Happy New Year Everyone!
Posted By: Linda Andrews on 2009-01-01
In Reply to:
I hope everyone has a very excellent 2009, with all good things!
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being able to make 40,000 year without a college degree is pretty good. I'm happy.
$600/year!! I would LOVE to pay 600/year -
I end up paying in $2000+/year EVEN WITH MY DEDUCTIONS, and I deduct anything and everything!! My accountant keeps telling me to buy a house or have a baby and then I wouldn't pay in so much.
Happy as well
I have just recently graduated from Career Step with High Honors. I could not be happier with this course. I was a platinum student, which means they offer career placement services. I did not even need to use their services because I had two job offers. The grammar training and transcription practicum was excellent. I would recommend them to anyone.
IM SO HAPPY
  Im so happy im getting a .....FOOT PEDAL!!!!!! YEAH!!
Is anyone happy?
I am finishing up my studies and getting ready to look for a job. I keep reading posts from people who are unhappy with their current situations. Can anyone recommend some good employers? Thanks!
I have been more than happy with my school.
It's MT Advantage Career Center. They used to be blasted for their old director but she's not there anymore. I signed up anyway and just love it. I couldn't imagine a more friendly place and a more thorough school and instructors.
Job offers...I am happy....! sm
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!
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. 
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.
Congrats...I am happy for you
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.
Anyone who is not happy with outsourcing...
...might want to consider Barack Obama for president: He says he will ensure that US companies that outsource work to other countries will LOSE the tax breaks.
Something to consider anyway.
This could really be an important issue to all medical transcriptionists.
Thank you guys!!! I am so happy that ...
I found this board. I am feeling better when I am taking the tests and actually have a possible job offer when the company is able to hire again. They said they were on a hire freeze, but they are going to keep all my info until the freeze is over so that they may contact me.
Of course that doesn't mean that I can stop looking either. Again I just needed to vent, but i do thank you for the uplifting go get em comments from you both. It is very helpful.
Jenn
I am very happy for your situation
I have about 20 years experience and am at the top of my game...but I now only get VR work and I am paid about 0.5/line (and according to some reports...my VR is paid more than most..some are paid .02 to 04 line. So I will no way make 40,000 a year...and I do about 2300 lines a day VR...working my a$$ off.
I love my job and am very happy!
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.
Are there any happy Heartland employees out there?
t
6 cents a line and happy
Hmmmmm....you must not have any real bills, just blow by money eh?
CC - email me. I'll be happy to give you recommendations on equip. :) nm
nm
It is a year old. n/m
n/m
It was quite awhile ago...maybe about a year or so.
nm
How to ask for a raise? 7 cpl for one year now...
Are raises given?
To make 40K per year,
You have to make roughly $20./hr for a 40-hour week (if my math skills are any good!). To do that, you need to either make a higher line rate, or produce more lines per hour. That means doubling either your lines per day or your cents per line.
I would venture a guess that most folks making 40K a year do NOT work for nationals, but have their own accounts which tend to pay more per line, which ups the $ per hour. Of course, with that comes a whole new set of headaches and probably more incidental hours (billing, delivering, bookkeeping...time spent maintaining an account in addition to transcribing hours.)
Unfortunately, by the time we see ads everywhere for big money opportunities (transcription, selling on ebay, raising alpacas, etc.) the prime time to get involved has probably already passed, and then folks who respond are stuck with disillusionment and bills for starting costs/prep.
Just my humble (and maybe a bit pessimistic) opinion.
You don't even have to buy the upgrades every year, just
add to it. I only update every other year.
transcriptionist with 1 year's exp
I think Spheris has a program to do that.
I made 7.75 with MedQuist my first year.
I started out with Medquist making 7.75 based on my all-around experience and test scores I was told. That was PTE.
I went on to make 8 as an employee, and I work a second IC job making 16, 13 to start, 16 after 90 days.
putting 3-year-old in daycare
I have finally relented and put my baby in daycare. I can't do it anymore. I am so stressed out about splitting my time between her and work that both are suffering from it. Not to mention my house. The husband is worried becuase this is now an added expense to our already tight budget, but as I explained to him, now I can focus on my line count and I won't be getting up every two minutes to tend to her. Any of you been in the same situation? I'd like to hear about it, good or bad.
first year as IC, you don't have to make payments...sm
you could pay all of 2006 taxes by April 15, 2007. But in 2007, the IRS will send you forms that you use to pay quarterly. You pay 100% of last year's taxes in 4 equal payments and then make up the difference when you do your taxes. For example, you started as an IC in 2006. Your taxes were $2000. You pay $2000 by April 15 2007 and you also pay your first quarterly payment of $500 (1/4 of $2000) by April 15. I also would suggest you make all your payments in the current year - don't pay the last quarter by January 15 when it is due because it screws up your bookkeeping and state and feds handle it different. Pay your last quarter tax by December 31.
after a year mine went up to 7cpl.
I am at 2 yrs now and making 7.5 at one plaace and 8.5 at my other
In the first 6 months of this year. I'm not new to this, though, so I moved on. nm
s
Just waiting till the end of the year (sm)
Like I said, I'm not certain if I am going to be sent a quarterly tax invoice or not, but I figure better safe than sorry!
This is also a bad time of year to be job hunting.
This is the slow season for MTs and companies don't tend to hire much from December to February. Don't give in yet if this is really what you want. But I agree with other poster, you might have better luck with a local MTSO that is familar with your community college's program. Good luck if you decide to pursue this further! It would be a shame to give up so quickly after completing the course.
First of all, a lot of companies will waive the 2 year
-You graduated from a program they know provides a quality education.
-You test well enough during the application process.
-You have a well-written resume and cover letter and follow the application instructions to the letter.
Many companies hire new grads on regular intervals, but they do not advertise this because they will be inundated by applications, many of them from people with absolutely no training at all. It takes time and resources to train a brand new MT so they may only hire new grads a few times a year.
Speak with your school's post-graduate assistance program and get some leads for MTSOs that hire their grads. Check out your school's student forum and see where other graduates are getting hired. Find companies that will let you test as part of the application process (instead of applying and waiting for an invitation to test). There is a thread below with a list of companies that have been mentioned in the past as hiring newbies. Also, check locally and be on the lookout for smaller services to apply with.
Good luck.
I've been working for over a year now,
and I don't even know what my typing speed is anymore. It would be hard for me to take a typing test because I am so used to using my expander. I am really surprised you are finding most companies want a certain speed. I did not encounter that when I was applying.
Anyone signing a 2-year contract on either
end would be crazy. You can't guarantee work for 2 years and there is no way I would tie myself to a situation for 2 years.
Ignore the two-year clause and apply anyhow!
If you let that hold you back, you will never find work. There are plenty of new grads working and getting hired everyday. If you wimp out, you'll get nothing.
I heard that were going review resumes after the New year.
x
Our nine year old son started asking about the birds and the bees (sm)
this year. We have answered exactly what was asked every time. Once he started asking questions, he didn't stop.
We have covered birth control, child support, the fact that if he gets a girl pregnant he will have no choice in the matter if she chooses to abort (which horrified him) and many other things. He also knows that he will always be able to come to his father and I for birth control. The way he is being raised (Christian home), we hope he will not have sex before he is ready, which we hope will be when he is an adult. (Ideally, on his wedding night. But we don't push that.) But if he makes the decision to have sex when he is a teen, we have let him know that we will help him protect himself.
We have also told him that if he believes a girl when she says, "I'm on the pill", we'll kill him.
And I feel very bad for you about your daughter. If I had a child who had a child and behaved that way, I don't know what I'd do. (Other than pay to get Norplant in her arm, that's for sure.)
Good luck at getting custody. It sounds like you'd be a much better choice for the GC.
no, 4/2006 payment is for 2005 year...nm
x
They'll need your SS# to issue your 1099 at the end of the year.
nm
I personally did not incorporate until I was making over $50K a year because
of the added fees (paying CPA for one thing), corp taxes, etc. MT services carry so little liability I don't think incorporating to install a corporate shield is really necessary, especially since they go after deep pockets anyway. But incorporating if you are making $50K or more per year is a very important tool for income tax savings. If you are sending work out to other people and they are doing the work, then you turn around and send it in to the client, essentially YOU are not doing the typing, YOU are not earning the money, YOUR BUSINESS is. Therefore you should not be paying social security tax on earnings that are not YOURS but YOUR BUSINESS'S. If you incorporate you can pay yourself a reasonable salary for any transcription you do, plus shuttling the work back and forth. Let the rest of the earnings ride as the company's earnings. You will pay income taxes on them as any profit flows through to your personal taxes but you will save on that big 15% bite from social security. Other advantages though of incorporating are to set up your 401K and let your business make contributions to it. Again, though, that's something that's not likely to happen until you are making a lot of money. As you are a newbie, I don't see that in the near future...
Not the OP, but you can pay your taxes once a year at tax time. Estimated
s
I usually update the drug book every other year as I
use it so often and there are new drugs all the time. Equipment books I update about the same as there is always new equipment coming out. Other books I don't update as often, depends on how much I use a particular specialty.
graduated almost a year ago from a "Big 3" and nada
I graduated almost a year ago from a "Big 3" school and have had no luck. I am thinking I have to go for my CMT to get a second look. Ridiculous!
Until every American MT is working who wants to, and is qualified, for a living wage and affordable, quality health care benefits, NO MT work should be going outside the US. Get on it, Obama!
I've been an IC for five years and never had to pay more than $600 one time a year for taxes...
I have so many deductions that I almost don't pay taxes. Yes, I also have a tax professional do my taxes. I keep a clear plastic envelope on my desk and anything I buy related to the business or phone expense, % of electricity/gas, health insurance, medical expenses, etc., all go in the envelope so at the end of the year I'm not searching everywhere for my deductions.
Anything you use for your business is deductible, but used items. If you buy a used computer on e-bay it isn't tax deductible. It has to be new to be a deduction.
Companies waive the 2-year requirement for CS grads too.
CS grads have no problem finding jobs. I had several offers before I even received my final exam results.
No company will waive their 2-year experience requirement for AHP.
Other than Andrews, the second recommended school is M-TEC, NOT Meditec, they are 2 very different schools.
Career Step only give you a year, so at M-TEC you have 18 months and will learn a LOT more.
Your post made it sound like you would rather take more time to do the course, but there's a reason M-Tec requires it done in 18 months.
You can't really learn if you drag it out longer than 18 months. You have to keep doing it, working at it, familiarizing yourself with it, in order to learn it. That is why they push you to not drag your feet, either do it or don't do it!
Good luck to you.
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