Employment Status of the Graduates of De La Salle Lipa’s Certificate in Medical Transcription Program: A Tracer Survey and an Assessment

De La Salle Lipa has been offering the Certificate in Medical Transcription since June 2006. It is a 1- year certificate program that blends online transcription, facility- based instruction, and on the job training. The Department\u27s Vision- Mission is to be the leading provider of qualified medical transcriptionists both in local and global healthcare industry. It also aims to produce medical transcriptionists with Lasallian values who are efficient in converting dictated medical records into electronic data. This tracer study looked into the different aspects of the graduates past and present activities, more particularly in the aspects of education, training and employment. Utilizing a customized questionnaire in gathering vital information for the study, 22 graduates belonging to four batches from AY 2006- 2010 were surveyed. The study revealed that majority of the graduates are young adults falling on the age bracket 20-30 years old; are single and are female and have attended 1 or 2 years of college and are shiftees from different degree courses. Graduates consider listening skills, competence in Human Anatomy, and transcription practice as most useful in their job. MT graduates are highly employable, mostly are hired as medical transcriptionists, some are call center agents and MT trainer. Strengths that were cited include on-line training, effective and efficient course delivery, the mentors and the school facilities. The non- USAge of foot pedals and the length and duration of the training are the perceived weaknesses. Recommendations on intensifying the marketing strategy for the program and for some modifications in the course flow and design are put forward