Certified MT, Is it worth getting??
Posted By: WS on 2009-02-23
In Reply to:
nt
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should I get certified?
I'm fairly new to this site, and all of you seem to have so much knowledge and experience. Next month, I will be eligible to take the CMT exam. Currently I work in-house at a hospital. Certification is not a requirement, and I am not even sure if it is recognized. I'm considering certification because of the possible benefit to me if I do need a job elsewhere. In your opinion/experience, is it worth it?
Becoming Certified??
I'm wondering how hard it is to get your certification and what the positives are to becoming certified? Is the pay better? Do you have more opportunites, etc?
Do editors have to be certified? - nm
--
Bad transcriptionsts can get certified,
just like bad teachers. It is just a title.
I agree. I am not certified.
organization that says I am is the answer. I feel if the organization is for MTs, then the test should be free for anyone who wants to take it. I think the fee is all part of the money making scheme set forth by any and all organizations aimed at certain professions.
Experience is the gravy in this main meal. Once you've got it, you pretty much have it in the bag and do not need initials after your name to make you look good.
I would not advise a new MT in this day and age to go straight to online work for a national. Go in-house at least part-time and learn all that you can. That is by far more favorable than initials after your name, for sure, all in my opinion, of course!
yes sent a certified letter ...(sm)
which was an invoice/demand for payment. Then waited 10 days to file in small claims court. This happened in California. I'm not sure how much you're owed, but check with the court to see what their limit is and GO GET YOUR MONEY :D
Good luck to you :D
send a certified letter
to the company, and make sure you put a CC: to an esquire with an address - if you have to, just make up a name, they never check.
Put in the letter that you are sending a CERTIFIED written notice giving them such and such number of days to respond to the letter from the time it is signed for receipt to pay the amount that is owed to you. Notify them in your letter that you will be contacting small claims court to file a suit (which can be done out of state), as well as contacting their state attorney general's office of illegal business practices. Make sure you put down who their state attorney general is so that the company knows you are not kidding around.
You don't need to check out those schools. I am a certified
medical assistant who fell into transcription after only 5 years of doing clinical work. I started doing transcription at home for the same physicians I was working for as an MA. I had the ability to type fast and obviously the knowledge and terminology because of my experience as an MA. After that, I had no trouble whatsoever finding a position with a national. I have since had NO problems AT ALL finding positions without going to a school to learn how to be an MT because of my experience in the field as a medical assistant and the ability to type. If you have 30 years of nursing experience and can type, I would think you shouldn't have a problem finding a position if I didn't.
Question re: certified mail
I wasnt home today when the mail arrived, but the mailman left a postcard that my husband has a piece of certified mail to p/u. The sender is listed as from the Clerk of Courts... What do you think it could be? Nothing good I am sure!!!
Registered/Certified does not get you any more money
in the real world.
I'm a CMA (certified medical assistant)...
and can give injections with a doctor's order, so I assume a CNA would be allowed to also. Not sure about Florida rules though.
No reason to become certified. You will not be paid well enough to
compensate for the annual dues, seminars you must attend, etc. to maintain your certification. Not worth it. You do not need it to work as a medical transcriptionist. The AAMT, now ADHI, has been our downfall and a hindrance, not our advocate.
A physician won't care if you're certified and neither will his... SM
office manager. When will MTs learn that certification means absolutely, positively nothing?
Butr I digress. I would make the rounds if I were you. Handout business cards, talk to office managers, have brochures ready, and follow up conversations with a letter of thank you and "please keep me in mind." It's hard to say exactly what a physician is looking for regarding transcription. I have found it depends a lot on the age of the doctor. Older doctors are more old school and like the control of having an in-house person typing for them. Younger doctors are technology driven and like the idea of an electronic record and having an MT type outside the office and electronically transfer it in.
Another thing I do is always carry business cards with me to doctor's appointments. One of my accounts is a dermatology practice. I was referred for a mole removal and got to talking to the physician about what I do for a living and she asked me to leave a card with the receptionist on my way out because they were needing more help with their transcription. I did and then sent a letter with another card praising her bedside manner and her office staff and then reminded her that I had left my card and if she ever decided to get some extra help, to please give me a call. She had her office manager call me and it is my main money maker.
Good Luck to you!
Start with a Certified Mail letter.
Make sure you send your letter Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. They will have to sign saying that they received the letter. You should detail the exactly amount you are owed, a date you expect payment by and what your next step will be should they not pay you by that date. Typically, your next step would be Small Claims Court, usually administered by a local District Justice/Justice of the Peace. Be sure that you state in your letter that they would be responsible for any costs incurred should you need to go to the DJ/JP.
Step one, send a Certified Letter...
Return Receipt Requested (CLRRR). Keep the signed receipt as proof that they have received the letter. Your letter to them should outline what service you performed for them and what is owed for that service, the time by which you expect to recieve payment, the form that payment should be in, and what the next step(s) you take will be should they not pay up. Also, if the CLRRR is returned to you, keep it to show that you tried to contact them and go to Step Two, which would be to file a Small Claims judgement against them. Depending on where you live, this can be done at a District Justice's office and does not require the services of a lawyer. If you have to go to that step, make sure that you include the cost of filing that judgement in what you are owed. Just showing that you're smart enough to know what to do and how to get it done should be enough motivation for them to pay up. Good luck!
MTIA...we want you certified, or you won't work. That's what it boils down to.
PRESS RELEASE:
**** Please post URLs, not actual copyrighted materials. ****
My jury duty papers didn't come in certified. sm
They were just left in the mailbox.
You don't get certified taking a program. You test & pass your
s
Send him a certified letter with bill demanding payment within
within five days from receipt (make it RRR). You have your proof that you notified him. If it is not picked up or signed for, you have your proof that occurred to. All these things go in your favor when trying to collect money. that's just a starter. I would never have let him get away with it this long. Once would have been it.
Yes a SCAM, huge email fraud..they would notify you CERTIFIED MAIL or lawyer would call
 I get 2-5 of them a day...ALL FOREIGN using yahoo or hotmail.
A job worth doing is worth doing well ...
If you do not want to do your best, get another job.
But that is what I would do - worth the $.30
nm
what are your worth?
To do business at this rate, the hospital would have to be contracting the jobs themselve. Most hospitals I am aware of, go through a service, which has overhead. So to that 7 cents you have to add pay for management, building, utilites and all the other costs of doing business. The services I work for charge anywhere from 11 to 13 cpl, so it really isn't any cheaper to go through a service or have your own accts from the hospital point of view.
And is it worth the $189?
It sounds quite interesting, but that's a lot of money to shell out for an expander. Do you find your production is a lot higher compared with regular word expanders?
For what it's worth...SM
I did say that in my opinion, drinking on the job, regardless of amount, was unprofessional and somewhat irresponsible. (I stated MY opinion of the SITUATION, not directed at anyone in particular.) I think most employers would agree with me on that one. You obviously do not. This topic has been discussed and removed several times now - if you don't like the "unpleasant" posts, why keep bringing it up? Do you need the validation from complete strangers?
Don't post the topic if you're not prepared to deal with multiple viewpoints. Simple as that.
Worth it?
YES! An ergonomic keyboard does take a couple of days to get used to, but I doubled my typing speed after those couple of days and do not get "tired" hands as quickly. I would strongly recommend getting one!:)
Yes, it is worth it! sm
We have VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance--should be on the web) and it's great. You can pay monthly or all at once. It doesn't help much with the little bumps and bruises, but our boxer had a major ACL repair done and it saved us tons of money. She's worth it!
for what its worth
your marital relationship is the most important relationship in your life- its who you chose - you din't choose your parents, siblings or kids- everyone deserves to be valued and respected in that most important relationship- if you are being repeatedly hurt by your spouse or you are hurting your spouse -after you are aware that behavior is causing pain, no matter what it is - then you are not valuing your relationship or being valued in that relationship... Either way, you need to do something about it- get counselling at the least
Not worth it!
In my opinion, it would be better to wait for something that pays a little more. At 6 cpl you are going to work your butt off. I mean, if you think about it that's what the people in India are getting paid, either 5.5 cpl or 6 cpl. I think American MTs are worth more, much more, but that's just my opinion. If your current job is not too, too bad where you can't wait it out, I would say look around and give it a little more time. Gook luck!!
Is being an MT really worth it?
I've been doing it for about 10.5 years and have interacted with a number of fellow MTs. One thing I notice is that very few of the wonderful MTs I've known have been WITHOUT depression, anxiety, and/or panic disorders.
Is it possible that sitting in front of a CRT doing the same thing all day every day in complete physical isolation isn't healthy?
There are lots of reasons I want out of this business. There's one. Have a good day :)
worth it
You are right about being isolated. Right now I have my 3-year-old at home with me, but in a couple of years, it is going to be me and the cat until the kids come home. I'm not really worried about it though. I know a few moms and other MTs can call if I get lonely.
As for the depression and axiety, I had before coming into this profession. You just have to take every day as it comes and enjoy the sunshine when its there.
Very worth it
I bought mine of ebay about 7 years ago for around $700 new and love it. It is well worth the money as it will never wear out.
I tried it. It is only worth it if you -
want to read about how wonderful it is that they are now training and credentialling overseas MTs. That is the truth. If you don't believe me, you can waste your money on it.
Not worth it
I didn't quit smoking with Wellbutrin, but used the generic nicotine gum 4 mg then 2 mg, which tasted awful, but stopped the waves of rage from quitting smoking. Wellbutrin made me giddy for a few hours, then I crashed almost instantly and would become solemn and depressed, which made me want to smoke. Does anyone know why there is a drop off like that? Is that normal with these types of drugs? I don't take anything in the way of medications unless I am deathly ill.
Yes, well worth it (SM)
It was definitely worth the $15K, but after years of trying all the other fertility treatments and having them *fail* (total of all of those was probably $10 to 15K as well) it was just such a risk. I knew if it worked it would be worth every dime and then some, but if it failed it would only send me into a deeper depression. Not a good thing. Thank goodness for happy endings. Make that thank GOD!
I'm so glad to hear other success stories. No one knows the agony of infertility unless they have walked in our shoes :-(
Thanks for the post.
Would it be worth it?
Hi everyone. Been reading your postings and thought you could help. I presently work in a clinic but have been mulling the idea of working from home. Would it be reasonable to assume I could make at least $9.00 an hour working from home (realizing I would get paid by cpl) Should I quit my job and go for it?
Thanks
Here is my exp for what it's worth: SM
I used to do what you do....I felt like I had a lot to offer, never had a problem getting a job that paid a good wage, great insurance, great vacation.
I got into MT as a fluke and for the 1st 5 years I made a ton of money and worked at home. Along the way, I became less desirable as an administrative assistant--had been out of the field for too long, I think.
When the MT pay started going down and I found I had to work 12-14 hours a day to make less than what I was making in the beginning, I really have tried to get an admin. asst. job again, but I am losing the job to people who have been employed right along the way while I was here at home.
Stay with this job--ride it out. You are likely to have to work 12 hours a day or more to get your lines in and keep your benefits if you come home to work.
What you are worth
I don't believe it is true that MT is a bad field or a declining field. It is a great field and anyone who is capable of going through the education and gaining experience will find it is well worth it. Negative attitudes make every job unappealing.
Get the training and check out the companies. I have been an MT for 17 years and have always made no less than 50,000 a year. I only work 8 hours a day, no weekends. I love the job.
Is it worth it?
I posted a message yesterday on the New MT board. I haven't seen a response. Can anyone give me advice?
I am disabled and need to train in a new profession. After some reading and researching, I wonder if I should learn MT.
With so many jobs going to India, Philipines, etc is there really work (and I mean work that will pay me enough money to more than survive) in the US?
With Dragon, is it easier for non English speaking persons to transcribe? I am really nervous. I can't waste time and money learning something that is no longer offered here.Is it worth it?
I apologize for the redundancy. I am new to posting, and this is my third try.
I think it is worth it.
I think it would be worth pursuing MT and coding both, to increase your career worth.
You'll have to learn ESLs and speech recognition software to keep up with the MT side of it.
Email if you want. I'd be happy to talk more about it.
Is it worth it to become CMT?
Hi - I have been a Transcriptionist for 9 years and have considered testing to be a CMT but I want to know if it really matters? I'd welcome any opinions either way.
Thanks!
You are worth more than 8 cpl
I can understand your frustration. If you do not think that 8 or 9 cpl is worth it to not have to put up all that it takes to have these accounts on your own and not through the MTSO then you obviously have never had your own accounts. Now I have, and I know what it takes, and it takes a lot more than sitting down and typing the report knowing your anatomy. When you have your own account, you have to do it all as far as keeping records, interacting with the office staff, technical issues. When you accept the 8-9 cpl from the MTSO, that's all you are expected to do is type. When you are making the 17 cpl, there is a lot more to it. Have you had to beg the physicians for your paycheck or play sweety nice to their office manager just to get your money? I'd say probably not. Now, if you do not like the 8-9 cpl, then open your own MTSO and you can charge more, but let me tell you something, you are going to be responsible for a heck of a lot more than typing that report and knowing your anatomy.
What's it worth to ya'?
NM
Please tell me you are worth....
AMEN!!!
It's been worth it for me (sm)
Both for work incentives and for personal benefit, I'm glad I did it.
What we are worth
We are worth only what the market will bear. There are significant downward forces now on MT wages, with offshoring being a major one. I used to recruit nurses and heard a lot back then about their feeling that they weren't paid what they were worth, and I'm sure they're not, as we are not, but the economic reality is that all pay is based on supply and demand. That's the facts, and the only thing that will bring wages up is a shortage in the labor pool. That obviously has not been the case in MT over the last few years. Wages only go up when there aren't enough qualified applicants to fill needed positions.
Is this worth while
Can one really make a living working for this company??? Is the pay worth while?? Are the benefits there??? 
for what it is worth
I think you should be paid more, but I doubt you will get it. The worst authors, longest minute dictations with very lines, etc.., always get passed off to the better MTs unfortunately.
It is worth however much someone is willing to pay for it. nm
x
IT IS WORTH IT oh my it is WORTH it!!! sm
Sorry to shout, but you know, if you want to make the big bucks you MUST have a real live Expander program.
While I am personally in love with Smart Type, it has so many limitations, I can't give you a recommendation. If I had it to do over again, I'd become dependent on InstanText. This is a similar and in many ways better program than Smart Type.
GET IT, GET IT NOW, DON'T PASS GO AND SPEND THE $200!
When you it arrives, email me and I'll give my 20,000 or so expansion library/glossary that you can use with it. Sticking with it, you'll find your production effortlessly go up and the wear and tear on your hands go down.
She has already said not worth it to her to
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