Forget the worthless AAMT certification
Posted By: but do learn to spell on 2006-02-03
In Reply to: National Certification for MTs - Desparate
It will help you a lot more in the long run.
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AAMT/worthless
Once upon a time....I was a cheerleader for this organization. I was a local and state chapter board member, committee chairperson, worked in the ranks. We went to meetings in other states to support out colleagues. We held big symposiums that took a lot of planning and attendees gained CECs. The national group from AAMT was never supportive of the local or state chapters -- it was all about their presence and money. They never listened to our members' concerns or delegates/members views. National had an agenda and the rank and file were not a part of their plans.
Take note that many many productive chapters have folded over the years. There was a time when AAMT was very anti on-line presence.
AAMT sold us down the river, as someone else said. Previous national board members were very involved with training and providing work off-shore, under cutting bids for work, at a time when they were hiding these facts. Many of them were never in the trenches and they were more concerned with corporate politics than the working MTs.
As for the CMT credential, that's a personal choice, but most of us never saw any benefit, and it was not cost effective. It's another way for AAMT to make money.
.... and the list goes on.
How is it that my opinion is worthless
and yours is always the only opinion that is right? Everyone has a right to say what they want. If you don't like it, then don't respond. People could say the same about your 2 cents. You think you know everything, but you sound like a Fat Sajak most of the time. See ya later B-town.
You are so right - it's basically worthless
nm
Many of us agree that it is worthless...
Very few companies pay more for being a CMT. The so-called "credential" is not valued nor recognized by MOST healthcare facilities as well as individual doctors. This is not just an opinion, but it is a FACT based on research with which I am currently involved. (Whether a CMT differential is paid is only one small bit of information collected).
Also, you said, "...The name change came to be to allow others who work in the industry access to the association should it be their wish to join. Previously those people had been excluded."
Those wishing to join who had previously "been excluded" are not American MTs. It is common knowledge that the AAMT will collect a dollar wherever they can, including from off-shore MTs that are running the industry into the ground through both poor quality and accepting sub-par pay.
Taking "American" out of the name is very fitting.
The AAMT had NEVER been a true representative of American MTs. Even the BOS is simply a money maker. It could be very useful. However, arbitrarily changing some of the most basic rules of grammar by putting those new "rules" in a book is ridiculous. By what authority does someone just CHANGE grammar rules??? Now that two editions of the BOS are published, you can be sure someone is working on changing more rules to enable a third edition to come out.
Hogwash! AAMT, BOS...all pure HOGWASH.
Maybe some here should get together, form an MT organization, decide to publish a book with our own new set of grammar and other rules, make up a test (and even charge to take the beta version), and issue a "credential" to those who pass.
That would be exactly what the AAMT has done.
Unfortunately, some online schools push the CMT until all their new grads think it is the coolest thing on wheels. Only when they get a bit of real-world experience do they realize (hopefully) that they wasted their money. Oh, and now while they wiat two years before they can sit for the CMT, they have the RMT (equally useless) so they can donate to the AAMT early on.
If you are already an MT, school is worthless
I have been an MT for nearly 10 years, OJT for me, as well, and I can tell you, I have never felt the need to go to school to get a piece of paper that tells people what I already know... I'm good at my job. The only thing that might possibly get you a better paying job is certification. If I was going to waste a year on studying something I already know, it would be for that. If I owned an MTSO, I would take a veteran MT who had OJT over a newly-schooled MT anyday. Give yourself some credit!
TL is a do nothing, worthless added layer of
management to make some people think they are more important than they really are. Most of them know jack-sh** about anything, are just company pets and get paid to be a PITA.
Money is worthless in that kind of disaster.
i
Then that makes the "wonderful" features of IT worthless.
IT takes so long to get used to using that increase is production you may eventually get is not enough to cover for the money you lose while trying to learn the program. If you have to memorize everything, you might as well use Autocorrect.
Shorthand is much better and easier to use.
This kind of post is worthless without reasons. nm
:l
If you want to sue, you MUST have damages to sue for. GO to the DOCTOR or a suit is worthless.
I've seen enough Judge Judy (I love her, too!) to know this. If you have no damages, you get no money. With no PROOF of damages, you basically have no damages.
You would need to take pictures of any scrapes and bruises that you have as a result of being dragged, falling, the leash pulling you, etc. You also need a doctor's report. A judge won't just take your word that you were hurt. Good luck!
Never heard of RMT. In my experience, CMT is worthless in the job market.
x
I have a 100% discount for you. Don't take the test! It's worthless as is the association be
...counter not working... does that make them worthless?
Thanks DeeAnn, that link helped confirm what I thought. Neither of the counters are working on these two machines. Everything else is (tone,speed, etc. adjustments), peddle, power and headsets are all fine. Just no counters. Out of curiosity, do the counters not working tremendously devalue them? The neighbor was offering to give me one of three machines if I'd sell the two remaining ones, hence my involvement and interest. I've wondered about getting into MT (lord knows I can't handle full-scale court reporting school but am quick to learn, fast on keyboard and diligent though I need to sharpen grammar and proofing a bit). I was going to ebay these but with broken counters not sure what they are potentially worth, if too low then he may not want to part with anything. Otherwise, I'd go ahead... Refurbs are outrageously expensive but say around $50 each unit - is that asking too much? Opinions?
Certification
In a perfect world there would be no offshoring. There would be no voice recognition. There would be nothing but great companies to work for, etc., etc., but this is not the case. I feel my certification gives me a better chance to continue doing what I do for the next 15+ years, be it in an editing capacity or as a transcriptionist. This is just my opinion......no one has to agree with me. Certiciation is each MTs personal choice.
Certification
Whatever ---- you are entitled to your opinion!! But if that is what you think of MTing, comparing it to blacksmithing,you have no pride in what you do. I, for one, still have pride in what I do, and I chose to be certified! You can laugh at me all you want. Maybe I should be laughing at you - maybe you just can't pass the test ....bwaaaaaaahaaaaaa.
Certification
I have said this on this board many times-- I have been a CMT since 1987. I have NEVER made a nickel more because of it anywhere. The bottom line is-- they want the work done at the cheapest price and if a trained monkey could do this job and be paid a banana a day, that's what they would hire. I have kept my certification up for all these years because of my own personal pride, but as of this last go-round, I am letting it drop. Ever since AAMT changed all the requirements for recertification and made it that much harder for me to get my credits, I have decided it is not worth it to keep it. AAMT has done nothing to improve our lot in all the years I have been involved with them and I refuse to jump through any more hoops for them. Besides, I am too busy struggling to make a living any more to attend all their stupid meetings, symposiums, etc., and can no longer afford to do so-- thanks to their "help" in undermining my paycheck by offshoring and promoting the "production only" type of employment.
Have you ever seen anyone get the certification
nm
certification sm
I quit as well after almost 20 yrs of being so dedicated. I attended "real" life meetings, sacrificed soooo much but now you can go on line and submit for credit. I don't think so! Old time - hands on - person and willing to keep it up but need to see it more open and available to all, no matter what $$$ are involved. Truly experienced professional would like it to be open to all who are involved without the big bucks. Just an altruistic person here,probably born poor, die poor.
Certification
I'm not sure what you are referring to when you say after 2 years of experience you are actually certified. Are you meaning the CMT? Because if that is what you are referring to, you are not a CMT until you join AAMT and take the CMT test....and pass. Some MTs with many, MANY years of experience cannot pass this test.
Certification
Was just wondering if anyone can tell me what a CMT is? I have a "certificate" from the school where I learned "medical transcription"..does that qualify me to be a CMT?
CMT certification
Is there any way to verify that someone is indeed a CMT? The work of some I have seen lately cannot possibly be.
Certification
For me, getting certified was a complete and utter waste. It did nothing for me other than making me poorer with all the fees and having to purchase the BOS. The local AAMT chapter folded, so the neat continuing education and networking seminars I used to attend are no longer held. I let my certification drop and did not renew. AAMT has not supported American transcriptionists nor have they even helped us in any way IMO. I will not be supporting AAMT with my hard-earned funds.
I basically boycott AAMT the way I boycott Wal-Mart for their business practices. Ugh.
cmt certification
Most companies pay by the line/report and with CMT certification most companies pay more
Certification
I sent an email directly to them stating that when our wages went back up and work came back from overseas then they could talk about certification then they could talk about certification. They should be working on the first two. Every MT should email them directly.
dee
There is not certification available for
CMT certification
I need some help here please. I have been thinking of taking the CMT test but cannot decide. The company that I work for will pay extra for the certification but is it really worth it? I have been doing this job for almost 25 years, however, I worked for a local multispecialty clinic that did not have any idea about BOS, we simply typed what the doctor said and the format depended on each doctor. They phased out our department several years ago and I have worked for a few services so I have definitely grown in all areas and learned BOS. Can anyone give me the pros and cons of taking the test? Is it as intimidating as it seems? To me, one of the pros would be, after doing this job for so long, feeling like I really accomplished something in my field. Any opinions, pros, cons, etc., would be greatly appreciated!!!
TIA 
Thinking about CMT certification...
I have been a Transcriptionist for six years and am considering getting CMT certification. I was just wondering what would be the benefit of having CMT certification, other than looking good on a resume?
I guess what I am trying to say is would it be worth the time and effort to joint AAMT and pay to test when I already have a great MT position.
WHAT? CERTIFICATION FOR EDITORS?
"All Dictaphone transcription service partners are required to pass its rigorous certification program to ensure even higher levels of service and proficiency in speech recognition editing..."
(here is link to complete article)
http://health-information.advanceweb.com/common/editorial/editorial.aspx?CTIID=1433
  Why doesn't MQ ever tell there is "certification" for editors?
==============================
WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT HERE --- "certification program"
I haven't heard anything about certifying editors, have you?
And if that's so we better get a HE^^ OF A LOT MORE MONEY!!!! doing it.
========================================
CHRISTUS HEALTH CHOOSES MEDQUIST
CHRISTUS Health, a faith-based, not-for profit health care system comprising more than 40 hospitals, inpatient and long-term care facilities, clinics and other health care services serving more than 70 communities, has selected MedQuist as its premier vendor for documentation and speech recognition needs.
CHRISTUS Health was having challenges streamlining productivity and transcription costs. According to Robert Jacobs, CHRISTUS market information officer, a selection committee made up of HIM directors, radiology directors and physicians, evaluated vendors and selected MedQuist for its capabilities to provide front-end speech recognition and back-end speech recognition transcription services.
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:OAXm4i0GEUEJ:health-information.advanceweb.com/common/editorial/editorial.aspx%3FCTIID%3D1433+christus+health+medquist&hl=en
National Certification for MTs
Can someone refer me to a website or something so I can get certified. Finished my course with a college and they don't of course deal with the National Certification. Anyone out there done the certification part. Please help. Thanks
However, having some sort of certification does
not necessarily mean one is a good Transcriptionist any more than not having certification does not mean one is not a good transcriptionist. That would be saying that anyone who goes to medical school and has M.D. behind their name is a good doctor. While they have to have M.D. behind their name to practice medicine, it does not mean they are a good physician. Just my 2 cents worth.
certification v. certificate
CMT= certified medical transcriptionist.
MTs with 2+ years of acute care experience who pass a test given by the American Association for Medical Transcription (AAMT)are CMTs. They also need to prove they have accumulated a certain amount of continuing education credits every three years in order to maintain the certification. HTH.
certification question
Ok, I have seen all the bad info about them in the Archives... and I can't seem to type the name of this company; I get a message that I've used a "bad word!" (Initials are TA -- sounds like a car name) LOL
I wish I had known about this site before my dealings with them. Anyway, I finished trning w/them and have been a paid IC for them for some time now. But I'm working way too hard for too little money. I do MT, QC, and file managing for them, and I'm chained to my computer for very little return. The good thing: I AM working, and I now have experience with rheumatology, cardiology, vascular, chronic pain mgmt, pulmonology, psych, etc. The experience has been great.
My question: the only certification I have for MT is their course completion. Anyone out there have experience with looking for another job with *only* a certificate like that? 
Just wondering... I'll sit back now and wait for you all to tell me I'm foolish.
Certification is an investment in your future!
I have been told that only the "best and the brightest" will have a job MTing in the not too distant future; these are usually the CMTs. In my opinion, it is a good investment, and it is not too hard to maintain once you have it. I get all my credits through the AAMT journals. I am quite proud of my certification. I think it shows to your employer that you know what you are doing and take pride in your work. 
medical transcription certification
Hello,
I'm trying to figure out what the best all-around option is for gaining certification in medical transcription. (Balancing cost and quality of training) This is what I've come across so far. Recommendations would be very appreciated!
Penn Foster (online): Around $1000
Local Community College: Around $1300
TechSkills: Around $6000 (which I thought was ridiculous, since their training is done from online or prerecorded modules just like many other online or mail options)
Should I be looking for an Associate's degree, or is a certification (provided that it's accredited, of course) enough? I already have work experience on the clerical side of the healthcare industry.
Thank you!
Maybe it would finally be real certification, and not
Becoming a nurse requires education and certification.
MT does NOT. A flying monkey could become an MT with a little training. Some people make it sound as if we're doing brain surgery here. Honestly, we are glorified typists. Anyone who thinks it's more than that is just trying to feel better about being a medical typist. I get slammed all the time for this opinion, but the harsh reality of it is that this is NOT a difficult field to get into IF you have the proper skills. Don't slam someone for being a nurse and wanting to transition to MT. She has more education and certification in the medical field than we do. As long as she has good grammar, spelling, research, and typing skills, SHE WILL DO GREAT!!!! Why do people have to be so egotistical and negative on these boards? We ought to encourage newbies getting into the field instead of telling them it's too difficult or they aren't qualified. Hey, let's just alienate all the newbies and send the work overseas to people who don't have EFL skills.
I relinquished my certification and proudly call myself an
They have sold us out, and they will never see another dime from me.
I agree. Certification does not beat experience ever!!! nm
x
I got a written certification to participate in swimming
class for senior center but guess what, no breast exam or gyn exam that went along with that. Where does it say breast or gyn exam here? Don’t believe this story.
check state certification requirements
Make sure you check not only how much a program may cost you, but what your state requirements are. I'm in Utah and we are required to pass a state exam to be licensed to practice. There is also a national exam that is supposedly good if you take it, but is get pricey. I took the course locally with a program that included an internship. I personally found the career boring and it didn't pay well enough for me to pursue it, but every state has different pay scales so check into it.
You should have a leg up because you do have to learn and memorize a lot of drug names and what they are for. Also, make sure your basic math skills are good. Mine stunk, so make sure you can remember how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions and decimals. Good luck!!!
I meant eligible to take the certification. Thanks for pointing out my error.
I didn't express that clearly.
Oh, someone benefits from AAMT - AAMT DOES!
x
Hahaha You mean a wooden nickel -- worthless! Hahaha
:)
Don't forget to ask...
What types of accounts you will have and whether you will have backups if your primary runs out of work. Do they pay for spaces and use of expansions or normals? Are hours flexible if you need it? Is there any charge for equipment? software? Is tech support available all the time? How soon do the bennies such as health insurance kick in? How often do you get paid and when can you expect your first paycheck? Do they give pay raises, incentives or anything else that can increase your income? What kind of training will you get until you are comfortable with the accounts? Are there a lot of ESLs?
Whether they answer any questions honestly or not you will find out when you get started. Probably best to run the company name on MTStars and see what you get. Good luck!
Will never forget
nm
Yep, and don't forget 100% QA! LOL. Seriously, I
x
yes, that's what I always do, but don't forget
Frozen ham has a tendency to taste saltier, so when you use it, you probably won't need to add any salt.
and don't forget
Don't forget that before white out and all the other things, we had to use a razor blade to remove errors from ALL of the copies. I worked for a VA Hospital and everything had about 6 or 7 copies. Cut many a finger in those days, but learned how to be accurate really fast.
Forget about them and those like them and
live your life, period. I wish I could post a saying I got from Mother Theresa the other day but it does something like this:
People will hate you. Do good anyway. It was never about them, it's only about you and God. Something along those lines. And only half of these posts are nuts.
I'm sorry, but how can someone just forget...
Valentine's Day? That's like forgetting it's Christmas. It's all over the TV, in the stores, everywhere you go, there was something about Valentine's Day. I don't buy the "forgetting" thing at all...unless he lives under a rock or in a cave, he didn't forget...
Better to forget IC at 6 to 8 CPL
After you pay your taxes, it averages only 4 to 6 CPL. I would rather be an employee. Never will go IC again.
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