Today MTC Academy - Davao, which was inaugurated only last 18 August 2006, launched its Basic Medical Transcription Course for high school students, starting with batch 2007. This program will offer training in MT for 18 months, which is equivalent to 3 semesters. The beauty of this is that, should the trainee decide to pursue a college degree, his units from the MTC will be credited, according to Wit Holganza, MTC Academy - Davao’s president and school administrator. An excerpt from the press release reads as follows:

The course offerings of MTC Academy conform to the requirements of TESDA’s ladderized program and as such, the Basic Medical Transcription for High School has nominal equivalent units that can be credited towards a college or university degree program.

Holganza said that the rationale behind this program is the provision of alternative education to high school graduates who might not have the wherewithal to go on to college at present. And when a high school student graduates from this MTC program, the certificate that he will receive will be the same as that received by graduates of MTC’s regular training programs. MTC certificates are recognized by the TESDA, and by its numerous industry partners.

"The high school graduate, even without medical background, can be trained to become a medical language specialist and will adapt easily to the use of transcription-related technology given the extended program duration of 18 months. They are graduated from the program with the same competency requirements as those with medical or allied health background." - Wit Holganza

I think this is a sound undertaking by MTC Academy. It could provide early employment opportunities especially to the underprivileged, and it could also spur on the drive towards technopreneurship among their trainees who turn out to have a head for business. And ultimately, contribute to Davao’s near-future BPO industry.

Speaking of which, why don’t you check out this firm which offers Business Process Outsourcing services, and see how they might be able to help your IT business prosper. According to Holganza, there are now 5 MT companies in Davao, with 4 more coming this year. But there’s room for more! We’ve actually barely scraped the surface of this mother lode.

It was quite eye-opening during the MTC launch tonight. I’ve long known about medical transcription and the general workings behind the business, especially that I’d helped in promoting for more Davao-based MT companies. But it was my first time to actually do a transcriptionist’s job. MTC had us do a hands-on, I guess so that we could better appreciate the gist of the whole effort. I did pretty well, if I do say so myself — but of course it helped that I’ve always typed quite fast.

And for high school students who have ready MT-geared skills and whose families have an annual income of less than P60,000, MTC Academy is prepared to offer financial assistance under its Handog Edukasyon Para sa 2007 Graduates program. For more information, please contact 222-6822, or text (906)214-3300. MTC Academy is on E. Quirino Ave., Davao City (across the street from Tower Inn).