Distance learners--how long did it take to graduate?
Posted By: sm on 2006-07-29
In Reply to:
I am enrolled in a program right now that is supposed to take 9 months, but I am now on my 14th month (I think I am close to graduation now). I was just curious as to how long it has taken others to graduate who took MT distance learning courses. Thank you.
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distance ed
took me a full 2 years but I got married in between so I slacked for a couple of months planning my wedding.
Help....Accredition of distance learning?!
I currently work at an on-site technical school and have recently decided to make a career change from my general office position. Upon the start of my searching for on-line schools, I was told by many coworkers to make sure the the school was accreditted by the DETC. Are the "top three schools" accreditted by this body, or any other sort of board of education, other than just being affiliated to AAMT? Does this matter? Is it just as easy/difficult to find an on-site job as it is a home-based job with these "top three schools?" Alot of questions, I know. But I am so excited to start learning transcription, but all the choices out there are slowing down my process. 
How long did it take you?
How long did it take you to "develop an ear for it"?? i have a test to write in 2 weeks and with this one doc that is on the test, i really don't think that i will be ready!!!
Any suggestions???
how long...
I guess that depends on the individual. I was going to school, working a full-time job, and working with DKM at night and on weekends. I was pretty slow to start, but had decent typing (WPM). Some of the docs are tougher than others (including their fields and associated terminology, etc.) and still are. Sometimes, the audio slows me down. But, I started in October 2004 and quit my other job in May 2005. I have been working full-time at home since then. Each of our docs is different and depending on which one I am working on, my production goes up or down.
How long have you been an MT?
I work the *** account and very few of the doctors have bad accents. In fact, I think only one is hard to understand and since his stuff is all edit work it isn't that bad. I actually thought the majority of the work is easy to understand and can get line counts quickly. If you haven't been an MT for long let me tell you... CHA is an easy account and most others I have worked are much more difficult to understand!
Pay is a bit lower than I'd like, but I'm going to ask about that being changed.
I have always had work and always been paid on time. They do IM the whole team about the Q being full and needing people to log in and work, if you are already working then just ignore the IMs, I'm sure they aren't intended for those of us working already.
My understanding from emails lately is that they are having issues with MTs who aren't doing work properly or working their comitted hours/times. The clients are getting a bit upset about these things.
I may be leaving, but that is only because I need to find an employee position for the health insurance for my family since my husband is changing jobs in May and will no longer get ins through work.
I've had no issues with either Rajesh or Laila and both have been helpful and kind to me. I guess each person is going to have a different experience with each company...
But how long does it take U to do 45 min. job?
x
How Long Did It Take
Shawna , how long did it take you to complete the CS program?
how long
does it typically take to transcribe 500 lines?
How long does it take you to
type one hours' worth of a doctor's dictation?
How long would it take to transcribe
30 minutes of dictation? I'm taking on a new IC job, and the supervisor asked how many minutes of dictation I would like. I'm guessing I should start at 30, but I'm not sure about how long that would take. I've had about 8 months' acute care experience. I don't want to take on more than I can handle. Any ideas? Thanks.
60 days is too long even for me
/
I've done both and all I can say is to think long and
hard before you choose either one. Neither job is all it's cracked up to be once you get to the "real world" of work.
How long to stay with first MT job?
I have a question that I have not really been able to get some sound advice on and was hoping the posters of this board could give me their opions. I would appreciate any views.
The question is how long would you stay with your first (low paying) MT job? I am starting to make some fair money now, but am spending 12+ hours per day to do it, which actually comes out pretty low per hour. While I do appreciate the opportunity to be working right after training, I also feel limited by not having two year's worth of experience yet to try to move on. Most places seem to prefer MTs with at least the two years experience. On the other hand, I am getting very good work experience where I am and do not run out of work. I can't keep up this particular pace forever for what I am earning overall. Would you wait out two years for the experience?
How long is it taking all new MTs
I have been at this job for almost three months and I have yet to rest the goal everyday in one week. I can't wait until my little ones are in daycare/school again!
Are you at the current doc's office all day long? sm
I was thinking that if he wants you to transcribe from his office, could you get that done in a couple of hours, and then go home to work from there? I started my "home work" with one doc. She raved about me so much that all her doc friends called me to get me to work for them. Sit down with your doc and feel him out. He could be a real help to you! Good luck!
How long did it take you to finish MTEC?nm
nm
Some advice on becoming an MT. See long message.
First, you MUST have excellent grammer, spelling and listening skills. Without these, don't bother. You won't be a success.
Transcription is not something you can do in your spare time. It is a very demanding profession. If you work as an independent contractor (IC), you set the amount of time you want to work, but your paycheck is dependent upon how much work you do. If you are not a fast typist, your hourly pay will be low. I think the average MT does around 150 lines per hour. At 8 cents per line, that's $12 an hour. This is just AVERAGE pay.
If you are an IC, you will usually have no benefits. No insurance, no paid time off, all taxes come out of your check. If you work as an employee, you will have to keep a schedule, and usually a minimum line per hour to stay employed.
Becoming an MT requires a lot of training. You are going in the right direction with a nationally approved school. One of the three will give you a better chance at a job if you graduate with high marks. But even after school, it can take up to 3 years to become fully trained and making "good" money, which runs between the $12-$18 per hour range. It is a big time investment.
My advice is call Career Step. I believe Andrews and MTEC will counsel you extensively before they will accept you, to make sure you really understand what you are getting into. I hope Career Step does the same, but I haven't heard as much about them.
It is a tough field, and not going to get any easier, although I still think it is a great profession. You have to look at all the aspects before you decide if it's for you. Call the school. In fact, I would make a list of questions and call all three schools. They can probably help you better than any of us can.
Best of luck on whatever you decide to do.
Lots of stress and long hours doing MT especially - sm
when you are first starting out. If you have to live on this, then in the beginning it is not a good choice. But if you are married and have a spouse income to live on and yours is just supplemental then that will work. When I first started 5 years ago I made $5K the first year, granted that was PT but I worked FT hours basically. I still work PT but practically FT, 30+ hours a week. I made about $16k this in 2006. Now I am not a fast typist (100-160 lph depending on dictator), and I find it hard to sit here and type for a solid 6 hours so I get easily distracted and goof off instead of working or else I am sure I could do $20K+ easy as I have more good than bad dictators. But some companies have mostly ESL and it is very hard to make money that way especially starting out. So many factors factor into to your income, your ability and typing speed, the ease of dictators, and if you can be dedicated and not get distracted. Obviously the more you can dedicate yourself and work consistently the more money you can make, just depends on your personal goals. Good Luck.
Or not so much stress or long hours, decent pay
I totally understand what you're saying, but being an MT varies so much based on what you bring to the job, where you work, and what kind of account you have that it's pretty tough to predict how any particular person will do. I'm very happy with my job. I find it to be the least stressful job I've ever had, love the predictable hours, and made 34K this last year working strictly a 40-hour week. This is after 1-1/2 years as an MT. I found the first 6 to 9 months terribly stressful because of the high learning curve, but once I settled into my account the stress level dropped considerably. I'm still working the same hospital account I started on, but also work other accounts as necessary. I work for a company that many people on this board say they can't make any money working for; it must have a lot to do with the stability I've had on my account that I am able to make reasonably decent money.
I also agree that there will be jobs for a long time. sm
Been doing this for 18+ years. You won't get rich, but you can make a decent living, at least as much as you would make on most secretarial or retail jobs, once you get the training. I make around $24,000 a year, but I don't push like I used to. I could make more teaching, have the qualifications, but nothing in the world would make me face that. It's a nightmare.
There will be decent jobs in transcription or editing for years, but not the gravy some of us are used to. Just a decent wage, probably average $12-18 an hour from now on, hope it doesn't drop lower. I don't think things are going to be too rosy in many other fields either, so I'll stay where I am until I'm ready to retire. JMO.
As long as you're posting links, how about this one from Berkley
especially where it shows US MT hourly wage at $13.17 and Indian MT hourly wage at $1.50-$2.00. With $11 an hour savings you can hire a lot of QA'ers and still make a killing!
Does anyone know how long it takes for tests to be graded at MediVoxx or OSI?
I recently tested at both companies and am beginning to wonder how long this process takes. While I am waiting for their replies, if anyone could tell me of other corporations that hire new MTs I would appreciate it.
How long have you been away? Might need a refresher course from a local college or business school.
s
Trust me, I've been doing this a long time and I still make stupid little mistakes.
Nothing is worse than being started on a new account, being under QA, and have them point out all of your mistakes. You start feeling incompetent so believe me when I say your mistakes and errors do not go away completely, no matter how long you've been at this. I am beginning to believe no one is perfect all of the time and should feel better about it than I have when I screw up. Just believe in yourself..and everyone else will too.
AHP Graduate
Hi! I graduated from AHP last July. I found a job before graduating. In my opnion, I feel getting a job depends 50% on the course and 50% on the individual. I have been working for 1 year now and at times had 2 jobs at once. I had a hard time getting people to let me test, and I believe that is where the challenge is if you take the AHP course. When companies sees an Andrews or M-Tech graduate they won't hesitate to let them test. Good luck! If you need any help just let me know!
New Graduate
Hello All,
I am a newly graduate from a Technical College in Little Rock, AR. I am seeking part-time employment from an online company that provides the equipment necessary. I am also willing to take a pay decrease or even volunteer work for the experience in exchange. Does anyone know of a company whom I may contact? Serious replies or employers only please.
New Graduate MT
Hello everyone I am a new graduate from Career Step Medical Transcription and I am looking for an entry-level position, if anyone knows of any companies looking for someone that is eager to get started with their career please feel free to e-mail the information to me. Thank you.
New Graduate
Can anyone tell me where I can find work (any) from home that hire new graduates?
I also am a CAI graduate...
and the course only seems to have a bad rep on these boards. Everytime I have ever posted about them, it has been pulled. The moderate has denied this, but it's true. I don't know why it is looked down upon, except that it isn't one of the "big 3". It is a reasonably-priced, in-depth course and I learned a lot and was contacted the day after I graduated by a national company to test. I am still working for them.
New graduate
Hi Everyone.
I just completed a Medical Transcription and Billing course, and I was wondering how to get a job when everyone wants 3+ years experience. Does anyone have a company they can suggest to me that works with recent graduates???
Thanks so much for your help!!
new graduate
I know Northeast Transcription will waive the experience requirement if you pass their test. They pay on a 70-character line which amounts to making a little less but you could always start with them to gain experience then move on to something else.
New graduate looking for first job
Hello,
I am a new MT graduate and having a hard time trying to find work because of lack of experience. Does any one have any tips or suggestions to help me out?
Job for new graduate
No list given by my school. I attended a community college that I thought was a good program and now after reading all these posts I should have enrolled in an online program. It Would have saved me gas and babysitter money! Thanks for the advice on on being persistent, I am at it every day.
New graduate
I have just passed and received my certificate and am still finding it hard to find a job due to everyone wanting experience. Any helpful hints out there? Kathy
New Graduate
I have just recently graduated from MT school. I am getting discouraged about finding a job in this highly competive field. Does anyone know of any companies hiring new MT's out of school?
graduate
This may be irrelevant, but UW-Madison accepted my Penn Foster High School diploma and transcript. UW-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison, is an accredited nation-wide university. I am currently in my junior year and I am grateful to Penn Foster, to this day, that they have helped paved the way to my receiving a higher education at a nation-wide competitive university.
M-TEC graduate
Yes, there is a syllabus that you follow at your own pace. There are scheduled online classes, but you do not have to attend them live. I learned many things that have helped me on the job from these classes by reading the class notes (transcript of the class) at my own convenience. In fact, I have gone back since I graduated from time to time to review classes that interest me.
New here and about to graduate next week
Hi..
I'm new here.
My name is Danielle, Dani for short. I'm an almost newly-graduated medical transcriptionist student. i will finish my one year course from GTCC in Jamestown, NC next week. I've already started looking for work.
I have one question though...as a newly graduated MT, where are the best places to look for work? the only major transcription experience i have is through the 10 week internship that was required of the program that I am enrolled in. Any suggestions or advice would be helpful. Dani from Greensboro, NC
Another frustrated graduate
Where did you get hired for at home work for entry-level position?
What MT school did you graduate from?
That will make a difference in what you need to do now.
New graduate looking for employment.
Hi,
I am a new graduate that is having a difficult time finding companies that are hiring new MTs. I have put in numerous resumes with "not enough experience" replies. Does anyone have suggestions on companies that are willing to give new MTs a chance.
MTEC graduate
I graduated from MTEC in April of this year. I received an extensive list of companies willing to test me as a new grad. Upon testing with my chosen companies, I received multiple job offers. I was able to go to work for my 1st choice company. I am a bit of a skeptic too, especially when it comes to investing hard-earned money, but you can't go wrong with MTEC. Call and speak with Kathy or Susan. They will be more than happy to answer all of your questions. I wish you well with your decision.
New Graduate Going CRAZY!
Hello,
I am a new MT. I am so frustrated about finding employment that I really do not know what to do anymore? I have tried all local hospitals, offices, and companies. I just feel that this field may not have been the best step in my life? I am proud of myself, yet every test I take seems to kick me down lower than I am right now... are there any companies that do hire new MT graduates without making a 98 on the testing? I made a 87 on a test that required 90!I just do not know where to go from here?
If any MT out there could offer me overflow work or guide me in a new direction, I would be ever so grateful!
New MT graduate still looking for work
Hello,
Im a new graduate still looking for work!! Please if anyone know of a company that is hiring please let me know A.S.A.P. I would really apprecitate it.
Thanks,
Sonnett
M-TEC graduate support
Hi Trina
I sent you a private message, but would be happy to talk with you further about looking for placement. I see that you have been employed since graduation, but I think what I am hearing is that you are not happy with your choice of companies and would like to make some changes? If you would email me, we can talk more about some options. M-Tec graduates have support for a lifetime, so don't forget to check the COC and graduate forums for some additional assistance.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Susan
Happy CS graduate
I'm a graduate of Career Step and have to say I'm very happy with the education I received from them. I didn't get the textbooks, so I can't comment on those. I studied completely online. I don't know much about Andrews or M-Tech except that they are very good schools. If I hadn't gone with Career Step I would have chosen one of them. Someone mentioned the graded/comparison difference between the schools and I think that would probably be one of the main differences. I think to like Career Step you have to be a very independent studier. Someone who just likes to be given the material and left alone to get it done unless you ask for help. That's me. I graduated from CS in 2004 and have never had to buy textbooks for additional education. I've bought resource books but not because of something lacking in my education but because that's one of the things that goes along with being a successful MT, but what I learned from CS is what I took with me into the workforce and it has been all I've needed to successfully find and keep an IC position where my boss was very pleased with my work. Eventually, I decided to go the employee route and found a job with one of the largest companies. I've had no problems or worries doing my job. There are a lot of opinions out there. You will either love Career Step or hate it. I've very seldom seen anyone "on the line" or "undecided". They have a definite opinion one way or the other. I think that's a compliment in itself. I'd much rather have someone "like" me or "hate" me. No in between or lukewarm for me.
I'm an EvCC Graduate
I graduated in 2006 and had 2 jobs 3 months after graduating. The instructors are really nice and helpful. A couple of my "classmates" made a Yahoo! Group for EvCC students and alumni.
Sometimes hire students before they graduate. nm
x
Any one graduate or know about U.S. Career institute
I am almost through the medical transcription course through U.S. Career institute. Does anyone know anything about them?
What transcription school did you graduate from?
x
You do not have to be a graduate from one of the "top three schools" to get a job!! sm
I went to the VLC and had a job BEFORE I graduated. It has been almost three years now and I have never, ever had a problem with my education or landing a great job!! Please, do not listen to all the hype about the so called top three schools. Concentrate on what you did learn at your school. Apply that to what is needed in the MT world. Apply to everything out there whether it is in house or in your home! I applied to every job that stated 2 years experience or under when I was starting out, unless the ad specifically stated No newbies. Once you start testing with the companies you will eventually land something. While you are waiting and testing for employment keep up on your studies. Keep typing and use dictation tapes you have from your school. That way you wont be sitting idle while waiting for a job. It can be done WITHOUT going to the big three schools. Good luck to you and keep your chin up....and fingers typing!!
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