...You'll get questions & answers right away, make contacts. See things done as
Posted By: they should be. Go for it! nm Loved "real" M on 2007-10-06
In Reply to: If college program very comprehensive & they follow - the BOS, go there. Nothing like a live experience.
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If you can afford it, a college program or business school that teaches it. You'll make contacts,
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Read back thru the Word Help and Style boards, too, to see answers to ?? others have. You'll lear
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These questions seem like things
your instructor could answer better than anyone here could. In general, when to edit for grammar, what format to use, and how to decode mumblers are all things that you will get better at with more and more practice, so don't get too discouraged. For those hard to understand dictations, try playing at different speeds (even faster) and going back to the difficult parts after you have transcribed the entire report. As you do more and more reports, you can look back through them to figure out what a dictator might be most likely to say at that point, which may give you a clue. Another trick is to put key phrases around the part you can't understand in Google and see if you come up with something. You can put an asterisk for the part you can't understand and put the key phrase in quotes and sometimes that will help, for example "* prostatic hypertrophy."
Please make sure to ask word questions on the Word Help board. There are
people who specifically answer questions there.
What kind of contacts? experience in what?
I see more messages from graduates of business schools and community colleges saying that nobody will hire them. What kind of contacts are they getting that are helpful to them? What kind of experience are you talking about? They evidently aren't getting the kind that get them jobs or they wouldn't be having so many problems finding jobs? Could you be more specific about what you mean when you say contacts and experience? I really would like to know.
If you'll check the company board you'll find
they have been talked about several times recently. They are an Indian company and no one has had anything good to say about them.
You'll just come to trust yourself as you go. You'll stop replaying the
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Those are not unnecessary questions. VERY real questions.
If you are indeed a "big girl" then get some credible information and make a mature, informed decision for yourself.
My goodness. Where does the personal accountability come into play?
Answers - sm.
Only you can really decide, but this is what I've gathered through experience and reading these boards.
If you are a good solid worker, not too fast and not a workaholic, you will probably make anywhere from $20K to $35K. It depends on you. I work 30 hours a week, make around $25K, but I'm not the fastest and have to take a lot of breaks to stay healthy. If you're REALLY fast and strong, you might get up to the $40K-$50K range, but that's a real stretch.
It will probably take 1-2 years to get through school, depending on which you take, and then several years training afterwards to get to the top of your earning level. It is a long haul, to get to the "good" money.
You don't get your certification from a school, although they may give you a certificate. Only ADHI can actually certify you (CMT).
While it hasn't always been necessary to go to school to get a job (I didn't 18 years ago), in the last few years it has become almost imperative, as very few places will hire you without either 2 years' varied experience, or graduating with good scores from an "approved" school.
It is a tough career, a lot of pressure, constant learning curve and can be very hard on your health, but if you like it so far, it may be right for you. I won't give it up.
Good luck to you.
Some answers
I don't mean to scare you, but yes most doctors speak as if they have marbles in their mouths. They speak while eating, yawning, coughing, burping, passing gas, using the facilities, driving through tunnels, riding the train, watching TV. They never miss a beat, even if there is very loud background noise drowning them out, whether it's an announcement over the PA, chatter from other staff, patients screaming or even things crashing to the ground.
Yes, it is disheartening and it can bring you to the point of tears, especially when first starting out in this field, but eventually if you do have what it takes to become a successful MT, you will develop an ear that will understand perfectly every incoherent utterance.
This is called ear training and it is gained on the job. It is not something you just attain overnight.
Hang in there. Keep listening to the clearer files dictated by actual doctors to get used to the world of medical language.
The files you have from just anyone dictating are unrealistic examples of what you will face as a working MT. Concentrate more on listening to actual doctors dictating.
Ask for samples of completed dictations and voice files to perform some 'read and listens' in lieu of transcribing the files right off the bat. You will start yourself along the path to building up a well-trained ear.
Good luck with your studies.
Got my answers :)
Thanks to Patty and Karolyn for taking the time to let me interview them! Very helpful and insightful. I'll check back to this topic every once in a while incase anybody had anything additional to add, tips or comments and whatnot.
Cheers,
Jackson
Test answers
I wondered that myself! But then again I am a pretty naive critter
Thank You All For Your Interview Answers!!
There have been many great responses to my 'MT student' interview questions. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to answer my questions. Your responses are all very helpful to me. I really can't wait to graduate and start my new career!! Thank you all once again!!!
Everyone is trying to help. They just combined answers into one post.
I just spent 45 minutes going through their website. There is nothing in there website that impresses me as being anything but one of those classes listed on match books. I don't agree with some of they style statements. I did a search for a school in my area and they are connected through a local 4-year college, but the course does not have a good reputation. It says it gives you 6 months to complete the course. It also says that taking the course might take the place of experience - don't think so. They may be able to help you find a job but they have "limited resources." All of these things would tell me it isn't a good school. If the better schools are charging $3,000 and Gatlin is only charging $1450 you're getting what you pay for and that isn't much.
Looking for honest answers about the future of MT...
I am considering MT (again). I already do some transcription but have never trained for medical.
Many of the posts I've read on different forums are pretty discouraging about the future of this profession.
I am a relatively fast typist (80 wpm, 99% accuracy)and have a pretty good command of spelling and grammar. (I'm sure I could use some improvement.)
I would really like some flexible work from home. I have a child with special needs and don't want to go out to work in an office for ten hours a day.
What is the average pay? Is off shore and voice recognition going to make the profession obsolete in a few years? I hate to invest in training and have it be for nothing down the road. Though, I guess I could look into coding in the future! Maybe there will be more at home jobs in that field down the road.
Many thanks,
Mariah
All those answers will be found in these very pages discussed
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You didn't post here to get decent answers
You posted hoping that everyone would agree with you. When they didn't, you flipped out. That is exactly why the company you are working for is not going to cater to you...because they don't like your attitude! 
Even some of us most experienced MTs don't make that. Make your
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Some things to think about regarding
It's expensive and time-consuming for employers to train a new MT. You have to consider this from their perspective. They run a business, not a support group.
Being new to the industry, you won't know this, but the chance you want them to give you requires them to hire someone to, basically, do all your work over again and then tell you what's wrong with it, sometimes for six months. You're asking them to spend in the range of $20-30,000 in addition to what they paid YOU to do the work inadequately . . . so that you can have a chance.
If you've taken an employment test with them and have not scored in the 95% and above range, or, with some companies 98%, they're not going to take you because they believe that after completing a course, you should have been able to make that 95 or 98%. If you cannot, it tells them that you spent a year or two in school and still didn't get the message. They're not going to give you a chance because they think you already had one.
They also look at the school you attended. If that school has a reputation for turning out poor prospects, then the employer knows that hiring you will be a waste. He also knows that you could have determined in advance which schools he will hire from and whose graduates do well, and he thinks that you made your choice about jobs when you chose your school, and if you chose a school that he won't hire from . . . well, that was your decision. Not his. He owes you nothing.
Before you choose a school, do your research. Going with the lowest bidder gets you a low-bid education. You need to go with a school that can demonstrate results. Graduates of those schools do not have trouble getting a job.
If you have already completed a school and cannot get a job, you can go on to a better school, or you can look locally for a physician office employer and work your way up from there.
Most college programs train only at the "physician office" level. Most distance programs train at that level, as well, so you should have the skills for that kind of job. Once there, you can work your way up to a larger office, a larger clinic, perhaps a local hospital. Along the way, you can improve your skills by self study. It may take three to five years, but you can advance that way. It's often less expensive just to take a better course, even if you've already completed one.
If you are just out of school and nobody wants to hire you, they're telling you that your academic preparation is not what they consider to be adequate for the jobs they have.
there's several things to consider.
Are you working 12+ hours because it takes that long to get the required line count, or just to make enough money at your line rate? Under most circumstances, i would work your 1st job for at least 1 year, and maybe more. Many employers will overlook the time requirement, or not be as strict with it, if you have the knowledge and skills in place. Have you asked your present employer for a raise? Are you getting the mentoring that a newbie needs? Do you have worthwhile benefits? If you are getting 'very good' work experience and do not run out of work, it may be worth staying put awhile. E/m me if i can be of more help.
Things to look out for
There are errors in their course material. There are other courses that are more thorough with more accessible knowledgeable staff. Also be aware that there are people, a lot of them former students, out there who are "affiliates" that make a decent income by promoting CareerStep and getting people to sign up for the course.
Yes, but all those things you
mentioned can be written off as business expenses since they are required for your work. There are other write offs and percentages you can take as well by working from home, maybe not the whole heating bill of course.
Like working anywhere, there are always expenses incurred associated with any job.
there are all ways of looking at things
I'm going to respond to you, item by item –
>>>The seasoned MT's and recruiters are using this forum to vent on their frustration with the newer MT's.<<<
What I saw was one harshly worded message from MTSO. As a former business owner myself, I see where they are coming from. While I do not agree with the manner in which they expressed their views, I can look beyond their frustration and understand how they feel. Try to look beyond how MTSO expressed their views and focus more on what they were saying.
>>>This is just my opinion, but if you need to put others down to make yourself feel superior go to the site where the seasoned MT's are.<<<
Putting others down to make yourself feel superior is what kids do. And why are you using the term “seasoned MTs" when you speak of people with a lot of experience. You make us sound like a steak going on the grill.
>>>This site is for newer MT's that need advice and a place to talk to other new MT's. Seems inappropriate for the experienced MT's to jump on this site to talk about what makes them mad about the newer MT's.<<<
What MTO did is give you serious advice, and you need to seriously consider WHAT was said rather than HOW it was said. And if you want to speak of what’s inappropriate, I feel it is very inappropriate for someone trying to break into the industry to post messages on the Main Board asking for help with their test.
>>>Has it been that long that we cannot remember what it was like, or was it like this.
Every day of my life. And I was grandfathered for this job. I never went to school for it. If you had a good ear and good spelling skills, you received on-the-job training. I vividly remember my first day on the job ... I think I transcribe 250 lines in 8 hours. And the work was filled with blanks and errors. Now, I'm asked to do some dictators that more experienced MTs say they can’t do.
>>>I did not have to apply for a job with my computer. I actually got to speak face to face with someone hiring. Maybe if my lack of experience did not charm them, I could. I think it is harder to apply on paper than it was for us in person.
I agree with this. I do very well with face-to-face interviews. With respect to applying for a job over the Internet, it’s become “dog eat dog” so to speak. With so much being outsourced to foreign countries, there are thousands of MTs in this country who are fighting for the same jobs with the same companies. You’re no longer a person; now, you’re a white piece of paper with black ink on it. And that’s all you have to sell yourself beyond the competition.
<<<Let's lighten up a little bit ladies and play nice.<<<
Kill joy! 
mastering these things?
Doesn't a lot of this come with time? It's seems like with transcription, like anything, you have to jump in there and do it. If your serious about it, will you not learn to master all these things over time? I mean anyone can do anything they really put there mind to.
It depends on a LOT of things.
Have you systematically inundated companies with your resume? And what's your resume like? Is it EXCELLENT? Does it show the employer all the specialties you've learned? Does it show other experience that might be helpful, such as working at home in a home business (many employers wonder how you will handle being at home) or general transcription, etc.? Are you keeping HIGHLY accurate records of all the places you've applied to and following up with thank you notes even with the places that won't hire you? Have you reapplied after not hearing from them in a couple of weeks? Have you networked on different chat groups with other MTs? Have you placed your resume on any of the sites that take MT resumes (including this one)? What exactly have you done? We need more information!
Cannot say enough good things about M-TEC!
You get what you pay for! :-)
Depends on a lot of things
Depends on how long you have been working as an IC, do you have a husband that works and has taxes withheld, what deductions you have as an IC, combined income, etc. My best adcive is that if this is your first year as an IC, to go to an account with your last year's taxes, your husband's (if you are married) last pay check stub, a report of what you have made year to date and what your expenses have been and get some advice. Do not wait until after the first of the year when they are so busy. But for the first year talk to an accountant, pay $50 to $100 for some advice. They are not as busy right now and it could be cheaper than if you wait until the first of the year. Or else, get a copy of Turbo tax and try to do your taxes even it if is based on last year's program and that will tell you what you need. If you are married and have trouble putting aside money, I suggest you have your husband up his withholding, it is easier that way. E-mail me with questions and I will try and answer for you. Patti
Cannot say enough good things about M-TEC!
I graduated from the premier program nearly 8 years ago now and have been employed at home since graduation. I had numerous offers to test because many companies will waive the 2-year experience requirement for MTEC grads. I had job offers every place I tested, so I had my pick. Like the other poster said, go to their site and research or call them up. Best of luck to you! 
A couple of things...
1. People who hire do read these boards so, for your own sake, watch spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
2. Have you tried contacting your school for help with your job search? That should be your first step.
Lots of luck.
It can really help to say it out loud in the doc's accent! Really! Some things just pop out at yo
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Unless you are facinated with all things medical
.
Thank you so much for you honesty. The things you said are very true. I only wish I had read some
Hard to tell as each company does things differently.
I'm sure they'll ask the basics about your experience, what work type you prefer, hours/lines you can do each day, etc. They may ask you questions to see how well you know your stuff. They should also ask you if you have any questions and they should tell you what they are looking for, what their platform is, how they pay, etc.
typo, fascinated by all things medical. nm
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Moving to California and selling a few things
Hi All,
I am taking a long break and moving to California. Yeap that's right I am just up and leaving. So I must travel Lite.
I am in search of a house to rent--so if any of you Californians know of a place I would appreciate it.
I am selling: This would be great for someone thinking of evidently having their own accounts.
C-phone and headset with instruction manual (paid $200)
USB universal foot pedal (paid $100)
Panasonic Cassette transcriber with foot pedal (regular cassette) (paid $250) Great for those doctors still using regular cassettes or great doing general transcription work.
Resource materials:
Medical Transcription Guide Do's and Don'ts 3rd edition (this is the most recent one) (paid $44)
Nurse's Pocket Drug Guide
PDR Nurse's Drug Handbook
Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary 27th edition
Sloane's Medical Word Book
The AAMT Book of Style
Stedman's Medical Dictionary (Illustrated in color) 28th edition with CD
The language of Medicine with CD inside
Medical Transcriptionist's Desk Reference (Carolyn Collins-Gates)
CD transcription sample reports
I would like to sell all as one price so best offer.
I hate it when husbands INSIST on things ...
when they don't know what they're talking about!
Way too many people drop out of MT courses, the schools are smart enough to get all the money up front.
Plus there is the "monitor" board to report things, look at left - nm
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I think jealousy makes the unsuccessful schools say bad things about the others
If I had a really bad school that nobody liked and it had a really bad reputation, what would I do? I would claim that education doesn't matter. I would tell people that you don't need all those books and materials because you learn it all on the job anyway. I would tell people that all schools are horrible. In other words, I would try to bring everyone else down to my level. Sometimes I wonder if that isn't why we see so much negativity about schools when the graduates tell a different story. Graduates of schools that do a good job say it was worth it. Graduates of stinky schools say they wish they had done it differently. Then someone yells that all schools are bad. I think they protesteth too much.
Sorry, I read the wrong post. I had way too many things on my mind.
but that said, I think the local hospitals would be your best bet. You can get invaluable experience there. Especially with acute care.
Good luck with your job search. WIll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Only 1 post recently from someone who heard good things and wished they
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Thank you Corp Anon! Everytime I say those things, somebody starts with the "oh, you're so neg
whining. But as an MTSO, I couldn't agree more. The resume is your first contact with the MTSO. It had better be good because you only get one shot to go on to the next round.
Just type what you hear. Lots of things are repeated in differnent notes.
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Questions....
What course did you finish? How did you do? Do you have a kick-a$$ resume? Where are you "training"? Are you being paid for it? Where have you applied? What is your strategy? A little more information, please!
Help !! - Questions!!!
im signing up for the online transcription course through CareerStep and im really looking forward to it. these next few questions are aimed to those who are already a transcripitionist or anyone who knows the answers.
1. how hard or easy is it to find a job once you are graduated?
2. how much do you make starting out? and how much could you potentionally make?
3. is it hard to find a job that allows you to stay at home and do your job? especially when starting out?
4. what are your hours like? both at home or in a clinic?
5. is careerstep (if known) really helpful in finding you a job after graduation?
i have 2 kids and want to make sure this is going to be worth it if i have to work in a clinic and pay a babysitter.
thank so much in advance for your answers. even if you cant answer them all, any answer is very appreciated.
Same questions?
These exact same questions were posted a few months ago by someone saying that they were doing an MT class assignment. What is up with that?
new MT questions
Hello all you fabulous MTs!
I am seriously considering training to become an MT; however, I have some questions for you. I have noticed many of you discussing MT companies who are hiring overseas as well as many of you who are having trouble finding work. I understand the difference the prestige of your school makes and am wondering if there are any of you who have graduated from Andrews or M-Tec who have had problems finding work. I'm also wondering, from those of you who have been in the business for many years, what you see for the future of the MT profession. It looks like VR and EMR have been on the horizon for a long time and could jeopardize the industry but how many of you think this is rumor and how many of you feel it is a legitimate concern? I would hate to spend at least a year of my time and approximately $4,000 training for a career that will be obsolete soon. Oh, and one more question: Are there any of you out there who have successfully found work that pays well but you find the work unsatisfying? I'm trying to convince my husband that this job won't be too boring! Any advice you could give would be much appreciated.
I think I'll be done in about ....
2 months, give or take. I'm in good ol' Texas :)
You'll get there!!
I just wanted to let you know that it is possible for a new MT to get a job with a national company. I did it, and I just graduated in December. Just keep putting out those resumes and testing. It will happen!! God bless!
Julia
Thank you! I'll let her know that!:-)...nm
nm
I'll say hello!
Hello!
I'm actually quite new here too. Still trying to get used to the software. :-)
And i'll bet a lot of them have CMT behind their name. nm
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