I have been doing this for 30+ years, like the poster below, starting in 1975 sm
Posted By: LTMT on 2007-01-04
In Reply to: Any 20+year MT's here? - bizzytypist
in high school, trained on the job. I have no idea what radiology pays, but with your experience, you should be able to get at least 9 cpl as an employee doing acute care, more as an IC. There are still companies that pay semi-decent wages, but they are getting harder to find. Sad to say, I made 10 cpl GROSS line back in 1986 -- cannot say that today.
Good luck!
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- Any 20+year MT's here? - bizzytypist
- I have been doing this for 30+ years, like the poster below, starting in 1975 sm - LTMT
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I was making 6.5 cpl in 1975 at a service -- 30 years later most jobs
Talk about PITIFUL.
Depends on where you are. In northern IL..that is starting pay. But I'd not believe the poster
 said they made that 20 years ago. Wages were not that high back then.
Have had it for 2 years now, starting after 20 yrs.
I am not always aware of it except at night at which time I use a fan.
I turn the TV volume up so high, there are complaints so I guess I have hearing loss as well.
We both should see an ENT doc, I suppose.
Agree with poster... it takes 2-3 years from graduating from a program sm
to start to make any decent wage. I personally love this job. Where else can you get a job that requires no college degree that you can make 40,000-50,000 per year???
The above poster is right. Sadly, I've been on Escription for four years and my line counts
were going down. Apparently, the hospital decided we were being overpaid so they manipulated the way were paid i.e. footers, headers etc. They could change it to whatever they wanted and the MTSO did nothing as they wanted to keep the contract. So we had to suck up and take the reduction, along with the fact that all of our work was/is being sent to India so it's slim pickens most days unless you want the crappy accounts. I would ask a lot of questions, but as a whole, Escription accounts and the companies who have it rarely like to pay a decent livable cpl. JMO
Girl, I'm with you... started in 1975
in a Medical Records Department transcription... so I was self-taught by necessity and learned fast. Even had carbon paper between the sheets for the copies! We've come a long way in some things and gone backwards in others. I made more money in the early 80s (cpl) and didn't have to work nearly as hard...no ESLs even... didn't know what they were back then! Boy, things have changed.
I was making 6 cpl back in 1975! - nm
.
I started on a mag card in 1975 (loved it!)... and (s/m)
then in subsequent jobs used a Selectric & correction paper, or correction tape.
When Liquid Paper dame along, it made doing reports with 4 carbons behind the original a lot easier, though not necessarily less messy! I also found out I was slightly allergic to carbon paper! It makes me itch & sneeze. When I arrived at my current job in '80, my office-mate had been at it since the late 40's/early 50's. Back then, she said she actually took her notes LIVE, sitting in front of the doctor while he talked. (We all had alot more time back then!) She took her notes in shorthand (remember shorthand?), and then went back to her desk and transcribed them. So that was even 'way before ANY kind of recorded dictation!
Then we got Correcting Selectrics. Nice, but not NEARLY as much memory as the Mag-Card, where you could just keep on shoving those cards in for an unlimited amount of memory.
At one service I worked for, we had state-of-the-art "Lexitrons". I loved those, too. The memory was on cassettes - like the kind you play music on. Each cassette had 15 empty pages on it. We had some for "normals", others for entirely transcribed reports. The printers were pretty primitive... they typed with keys, just like a typewriter. And they only went ONE direction, then the carriage would return! You also couldn't type while it was printing. Finally they got an upgrade where it printed both forward & backward, and we could type while that was going on. We thought we had joined the Space-Age at that point!
Eventually we got an IBM computer for my office. It had a tiny screen, so you could only see 1/2 the page or less at a time. At that time Wang was the most popular computer/software, but they still wanted an IBM because they were familiar with the name.
Then I changed offices within the SAME organization, and it was back to a Selectric again!
Many years, computer and software changes later, we now have Dells and a powerful word processing system. And oh, yes: Now we have strained necks, carpal tunnel syndrome, thumb & neck splints, ergonomic work stations, sore backs, fat butts, etc., etc., etc.! Something we never worried about back in school, when we used the old manual typewriters with manual carriage returns!
Mt. Lakes High School, NJ 1975
 
I was making 6 cpl back in 1975! There is DEFINITELY something wrong! (s/m)
Back in '75, you could fill a 20-gallon gas tank for about $8-10. Now $20 buys me just 6.5 gallons!
And now milk is even more expensive than gasoline! Sure glad my car doesn't run on milk!
In 1980, a nice 1-bedroom apt. in Calif. was about $350. Now it's about $1150-1250 for a very mediocre one.
A box of dry cereal nowadays? Five bucks. An artichoke? $1.50-$2.00.
In 1972 a brand-new, totally loaded luxury sedan cost about $10,000. Now you can't get a bare-bones Hyundai for that.
I think the only way to prevent MT wages from continuing to drop is to start getting vocal about the situation (and the health & legal risks it poses to patients & MDs), and start talking to legislators about the offshoring problem. Then start speaking with our votes. Some MTs in my area are unionized (I think at Kaiser). Maybe we ALL should be, so we'd have someone to speak for us, because right now now only is the government on our side, but the very companies that advertise all over these boards for "badly-needed MTs" are against US MTs as well, if all they're offering is 6-7 cpl,sweatshop working conditions, and little or no benefits.
Good one. An anonymous poster blows another anonymous poster's head off. Great win for MQ?
 I guess that is a small pleasure for those of you who have lowered your expectations for the company you work for. 
Bet you're married to a fat bald guy too.
starting out
most start out in an office/hospital setting for experience, then go home.. at least that's how it used to be
I used to when I was first starting out.
I sold all my junk around here to declutter the house and pay off some bills, then I tried finding new merchandise to sell without much luck. I did have some luck shopping at yard sales and reselling collectibles on ebay. It just got to be a real hassle packaging everything up and driving to the post office. I decided to just concentrate on my MT career instead of "supplementing" my MT income with temp jobs and selling on ebay. You know, do one thing and do it well. It worked.
Not starting something?
I got mine by direct deposit right on time and got the pay stub in the mail today.
If you aren't trying to start something, why do you ask that question here instead of on the SS sight?
Try direct deposit. You will get you money much faster.
starting out
thank you = that will get me started and I will check out those schools.
starting out= need help
I would like to get started as a Medical Transcriptionist = I have been in Nursing for 30 years and due to medical reasons need to be home with my family and would like to work out of my home. Can you give me some helpful hints to get started and anyone good that I could send a resume to.
starting out
I feel that I would have not problem - I know the terminology and at one time typed 120 wpm - after all I didnt start out as a nurse = would like to know some companies that are good to send in a resume
Starting over
Hi: My high school boyfriend punched me in he mouth because he said I looked too good to go out with him and who was I trying to impress? Got of that relationship really fast. My father was a police officer and he told him he every laid a hand on anyone again he would be put away. Then I married a jerk who quit his job and I was supporting him and he got a girlfriend, yep, and then he hit me because he did not like the fact that I had bought something with my own money, so I got out of that relationship quickly. Now I am married and have three wonderful kids to a man who is a hard worker. My advise to you is go to a shelter, get away from him, take your kids and the next time he hits you (if you still live at home), call the police and have him sent to jail. Domestic abuse/violence is a very serious thing and it won't stop until you get help. Heck you are bright, you are a transcriptionist, you will do much better and have less stress without him. I bet he has beat down your self-esteem also hasn't he. Don't let him, he has no right to. You are a good person, you take care of three children. I will say a prayer for you, but get out and help yourself and your three beautiful children. No man ever has a right to hit a woman or a woman hit a man. Just not right. Good luck. Just think of how your children feel.
I'm starting to
agree with you, stone cold. I hate to say that. I'm sure there are some doctors who have more integrity and I'm pretty sure I know some. Unfortunately, I'm starting to believe the vast majority are in it for the money and must just plain fake their concern and bedside manner w/their patients.
starting pay..
Please note there have been so many people apply in the last 24 hours ..its been a bit too much..please do not email me about this...thank you. mtgal847
It has been BAD! I am just starting and even I can't believe some of those s/l!
nm
That's what I will starting doing too.
nm
They are starting to be
Don't know if you've heard the world news about the remarkable stem cell therapy that is being done in Russia and London where people will start flocking for treatment who have no hope to walk again.
Also something called Planet Hospital where there are offices being set up where people can get insurance and go to other countries for surgeries and take a short vacation while they are there, they are doing this for dentistry also.
For people who cannot afford insurance this is a great deal. I know my hairdresser went out of the country to have a bridge done and she said they did a great job.
Starting a biz
Does anyone have any suggestions on going out on my own to start a small transcription business? Thanks!
Starting a biz
Wow, thanks for that suggestion!
Starting pay is anywhere from 5-7 cpl - sm
as for those here make a nice living, most probably have their own accounts and have been doing the docs for years and have macros out the ying-yang in their expander. It is very difficult to make that good of money working for a national since it is 90% ESL and it takes a while to get up any speed so you make a good hourly rate. If you break $20K your first year that would be amazing. I still haven't and I have been doing this for 6 years, though I am not dedicated but do put in FT hours....just cannot sit here and pound it out, get bored and tired so I just work a few hours here and there but put in about 6-9 hours a day depending on my work load.
starting out
why? do employers look at this chat board??? not cutsey.... TIME SAVING. i dont really type that crap when working. was it really worth noting?
$9.00 starting pay here
I do not work hourly, but applied for a radiation transcription job at a hospital here, and their starting pay was $9.00, so that should tell you something. I hope this helps.
starting out on own
I need some assistance with how to go about starting to get my own accounts. I wondered what is the best way for a newbie to begin. Specifically how does one count lines? Are there programs? What is the market rate (SE Michigan) for line rate for doing a private practice physician. In terms of getting voice files and sending back work what types of systems work best. This would be just starting out transcribing for one physician. I have 10+ years in field but have never struck out on own so feel a little lost where to begin. Feel free to mail privately. I have a physician who my son goes to who wants me to do his transcription. Thx.
starting again
I have been out of transcription work for about 2 years now and I am looking to get back into the pool. Can you recomend a company that has a reliable rep to get back in with? Also any site that may be helpful pertaining to medical words and or medicines would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Starting over (sm)
Yes, this is an excellent field to get in no doubt. I would love to start a self-paced training program, but around here it is a vigorous 2-year course. I cant' see myself doing this before my school-aged children are out of school (another 7 years!) I will be 49 years old! YIKES.
How old are you?
I'm starting to get paranoid....
I've been with Medquist only a short time and have a good experience so far. After reading some of these posts, though, I am becoming paranoid that things are not so good. Someone please fill me in on what is going on. I received the letter a couple of weeks ago from the CEO and just assumed it was a hand full of people involved with this lawsuit. Now what is up???
I'm not starting a fight.
I just wanted to know why you thought I had no friends because I don't like the skank. That's how it came across by responding right under my post about not liking Angelina. Or did your post directed toward another person go in the wrong spot under mine?
I am starting a new Rad job in 2 weeks-$16.50/hr
nm
Starting the day with a bang
Good grief, I must be older than God! Anyone else start Mt-ing with a standard typewriter, the kind you had to reach up and fling the return lever at the end of every line?
Before white out you had to actually erase and if it wasn't completely invisible, you had to start over. White out was the greatest thing since sliced bread! And ah, the selectric! Nope, I sure wouldn't want to go back.
Anyone else remember when the only reference books were a Dorland's and a PDR? Of course you also had your fellow MTs AND nurses and doctors and could actually look at the chart for help?
The only school was the school of hard knocks or OTJ training at minimum wage. There was no "proper training," just whatever it took to get the job done right. If you couldn't cut it , you were let go. I dare say there were way more errors in those days of "untrained" MTs.
Yep, I think it's about time for me to retire.
Any Starting Over fans?
Season 3 started yesterday - but I'm afraid I only watched season 1. Anyone hooked on this show? I loved the first group of women - except for Nyanza!
Well I'm starting my career YEA
So I put my two weeks notice in at my mortgage job and I'm about to embark on my MT career, I have been doing this part time for a year and asked my employer for more accounts and they were kind enough to give me more work !!!!!! So I'm not anticipating making much at first but gas prices will be $5.00 a gallon anyway soon and it will not pay to drive anywhere. So if anyone wants to give this sort of newbie any good advice it will appreciated... I'm so excited !!!!
Starting pay where I live is $10.00
And, that took some talking. So, I choose to stay at home also. With gas, can't afford to work in an office. Besides, am so much happier at home!!
starting my own MT company
I have been a MT for over 10 years and have been thinking about starting my own company. What positives/negatives does everyone have on this idea. I am really not great with the computer end and would not even know what I would need to start up. IDEAS??
starting new MT business
I have been at this now for 35 years and have become increasingly discouraged over the last 8 years. This is a very changing business. You will work extremely long hours, get few rewards, get accounts, lose accounts, have no stability and ultimately be disappointed. It is not a business for the faint of heart. Unfortunately my income has decreased or stabilized since 1996 and I am now making what I was then. Unfortunately the cost of living has not remained the same. I was rolling along doing quite well and satisfied previous to 8 years ago when suddenly my accounts were lost to outsourcing, mega corporations, etc. This used to be a profession that commanded respect for the years we put in to be the best.
If you are not familiar with computers, you will be lost in this business as most transcription is run digitally and everything done with computers, over the Internet, using various programs, FTP sites, etc.
I would like to offer encouragement, but I have taken to discouraging anyone who thinks this is a good business to pursue and one that has long term security.
Good Luck!
My DH is starting to realize that I just....(sm)
might not stick around for much more of his stuff. I know that won't change him though. I just know it...
You're starting out well...
Now just sit down with your Bible and look up these verses: Philippians 4:6,7;
Ephesians 2:14, Isaiah 26:3 and Job 22:21. But the best of all is Psalm 27, especially the last verse. I was at the lowest point in my life some years ago, my daughter was so ill, our little dog had just died of cancer, I had trigeminal neuralgia, my other daughter was struggling emotionally with trying to get through junior high, my mom had cancer and of course our financial situation was the pits...I took my kids to the library and was just sitting by a shelf of books and feeling bad, and I reached out my hand at random and picked up a book, opened it and found a small sheet of paper that actually said, don't worry about anything, instead pray about everyting, tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers, and then cited the verses above. The emotion that flooded me then was wonderful, and I went home and did what the paper advised me to do, and maybe God didn't answer me in any way I could understand, but the relief! If you are an MT, then you've already got backbone - you hang in there and do what you have to, and whatever God has mind for you, you'll make the right decision. I am praying for you.
starting account
Hi, I just recently went out on my own and am doing a bit of typing for my ophthalmologist. What I did was got an FTP site, which was very inexpensive and then bought a couple of older digital recorders. He dictates, his secretary downloads the recorder, sends it to my ftp site and then I just go into it, download the files, type them using Express scribe, which is free except for the cost of the foot pedal and then once the dictation is complete I upload it to the ftp site and they download and type. It is very easy and I think they like this. My only costs were the ftp site, which is cheap, a foot pedal I bought on ebay and headset, the ftp software, again inexpensive and a couple of older Olympus digital handhelds. I have even seen the most recent Olympus wav. recorder at Target for about $45. It is an investment, but I plan to branch out and then I will only be typing for myself and not the other company I type for as an IC
Im starting to love it too!
After the initial couple days of hitting weird key. lol
Starting pay was around $14 an hour
With excellent benefits. That is entry level with nice increases at 6 and 12 months. TX has a state corrections job board---with all positions and details regarding compensation. Benefits start from day-1.
I am probably starting my own MTSO
I was told that I need to get a DBA for a business name unless I run under my own name. My question is, can I use my last name and not register for the DBA. Also, do I need a license to run a business? Thanks in advance.
Sorry, I mean I am starting my own business...
I was on the phone while I was typing that message.
Are you on maintenance or just starting?
Actually my husband and I went on it a couple of years ago, lost weight and felt great...... for a few months. The problem was maintenance.
Starting a business
I currently work for a small service and feel that taking 25% of my gross pay and charging me for minutes used by doctors (gearplayer) is getting to be too much. I want to know how many of you have gotten your own accounts and how you went about doing it. I have 3 years experience with transcription and currently work for 2 offices (ophthalmology and family practice).
Starting or regular pay?
We as MTSOs absolutely have to start the pay lower and I'll tell you why. Hiring and training is expensive. We are paying editors by the hour to proof new hires 100% so we actually lose money on every report a new hire does. 3 out of 5 people we hire lie about their experience and are not qualified to do the work so it requires extensive editing and in a lot of cases, total retyping. Over half of the people hired do not do their required lines or hours per day, some are scheduled to start and just do not even show, do not contact us or anything. I get emails from people saying they are losing their home, their children, etc., and are desperate for work and then do 100 lines a day. It is not cheap to advertise, it is not cheap to pay man hours to test and train. So we start lower, and in the 20% of the time we get somebody who 1) does have the required experience, 2) really does want to work and does the required hours or lines, and 3) proofs their own work so it's not a total wreck when we get it, THEN we give raises, and good ones.
You want to know where all the 10-12 cpl pay per line went? Get out your map and look at India, Phillippines, and Pakistan. On the 11 facilities we have, the highest paying to us is 13 cpl. Try renting an office, keeping the equipment updated, paying employees, etc., on that amount of money. If we try and get a raise, they talk about other companies who have already contacted them and how they can outsource and pay only 8 cpl total. I understand now why companies are outsourcing. We can't find qualified workers or those who even want to work so it's easier for companies to outsource and pay to have the work proofed before being sent on to the facilities. We do not outsource at all, but we have hired so far 19 people for FOUR positions and only 2 remain. That's how bad it is for us.
Starting or regular pay?
The company I work for pays 11 cents a line...so they are out there! They also do not outsource and they need good transcriptionists....contact me if you want a good company to work for.
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