.com/blog/social-media-for-career/ 

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Few benefits of going online

The Internet has been around for quite some time now but only a few people are seeing the benefits and are actually enjoying it. Not everyone is online because not all has access to it and not all who do have access are online. Some people see a lot of disadvantages with going online but to those who are willing to use it, below are a few benefits of going online.

Access to information – by the use of your preferred website or search engine, you can have access to millions of information about pretty much everything online. Be careful with some of the details you read online though as some may be inaccurate or are just based on personal opinion on the matter. You can even access episodes for the drama series you missed to watch via the Internet. Other things you can include: research, shopping, bank transactions, hotel research and reservations, plane schedule and booking, and so much more.

Not time consuming – because you have access to a lot of things via the click of your mouse and a few types on your keyboard, you can save a lot of time. Compared to before when you would have to drive up to the mall or fall in line for the bank, with online transactions, you can forget about all of those hassles and finish your transactions easily.

Connectivity – with online social networks and instant messaging platforms (most are free), you can stay connected with your friends and family, even those who are in different places or in different countries. You can even stay updated with what’s happening to your friends if they give you access to their profiles – you can see their updates, where they have been, the pictures they took, and more.

Flexibility – before, you would need a computer and a LAN connection to get to the Internet but nowadays, you would only need a smartphone to stay online and access the things you need.

Free resources – by joining forums or social networks for groups for professionals same as that of your field, you can get free advice and free resources. There are a lot of friendly people online who are willing to share their knowledge and the places where you could get things that you need such as school or study materials.

Money saver – because you wouldn’t have to go out far from your computer or cellphone anymore, you wouldn’t have to spend money on gas or on the bus and the parking lot when going to the mall or the library or anywhere you need to be to get the things that you need. A lot of things for sale online can also come at a cheaper price especially those coming from sellers that lists used items. No need to get to specific places that offers specific products as you would only need to wait for the delivery when you order them online.

The Internet is of course the same as many other things, there are also disadvantages when you use it for the wrong reasons. So whilst you are enjoying the benefits of going online, you should also practice responsible browsing.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet
http://www.cyberethics.info/cyethics1/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=186&Itemid=83&lang=en
http://www.meditec.com/online-training-course/

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Advises from professionals you might have to think twice about

During our path to success in our professional lives, we learn a lot from our mistakes and we get a lot of tips and advices from professionals we work with. Although we work with experienced colleagues and successful professionals, it doesn’t mean that we have to listen and follow all of the tips they give us about our career paths. 

It doesn’t mean that you don’t trust whoever gave that advice but you have to take it with a grain of salt as it may work well for the others but it may end up holding you back if you do it. Below is a couple more advice you should analyse first before considering:

Only go for your dream job – usually given to newly graduates and people searching for a new position. People would mostly tell them that they can be anyone they want to be as long as they work hard and persevere. Of course that is true but the part about ONLY going for their dream job is a little bit unclear. You have to open up your options and properly plan your way in getting a position you want. Newly graduates should have considered openings that will target their skills and they should research about the company well. The perfect jobs maybe with the other company but you never know what kind of opportunities will pass you by if you ignore them or if you wait for that company to hire you. Make the most of what you have and learn to be the best employee first before aiming for the best position. Doing the things you love or doing your passion is one of the things that can make you happy in a job but it doesn’t always happen in an instant as it may include trying new things out (even including new employers), training and learning to be good in your passion, getting more responsibilities in your job, and it may even include you being unhappy and too tired sometimes. 

Loyalty to the company can get you more benefits – although it is quite true and it may even help you in your resume as it will signal other employers that you are loyal and stable, staying in a position only for that very reason may again make you miss a lot more opportunities and may even make you more miserable. Do not however practice the opposite which is staying with a company only for a couple of months then moving on to another as they have other better benefits as this will only make you look like a job jumper. If during your stay with the company after a year or two you have found another opportunity that you think is something that you can do and something that can help you better, don’t be afraid to take the chance but study and plan it well.

You can reach the same position as mine in the same number of years I got it – people will tell you how long it took them before they became managers or business owners etc., but it doesn’t mean you have to wait that long too or wait for other people ahead in line of you before you get to where they are at now. Workers may have the same level at some point but it doesn’t mean that they have the same output. Somebody who has been working in the company for 3 years doesn’t mean he is more qualified for a top position versus someone who has only been there for a year. If you work hard, of course, you will surely get benefits including the right recognition and promotion. Of course sometimes working hard is not enough as other people in your company is busy to notice what you have done so be sure to keep track of all your achievement and when the right time comes, mention all of them – probably during your annual review if you have it. 

Resources: 

http://www.meditec.com/blog/

http://www.bls.gov/

http://www.livecareer.com/career-tips/career-advice 

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Do you think medical transcription industry is dying?

Having monitored the Bureau of Labor Statistics website for quite some time, we’re excited to see some rosy updates on the job outlook for medical transcriptionists. According to recent BLS data, job outlook for the industry is now as fast as the average for all industries at 8 percent (back then it was “slower than average”). 2012 data also shows that 84,100 jobs have been added to the industry so far. Also, the salary is now averaging $16.36 (as far as I remember, it was around $11 or $13 in 2010). 

As medical transcription advocates, the Meditec team strongly believes that Medical transcription will be a growing industry, considering that the demand for healthcare services remains on an upward trend. We can expect more of our local hospitals and clinics to become busier as the baby boomer population ages. However, with stricter controls on protecting and sharing patient information being enforced through HIPAA, some insiders were saying that this will somehow affect the amount of work medical transcriptionists will handle. And as we all know, a huge chunk of medical transcription work here in the U.S. are being outsourced to India, and Southeast Asian countries.

What about you? Have you been affected by the HIPAA? Is the market becoming more competitive for you or did you have a hard time finding medical transcription jobs in the past months or year? Do you find yourself and your colleagues a dying breed? Hope we can take a minute of your time to answer our poll this week.  

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Some Efficiency Tips So You Could Earn More in Transcription

Medical transcription is one of the fastest growing career fields not just in the U.S. but all over the world.  It’s one of the most common portably career for housewives and former employees of medical institutions, mainly because it allows people to work at their convenience and in the comfort of their own home. 

So you just got your medical transcriptionist certificate and are still probably getting the hang of your job. Worry not, because you can always get better at your job sooner than you think. Here are a few tips on how you could speed up things a bit:

1. Know your vocabulary. Your training includes over 40 hours of studying pharmaceutical, surgical, gynecology and other groups of medical terms. Learn them by heard—have them for breakfast, snacks and dinner and you’ll get to memorize them eventually. Better yet—do not just memorize them but understand how the terms are being used in context.

2. Know the keyboard shortcuts. Practice using your PC’s keyboard (Microsoft) shortcuts as early as now to help you save time in opening applications, switching between tabs, or typing and editing your documents. Or you can assign your own shortcuts to your keyboard. (It’s all about you, baby!

3. Optimize your system. Make sure you’re Operating System or your apps are in good condition, meaning, are free of bugs or do not lag. You can also install a PC optimizer that keeps your PC error free. CNET.com has an extensive library of applications that can help improve your PC’s performance so that it won’t interrupt your work and enhance your productivity. Make sure your PC is also free from Malware or any viruses.

4. Take a break. Try productivity techniques like the Pomodoro, which will have you taking breaks with increasing duration every 20 to 30 minutes. Or just take a break when possible. According to an article published on the New York Times, taking a short walk, stretching, or just a few minutes of daydreaming can help you recharge your creativity and mental faculties. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a very informative page about taking breaks—you should check it out.

Working faster and better is no rocket science: All you need are the right kind of resources to do the job.

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Distinguishing a Leader from a Manager

Leading people is hard, so managing people is probably the least all newly promoted employee/supervisors can do. It’s a given for any leader to start managing employees first: making sure everyone’s crossing out things on their to-do list, hitting their goals, and taking their breaks at the right time. Crossing that bridge, however, is something that not a lot of managers can do.

However, by dissecting what the real experts have to say about leadership and management, maybe we can learn a thing or two about what really makes a leader and draw the line between leaders and managers. Utilizing research from the Economic Times and the Wall Street Journal, we list the qualities that define a leader and a manager according to three leading management consultants in the country:

A manager is all about keeping tabs on employees. Management consultant and author Peter Drucker once wrote that the job of managers “is to maintain control over people by helping them develop their own assets.” It’s a pretty deodorized statement if you ask us, but its implications are clear: being a manager is all about control. Managers had to stick to the plan and the status quo. They are also more about executing upper management’s orders and plans and keep the whole team’s goal aligned with the company goal. 

A leader has the courage to stand up to management. UniversityNow founder and CEO Gene Wade says a leader focuses more on what the tasks are and why they should be done, while the manager is more focused on how the task will be accomplished and when it will be done. Wade says that to get the answers to “what and “why,” the person in charge should be able to determine the root causes of these things, which sometimes involve questioning the decisions of superiors.  "This means that they're able to stand up to upper management when they think something else needs to be done for the company," Wade told the Economic Times.

A leader inspires growth and all the good things in his or her employees; a manager focuses on the system. Warren Bennis wrote in his 1989 book “On Becoming a Leader” that a leader innovates, while a manager administers existing rules. He also said that a leader maintains (again, it’s all about having control), while the leader develops each and every one’s potential. The manager focuses on impacting the bottom line, while the leader is open to changes and possibilities.

Sources:
http://www.businessinsider.com/3-things-that-separate-leaders-from-managers-2012-9
http://www.meditec.com/blog/
http://guides.wsj.com/management/developing-a-leadership-style/what-is-the-difference-between-management-and-leadership/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-04-13/news/38511352_1_leader-manager-gene-wade

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Online job application tips

People now have more ways to be aware of job listings and send their applications. It used to be only via newspapers listings, job fairs, and radio or TV advertisements and through referrals on how people would know of which companies have openings, and of course “walking in”. People would then have to send their hard copies of their resumes via mail, by the referrer or by bringing it personally. Those still work in finding and applying for a job but nowadays, people do it online.

There are now a lot of online job listings you can visit such as theLadders, Glassdoor, and so much more out there (some are specific depending on which country you are in. Creating an account with them includes the creation of your profile which is the same as resume and you can add keywords or the industries you are interested in and you can get notified when there are openings for positions relevant to those you included in your profile. Searching for jobs are also easy with those job listing sites as most of them allows you to choose the fields – including the industry, the position and even the salary range where you want to be.

Aside from online job listings and applications, students can even train online nowadays. Sites such as Meditec or 360training provides career training programs for different industries and interests and they also provide grants and financing even for military personnel or spouses. Although it is easier now to train and find a job via online websites, here are a couple more tips to help you in applying for jobs online.

1. Create your online profile professionally – this is not just limited to the profile you have on the job listing site you are going to be using but you should also have a good LinkedIn profile and you should clean up your social media profile (Google+, Twitter, or Face book) as some employers checks out applicants social media profile as well.
2. Submit one profile per company – yes you may take advantage of several job listing sites and have multiple profiles with them but only submit one profile. You don’t want the recruiters to be confused and if there are multiple teams in their department, you wouldn’t want to be contacted twice or thrice. Submitting multiple applications via different sites will not increase your chances of getting hired – one application is enough.
3. Take advantage of technology but always double check – you can take advantage of things like spell and grammar checker when creating your profile and answering online application forms but make sure that you double check everything. You wouldn’t want an employer to see an application form with too many errors as it may end up being neglected and since most employers keep a record of applicant’s data, a possible job or partnership in the future with that same company may become unclear because of the past data you have with them.
4. Always research and be informed – especially for newly grads, finding openings for a position you desire does not mean you should immediately submit your resume. You should take time to research about the position and study the company or organization. Always understand the job description and make sure that you can actually deliver what is being asked of the applicant. Before sending your application form, review your CV and be sure that what you have matches what they are searching for.
5. Be prepared – always have a soft copy of a letter head and resume as aside from the application form and the online profile, most employers will ask for a soft copy of those files. Aside from that, most applicants are contacted through via phone call so always be prepared for the phone interview – answer their questions correctly and honestly and ask questions especially when an actual interview is requested.
6. Always review your application form – don’t just send a blast of application forms to different employers. Each application should be customized in a way that you answer all the questions they ask and that you provide all the details that can show them that you are the right one for the job. Of course, before sending the application out, review what you have written in the form for any mistakes or any fields you missed to fill out.

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Salary Negotiations

Applicants don’t just prepare for the tough questions such as “what’s your weakness and strengths”, “why should we hire you”, “why are you leaving your present company” and many more but they also prepare for the job offer and specially the salary negotiations.

Job offers and salary negotiations are probably my favorite part of a job interview as it means you are being welcomed to the company but there is just one issue on how much they will be paying you. Salary negotiations can get quite tricky for some applicants so we have prepared a couple of tips for them.

1.    Always do your homework – some companies post job listings that include the “salary” for the open position so before applying for a job, be sure that you have checked if they have a primary offer. Aside from that, be sure to research about the “benchmark” pay for the position you are applying for – this includes average salaries of the same position a. with other companies, b. in your location and c. your level of experience and education. Salary negotiations will happen so come prepared as you wouldn’t want to be off guard which can make you either get very low salary or not get the job at all because of the lack of information regarding the industry.

2.    Don’t always say yes – it’s a negotiation so you don’t always have to say yes especially for just the first offer. You have to prove to them why you need to earn a specific number and why you are worth that much. Don’t be afraid to ask for a number or a range especially if this is the actual salary that you need (to pay for day over day expense, save money, transportation, etc.)

3.    Be realistic – one of the things you should not do is to lie about your past salary history to get more offer. Although companies do not verify the your salary history with your past employers, they have the capability to judge and measure how much a certain company is paying for certain positions and the specific tasks they do. Another thing you should know is that you should be realistic about the salary if you are going to give them a range. Do not give them a range wherein the lowest range is something that is unacceptable to you – do not be surprised if you are offered the lowest range because you declared that it is something that you can accept.

4.    Check other benefits – you have to be aware of the other benefits they provide the company as salary is just one of them. You have to consider factors such as healthcare, retirement plan, performance pay, increases, and others. You wouldn’t want a job that pays well but has no good benefit and will just make you end up working in a miserable place.

Relevant resources:
http://www.meditec.com/blog/riddle-me-this-interview-questions-you-should-know-about/
http://career-advice.monster.com/salary-benefits/negotiation-tips/job-offer-evaluation-checklist/article.aspx
http://www.wikihow.com/Switch-Careers

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2014 Career missteps to avoid

Times have definitely changed – technology has improved so much that it has been making our lives extra comfortable and accessible. Career wise, there are also a lot of changes. There are now more “new” careers, businesses are growing and companies are getting bigger. Professionals that have made it big in their industries know the ins and outs of the game and they also know that there are certain mistakes to avoid.

You may have read about career missteps to avoid before (such as quitting your job without a plan, take a job you don’t like, take too much risk like invest money you don’t have, etc.), but check out the list of new missteps to avoid below:

Not understanding the possible consequences of online presence – sure it’s fun to share images, videos and your thoughts online but if you do not set your privacy settings right and you went on with an irresponsible tirade about your company or someone you work with, or if you shared a video of you out partying when you have called in sick that same day, well, that may back fire on you. Websites such as Linkedin is like your online resume and once you are in a network, some of your updates may be sent to those connected to you and if you disclose some confidential matters in your profile or if you keep on sending signals (about maybe quitting your job), your employers can find that easily and you can even get the boot for it.

Some people like to do "selfies" but some people likes to record or take images or other people – you can’t stop people from having fun in and especially out of the office with their other colleagues and there are things that you cannot really stop (even with policies and guidelines) such as office romance, drunk employees at office events/parties: and with a lot of people owning a Smartphone nowadays, it won’t be long before an image or a video of you can go viral online and be something that can hunt you for a long time.

Not recognizing culture and diversity in the workplace – companies and businesses grows and as they expand, they will hire people from different culture, race, age, gender, religious, etc. section. Some of the missteps that even contribute to the failure of the whole organization is not valuing diversity in the workplace. Poor workplace diversity management can lead to conflicts, miscommunication, delays, and even lawsuits. 

Resources:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2012/01/19/the-worst-career-blunder-you-can-make/
http://www.tlnt.com/2013/04/08/hiring-wisdom-top-10-ways-to-guarantee-your-best-people-will-quit/
http://www.meditec.com/blog/career-mistakes-to-learn-from/

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What is 1-BP and How Does it Affect Your Health?

1-BP, or 1-bromapopane is a type of solvent used for a number or commercial and industrial products such as dry cleaning products, degreasing solutions, adhesive sprays and aerosol sprays, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  

Health Consequences of Occupational Exposure to 1-BP

Long-term occupational exposure to 1-B can cause irritation of the eyes, mucus membranes, airways, and skin. It also affects the nervous system and causes a person to experience headaches, dizziness, confusion, and numbness of extremities. According to the National Institute of Health, National Toxicology Program studies reveal that 1-BP could be a possible human carcinogenic. 

What about PELs?

The higher the concentration of 1-BP in the air and the longer workers get exposed to it, the more severe the health consequences are. Unfortunately, OSHA does not have an established permissible exposure limit (PEL) for 1-BP exposure. The agency, however, recognizes the shortcomings of its dated PELs (or lack thereof) and prescribes recommended PELs that regional OSHAs and organizations like the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) are observing to employers. 

How Can Exposure to 1-BP be Prevented?

Occupational exposure to 1-BP can be regulated through elimination or substitution, by implementing engineering and administrative controls and through the use of personal protective equipment, according to OSHA’s Hazard Alert. 

Eliminating the hazard or substituting it with a lesser toxic material can effectively reduce workers’ occupational exposure to it. An example of hazard substitution is replacing 1-BP based adhesives with water-based or acetone-based ones. 

Engineering controls involve reducing the contaminant through isolation (i.e. isolating machines that use 1-BP from work areas), ventilation (i.e. using exhausts), and conducting regular machine inspections. 

Administrative controls, on the other hand, are implemented work policies that employees have to observe to keep themselves from getting exposed to 1-BP. Controls include reducing the length of time workers are exposed to 1-BP; keeping 1-BP containers sealed at all times; and shortening drying periods during dry cleaning operations. 

Finally, the use of personal protective equipment as a first line of defense against occupational exposure, or at a time when administrative or engineering controls are still being set up or designed is also an effective means of reducing occupational exposure to 1-BP. PPEs include NIOSH-approved air-purifying respirators, which are compliant of the requirements of the 29 CFR 1910.134; and the use of protective clothing to completely prevent or limit contact with 1-BP. (As mentioned earlier, 1-BP can also be absorbed by the body through the skin.)

Recognizing the hazards of 1-BP and the proper usage of personal protective equipment is one of the topics covered by an OSHA 30 course. Make sure you get your training prior to entering the worksite.

           

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Meditec Wants You to Share the Love this February

There’s always a way and reason to celebrate Valentine’s Day. No, we’re not talking about buying your significant other a rose, card or iPad. And no, we’re definitely not taking her (or him) out for a candlelight dinner or out in the wild (whatever floats your boat). We’re talking about stripping down to your undies for a good cause! So drop those paperworks on your desk, forget about hitting the numbers, and have some fun (we know Valentine’s Day falls on a workday); join Cupid’s Undie Run for the Children’s Tumor Foundation and celebrate Valentine’s Day differently for a change. 

We’ll also be supporting the cause by donating 10 percent of our sales to the foundation. And as a means of expressing our love and thanks, we will also be taking 10 percent off our courses for students who will be enrolling in our courses from here on to March 15, 2014. If you’re availing one of our courses, then just key in CUPID 2014 for the promo code before checking your cart out. We’ll honor your ten percent discount when we process your payment.

The Cupid’s Undie Run has raised over $1.3 million in donations in 2013. This year’s goal is $3 million.

Make a difference and support a good cause this coming love month! Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Meditec!

Meditec's with Cupid! - 360training

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Interview tips for work at home professionals

If you haven’t tried it before or known about it before, yes people are getting interviewed in a lot of other ways nowadays. There used to be only a phone interview (which is mostly an invitation for an actual interview at the office) and the interview at a specific place (usually office) but nowadays, people are getting interviewed via Skype or online video chats – basically it’s what they call as virtual interviews.

This is also common to work at home professionals and especially for companies that outsource some of their services and needs. Below are some tips and advice for applicants who would undergo virtual interviews:

1.Always be on time. Treat your interview as an actual interview and be sure that you show up or connect with them on time. You have to ensure that all the tools you need (computer, internet connection, medium of communication such as Skype, is readily available). You can’t use excuses such as poor connectivity for your being late as the interviewers will then know that you don’t have the right tools to work for them – especially for companies involved in a lot of online activities.

2.Dress accordingly. Even if you think that they don’t see the lower part of your body since you are sited, be sure to wear pants and shoes as you never know if they are going to ask you to stand up. Dressing accordingly is one thing but having a good environment is another. Be sure to have a clean and organized workstation and be in a quiet environment. Show them that even when you are working at home, you have your own work station that is free of distractions and is organized.

3.Have a soft copy of your resume on standby. Some employers will still ask you a copy of your CV during your interview so be sure to have one ready for sending.

4.Show you are focused. Don’t look at your surroundings and don’t look at your own image on the computer, focus on your camera.  You can turn off or hide your own image as some people tend to get distracted by their own image.

5.Be sure you are being received 5x5. Although some applications or software allows you to test your system (microphone, speakers, etc.), you should still ask upfront if your interviewer can get you clearly. In case they don’t you can make necessary adjustments to avoid miscommunication.

Treat your virtual interview like those that you get when you go to their offices. Always show professionalism and show them not just your skills and capabilities but also your value and what you can bring in for their company.

Resources:
http://www.meditec.com/blog/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_Home_Guide
http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2011/ted_20110624.htm

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Career tips for 2014

It’s a new year and as many people would look at it, it’s a fresh year for changes and opportunities. Planning the year for career success is one of the biggest challenges to some people (some don’t even have career plans), but if you do it right, you will definitely find success. Here are tips we can share to help you with your journey to success for 2014:

Review and Plan

There may have been a lot of things that you were not happy with for last year but you can’t just think that what happened has passed. You need to consider all of the things that happened in the past and make goals on how you can make things better – don’t just think about the “what could have been” or “what ifs” but learn from what happened to help you make better decisions if similar situations ever happen again. Keep in mind that setting up your goals for this New Year is not a onetime deal, it may change from time to time and more goals (no matter how small or big) maybe added to the plan. Your goals will help you determine your targets, the things you need to do and what can make you happy or satisfied – from having a target number for how much you want to save to certain destinations you would like to visit.

Don’t lose focus

Some people make New Year resolutions and the same as in planning your career, distractions will come along the way. Take the time to measure your achievements, success and failures with your goals and re-assess if there are things that you need to do differently. Never forget the reasons why you set those goals and what you would like to achieve with them.

Manage your time well

One of the blockers some people say for doing the things that they would want to do is the lack of time. Time management is one of the keys in achieving your goal. Be sure to plan out the things you want to achieve and set a realistic timeline for it. Lastly, when you have your time management and schedule, be sure to follow it 100% because if you don’t stick to it, you will end up just planning without accomplishing anything – don’t be the “there is always tomorrow for it” guy.

Balance your life

Although it is important to work hard and be focused on your career, it’s equally important too that you balance your life (especially if you already have a family of your own). If you focus too much on work you might end up stressing yourself. You should also include in your goals that things that makes you happy – have the time for your family and friends and from time to time, don’t forget to reward yourself even with the smallest things such as going to the spa, getting a massage or eating foods that you love. One of the things that you should not ignore and should be monitored is your health. Working too hard, drinking too much coffee, stress, sleepless night, unhealthy fast food - will sooner or later, take a toll on your health.

Suggested relevant reads:

1. http://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2013/12/23/10-tips-to-get-your-career-in-high-gear-for-2014/
2. http://www.meditec.com/blog/
3. http://theweek.com/article/index/254679/6-smart-ways-to-catapult-your-career-in-2014

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Finding Entry Level MT Jobs

Some people don’t even know that there is a “medical transcription” (MT) job and to those who have heard about this career and the opportunities the industry offers, here are some great tips in finding your first MT job.

Choose the right training program – you would need to take up training before you can start a medical transcription career. You should take advantage of training providers that also offers “internships” or “placement assistance” for students that performed very well during the training. Being able to be an intern with their partners can help you show the company that you have what it takes to be a part of their team. If you cannot find any training provider that offers this, you should look for a school that has a high percentage of graduates that are placed and successful with MT companies.

Add experience to your resume – if you like charities and helping people, once you have finished your medical transcription training, you can look for healthcare facilities that accept volunteers. You can do this for 6 months to a year and add it to your resume to show employers that you have experience and have been successful in working in the industry.

• Aside from having the experience in the field you must also ensure that you prepare your resume exceptionally. Be sure to mention your accomplishments and skills but don’t focus too much on your qualification but instead, show your worth (mentioned how much you have helped the company you have experience with and not just the things you did there –e.g. improved productivity by 20%, etc.).

Be connected – be sure to be connected online with job listing websites and have your profile with them so you can easily submit your application. For work from home MTs, most companies will look for years of experience coming for the MT – they don’t usually hire newly trained transcriptionists.

• You can also connect with a recruiter or a job placement professional to help you get an interview.
• Join blogs, forums and discussion sites with medical transcriptionists. One of your best resources are going to be actual MT professionals since they know the best resources for the industry. You can easily find groups and people on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Connect directly with facilities providing or needing MT services – contact or visit hospitals, services provider companies or doctors/physicians office and send them your resume or business card and don’t forget to include your cover letter especially for future job openings.

Resources:
http://www.squidoo.com/where-to-find-healthcare-jobs
http://www.meditec.com/medical-transcription-training/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Medical-transcriptionists.htm

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Medical Transcription Services Market to Grow to $60 Million in the Next Six Years

Medical transcription is regaining its status as a hot market for job seekers as evidenced by a recent Transparency Market Research report. According to the SB Wire press release of the research company last December 5, the medical transcription services market is forecasted to be worth $60 million in 2019.

The research was based on a market analysis of participating transcription service providers that cater to healthcare institutes, private clinics, hospitals and other professionals. The market analysis was further divided into several categories from patient history to diagnostic reports, as well as modules of delivery such as outsourcing or offshoring. Geographically speaking, the market samples were sourced from North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and RoW (Rest of the World). Specifics, however, weren’t revealed in the press release and interested parties would have to purchase the report online to be able to download its entirety. The free market analysis, however, published on the Transparency Market Research website detailed some of the findings found on the report:

• The industry is definitely on an upward trend from its $41.4 million value in 2012. The industry is expected to grow by 5.6 percent (compounded annual growth rate) during the period between 2013 and 2019.
• Key growth drivers among US companies were offshoring medical transcription work to companies in emergent economies in India, China and the Philippines. Savings from offshoring services in terms of financial and operational resources are the top reasons why many healthcare entities outsource transcription jobs to the said countries.
• Asia-Pacific countries are focusing more on developing and providing medical transcription service rather than availing it. Emerging European nations were investing on establishing medical transcription services organizations (MTSOs).  
• The contribution of US healthcare services documentation to North America is the reason why the continent dominates the MT services market across the globe. It is seen to grow as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act take full effect.
• Other driving growths for the industry include increased public and industry-wide awareness of the advantages of EHR systems, an increase in healthcare services demand from the elder generation, government initiatives, healthcare documentation software updates, and improved reimbursement processing. 
• Increase in in-shore outsourcing for medical transcription services in the US as more stakeholders develop advanced products that facilitate medical transcription work and reduce costs

Medical transcription has definitely revolutionized healthcare information management, and has paved the way for the improvement of healthcare documentation not just in the United States but across the globe. It has also been a crucial factor in the growth and improved quality of patient care delivery and facilities anywhere in the world. So remember, just because you sit in a cubicle, typing away doesn’t mean what you do doesn’t make a difference in the world of healthcare; it does.

And with so much support going around the industry right now—from government initiatives like EHR implementation to automation of patient care—medical transcription industry will only grow in coming years. All the more reason to build a career in medical transcription and take part in its remarkable transformation.

Resources:
http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/medical-transcription-services-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2013-2019-402297.htm
http://www.meditec.com/medical-transcription-training/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Medical-transcriptionists.htm

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