Different considerations - happy MT

On the side of nursing the money is great, the demand is high.  You have to consider whether or not you are a "people person", how much money you need to make, etc.  I am enrolling in nursing school in the spring, but I still love being an MT.  Frankly, medicine is facinating to me and either one is great. 

On the side of MT, I did this so I could be home with my daughter.  She is in school now and getting older.  Being at home has a lot of plusses like obviously being there for your kids, but it also requires a HUGE amount of self discipline.  I have seem other people fail simply because they were not equipped when it came to separating home/work and scheduling themselves and sticking to it.  Money wise, NO, you will not make the money a nurse does, not even close at first, BUT after you get your feet wet and get some experience, you can do very well. 

I flew through MT school and my experience doing this has given me credits for going back to nursing school.  I have to take 2 prereq classes to get into the actually "nursing" part of the program. 

Every job has some form of stress no matter what.  I like the fact that I can get up and work around my daughter right now.  It will not be able to be so flexible as a nurse. 

Don't let what has been said about the AAMT discourage you.  It isn't a requirement to be a member or have a CMT.  Also it is an adjustment being paid on production and can get a little frustrating when you are first starting out and really have to take your time; however, before you know it, it will just click right into place. 

Good luck not matter what you choose. 

• What do you think? - Pamela
  • I've done both and all I can say is to think long and - Wannie
  • MT versus nursing - maam
    • yes maam - Pamela
      • I've also done both - Sherry
        • Ditto - RN,BSN
        • This LPN/MT echoes your sentiments exactly. Can't add a thing. Thx. nm - wandering
  • Different considerations - happy MT - Melissa
    • You might consider dental hygiene. - Misha
    • thanks... - Pamela
  • Why would you take the opinions of posters you don't even know? - please read
    • You Cant Be Real!!!!! - OMG
    • ????? - maam
      • Take your own advice. The OP asked and I threw her some - questions to consider.
    • I'm sorry but... - Pamela
      • Those are not unnecessary questions. VERY real questions. - sm
        • Seriously? - Pamela
  • I am an MT going to school for nursing - Keep your head up
  • Go with nursing! - nurseymt

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I respect what each of you have written.  Many benefits that this job gives us ARE truly priceless.  But that is beside the fact. 

If the companies keep seeing people posting here saying that they essentially are willing to trade decent pay for these benefits, then that pulls EVERYONE down to a lower level of pay -- which includes people such as myself who have this as their only income.  There is no incentive to companies to even CONSIDER paying us more if we basically tell them give us our candy and we'll be good little kids and then let them walk all over us.  We can't demand higher pay and say we're satisfied with what we have at the same time. 

For some of you the pay may be just fine.  You have husbands or savings or family, etc.  There are others who MUST make a living at this for one reason or another and MUST make as much as they can.  Some of us are caregivers, some have disabilities, some are trying to attend school, etc.  It hurts us when people make compromises and send that message to the MTSOs. 

I've said it before and I will keep saying it -- anyone who works from home can have the benefits you mentioned but they also deserve a decent salary for their work.  They are two completely different things.  No home accountant, dentist, car repairman, electician, physician with office in their home, lawyer with office in their home -- you think they lower their rates because they have the above-mentioned benefits?  Think again.  I use quite a few of them and they charge no less than anyone else. 

Working from home = good for the employee/IC.

Working from home with decent pay = good for the employee/IC and just as well. (as in "justice.")

Working from home for less pay just to get to work from home = a compromise that affects more than just a few and overall not a sound decision because you are not fighting for what you are worth (whether you feel you need it or not).   You are letting emotions override reason.  Yes, there are savings in gas, etc. but we still deserve more money. 

People who take public transportation to a job outside their home save money in gas too but they are not paid a lower wage because they take the bus or ride the metro!  People who wear uniforms are not paid a lower wage because they don't have to get dressed up!  People who are allowed to bring their kids to work (I worked for such a firm) are not paid a lower wage because they can bring their kids to work.  So what makes that acceptable for us?

Same goes for the question of benefits.  You may not need them.  Others do.  It matters very much what a company's benefits are.  Good for those who don't have to worry about it.  They can decline.  But all of us should be offered the best so that those of us who do need them can afford them.   

And if you reply, well, if you don't like a company you can change jobs, it's not about that either.  It's about the salary range overall for the transcription profession period.  Benefits come second and are an entirely different category.  The standard of pay affects each and every one of us from the most experienced to the newest newbie.  Benefits affect some of us but they ARE important and are also worth fighting for.  If you don't need them, there are enough who do.  

Companies watch one another.  They watch this board to see what we want.  They watch this board to see how little they can give us and still retain us.  Right now we have people saying "unionize!" and others saying "It's okay.  I get to stay home which is something I'm willing to take less pay for."  You honestly think the MTSOs are taking us seriously??? 

Look, I'm not trying to come down on you -- good for you for what you are able to have.  I'm glad for you.  Just please look at the overall picture, look at us as a group of professionals who deserve what any professional deserves working from home or not.  Why should we be treated any differently?  Why should we make compromises?  You are deserving of a decent, living wage and all the benefits a company can give period.  Anything else is icing on the cake.  At least, it is in other professions.  Let's NOT be "specialists" in compromising.

Are we a team or not?  We're giving the MTSOs mixed messages here folks!  Let's look out for one another. 

Im so happy im getting a .....FOOT PEDAL!!!!!! YEAH!!

Well, ladies (and gentlemen), I graduated from my school with High Honors at the very end of February.  I have been looking for a job for just over two weeks.  I have no medical transcription experience, but I do have about 10 years of legal transcription experience.

So far, I have been offered three jobs!  It is a wonderful feeling to know that you are wanted!  Granted, one of the positions is paying terribly (although they seem very nice, and that's important too).  The other is a sporadic assignment (not medically related).  The lady in question will call me every couple of months or so with different interviews to transcribe.  This will be nice as an added "extra" now and then, and I have already accepted her offer.  The third position is paying fair money, and they seem like a dream company--just what I am looking for!  I wanted part-time IC work (20 hours a week), all work conducted through the internet, the ability to use my own equipment and software, steady accounts, and decent pay.  I will probably go with this company!

I have told the two employers offering steady IC work that I would like a week or so to think about it, and they agreed.  I just want to make sure that I think everything through.  This way, when I accept a job, I'll know for sure that it's the company I really want to go with, and I will be the best MT I can with no regrets.

I have worked very hard for this.  I took many grueling tests, which I passed with very high marks.  I have written scores of letters and made dozens and dozens of phone calls.  I have plugged away at it religiously, and my dedication has really paid off.

To anyone out there looking for a job: Be professional, keep your chin up, and try your best everyday--and you will succeed!

So, tell me more.  I guess I am excited for you because I remember those days...but not quite the same senario.  I was considering voluteering when I landed my first job.  I did not care...volunteering would bring about experience so I was willing but instead landed a job.  The day that I was to start part-time, a full time position came up in medical records (my supervisor was willing to let me transcribe when I was caught up on my work).  She was the greatest.  She taught me quite a few things.  She initially started me out on an ESL doctor and told me that if I could do him then I could do anyone else in the hospital.  I really benefitted from that.  I can go on and on...

But you tell me about your excitement. 

However, I feel like I should warn you that after a year and a half, I am still making around minimum wage.  This is okay with me.  I like being able to work at home and the flexibility.  However, I know my salary would not work for everyone.  Some people simply need more money right off the bat, so I don't think MT is the best choice for them.