20$ an hour?!!! I couldn't make this as a nurse where I live! You are VERY blessed! nm
Posted By: sad poor nurse/MT on 2005-12-30
In Reply to: last resort? - aa
s
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Blessed is more like it. Many of us oldie MTs don't make 10 cpl and never will. nm
s
I'm sorry you couldn't make it
Business actually is growing at a record pace. I'm truly sorry that you weren't able to meet the standards (one error per page...50 pages, 50 errors). It is not unusual for disgruntled students to forgive their inadequacies and blame it on the Company.
However, once enrolled in our program you can always come back and display your "talents". If you have been inactive for 6 months, you can pay a $50 reinstatement fee, submit a new application, and resume.
If you are that talented, making all that money, what do you have to lose? Another client, hospital, clinic?
I really don't think I'll hear back from you, $50.00 reinstatement isn't "petty cash," right?
Lin
I make more as an MT than I did as a nurse...
Nurses do not make the big bucks, let me tell you....I make more now as an MT...plus do not pay for daycare, etc....
I make 2-3 times what I made as a nurse. nm
you can make up to $40 per hour.....
if your speed is good and you have a good expander. anyone who types less than 70 words per minute, will probably have a hard time earning over $20 per hour. Those who are making $5 to $9, well that's just crazy. Terrible account, terrible dictators, terrible expanders...something is definitely wrong.
You are blessed, for sure! :) nm
s
You're blessed! Take it and be thankful. nm
b
You're one of the few that have been incredibly blessed out here. The "norm"
s
Couldn't you have
warned her of the importance of going to a good school so she could step right into a good job?
I took the course. I couldn't get a job, so I enrolled in m-tec to get a job
nm
Even if you could take it, you probably couldn't pass it.
Anymore than I as an MT could take a nursing exam and pass it. MT is a lot more than just medical terminology, and nurses are not qualified to work as MTs -- just ask anyone who hires MTs.
Well said. Couldn't agree more.
I work at home as well, but I also had to supplement my CS education to make up for what that program lacks.
You were "blessed to find a private company" in your area. Most people are not so blessed.
And most companies will not even let grads of AHP take their employment test, because they know they haven't been trained well enough to pass it. However, the companies will simply say that they "don't hire newbies" and "you must have 2 years' experience" which isn't true, you just need a good education where they know you can pass their test and do the work.
buy...couldn't resist! :) LOL...great book though. NM
d
Nurse to MT
I went from nursing to MT. I did train for MT while workig as a nurse. One of my biggest problems during training and through an internship was the medical abbreviations, they differed from what I had used for the previous 16 years (lower case instead of upper case, periods used in MT abbreviations, but not in nursing, abbreviations you are not supposed to use, etc.). Eventually, I worked out those and other kinks. Each client you have will have their own specs as will the company you work for. There is a lot to learn that is new and specific to medical transcription and not really applicable to nursing.
My nurse background was very helpful in knowing the content of reports and "what was actually going on." But, overall, that was not enough to get a job right out of training, so I did an internship. I've been working since I completed that, but not for much money. I've not seen any really good money in MT yet, though I hear it is there. Having made the transition, I would suggest MT training. On the other hand, you may get lucky and land a nice side job without it, I don't hear of that kind of luck often.
The money is better in nursing, but it is a trade off. Personally, I find MT more rewarding than the abuse that goes along with nursing. If you are a long time nurse, you'll know what I mean. With your background, you may find you don't really need to take the most expensive MT school training. The top three are always recommended, though, since they seem to turn out really good grads.
Good luck to you and God bless.
Nurse to MT
I am a nurse, and I EASILY went into MT and found a job quickly! I will have to say that nurses seem to have more knowledge of med terms, drugs, and the like. If you are good at typing, spelling and the proper english language--go for it! I only do MT work now, because I am home with my 2 little ones, once they are grown, I will return to nursing. Good luck to you and ignore the negative comments!
NURSE TO MT
I'M A REGISTERED NURSE, AND LOOKING FOR A SIDE JOB. THIS APPORTUNITY CAME TO ME THROUGH CAREERBUILD FROM TRANSAMASSOCIATES. THEY'RE OFFERING AN MT COURSE FOR 450.00 DOLLARS ONLY! WHICH THEY CLAIM IS THE COST OF THE SOFTWARE, AND ONCE I PASS THEIR TESTS, THEY GARANTEE ME WORK FROM THEM. HAS ANYBODY HAD EXPERIENCE WITH THIS COMPANY? OR IS IT A SCAM? THEY CLAIM TO BE ON THE BOARD OF DIR. OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, AND THE BBB. ANY HELP ON THIS MATTER? THKX. MINA
couldn't agree more - grammar is critical yet not taught in the MT schools sm
I find it makes or breaks any MT I take on. I wish they would focus more on it. Most people can't figure out plural possessive or whether to use affect or effect.
Being a transcriptionist is much different from being a nurse,
even if it's a medical transcriptionist
How much does the average nurse know about surgical procedures? How much time does the average nurse (not surgical nurse0 spend in the OR? Radiology? Neurology? Just because they know medical terms does not mean they are ready to be a Transcriptionist without getting any training.
Where do you live?
Just wondering where you live because a hospital that I applied at is looking for someone.
And I'd like to be a surgical nurse, but I don't have the hands.
Did you ever consider whether you had the skills and tools to become a technical writer (medical language specialist, specifically) before you went into this profession? Did you ever take any career personality type testing in school or on line?
I'd love to assist in surgery for my career, but realistically, I'm too clumsy. But if I were determined to do it, I would certainly have researched schools and paid whatever was necessary to make sure I went to one that could have prepared me so I could have had a chance at it. Otherwise failure would be a given, right?
Also was a nurse, still am. You NEED an MT program to learn about this job, not
s
I went straight from being a nurse to doing MT work with
no extra training. I worked in a local hospital and picked up quite easily on the medical transcription end (worked in that department for 18 months). I then tested for a national company that actually required 2 years experience or certification from an approved school, but I passed the test and did well enough that they hired me and waived the 2-year experience qualification. Been at that same company for 7 years, have worked on multiple accounts, received raises and had no complaints about my work. So, yes, you can go from nursing to MT. It takes some practice and some on-hands learning, but you can do it.
I don't live where the hospital is looking - sm
I actually have two hospitals to recruit for - one in NY and one in Maryland. I will have another soon in Minnesota after I fly up there on Wednesday to find out their needs and look at the surrounding area. These would be for people wanting to relocate. Relocation would be paid.
What state do you live in??
nm
where the heck do you live?
Are you an RN? Even in podunk the salary for an RN is nearly 30 an hour, and the traveling nurses get more plus paid rent and utilities.
I don't mind saying where I live.
I live in Granbury, TX. If thats nowhere near you then they probably wouldn't even bother w/ me, right? If you live around here, let me know, if not then let me know too. Thanks for helping!!!!!
Words to live by...
Thanks so much for the info!!!! I love discovering how to make my life "easier" and to have someone give so freely of the knowledge they have obtained over years of experience. It is very helpful. Thank you!!!!
It does matter where you live
as well as all the other things mentioned in other posts. That said, Meg is obviously new to the profession and does not understand that by charging 6 cpl directly to the doctors offices you/she/whoever would be doing all MTs a disservice and contributing to the decline of our compensation. I am on the other side of the country, but the rates here are typically charged by the gross line at about 12-14 cpl, which translates to a couple of cents higher for 65-character lines. Even if you are working for a service 6 cpl is low, although admittedly not much lower than what is average these days, but take into consideration that you are not having to fight to attain and keep accounts, and all that goes with that end of it, and are doing only the transcribing and what goes into producing the actual reports. Services are charging hospitals even more than the rates I mentioned above, to the tune of about 21-23 cpl. (which also varies and is based on several factors).
Vanessa - noticed you live in NC....can I ask where, as I do and might be able to help nm
do you live close to anyone who transcribes for a living?
Maybe you can find a mentor who can help you out. It is very hard to get into this field. It would be beneficial if you could find someone to QA your work for you.
Used to do QA for $20 an hour -
Would not even consider less than that because I can make that much doing straight transribing and have a lot few headaches.
A nurse does not have the proper training to be an MT, anymore than an MT could suddenly decide to b
nm
any new graduates live in Orange County California.
From what I gather, and remember as I was in your shoes 15 years ago, to get a job is tough. Are new graduates interested in working in externship program and a more experienced transcriptionist's residence for maybe 6-7 cents per line??? I have been pondering this and would appreciate any feedback.
How much lines per hour?
Thanks everybody for providing me information few days ago, but I still dont get it how a new MT can type 75 to 100lph because I am able to type hardly 350 lines in 8 hours, this is after the correction i mean grammer, trying to find drug names, etc.
How *many* lines per hour...do you have a
nm
$12 to $13 an hour are poverty wages
x
For a newbie $10 an hour is good I would say - sm
granted if you have always typed 175+ cpl then it is not good of course. But say you get .07 line-65 cpl then 175cpl would come out to be $12.25 an hour. Starting out I made about $7/hour at .07/line, now I make average about $12/hour, but do about $9-16/hour depending on the dictator. I do not get paid for spaces as well so that cuts into the bottom line as well. I would think after a year they should bump you up to at least $12. Where I work the higher the line rate you make means you get the harder dictators, so that hurts too when you are on payment by the line, but where hourly pay would "pay" off.
$9 an hour starting is really good for a new MT.
As the poster said below, most new MTs do not start that high. It took me months to get to $9 an hour.
You'll need to work 2 jobs at home to be able to live on MT. Or have a spouse + your income. Best
s
I guess you don't mind working for $5-10 an hour.
I don't feel 5 cpl is worth my time. Even doing 200 lph (it took me 7 months to get to that point), I would only be making $10 an hour. Why would anyone waste their time? Their are companies out there that offer new MTs much better rates. But if you don't feel you are worth more than that, by all means, go ahead and accept minumum wage.
I was lucky if I made $1 an hour my first week! sm
It was horrible! After a month, I am now up to $8 an hour.(I know that is still not much!) I would look up every single drug and doublecheck the dosages. Now, I am familar with many of them and it feels good not to have to look them all up. It is great that your company thinks you are doing good work!
200 lines an hour is way beyond minimum expected
s
But that 1 hour of dictation could take you 3-8 hrs to do depending on clarity, the setup, etc. nm
s
I remember my first job quite a few years ago and making about $2 an hour until I learned...sm
the account, got used to the doctors, learned how to efficiently research etc. I also needed to create my own expansion program as the system I worked in back then would not allow an outside expander. Keep at it and good luck, it will get better.
That wage per hour is a crock, no matter what! Look at the 3 recommended
s
Wow..how does that work. Your making $5 an hour. Didn't minimum wage go up? If you pay or line co
does not go up, I'd probably move on. I understand right now your probably just getting the experience but you work a whole day and make $40??? I'd be tempted to change jobs soon. I know personally I could not survive on $5 an hour.
Even some of us most experienced MTs don't make that. Make your
s
make as many as possible
expanders equals $$$$. But you have to be careful not to use the wrong one. If you have two that are similar you may end up with something ridiculous in your report so proofread well! I like to make Expanders for entire physical exams and operations. Some operations by some doctors are so similar it's worth it to do that.
Low MT pay v. those who make $40k+
I see so many people complain about the current rates of pay for MT's and say that they're barely making it. Then, every once in a while there's a post by someone who says they've been working as a MT for two or three years and are making over $40k. What gives?
Are the MT's making this much money just "lucky", with the right company or in the right situation, or just very fast? Are they working for their own accounts with no benefits and have to take a lot of taxes out of that $40-45k? Are the people who complain most about pay just newbies? Or, do many of you consider that amount to be barely making it? I live in the midwest, and that salary could easily support a somewhat modest lifestyle for myself, my partner, and our baby while he goes back to school.
I have a pretty good understanding of all the variables that go into MT salaries and that it's slow starting out. I realize this isn't a profession you get into solely for the money. I'm just wondering if it's reasonable to shoot for (for example) making $40k/year as an MT three years after graduating from Andrews.
Try these guys. They make (sm)
all sorts of handy gadgets like that.
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