Anyone even thinking of starting school SM
Posted By: to all on 2008-07-13
In Reply to: Want to take classes - lisa p
for this field, go to the Main Board and read the post from "I AM DONE" - I didn't type it, but it's a pretty good summary of what an MTs career ends up to be.
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starting a school and can't spell curriculum - PLEASE
can't help but be police- 
Thinking of MT
Hi, I am exploring the idea of MT as a way to fund semi-retirement. We will be traveling, and I'm looking for something that can be taken up and put aside for days, weeks, or months at a time. So my question is, are there companies that let you join a pool and take what they want to offer when you are wanting to work? Or is this a career that you need to be working constantly or you're out? Thanks!
Thinking of MT
Thank you sm, that was very helpful. I do realize MT isn't a simple job. I've been a court reporter for 16 years and thought this might be a fairly smooth transition. May not be the retirement income situation I desire. Thanks for your response!
That was what I was thinking...
I was thinking maybe I wasn't hearing a lot of problems with them because they weren't having a lot of problems! lol That is one reason I was asking because I didn't know if a lot of them were finding jobs or just being tight-lipped about their experiences. Thanks for your response! I appreciate the info. I will check out the other board!
thinking of MT as second job
you know...there is a reason that MTs with tons of experience are asking what they can do instead. By the time you find and finish a good MT course...more and more jobs will have been outsourced to india or elsewhere. It is hard for ME to compete with that 5 cents a page thing...as a newbie it is bloody well impossible. The learning curve AFTER school is pretty long too. Instead of getting into the offshore mess...consider instead taking a course in medical coding. There is a huge huge huge shortage of certified coders. You can train to become a coder at home on your own time frame (AHIMMA has a very good on line course). YES it is tough...so is transcription...but almost any hospital/clinic of any size has at least one opening for a coder. They are not yet offshoring those jobs! YES you need to get certified...that's improtant to get a job. But at least check into coding instead.
I still am thinking of canceling....
There is so much negativity regarding MT. I really think I am going to just cancel the program and at least recoup a little money. I am taking some college course right now and am trying to decide which degree program I would like to enter. But good luck to you.
Thinking about applying but have a question.
I currently work for a small MTSO and have a small account with her but there is not enough work to support myself. I realize newbies don't start off with the best pay and that is fine with me but, if you don't mind me asking, do they start you out with the usual 5-6 cents per line? Is it gross or 65-character? Is work pretty steady?
Thanks in advance for the info.
I'm thinking if I was selling something I wouldn't
point out the bad things about it.
That may be wishful thinking on your part
I think you've been proven wrong about the community colleges being good. Most of them are closing their MT courses because their graduates can't get jobs. Some of the others are still offering MT but they offer it with all sorts of other classes that have nothing to do with transcription. They aren't doing a good job of teaching people to transcribe though. They do a good job with terminology though, I will admit.
Please tell me about Focus, I'm thinking of applying.
Hello,
I have been thinking of applying to this company since I heard they are willing to hire newbies. I don't have much experience since graduating from my MT program, but really do need to make some decent money.
The only thing I have heard about this company is that they are Indian owned, thus offshore. I do not know anything about the pay, training, benefits, platform, QA relationship, recruiting practices or anything that might make me worry. Please tell me why you would not recommend them, I don't want to get stuck with a bad company. But I also realize that some companies are not good fits for some people.
Please reply here or by email if you like. I just want honest information. Are there other companies willing to hire and give new MTs a good starting chance?
Thanks.
Thinking about MT as 2nd job - extra money
Hi there - I have a very sound career holding a Management position making great money, however we are trying to pay off bills and I thought I would pick up a second job. A friend told me about being a MT and at first I was kinda excited to start my research, then sites like this (some of the posts) have scared me. HOWEVER there are a good number of success stories. I think I may continue on, as this will not be my main job, just for extra income.
My question for all of you who are certified. I keep reading about the BIG 3 schools. I don't know who they are, but I was going to go to one of my technical colleges in my local area. Is that a no no in the MT world? I mean, it's an accredited school. I'm just scared that when applying for jobs, they will want those that came from the big 3 that you all are talking about.
If anyone can share information I would greatly appreciate it. Thx a bunch!!!
thinking about selling my transcription business...
 and just wondering if any one has any opinion on interest in that. The person owning the company would make a minimum of $82,500 a year, running the business and doing some transcribing part time. It would be very easy to do some marketing and bring in some new accounts, which could easily push that 82500 to over 100000 a year. I have repetitive stress injury and my doctor has told me I need to find something else to do. I was thinking if there was an MT or a group of MT's (the company is incorporated so shares can be sold) that would like to get together, they can eliminate the middle man, earn retail price for their lines and establish job security, not to mention satisfaction. Price would be around $250,000 but like I said, a group of people could go together to cover that and with a little work in marketing, it could be paid off in three years. The business is about 10 years old and to the point where it is generating its own referrals. It could really go places if someone wanted to spend a little time marketing to a few new hospitals. Any one have any thoughts on this.
I was thinking the same thing....what a great way to advertise!!
,,
Does anyone have any experience with TRS Institute- thinking of applying.
.
Amanda, you know what? I sat here all weekend thinking about offering Lisa an IC position (sm)
that might be able to help her out, as I work in 12-hour TATs, but the more I saw the posts left from her, the more I chose not to get involved. I come to this board for the specific reason of offering help, as I feel anyone who truly needs a break should be given the opportunity. However, Lisa has made it blatantly clear that the only opportunity she wants is on HER terms and I actually feel slighted that I was willing to take a chance with someone who comes across the way she has.
Also, I am offended by the fact that Lisa states her first job is "Mom," as if mine is not. Yes, I do WORK as an MT and I work hard at it, but I also am there for every single aspect of my children's lives, including class mother, PTA chairperson, basketball, softball, baseball, dance, etc. I work hard daily for the balance (without the benefit of my wonderful husband) and I MAKE it work for all of us and for that I am rewarded and blessed. How dare someone even critique my abilities, especially as a mother.
I need help starting out.
 I have been struggling for the past year to get my paycheck. I am so fed up with having to constantly hound the "company" that I work for that I might as well get my own accounts if I have to do so much footwork. I would love any advice on how to start up my own accounts. I'd love to receive all my files off the internet. Any advice...... Please.
is that what starting cpl is now?
Although I am not there anymore, I started with Spheris at 0.065 as a newbie just a little over 1-1/2 years ago. This was for clinic work, not acute care, either. It just seems the rates continue to drop. I agree with the person who said that is VERY low.
Starting pay
Does anyone know what the MT starting pay is for Webmedx, Accustat Carolinas, Accusribe and Transolutions? Also, could you give me your feelings about these companies? I'm looking for the good, bad and ugly. I need to make a change, but am looking to avoid going from the frying pan directly into the fire. So, I am asking here in an effort to get some honest information from those of you who would know from your experience.
Thanks a lot for any info you can provide. Feel free to send me an email if you would prefer. Thanks again.
Starting out as an IC?
I graduated from my MT course in August and have been trying ever since to find work. I currently have an offer from LTS to work as an IC, but I find the idea kind of intimidating. Having to get insurance, quarterly taxes and me being new to the field. Could anybody give their opinion on whether I should wait or give it a shot as an independent contractor?
Thanks
Starting out
Starting out as an IC is probably a good thing. Most companies want their employees to type 100 to 150 lines per hour average. I know that does not sound like a lot, but when I was new I had to stop a lot to look things up. I still have a hard time getting in 150 lines per hour and I have been at this for over 3 years. (I probably should have learned how to touch type before I started!) I started out with a company called MedQuist. They hired me right out of school. It is a good company to work for, but they require 100 to 150 lines per hour for benefits. I know that most companies won't even consider hiring anyone with less than 2 years at least, some require 5 or more years expierence.
I am an IC now and I am a bit concerned about taxes also. I was told by my accountant that you can deduct a percentage (based on the size of your home office) of your bills, possibly taxes, and even mortgage. Save all receipts!!!! To be sure, please talk to an accountant. Tax laws are different in every state.
Good Luck 
Starting a new job
Did anyone find it a little frustrating starting a job. I have 2 jobs. One I trained today, but there is no work as of yet. The other I am waiting for the account to start. Did anyone else have these problems?
just starting out
I have finished an online course w/a good grade & am TRYING 2 find a job but seems anyone/everyone hiring is looking for @ least 2 years of experience... does anyone have any advice or ideas on how 2 get started? thanx in advance.
when just starting out
First let me wish you best of luck in your chosen field. I would not expect to be able to do this at home right out of school though. It takes most people a while to "get their feet wet" so to speak, at the very least a year, maybe even two. I don't mean to discourage you, just don't want you to be discouraged later. I think the best thing to do is find a job with a local hospital or clinic and take it from there. Good luck.
Okay, I'm starting to think that it is me.
I have taken the test for RI Unlimited, and yesterday morning, I got an e-mail that said I failed. Today, I started the test for Princeton, and completed all of the written test. I obviously passed, but when it came time for the transcription test, all that happened was that I got a pop-up saying that my experience wasn't what they were looking for. No transcription test as simple as that. Now as far as the 2 test I have failed, I just don't understand how I failed them, and neither does my cousin (who looked them over before I turned them in), and she's been in the business for a really long time now. I'm going to try Sten-Tel, but is there any pointers anyone can give me that may help. I'm getting really frustrated, and I'm about ready to give up and take a convenient store job. I really need the work, and I'm actually willing to take less pay.
Starting pay in hospital
Any ideas of the pay for in the hospitals?
RE: Starting pay in hospital
Depends on what part of the United States you are inquiring?
Starting Salary
Thats what i heard but about what will that come out to per hour if I am working from home?
Starting Salary
How much should starting salary for a new Medical Transcriptionist be?
Just starting.. and scared..
Hi.. I'm so new, that in fact, I just signed up for an MT course at Career step.
Now, after reading this, i'm quite concerned that I will never have work when i'm done with this.
We live in a small rural community but there are a lot of doctors and one hospital.
I would like to stay home and work.. is there really money.
I see people talking about the money is not very good that they are making.
I only need to make 25,000 a year- can that be done? With outsourcing?
Thanks for your help.
...with a VERY low starting rate, way low, but they do take
s
Congrats Ed!! I'm starting the CS
course at the end of March. I'm taking it through Everett Community College, so I'll have additional help from instructors! Maybe we can help eachother out! You'll be about a month ahead of me, but Everett says their timeline to complete the course requires about 40 hrs. a week. Maybe I'll catch up with you quickly if your not studying full-time.
Christy
starting an mt business from home
Help - I'm currently looking to do medical transcribing from home but don't know where to begin. I'd really like to talk to someone that can help. I worked at a hospital for 2 years in the orthopedic department as an mt. However that was 27 years ago. I have been with a major airline for the past 21 years which is now bankrupt, so I thought I'd go back to MT. At least that way I'll be home once in awhile. Where do I begin. Thanks so much for any information you can give me. I'm in Northern Kentucky if that matters.
help with starting mt from home business
I don't know what online schools are legit! Any suggestions. I'd like a quick refresher course online if possible. I want to get started now. I'm still going to keep my other job and transcribe part time.
Honors or not, I pay 5 cpl starting out and if the MT proves
that they can do the job then I'll go up from there. I am the one who has to sit and edit every single word that is transcribed by the new MT and give feedback. That takes up all of my time. If an MT shows that they can get the job done accurately, I'll increase their line rate even if that's only a couple of weeks down the road.
This is starting to sound like a company
that is known for being difficult. You aren't working for TranScam, are you?
$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.
I know when I was just starting, I was leaving whole phrases blank! sm
that is the only way to build your vocabulary. Also you need to learn techniques for re-listening to figure out words. First rewind and listen over and over and try to pick up the very beginning. Be careful that you don't let the end of the prior word run over into the beginning of the word you are trying to figure out, (as in "gonna lash it to the bow", if the end of "lash" runs over into the beginning of "it" LOL). If you can figure out the beginning then run through the dictionary or word book, looking for possible matches. Relisten through the matches. Be careful with similar sounds, B and P, V and F. If you think it starts with a P and you don't find it, look in the B's. If you can't find the beginning, then start listening for the end. Sometimes that can be helpful. Once you have more experience you will have an idea of what **should** be in the blank and you can look for something that might fit and go from there. p.s. this is why MTSO's don't want to hire newbies....too much extra training 
Just received a foot pedal that I need for a job I will be starting...sm
Everyone starting on this new account I was hired for need a Boomerang foot pedal so my recruiter sent them out. I told her that since I work on my laptop I needed a USB but she never responded. When I opened the package it has a 15-pin port. I did a search and it seems that is what is available. Is there an adapter so I may fix this problem. Otherwise, I'm not sure what can be done except letting them know I won't be able to take the position.
Thanks for the help in advance.
That's the problem with newbies starting at home...used to be-
you went in-house and you had someone sitting next to you that you would pass your headphones to real quick. Nowadays, the newbies are begging, begging, begging for a chance to work on accounts but what they don't realize is for the small MTSO, that means SHE gets to be the person who listens to every little word they don't get- only far less convenient because you have to go back into the report, re-load the dictation or find the spot where the word is, then listen, then correct it, then send the corrected version somehow marked back to the newbie - I won't hire newbies anymore unless they are willing to work cheap - otherwise I can't recoup the money I lose because I'm chasing words instead of hitting the keyboard myself.
6 cpl is too much for someone just starting out. If they're good, you'll know it & can up the
rate from there. If they suck, you'll know it, too, and can either take the chance of training them or cut them loose. I know it's brutal, but it's honest and it's business.
Career Step grads - what was your starting wage?
Career Step grads - what was your starting wage? What were you offered in cents per line? How many offers did you get? How long did it take you to find work?
Thanks : ) -MKJ
A good book for phrases is the Medical Phrase Index. $$$ but well worth it when first starting
s
Agree with an outside school, but I went to a business & tech school. Great experience, better
s
You CAN get a job at home, right out of school, but it has to be a GOOD school.
You should enroll in Andrews School or M-TEC. I know you don't want to spend more money, but at least you WILL be able to get a job. If you thought At Home Professions was a good course, you will be totally amazed at what you DIDN'T learn in that course that you WILL learn at the two good schools. There is no "required" curriculum for MT, anybody can open up a school, charge what they want, and teach what they want. Companies will waive the 2-years' experience requirement for graduates of Andrews School and M-TEC, but NOT for the other schools.
School?
Has anyone graduated from Thomson Education Direct and got hired anywhere?
Just wondering about choosing the right school for medical transcription course.
MT school
I attend the Andrews School. It has a very good reputation among national services--some will even waive the minimum 2-year experience requirement and allow you to test for them if you are an Andrews graduate. I have heard good things about M-Tec as well. I would suggest that you contact hospitals, nationals, etc. that you might want to work for and ask them which schools they suggest as far as turning out job-ready graduates. Good luck!
$ for MT school
No, I don't. We have debt out of our ears but you can make payments or charge it or whatever it takes. I've always had to spend money to make money. I just want to make sure I can make it back fairly soon. When I do the math it seems like you have to be pretty darn fast at transcription to earn a living. I admire the people out there doing it!
School and $$$
Hey, sorry about your ankle. Sounds like this could be a perfect time to study for MT. I'm sure I saw scholarship information that was based on financial need on one of the "3" schools...Andrews, MTEC or Career Step. Go to their websites and see! All the best to you! 
What to look for in a school
There are three things to look at in choosing a school and neither of them is money.
The first is whether national services already hire their grads and keep them longer than 6 months.
The second is what percentage of the grads score adequately on the employer's test.
The third is how many students complete the course with a grade of 95% or better on the first try.
Even if an employer is willing to hire from a school, if few grads pass his test and qualify to be hired, then the school isn't so hot. If the employer hires, but the grads can't keep the job for even 6 months, then the school isn't so hot. If the school has a high drop-out rate and many students (sometimes "most") don't make it to graduation, then the school isn't so hot. If it takes students several tries to pass, then the school isn't so hot.
You can see that just examining whether an employer will hire a grad isn't such a good measure. You also have to look at how many students get to graduation, how they got there, how many of them passed the test, and how many of those didn't get fired or quit in frustration.
You want a school whose grads are almost uniformly hired by nationals and which graduates nearly all students (all have drops, but you want a low level of those) on the first try.
Considering all that, you have two options: M-Tec and Andrews. And Andrews has a pre-admission test you'll need to pass to get in.
In your case, you should not go for a school which will allow you to skip any courses. You don't know anatomy and terminology like you'll need it for MT--what you know is what you need for billing, and that is different. Unless you hold a PhD in anatomy, you need to refresh your memory. Any school that lets you get away with not doing that does not have your best interests in mind.
School
I recently graduated from Thomson Education Direct. Recently changed to Penn Foster.... I made 49.00 month payments with no interest. Is a good school!
yes, I'm still in school ..... nm
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