Hey FC girl--I graduated in 1994 at FCHS
Posted By: in Forrest City, Arkansas on 2006-03-27
In Reply to: Hey Forrest City (sm) - FC girl
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Since about 1994 off and on and about 15 minutes
I've been a transcriptionist off and on for years, probably 5-6 years FTE. I've always thought about getting the certification, but it used to be somewhat involved to do the testing. Of course, it's always been expensive with limited payoff.
I was applying for jobs about a month ago, and all the potential employers asked if I had my CMT. That tells me they think it is worth something even if we, the workerbees, don't.
I didn't really study for it. I opened my notebook and looked at Latin/Greek pluralizaiton rules, and then put the book down. I figured if I didn't know it yet from my day to day work and from college, I wasn't going to be able to learn it in time. Really, I don't know how a person could study for it. The questions came from such a broad area. I really think AAMT has come up with a good test.
I'm glad I took it, and I will do the CEs to keep the designation and to make me better at what I do.
48-years-young, single, 3 kids, 9 girl, 12 boy, 15 girl nm
X
Hospital account since 1994
nn
1994 Jaguar -- love it.
Oldie but goodie.
Camaros..three 1994, 1998, and 1999 and a truck,
Chevy truck 2005
in 1994 I typed IME reports and was paid $5.00 per page, wish I had that now!
nm
I have not had a raise since 1994, should I blame Clinton or Bush? At any rate, see inside...
Musky Income Myths
by Alan Reynolds
Alan Reynolds is a senior fellow with the Cato Institute and a nationally syndicated columnist.
Democratic presidential candidates advocating really humungous tax increases -- Howard Dean and Wesley Clark (until he withdrew on Feb. 11) -- appear to have lost ground to two favoring merely enormous tax increases, John Kerry and John Edwards. It would seem to follow the latter two should rethink their plans before challenging the only candidate who thinks tax rates are plenty high enough, George W. Bush. Amazingly, however, the Democrats are pulling out the old "income inequality" card. It worked so well for George McGovern and Walter Mondale.
Business Week says Mr. Kerry and Mr. Edwards "believe a Democrat can repeal top-tier Bush tax cuts with impunity because income inequality has widened under Bush." Taking a less partisan and more statistically defensible line, the Socialist Equality Party says, "Until the Bush administration, the Clinton years saw the greatest growth in social inequality in American history."
Such claims suggest the top 20 percent, or 5 percent of families, have been collecting a rising share of "our" personal income -- hence "income inequality has widened under Bush." Any candidate who says that has to be lying. The latest available data on income shares is for 2001, and they show no increase in inequality.
The recession was no picnic for top earners: There were 690,000 fewer managerial jobs in 2002 than in 2000. If these cash income figures included capital losses, they would reveal ample pain among "the rich" in 2001-2002. The poverty rate did rise from 9.2 percent to 9.6 percent in 2002, but that was still lower than the poverty rate in any year from 1980 to 1998.
To defend President Clinton from socialist egalitarians, prolonged increases in real output per worker (like 1996-2000) translate into increases in real income per worker. Since there are typically two workers in top income groups and less than one full-time worker in the bottom income group, it is mathematically unavoidable that the gap between two-earner families and no-earner families must grow wider whenever the economy is doing well. Real median income among families with two full-time workers was 43.6 percent higher in 2001 than it had been in 1991 -- an annual increase of nearly 4.4 percent a year. Families with no full-time workers did not do that well.
Most important, it is simply a statistical hoax to make long-term comparisons between the average (mean) income in any top income group with averages in lower groups. That is partly because the upper threshold on the group just below the top rises over time whenever real incomes in general are rising. As a result, increases in general prosperity mean incomes that once would have been large enough to make it into the top 5 percent no longer qualify.
Census figures say the top 5 percent collected 21 percent of all personal income in 2001, up from 20.3 percent in 1993. Measured in constant 2001 dollars, however, a family needed more than $164,104 to be counted among the top 5 percent in 2001, while anything above $136,539 would have qualified in 1993.
So long as that threshold kept rising, the share at the top was almost certain to rise, too. After all, an average of all income above $164,104 is almost certain to be larger than an average of all income above $136,539 simply because all incomes between those two figures were included in the top average in 1993 but excluded in 2001.
For the same reason, it makes no sense to compare long-term growth of average income in any top income group with growth below. Only the top group has no income ceiling, and the lower threshold defining membership in that top group rises whenever incomes in general are rising.
Because only the top group has no ceiling, increases in a small number of very high incomes (e.g., trial lawyers) can make the mean average in the top group rise much more than the incomes of typical members of that group. This is why it is considered misleading to refer to mean rather than median income as "average" in every other case, and why it is particularly misleading in this case.
Rising real income also raised the definition of the "middle class." The lower and upper limits defining the middle three-fifths were $20,262 to $64,241 in 1975 (in 2001 dollars) and $24,000 to $94,150 in 2001. Periodic fables about the "vanishing middle class" miss the obvious: Those who "vanished" moved up.
The main reasons some families earn more than others are not as shocking as politicians would have you believe. Consider these horribly shocking Census Bureau facts about inequality:
Families with two people have incomes at least 3 times larger than families in which nobody works. Median family income in 2001 was $51,407. But that figure combines median income of $21,958 among families with no workers and $66,151 among families with two earners. Among married couples where both work full-time, median income was even higher -- $76,150.
Mature, experienced employees earn at least 3 times as much as they did when they were young apprentices and trainees. Average family income was $16,014 among families in which the household head was younger than 24, but $45,978 when the household head was 45 to 54.
College grads earn at least 3 times as much as middle-school dropouts. For family heads with a bachelor's degree, median income was $78,518; for those with less than a ninth-grade education, median income was $25,077.
If all this rampant inequality strikes you as grossly unfair, you should indeed consider electing politicians promising to do something about it. But they can't really do much unless they promise to take money from two-earner families and give it to no-earner families, to take money from those who go to college and give it to those who didn't bother attending a free high school, and to take money from those who are at an age where they're trying to put the kids through college and give it to those in their early 20s.
The taking half of that policy is a reasonably precise description of who indeed would have their pockets picked under the tax plans of Messrs. Kerry, Edwards (and Clark). In whose pockets the expected booty would actually end up, however, is apt to prove as mysterious as figuring out what Mr. Dean did with all those millions he collected with Internet spam
You go girl! You go girl! Loved your response!
Wooo hooo!!! 
Graduated from....
Mandarin High School, Jacksonville, FL
not everyone is like this - my kid graduated
Not everyone buys into/bought into the changes you describe. My kid bought the car with $$ saved/earned when 17. Outside of that, worked full time/still does and goes to school and expects nothing but to move forward in the life and strives to do so.
And we are not a poor family either - just didn't and don't buy into commercialism of every occasion in this country.
Graduated from M-TEC
It cost me about $2600 when I graduated in 2001. Right out of school I made excellent, unheard of money by being paid on a gross line. I was able to top out at around 60K after 4 years, increasing steadily each year. I worked about 60 hours a week, as I knew when these accounts went away I would make *regular* money. They did after 4 years. I now make around 28K a year and work 30 hours a week. You may want to stay where you are!!
I graduated from AHP
Just about 12 years ago I graduated from At-Home Professions and am still doing transcription. I've worked for Medquist for 8 years and worked for a hospital before that. So now you've met a graduate of AHP who is able to do the job. I've learned far more with on-the-job training than I ever did through the program, but just wanted to let you know there are a few of us oddball AHP graduates who are actually productive...
18 here. Graduated and then married
two weeks later, still with the same man 16 years later.
I graduated in 1989 (sm)
Good to see someone from back home, though! :)
I graduated CS and do have regrets
The reasons are the same as you have read elsewhere. There are no instructors, but rather an impersonal "grader" that you aren't quite sure you can trust since what might be right one time is wrong the next. There are errors in the material that can make you end up looking like a fool. I had nitroglycerine in my spell check on word for a year before I realized I had added it from a cut and paste report taken out of FOMS and was incorrect. Of course, that is only one example of many. I could go on and on, but I won't. All in all, it is inferior, and I wish I had gone to M-Tec or Andrews so that I could have started out excellently instead of clawing my way there of my own volition.
Both. Graduated from a junior college with sm
medical secretarial degree, but learned 99.9% on the job. Schooling proved to be an invaluable foundation for the years to come.
33 years of MT.
RE: I hear you on that one - same for me. Baby just graduated :-(
\
I graduated from M-Tec, and MQ hired me without experience. nm
nm
It depends on what school you graduated from.
If you graduated from one of the top 3 schools many MTs have a job by the time they get finish the program. I take it that isn't your case. You would probably be better off trying to find an in-house job locally until you get some experience. You can post your resume on the job boards and might get some offers that way. Be careful though and ask questions as there may be some less than desirable companies trying to take advantage of newbies.
I went to career step & graduated 3 yrs ago. I think it prepared me well.
When I graduated high school in 1967, sm
I got a set of matching luggage and a manual typewriter!
I was fortunate to have parents able to afford all tuition, books, and on-campus living expenses. Many graduates don't have what I was blessed to have and need a little help from family and friends.
I graduated from a local community college. sm
Had my first job before graduation but it was in-house with hourly pay and great benefits. Those are very hard to find anymore. I worked in-house for my first 2 years and then went on maternity leave picking up side work through a company for more income. Realized I was tripling my money going from hourly to production by that time, turned in my notice, and never looked back. Been at home ever since. If at all possible, in the beginning I would recommend to anyone to work inhouse even if it is for a transcription company. The value of having other "ears" is definitely not something to take for granted. I also learned as much as I could while getting that hourly pay as time is money when on production. I have to say I probably would not be near as proficient of an MT today had it not been all those hours learning and having another ear around to help out when stuck.
You bring up a point too though that I haven't really thought about before....With all the transcription being outsourced out of the office, it is only going to get much more difficult for anyone to get those breaks and get the required "experience" as a beginner.
33, Medical Secretary Degree, graduated in 1999
nm
Thanks..school wont give another copy since I am graduated now...also went to a whole new comp, sm
not just an upgrade. Could not pull the free program off the old one. thanks anyway. Just looking to get by on something inexpensive until I get some $$$ coming in.
Like that's so easy? Divorced bud of mine at 51 graduated college w/her BS last year ...
s
I know of a company who is restarting up their mentoring program for newly-graduated MTs. A GREAT
company to work for - I think they are independent contractor status, though not sure about their mentoring program status. At any rate, they are willing to take new grads and help them transition into actually working! The women who owns the company is truly wonderful. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with her, though I don't at the moment. The company is Accu-Stat in Wisconsin! Keep that name somewhere on a sticky or something! Really great people, and she did mention that she really wants to restart this program she used to have for newbies! Blessings to you and good luck! Have fun! Cause it sure can be fun, while having to work, which, of course, is not fun in and of itself, huh?? Oh, to be independently wealthy. Congrats on your new baby, by the way!! And that's SO great that your Mom is there for you! You have a good example to follow!
YOU GO GIRL!!! SM
 GURL - YOU SAID IT ALL!!! STANDING OVATION TO YOU!!!
I just went on a rampage about these "wonderful moms" badgering a single mom about putting her kid in daycare so she could work... WHO CARES?!?!? Why do they think their aggressive is worth so much -
I agree - UNITE... CARE... REASSURE... We are all familiar with at lease one aspect of every ONE of our lives... BE CONSIDERATE FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE... Just because someone doesn't live their life like YOU do does NOT mean they are doing it WRONG.... Doesn't the BIBLE say to LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR.... we are ALL neighbors here, and I would lend a helping hand to anyone who asked it of me...
GEEZ - if you need a hormone adjustment, PLEASE get HELP... if it is the HEAT, GET IN A POOL!!! There are some of THE most nasty replies on this board for NO REAL REASON except for those whose lives are miserable, so they wish to pass it on and create TURMOIL!!! Just STOP!!!  Realize it is OKAY to be different, and to live different lives... and if someone comes to this board for empathy, those who wish to give it - please give it... those who have NO empathy... SHUT UP!!! 
You go girl!!
I totally agree with you!!! In my town, a LOT of the trailers are so much nicer than any of the homes. When my husband and I first got married, we lived in a crappy apartment. I would have so much rather lived in a nice trailer where I felt safe. However, we live in Missouri, where it is tornado heaven in the springtime and I am a huge freak when it comes to tornados.
You shouldn't call someone a skank just because of where they live. I would bet that some of the women living in the $300,000 houses are cheating wifes who actually deserve the word skank.
Keep up wtih good work, you should be proud of your family!!!
You go girl! sm
It was almost a year ago that I sat my family down and told them that I wanted to come home. I had picked up a "side" account while working a full time job. I did the "side" account for 6 months and then gave my notice to the hospital I was working at as I found enough work to do at home.
It is the best thing I ever did and I actually make more money than I did in house because I'm happy and motivated. I don't have to deal with the office witch, a run in my nylons, forgetting my lunch or having to drive the 45 miles round trip every morning. I can stop what I'm doing and spend time with my kids or my grandbabies and I can get by on 5 gallons of gasoline a week at the very most.
Good luck! 
You go girl!
x
That's my girl..lol
nm
Little MT, all the best to you and you go girl! SM
This business has gone to the dogs and I APPLAUD you for getting out. Let us know how it goes. Congratulations!
We have a 16 yo boy and 14 yo girl - $500 on each and sometimes
a little extra surprise.
YOU GO GIRL!!!
You know we are here for you! I'm glad you're getting the restraining order, that makes me feel better. I will be praying for you! I am so proud of you. Stay strong!!!
You go girl!!!
,,
You go girl...
We're proud of you. I've been there, done that, exactly, a few years back. This is one thing I leanred -- once things start going badly for him, and they will, he will shift his focus back to you -- everything going wrong for him will be YOUR fault. If only you hadn't done this or that.... yada yada. That way he doesn't have to take any responsiblity. Please don't fall into this trap of even listening to it !! Listening to it only feeds into him being more convinced of it ! Just remember you were smart enough to get rid of him, so go live the life you were meant to have! If you don't do it for yourself, nobody else will do it for you ! Congrats.
You Go Girl!!!!
Everyone needs a night out and if he doesn't like it too bad.
I am right behind you, girl! My
up and running in about 30 more days and I can't WAIT! Way more money, more free time! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU GO GIRL
I had something very similar happen to me! The doctor dwindeled down my work to nothing and basically forced me to quit. What they did was give the work to a girl in the office who they did not have to pay a contract rate to and get off cheapter! I was infuriated!!! So I say, YOU GO GIRL...
to CI GIrl
Honey, you really are clueless. The Indian MTs are the upper class - they are not poor. They have college degrees, some of them have Medical degrees (takes 2 years over there, I think, but I could be wrong), and they have nannies for their children, get tea time paid for by the MT companies that employ them. Those employers also provide their transportation to and from work everyday. Does any U.S. employer do that?
40 years this might have been the land of opportunity, but not anymore. Illegals are swarming in here everyday - they are stealing our identities and making a mockey of our entire system of laws. Not to mention how they are clogging our schools, our health care system and our prisons.
We are under attack.
You said it..girl!...
Same for me, live in rural midwest. My last office job, I topped out at $11.30/hr with 20 years experience... Wow $$$, so by the time you counted in the car payment, gas, time commuting, the fact that I never would see my husband because he works odd shifts "on call" type schedule, etc. It just was not worth it. This way I can play/babysit with my grandson 3-4 days a week and work nights, etc. Manure shoveling sounds better than some of the office politics I've seen over the years, that's for sure! I agree, I wish the pay was more and it is sad that people want experienced transcriptionists for 6 cpl:(
You go girl!!!! NM
nm
YOU GO GIRL....
Misha,
I'm still laughing so forgive me if I make a few "typos" o.k.? 
Having taken a break from MT and working in a law firm for about four years in the mid-1980s, knowing what I know about attorneys, I think you should send it. Lawyers, as much as doctors, have a great rivalry and there's nothing like publicity to whet a lawyer's appetite! I say YOU GO GIRL.....
You Go Girl!!!
Right on, QA dragon lady!! I am SO on board with what you are saying. I have been an MT/QA for 35 years and I must say that a lot of the newer MTs don't want to take the time to do the research necessary to learn their jobs so that they are knowledgeable and can produce a good document. I have found so many lazy MTs that use QA to fill in the blanks that they don't fill like filling in. I spent many, MANY (unpaid!) hours in my early days going over every single reference book I could lay my hands on to find a single word because it drove me crazy if I could not find it! We did not have the benefit (and ease) of the internet back then and had to rely on our own resources to find answers. I think the internet and these types of forums have made it too easy for newer MTs to be lazy. They think it should just be handed to them on a silver platter. I'm sorry to you conscientious newer MTs - and I know there are a lot of you - but the lazy, careless, sloppy MTs make a bad name for everyone. It is no wonder that QA today is at the end of their ropes. If you saw the simple blanks - I mean simple to fill in if someone had just taken the time to pull up Google - that are sent through QA, it would curl your hair. Stop blaming everyone else in the world for your laziness, take a good inventory of your skills and figure out what you need to do to improve yourselves. Do not shoot the messengers. It is too easy to blame QA. Don't forget we started right where you are today - the difference is we know how to do research.
you go girl!
I love your closing paragraph. Can we get it put on mugs, shirts, carry-all bags, etc. and tell the world?????? How about billboards, half-time screens at games.... ESPN are you listening????
you go girl...
from another MT Mom who does it all too!!!
girl:
most of us could never write such a sweet note. You may be missing your true calling!
You go girl...well said...
nm
You go, girl! He does not deserve
the patronage of any sensible person.
LOL!! Exactly..maybe i should give you a you go girl!! NOT
x
Hey girl, don't sweat it (sm)
Just as the poster below said, the manual is extensive, but a lot of reinforcement detail. It's actually pretty straight-forward and clear. Just take a deep breath and read it once before your training. You don't have to learn everything before the training session.
The training sessions are very clear and the instructors (mine anyway) are very patient and knowledgeable.
DQS has a lot of bells and whistles, but it is a very user-friendly program.
Send the computer back when you upgrade yours. When you switch, all you have to do is download the program on your computer and all your parameters/info/expansions will still be there.
I had EXTREME anxiety before I trained and went to work on DQS. It was all for nothing... my learning curve was slow, but that's just me... an old dog.
Good luck, sweetie, and check in later and let us know how it's going! :)
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