Being a transcriptionist is much different from being a nurse,
Posted By: deb on 2007-11-04
In Reply to: That is an ignorant statment...I am living proof!! -sm - jenn
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.
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
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
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....
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 make 2-3 times what I made as a nurse. nm
20$ an hour?!!! I couldn't make this as a nurse where I live! You are VERY blessed! nm
s
A nurse does not have the proper training to be an MT, anymore than an MT could suddenly decide to b
nm
I think that is low for a transcriptionist...
But I see no reason fwhy an MT (just out of school, even) should work for $8 an hour. My sister started working for a lawyer (no experience whatsoever, only worked prior as a secretary at a church) for a starting salary of $13 hr. They hire girls to answer the phone in the office I work for $12 hr. Maybe the reason companies offer $8 is because we as MTs aren't presenting ourselves as professionals and too many of us are willing to work for $8 because we are "desperate" for a job. This is too hard of a profession with highly trained skills to be working for $8 an hour! Heck, Wal-Mart starts out more than that and I live in MS. Just my opinion, don't sell yourself short!
it is for the transcriptionist.
nm
transcriptionist
Hello. My names is Amber.  I am a medical Transcriptionist looking for a transcription job. I graduated in 06 with a certificate in Medical Transcription and can not find a job as one!  Everywhere requires you to have experience!!! How can you get experience if no one will hire you without any? If anyone needs a Medical transcriptionist please reply to this post! Thanks a lot!!!
Amber
Becoming a Medical Transcriptionist
I am interested in becoming a MT but i'm not sure how to find out information on it. I'm trying to find out which is the best school, best rates and how it all works. Can I start working from home immediately or do I first have to work in an office? Is it hard to find a job? is the pay good? If anyone has any information for me please let me know - I'm getting desperate!
wondering transcriptionist sm
I would suggest that you steer yourself more towards the companies that accept "newbies" or transcriptionists who have less than 3 years experience. You must start somewhere to gain some experience and learn to decipher the doctors.. Not all docs are awful, usually just a handful. The more you do the work, and the more terminology you become familiar with, the easier it will be for your mind and ears to HEAR everything the doctors dictate. To begin with you may make less than what you're expecting, but the experience will be priceless in the end.
texas transcriptionist
any one out there in texas?
Texas Transcriptionist
I'm in San Antonio. I'm not working yet, but I hope to soon! I graduated from Everett Community College's online program in April 2006. E-mail me if you'd like to chat!
Dietchie Franks
Transcriptionist researching MT
I have 17 years as a legal Transcriptionist (court reporter) and have taken down several doctors through the years who read straight from their reports. I have a huge dictionary of medical terminology. Now, I know you probably think "who does she think she is", but I have burnt out on ct. reporting and want to transfer my steno machine skills into MT.
I have researched all the schools and, I agree, Andrews and the others given the "golden seal" so to speak by AAMT would probably be the best place to get educated. But I've already had 3 quarters of medical terminology and 17 years of listening to doctors from foreign countries, OB-GYNs, and my specialty is med/mal lawsuits. So I was wondering if taking an at-home course like Stratford has would be sufficient.
Do employers take into consideration my transcription background and medical classes? Are they still going to only take me serious if I go to one of the best schools? What is Stratford's reputation among the MT community?
Thanks, guys, for any info you can give me regarding my situation.
transcriptionist with 1 year's exp
I think Spheris has a program to do that.
New Medical Transcriptionist
Hi
I am a 2003 graduate of Mountain State College Parkersburg WV, with an Associate Degree Medical Transcription. After graduation I had my fourth child. I have not been able to get a job doing Transcription because I lack the needed experience. I would love to work from my home doing entry-level work. Anyone have any suggestions? I would appreciate some advice.
Thank you
Laura
slcdcp6@yahoo.com
Worth being a medical transcriptionist
Yes, it sure is worth being a medical transcriptionist.
20 reports and they consider you an employable transcriptionist?!?!?!?!
.
Did you see the job listed for a manuscript transcriptionist?
On the Job Seeker's Board. It would be dictation from a doctor writing about her life, so not full of many terms, but it would be about 2 hours a day, so if I were looking for my first job, I'd be applying for that.
Any companies willing to hire transcriptionist
nm
This is an insane question, but does medical transcriptionist
nm
Are you a medical transcriptionist? Have you experience or training in medical transciption?
You can't just say you want to be "an" MT and just start doing it. It is not easy.
|
