From what I understand when I asked the AHDI...
Posted By: sm on 2008-05-08
In Reply to: approved course - Peggy
An approved course means that they passed the AHDI's requirements (you can see the requirements that must be met on the AHDI's website), but an instutional member only means they have paid a fee to become a member of the AHDI. The AHDI in no way endorses these companies. Any company can pay the fee and become an instutional member. This is evident in that a company that is a known scam in the MT community is an instutional member of the AHDI.
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- approved course - Peggy
- From what I understand when I asked the AHDI... - sm
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Just do it. I work for a small MTSO and recently asked for myself - and got what I asked for. nm
 xx
AHDI.........s/m
I agree with deenibeeni, this has nothing to do with getting hired or not. Most of the MTSOs and clients do not care about the AHDI and if the schools are accredited or not. Clients set their own format requirements, often disregarding AHDI rules.
They know about M-Tec and Andrews, which are the 2 best schools and prepare the MTs better than the other schools, but who can afford them? Otherwise, I do not think that there is a big difference between one or the other MT school.
Once hired there is a lot of on-the-job learning, especially technically.
Could try RMT w/less than 2 yrs exp. check w/AHDI
x
AHDI online
I don't know if this would help or not. I think they would be your best bet at finding your answer 100%.
Are they actually AHDI approved?
You can find a list of AHDI-approved schools on their website.
Have you asked your school?
nm
You asked for pointers ...
and I'm not saying this to be mean, but from your posts you definitely need to work on grammar (and spelling of "congratulations"). Grammar and spelling are very important and no matter how many medical words you know, you will not get hired with poor grammar.
Which AHDI approved school is best?
I want to become a MT. Which online school/course should I go through? Once I am a MT will I have steady work if I choose to do it from home? Thank you.
MSU-Bottineau AHDI Approved
Hello, I work at Minot State University - Bottineau and we were recently approved by the AHDI. We offer a Medical Transcription Diploma program online. We are an accredited school and financial aid is available for this program. After you have completed our program, the AHDI will set up an apprenticeship for the student so he/she can start working right away. We are a small campus located in North Dakota. At our school, you get one-on-one attention and you aren't just a number. I just wanted to get our name out there. Let me know if you have any questions, thanks!
AHDI has heard of MTec
The AHDI has definitely heard of MTec--they're on their list of approved schools. The list is on the AHDI website.
Most national services have heard of MTec, too. If you asked a small, local company, they might not have, but many, many other companies will have heard of them, since they tend to hire a lot of MTec and Andrews grads.
Approval by AHDI/AHIMA
That's not what accreditation means. You might want to look it up. Your interest in doing that is a clue to your suitability for MT. If you jump at the chance, you're cut out to be an MT. If you don't want to do it, think twice about getting into a field where looking things up is 90% of the job.
There is no "accreditation" program for MT courses. There is, however, an "approval" program run by a joint committee of the AHDI and AHIMA.
Approval just means the school met the standards on paper. It doesn't mean they teach MT successfully. There are a lot of schools on the approval list whose graduates can't get jobs because their training isn't adequate.
Approval by AHDI/AHIMA
means much less than you think. This organization is not an academic board, nor a board of licensure. They think rather too highly of themselves. I know many fine MTs who are not and have never been associated with AHDI. I am one of those people. I make an excellent salary, even in this economy, and have never once been asked about AHDI. They are, quite simply, irrelevant. They are also one of the reasons much of our work is being offshored. I will not support them in any way whatsoever.
You got an answer to the question you asked
There is no need to become retroactively indignant. You wanted to claim experience for your schoolwork. You were informed that that would be inappropriate. Now you know.
Well, it's the only software my friend was asked to buy!
Do you have an answer for that?
When I asked them questions about volume,
they told me to forget it. Seriously, if I remember correctly the exact words were "don't quit your current job." I find it very rude that they would act this way all for asking about the workload (this was just before interviewing with them). They were offering 3 cpl and I asked them if the workload was enough to compensate.
Take your own advice. The OP asked and I threw her some
nm
I have asked about a couple of companies.
I am completing a course through Gatlin Education Services and I want to know if they have a good reputation. It is a pretty simple question. Correct if I was wrong but I thought this was a site for new MTs to ask questions. Are we limited to how many questions we can ask?
You asked this below. You need to post your resume
on the job boards.
AHDI (AAMT) approved list
http://www.ahdionline.org/scriptcontent/mtapproved.cfm
AHDI Student Alliance has a mentor
program set up. If you can, visit the AHDISA website. Just post that you are interseted in the postgraduate mentor program, and they will give you more info.
Website is ahdisa.org
Good luck!
"approved" by AHDI doesn't mean its great (nm)
TRSI is "approved" and they are a terrible school. They ignore students, they don't teach you anything, and I wasted my money there. I'm at Medline now and its a great school, yet both are "approved," so just because a school is approved doesn't mean its the best. Its how the school treats the student, I have learned. Jeni.
You're welcome to your opinion. She asked for advice
and I gave her mine.
Get over it.
I don't know. I have asked my recruiter a couple times .....sm
about the line count and I have received no answer.
She didn't say she worked in another state. That's why I asked WHY?
x
That company that asked you what days/hours
As an independent contractor, a company cannot dictate your days/hours unless they "employ" you. Glad it works for you! However, the IRS does not see it that way. You are providing a service whether it is transcribing or building a brick wall. They can guide you with what tools to use, how they want the job accomplished, and for that matter in regards to time constraints, but they cannot have you punch a time clock. With that said, I also IC for a company that requires 24-hour turnaround, which I am willing to accept as "part of the business". In this business, the vast majority of companies gain these accounts for you and I to work on by providing 24-hour turnaround. Most companies will train you on their equipment if you do not have experience. They will provide samples of reports if you are not meeting QA and also provide input to bring your QA score up to par. I make my own hours in that I will not say to this company, I'll work, for example, 9a-5p, because there may be days when I cannot do that due to the fact that I have other commitments whether it be with my children or with the fact that I have my own accounts that I need to tend to, which quite frankly is not their business to know. You are providing a service, which just happens to be transcription. If this company is getting away with setting your schedule, then you should most definitely be an employee. That is your choice, however, to allow them to dictate that to you. Most companies do not pay, as you already know, for your benefits. Bottom line really is you are a subcontractor. The MTSO is the contractor actually, and then you subcontract for the contractor. Thank goodness the company I work for knows the difference. 
Apparently, the AHDI can't make up their mind! See inside
From the FAQ on their website (as mentioned by someone else here):
"Two years of transcription experience in the acute care (or equivalent) setting is required to take the CMT certification examination."
It's unlikely that she would understand
why you wouldn't hire her, even if you explained it very carefully. You just don't "understand". She wants to sit at home with her baby on her lap and tippity tap at the keyboard when she feels like it and make $60,000 a year, just like her matchbook-cover MT school told her she would after she finished transcribing all 32 of the "dictations" in their "course". You're supposed to give all the newbies a chance, regardless of their suitability, even if they're not qualified or properly trained. It's your duty. Just ask them.
I better understand why you are
trying to find another job. No raise because you can't give better reports? You give yourself away, Newbie.
I think I understand
I've been watching this discussion, and I think I may know one reason for your concern/confusion.
The MT who works ideal hours for her works those because they mesh with what the employer needs, too. Just because you work at home in no way means that you get to work whatever hours you want, in the vast majority of situations. Even if you are an IC you need to be there when you contract to be there, and when the client needs you (either hours or turnaround).
Many companies will give you a split shift, which seems to fit what you are looking for. As a newbie in the profession you might need to work days at first in order to prove your ability to QA, but after that you should be able to work with them on your shift.
The bottom line is that YOU need to work with your employer at first. At this point in your career you need them more than they need you. Newbies are hard work and a huge investment in time and training.
You can do this, Lisa. You really can, if you decide to.
I understand
Hang in there. I know EXACTLY how you feel. I had an audit with the previous company I subcontracted with and was told my work was "AWFUL" without even being heard. I was cut off when I tried to explain that my mentor for several months had taught me to leave it the way I had it. I was never allowed to speak. More things happened and the tone was the same, I was already guilty and talked down to before I had a chance to explain anything. After a year of this, I gave my notice and am now looking and testing with companies. GOD will open the right door to the next company and keep the doors closed to the companies with poor management, I pray. It is difficult to receive understanding sometimes from family, friends, etc. that this is is a REAL job. Just be consistent in telling them so.
I understand
I understand completely. I have not had this very much before. Monday's, understandable, is a little slower but the rest of the week usually starting Monday afternoon I have 5 or 6 files in my box EVERY day. I only worked three days last week and am wondering if I am being punished???? Oh, well.
I understand
how happy you are to get SOMETHING! I have been struggling for quite awhile on little income, but it sure beats NO income!! Plus experience is worth a lot too. You have to gain that to get higher on the ladder.
I am so sorry about your husband. May I ask how old he is and what has happened to him?
I recently lost someone very close to me, and even though we know it is all around us and will affect us all at some point, it just really doesn't register until it happens to someone so close.
God bless us; every one.
I understand
completely. I am now about a month into my first job ever and believe me, the first week I was going "what have I gotten myself into!?!"
It does get better though! Doctors that I thought I would never be able to type for are now getting easier and some of them I can even tell you what they are going to say before they say it! So just hang in there! My first day I cried, stomped my feet, and my head hit the desk in exhaustion.
I like the post about thinking of it as music, that helps a lot!
Good luck! Stay in there!
i understand
I feel your pain. I am in the same boat!
I cannot understand why anybody would
The YEARS of training it takes to get up to speed...all to be paid minimum wage? I am wondering..what kind of bill of goods are sold to you MT students and new MTs to think this is a worthwhile profession? For those starting out..I am sure you are just now learning..this is a very difficult skill that takes a minumum of 2-3 years to finally "come into your own" so to speak as an MT...and for what?? Only to be paid the same amount of as a WalMart employee? Why in the world would anybody go through the hassle of training to do this now? I am really curious!
I cannot understand why anybody would - try to be an MT in this day and age
Hey Happy MT Robin! Yours is the first encouraging post I've seen on this board. I am towards the end of my online course for MT. I am not expecting to make a killing, but the way some of these MTs are talking, I am wasting my time. Thanks for the encouraging words and I hope I read more on the positive!
I understand...
Thank you for your reply. I am trying to gather as much information as possible. I understand where you are coming from, and I am coming from the other side. I have 18 1/2 years as a law enforcement officer. Five of those years were transcribing law enforcement related material. I am worried about getting all of the medical training and ending up in general. So I am wondering...can a MT grad get hired doing general if the medical part isn't appealing to me? I am worried about going to a legal transcription course (all iffy) and not being trained well. THANK YOU FOR ANY RESPONSES!
From what I understand, VLC is not the same as AHP
or Penn Foster, or any other the other rip-off schools that hold seminars to attract mothers who want to work at home. They lie about the difficulty of the job, about newbies obtaining a job, and about the wages. They will say anything to get someone to sign up, and their courses are crap. I do believe that Andrews and M-Tec are the absolute best, but definitely not the only good schools. But schools like AHP are just crap, period. They don't teach you half of what you need to know, and you don't realize it until you've given them your money and you try to get a job and can't pass any of the employment tests - and many places won't even let you test because they know you probably can't pass. This is unfortunate for the few who might be able to pass.
Nobody should give up if they really want to be an MT. But nobody should encourage anyone to take the At Home Professions course either.
I can understand your frustration.....
I too graduated from a school, 15 years ago, and literally begged for a job. I was hired on at a hospital working in-house, and that was the best thing I could have done for my career. I learned all facets of transcription, all fields, and all types of accents. 15 years later.....I write my own ticket and work for who I want to. I am not a CMT, nor do I choose to be. Don't give up!!!. If you can get a job at a hospital making pennies, take it. You will not regret it in a few years.
I can understand your viewpoint ....
and agree. As a student (no, I'm not going to one of the big 3), I'll be glad, excited, thrilled, to get a SHOT, even at .03. If it gives me experience, gives the employer (or mentor) the lines, and is productive for both parties, its nothing less than good. These are the types of positions I'll be looking for (yes, I'll also be looking for more, mainly to gain the experience so I CAN be a productive MT for my EMPLOYER/CLIENT/PATIENTS).
Thanks for your reply, it DOES give hope to new MT's.
You did not understand my message?
it is you and not PCDI. (I know . . . I was ugly this time, but how much clearer could I have been???)
I understand how you feel.
I have asked questions and have received responses that made me feel like I was annoying someone. It can be very discouraging when someone makes you feel imcompetent for asking questions. Good luck!
It all depends on how well you can understand
the dictators and how good you are at proofreading. I have been editing for a long time, and even with a lot of experiences I have some really low line days, and I get paid by the line.
Take this into consideration: How fast you are and how accurate you are equals how many lines a day you can proof. How much do they pay per line versus hourly. It is pretty easy to determine.
Job/Kids - I understand
Hi Lisa,
I have heard your story many times. This is nothing new. You are, unfortunately, the victim of an advertising campaign by MT schools who -- quite frankly -- care only about the money. I have been shaking my head for YEARS at the ads stating MAKE $50K a year working at home as an MT!!! Oh sure, it can be done. I could do it if I worked full time. BUT....I have been an MT for 20+ years.
Here's the thing. If I had started working at home right out of school there is NO WAY I would have loved this job the way I do...and there is NO WAY I could have overcome the frustration of trying to work at home with small children. No way. Sorry, I know that doesn't give you hope....but it is the truth.
People are ALWAYS asking me about how they can get a job like mine (they seem to think it is something that should be EASY, yeah right). I explain to them that MTing is a great job and I encourage them to get the education but I emphasize that they SHOULD NOT have high hopes of working at home right away.
IMO it would be rare for an MT to start working at home right out of school and have the knowledge to earn ~really~ GOOD money. Skills and knowledge are mastered over time and they are the key to making big money in MTing....and I can't even begin to tell you how much I learned from my co-workers while I worked in the doc office for 7 years and in house at the hospital for 4 years. I have been working at home for 10 years now and LUV LUV LUV it. I have a 13 yo and twin 2 yo. I *do not* work full time. Not while the kids are young. I work 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. M-F, set schedule believe it or not...and can earn a pretty good income.........but it came from years of experience. I just really don't know if it can be done *WITH A LOT OF SUCCESS* right out of school.
So now for some advice: Try to find a job that is doc office or clinic work. It is so much easier. SOOOOOOOOOOO much. Get some good reference books. Study the book of style 2nd edition. They teach you minimal med term in school so you will probably need to find a way to keep advancing your medical vocab.
Current medical terminology by Vera Pyle might be a good reference book to get not only for when you get *stuck* but also just to read through when you get a free moment (Being a Mom I know those are few and far between).
I still learn stuff and I have been doing this for 20+ years. It really is a great job and I hope you are able to hang in there.
E-mail me if you want to discuss it further.
I guess you did not understand
what I said then.
I understand your situation!
I got into the MT career out of desperation!! I was an RN, so I know medical terminology/drugs, etc. I was pregnant and wanted something to do at home so I could be with the baby, so I started looking into MT'ing. I can type relatively fast, and again, was very familiar with physicians, drugs, terminology, procedures, etc. I got in with a small company doing a pretty easy account, moved right on up the chain, and I have been doing this for almost 10 years now. (Our daughter was born 8 weeks premature, so it was such a blessing to be able to be home with her. She had some problems, so no daycare would have accepted her and all of her "equipment" that she had to carry around!) Just because you can type does not mean you will be a great MT without any training, but I don't think it is as difficult as some people make it out to be. If you have some medical knowledge already, a few good reference books and of course Google, I think you would do fine. You just have to be persistent in finding that one company that will work with you. Do you live in a big city or in the country? I would try some the smaller, individually-owned companies first. They are usually more flexible and willing to work with you on the newness issue. If that doesn't turn up anything, I would look on the job board, and just start calling or sending e-mails. Explain how desparate your situation is. Explain your CNA experience, how willing you are to work where they would need someone the most, such as weekends, nights, etc. Sorry this is so long, but I have been in your shoes before, and I don't want you to be discouraged by people telling you that CNA/LPN/RN experience is not enough to be an MT. Good luck to you.
I totally understand.
Although I was able to start working right away after completing training for a very newbie rate, I soon realized there was a great deal that I not only did not know, but had never even heard of. Currently, I am considering VLCs refresher course for MTs to try to bridge the gap between what I know now and what I feel I should have learned from my training program. If anyone knows of another basic or refresher MT progrom, please feel free to let me know.
If I understand what you're asking...
It is mostly editing VR, but there is some straight transcription as well.
I don't understand why you are so hostile.
I went to MT Advantage and had a job before graduation. What is wrong with having a special? I enrolled under a special and saved some money. Granted, it wasn't a 50% discount special, darn it! Reel students in? I don't understand you at all. You seem to have a vendetta against the school you attended and just about every other school available except 2. Waiting list to get into an MT school makes it a better program? Sounds to me like they could be having staffing problems and can't take on more students. I don't see any desperate posts from students/graduates from MT Advantage or the other school you are bashing.
I agree with you that schools that advertise on TV and teach 100 different courses tend to have less comprehensive material and job placement. I agree that educational choice is important. Your posts though border on extremism.
I understand your point (sm)
I just do not agree with you in this case. I believe this board is a place where people come to relax. Do you ever allow your English language skills to slide when you IM your friends? I do. I see this board in a similar way. It is definitely not a place to judge a person's English language skills. Also, if you are not aware of this fact, MTs are not required to have a degree in English (or any degree, for that matter). You probably would prefer that, but we do not make enough money to require a degree. You can insist on agruing if you'd like, but I will agree to disagree with you in this case. This conversation benefits no one at this point.
Don't understand question??
I am a student and I am doing some course questions and I do not understand what this question is asking.
How are dimensions that incorporate the word by properly transcribed?
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