I understand how you feel.
Posted By: MT Hopeful on 2006-12-11
In Reply to: I know...should have clarified question - jill
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!
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I understand how you feel susan
I am also a RN in Montana and I starting school though MTec. I a very excited about this career change. Hospital nursing was why to stressful for me. It seemed like when I finally felt comfortable caring for the amount of patient I had they would increase the patient load and increase the paper work. I never felt finished everyday with I returned home from work I would think about things I forgot to do or didn't have time to do them. I was very frustrating from me. I just just recently took an office job at little non profit company. I love the job and the patients, I took a $7.00 per hour pay cut to work there, it was totaly worth it. Althought I would really like to work from home and leave the politics at the office. I plan on working part time to gain enough experience, to make enough money to be able to leave my current position.
Sorry if that's the way you feel.
I am a very polite person.
I feel the need..sm
to once again bring up some important information. To work as an MT you should have a medical spellcheck, books, wave player, foot pedal....the basics. If someone is hiring, they do not want to wait while you obtain these things, you should have the basics. If they require special equipment, they will state this and also if it is provided or if you need to provide it.
Testing...SPELLCHECK, LOOK UP TERMS...sooooo important. The number of made-up terms and misspelled English terms is running high these days. If you are testing for a position, you want to have looked up every single word in that report if that is what is needed for you to understand what the report is about. Never guess on a test. Leave a blank and a sounds like spelling to show you do not guess but were unable to document an answer. However, there should not be more than one or two in any test...odds are you were meant to demonstrate the ability to verify and find terms and comprehend the context of the report enough to be able to locate the correct terms.
It is hard getting started, do yourself a favor and be sure you have put your best foot forward. Spellcheck your resume. Take extra care on tests. Triple check everything that you submit as representing you as an MT.
know how you feel
Hi I went to that school to and there course does not prepare you for the tests that well. When you do take some tests you will see! I am thinking about going back to school to learn more...There course was to easy....and transcription is not. I hope you have some luck! try any company even if they require experience, look at the web site MTDaily it might help if you have not looked there yet.
I know how you feel
Don't give up. Read, listen and type - you'll get it. Like my husband's friend would say, you can't learn to fish by reading alone, you have to go out and fish. Just keep on.
Why do you feel that way?
Why do you feel that you should have chosen M-Tec over career step?
Well, thanks everyone. I feel much better
I need to have more patience. I won't be afraid to call when (if) the time comes. Thanks also to the poster who described more indepth what overhiring is. That's a good thing for me to keep in mind, regardless of where or when I apply for jobs.
Thanks again everyone! You are all great!
I know exactly how you feel!
Guess what we attend the same school and I'm just two lessons away from graduating, and i been trying to get my feet in the door but ain't nobody opening the door for me.But I have faith and my grades are good and I know all that grammer and punctuation stuff. I believe in the Lord and with him all things are possible. However, there is some negativity floating around here, but hey that is with any job and any where you go you gonna have to deal with it whether you at home or outside. I have been testing for about a month now. I have people turn me down and tell me to try again and some just don't respond, but I don't let that stop me because the shape that the world is in today in the end everybody gonna need a transcriptionist. So keep your head up and best of luck to you
Feel so dumb - HELP!
If you're transcribing a report about someone with sinusitis, and the doctor says the ___ are red and swollen (and it doesn't sound like nostrils or nares or membranes) what could it be? And in the PLAN if he says ___ fluids, rest, and follow up within 7 to 10 days....what could he be saying. It almost sounds like "Push fluids." Can anyone help? Thanks!
I've been there and know how you feel...sm
First of all, do you have a text expander? This really helps out a lot. Also, if you are able to, keep a sample of all of the different reports by all the docs that you have typed handy. I'm allowed to print off reports (crossing out the name and other personal information with a black marker of course) and keep them in a 3-ring binder for easy reference. It really helps to look back at a sample of an H&P or discharge summary, especially for docs that dicatate the same thing all the time. Your text Expander will also come in handy for things like that too - physical exams and op notes that are always dictated the same. I know it can be frustrating, but practice makes perfect. The more you type, the better you will become! Hang in there!
If this makes you feel any better......
On my first day, regardless of college course I had passed, it all sounded Greek to me. Learning in class and actually sitting there real time is a lot different. It helped to know that the medical records director, who was a RRT as well, hated transcription and ran as far from it as she could. Made me feel better to know that at least I was hanging in there doing it.
Now I feel badly...
I apologize for my previous little tirade. I think maybe I was out of line in my response to the person who thought we might be doing work out of India. We really are not. I do think that a lot of people on medical transcription boards are a little too negative, and I don't want to become one of them. For all you newbies, transcription really is a great job. I have been at it for 16 years now and absolutely love the freedom it allows me to raise my family and make a decent living. The only problem is that it is hard to get started, which is where the idea of the internships began. Obviously, we would be getting something out of it, but I feel like we are offering probably more than we would be getting. My suggestion for all the newbies is to work extremely hard at it for about a year and then the rewards will be great. Have a good day. Blessings to all, especially the person I trashed. Jen
I feel bad for the newbies, I remember how it was too
I started about 12 years ago, I was lucky because my school helped me find a job (all tapes, talk about bad quality) and the MT office was a little nook in the corner of an ER. The docs were always stressed out and I could not understand much but did the best I could. I remember fearing being fired just about everyday because it was so hard. I didn't get the hang of this job until over a year into it, and when I went home, it started all over again, because I didn't have a second ear. When I first went home for MQ a year and a half out of school, my then fiance was so happy to have me home he came up to give me a loving hug, and I actually shoved him I was so frustrated with work. I later apologized, but the stress level is crazy when you are new, you don't have a grasp on the medical terminology, no one to ask questions in person, on top of the crazy accents.
I'm working, why would I need to make myself feel better?
I'm sure if they wanted them to know, they would have told them. I think you know we don't give out names here!!
Facts are facts! Good job cheering them on though!
well, tell that the MT that just lost her job. I'm sure she'll feel better.
x
No, I did not feel as prepared as I could have been. See message.
I have been working as an MT for a little over 4 years. I am a CS graduate, and if I had it to do over, I'd choose Andrews School or M-TEC.
Almost all of the books you receive from CS are written by the lady who started the school. The other 2 schools use real reference books that contain a LOT more. That's one reason the other 2 cost more. Since graduating, I have purchased quite a few of the textbooks used by Andrews and M-TEC, and have improved my education significantly.
Also, the other 2 schools have real instructors who go over your work and point out errors, and help you along. At CS, your work is "automatically compared" against the same report done at some unknown time and place by some unknown MT, who may or may not have done it correctly. All you get is a comparison between the two, it only shows the differences, like holding two pieces of paper up to the light to see if everything matches. Whenever there are differences, it's up to YOU to figure out which one is correct. The only time a real person actually looks over your work is when you take your final exam (which over 50% of students fail the first time they take it, and that statement comes directly from CS itself, not from me).
Yes, I did get a work-at-home job after graduating from CS. But I feel my first year of work was a lot harder, I spent a lot more time looking things up, there were a lot of things I would have learned at Andrews or M-Tec that I didn't learn at CS.
Why do people feel they can scam their way into this field?
With inferior educations for cheap and now wanting to lie to get jobs? Whatever happened to working for what you earn and telling the truth? :-(
I also feel the money is slowly slipping away -
I started off being paid on a gross line and making 60K a year. Those accounts dried up. I now struggle to make 25K and I am a fast, accurate MT. I do enjoy the work, but enjoyment does not pay the bills.
I honestly do feel for any new MT entering this profession. SM
Pay has gone down considerably in this industry. I believe this is a combination of large transcription companies who focus on large quantities because they have to in order to keep their client base and stay in business. A huge factor, in my opinion, is the ever increasing number of overseas transcriptionists who work at a much lower wage than we do (of course, their cost of living is lower), and the alliance they have with many of the Indian owned transcription services who operate out of this country (well, at least they have an 800 toll free number and use a U.S. adress, when in fact, they are operating out of India and not paying taxes like American businesses). I have 26 years experience in this profession and make probably 15% less money than I did over ten years ago. There are many highly experienced MTs who are having a hard time with a company fit during the past few years, because everyone seems to be sacrificing quality for quantity.
Keep searching and some company will let you get your foot in the door. One of the largest U.S. transcription companies (I won't mention the name, but most know who I am referring to) are likely losing veteran MTs by the dozens as we speak due to the recent negative changes. I believe this will make the job market even tougher for the new MT. There are many experienced in the profession who will be and probably are "shooting out" resumes as we speak.
My advice to you, as we were all new once, is to get your foot in the door of a local clinic or hospital, put your time in (at least 2-5 years) and learn as many specialties as possible. The hands on training and staff that you will have at your disposal in the medical records department will be invaluable and crucial to your future in this profession. Working from home as a new MT has many, many disadvantages, mainly the low pay and high rate of competition out there. With production pay, you will find yourself making less than minimum wage quite often. It is sad that many schools don't bother to inform you. Good luck and stay persistent. Something will come your way.
You're quite welcome. Feel free to e-mail me in the future :o)
Oops--- meant to add...explain your concerns & go with the one you feel most comfortable with.
x
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.
Unless you can work in-house somewhere, I feel the at-home MT who can make good money is a
s
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???)
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?
Thank you, Minnie. I really wish people would understand this (sm)
is a job - your job! Yes, working from home affords me the opportunity to dress casually and work my schedule out according to life's little plans, but when I am working, I am working. I set my hours for when the children are at school and at night when they are at sleep. I cannot do it all and I do not pretend to. Yes, if children get sick or injured that does screw up the schedule, but it does not excuse me from my commitments.
the difficult part is trying to understand what the
doctor is saying because the accents are ridiculous and sometimes it sounds like they are slurring words.
From what I understand when I asked the AHDI...
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.
Unfortunately, if you can't understand the dictators, you're not going to be able to do the wo
That's the reason for testing in the first place.
No, you're just not posting info so we understand what
You asked about companies starting out and now about educational services -- never clarifying what you are really wanting. Ask as many questions as you want just make your posts clear about what you are wanting to know. lol
To answer your question: I have been an MT 21 years. I have never heard of Gatlin Education Services.
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