Answers - sm.
Posted By: searching on 2007-09-14
In Reply to: Deciding if school is right for me - Ry
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.
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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
s
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! 
...You'll get questions & answers right away, make contacts. See things done as
s
Read back thru the Word Help and Style boards, too, to see answers to ?? others have. You'll lear
s
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