Selecting a SchoolThere are several important factors to research prior to selecting a Medical Transcription school. The most common, yet overlooked feature of a school program is the type of equipment that they use for training and educational purposes. Many schools are still using archaic equipment that was used in the field prior to the technological advances. This may put the student at a disadvantage when they enter the field.The school program will also affect the student's ability to pursue advanced certification in the future. If the student does desire to advance in the field, then they should only investigate schools that are approved by the AHDI, or the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity.Many schools also offer employer placement services, and some employers recruit heavily from certain schools through partnership programs. Be sure to check for tuition assistance programs and flexible payment plans that are often offered as incentives to students to enroll.Association AffiliationAHDI offers student membership, which can assist students who wish to get a real sense of the industry prior to graduation. This organization also offers a voluntary certification examination, which will bestow the CMT credential. This is very attractive to employers because it represents that the transcriptionist has attained a measurable level of both technical and ethical competency in their profession. Affiliation while in school and after graduation can also help future practitioners of medical transcription to keep current in the changes in their field of work.Potential BenefitsThere is a lot of flexibility in the medical transcription industry. Future graduates may end up working in a private clinic or hospital, but many enter the field because of the potential to earn money from home. Transcriptionists often have to choose between becoming an independent contractor or an employee. If employed, there are normally many benefits offered.Some of these may be retirement plan, paid vacation, days off, full healthcare benefits and many more. Independent contractors, unlike employees, must be willing to pay their own taxes. However, they also enjoy the increased control over their work decisions. Salary usually depends on experience, because the pay is usually based on how fast the transcriptionist can type. Speed and accuracy often determine salary in this field.