I understand your point (sm)
Posted By: MT on 2008-05-12
In Reply to: Typos - LK
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.
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That's my point
Do you think that Donald Trump or Bill Gates gave up and stopped trying after someone said "you need two year minimum experience"
The answer is NO!! And look where they are today.
I am sick to death of MTSO saying they won't hire someone becuase they don't have the minimum experience.
I think that all anyone is asking is that you give the Newbie's a chance to show them what they can do.
I know plenty of people with experience in the MT field who might as well quit and go flip burgers!!
I say stop bashing the Newbies and give them a chance!!
And that's EXACTLY the point!
It would make your toes curl if you could see what kind of work so many of these so-called schools are provided these gals with. I get interns every week who say "I have learned more from you in the last month than I did the whole time I was in school..." and that includes interns from a wide variety of schools. It's a shame that that's the way it is, but I assure you there is most definitely a need for mentoring programs and I don't see any chance of that changing in the near future! As for scams, we have had multiple graduates of the AIM Program hired on as employees...and in fact all but maybe 1% are working as MTs now (and the few I know who aren't have chosen different career paths.) Talk to some of my former and current mentors....or some of the MTSOs I have been working with for the last 20+ years. I think you will find that we are very much legit and very much have the best interest of the interns in mind. Believe me, I could make a lot more money doing something besides mentoring...I do this because this is what I love to do and because I see a real NEED for the services we offer.
My point is you need to get over yourself.
This person starting the thread has a right to try any career she wants without you badgering and making her feel like she has not a grasp of the English language in your know-it-all posts! No one is perfect including you! We all live and learn. We have all done our time! Get over yourself already, geez! 
My point exactly!
If you've graduated from a lousy school and can't get employment, it's better to pay 100$ for experience than 1500$ to start all over from scratch.
lol, point taken
Really, if someone were to judge my skills based on that; it would not be good. :) Anyhow, I am doing all I can to get into this business. Persistence has to pay off sometime. Every "no" I hear, brings me that much closer to the sweet sound of "yes, come work with us." :)
good point
Knowing that pay=production can be a great motivator, especially if you are working for a company that provides consistent work flow and good HR relations.
Thanks for your input.
Good point!
Peggy, what excellent advice! I had not heard it put that way, and after thinking about it, I know you're right! thanks for opening my eyes to think "bigger".... better to be excellent, and more "employable", than to be somewhat limiting. I do plan to study in such a way as to be excellent! That's just the way I'm "built"! :) thanks again for your post.... -Anne (amh) :)
Good point..lol
nm
GOOD POINT
I'm glad that this was brought up. I have often wondered myself. What encourages me is that there is always something new to learn. Even the MTs who have been in this for years admits it themselves.
I am still a newbie but being an IC helps a lot in learning different areas in this field. I am thankful that my contact "feeds" me work from a new field gradually when she thinks that I am already catching on with the one she gave me prior. I say "catching on" because I can get comfortable with surgery and here comes a new case with totally different words that I need to research on.
Just like a former professor of mine said - "the more you know, the more you realize that there is still much to learn."
you are all missing the point!
MANY companies hire even before graduation if you went to a good school and are able to pass their employment test.
And your point would be? He did exceptionally well for
himself. Doesn't mean everybody could do it. Everybody can't transition from nursing to MT, but some can.
Point proven again.
Ow! Now I fell off my chair laughing.
Slowly for all following along. If you can't find a job even with training, just being a nurse will be worse.
OK. I think everyone has it now. For anyone who doesn't, that's fine. I only want to convince those who aren't an MT yet. Don't care about people already working so unbunch the old undies.
Just a minor point
Speaking only for myself, I do a load of ESL dictators. It is almost a sub-specialty of mine. However, and I'm guessing a lot of us ol' timers can say this, I like to get dictators that are EFL now and then. And the person that has been doing transcription for five years might have an easier time with them, too (as opposed to my 25+ years). But if they feed all the good and easy stuff to the newbies, the rest of us won't get that break from Gregor Svaslkdfjkjahsdfkjhsadfov or Mohit Chenaidehlimumbai. Considering there usually is not that much difference in pay scales between newbs and the transcription elders, it doesn't seem right to skim off the cream for the newbs. Maybe you should try doing doctors' offices and then you can select which docs you want (although also keep in mind that there are some native sons who are much harder to type than most of the ESL guys).
Good point
I would be weary, save for the fact this individual is sending me all the software I need for free. They are also paying for the software I don't have that I need. I figure if they are willing to spend a good amount of money to get me the software required before I have even started, than there must be something to it.
Of course, I will keep my eyes and ears open.
Oh, and the original point, which you
obviously missed, was that you don't have to go to one of the Big 3 schools to get into MTing.
thats a good point...
CrankyBeach- I was feeling disappointed, and not even looking at the obvious.
her point was if you don't like the offer, don't apply...nm
x
recruiter point of view
I am trying not to be "nasty" or "hurt feelings." Just stating my experience I have to agree with the MTSO post. I cannot tell you the number of resumes I get where the requirements absolutely 100% do not fit the person emailing me. And I love it when I post "please CUT AND PASTE your resume DO NOT ATTACH." Guess what, very few can read that. A second favorite of mine is ABSOLUTELY NO OFFSHORE COMPANIES APPLY. Guess what? Every Indian company out there cannot read because they apply ... oh, and they ATTACH a resume. The typos are sickening, but I won't get into that. But what really bugs me is how people take applying for a job so lightly. For instance, if you were to read a job opening in a newspaper, you would obviously construct a nice resume and mail it to the potential employer. Why on the internet should it be any different. I get emails for job openings with email addresses of "snoogleboogle@hotmail.com. Is it so hard to get an email address that is professional ... such as JaneSmith24@yahoo or Jsmith24@hotmail. And the ultimate ... "I have a handicapped child at home and need to be at home. Tell me what transcription is and I can do it. I'm sure it's not hard (LOL)." LOL???? Are you serious?? Nevermind the fact that, unfortunately, I cannot take into consideration your personal problems when I am looking to fill a position. So please don't tell me why you need to work at home, just send me a resume that says why you are qualified for this position. And LOL??? I will leave that one alone.
Oh, geez. You missed the point!
If you cannot get hired as a newbie, these mentoring programs are an option: They are taking risk and investing substantial money into getting work for you. They have to go over every single aspect of it with a fine-toothed comb and provide you with feedback to improve.
I guarentee you that for every report that they go over, they are losing money on it. The program cost just simply covers their administrative costs. Guarantee it.
NO, I don't work at any of those programs but I know 2 suits over 2 of those programs and have had great discussions over the programs.
Ok, anyone can take the test. But I doubt she has taken it, which was my point.
She is therefore not certified. (And shouldn't waste her money on the test without experience.)
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.
Have you completed school at this point? I am confused as to the
question because I am not sure if you have completed your MT training or planning to work from home as an MT without schooling.
NOW versus KNOW - Learn the difference as you will need to KNOW it at some point.
Trust me, you don't scare us. As experienced professionals, we know what happens to MTs with delusions of grandeur; they are in for a very rude awakening, to say the very least.
Thought I would point out that you misspelled accurately
since you seem to be so keen on everyone being accurate around here.
you are missing the point - I am happily employed too but I see it's not going to last
you don't get to keep jobs by "wishing" you know. I am making anywhere from 12c to 14c to 19c on my own accounts but that doesn't change the fact that technology will virtually eliminate MT as we know it in the next decade. Nothing wrong with teaching newbies how to watch and analyze trends.
"well-trained" is the important point here
Those who aren't are running out of job options. The employers won't hire or keep people who are not properly prepared. They are dumping the MT services who don't have high standards.
It still doesn't sound like you're getting the point
It would be great if we could just do our job, but when you're thrown into a national workpool where some MTs are getting 45 different clients with 45 different client profiles to try and keep straight on any given shift, that's next to impossible. I don't think any of the MTs want to be nurtured, but some simple respect would be a step in the right direction.
What else do you want to know? Some of the service areas have gone through numerous production supervisors in a short amount of time so that an MT may never know who they are supposed to report to or direct questions to, especially if a PS doesn't answer e-mails. (I am fortunate in that I have a PS who is very good with communication).
Add to the national work pool the fact that daily bonuses that a lot of the MTs depended on as part of their pay were done away with and with very little notice . This was replaced with a quarterly bonus, the formula of which is so convoluted and confusing, I have no idea how it's even calculated. If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, confuse them with BS, I guess.
This is the "real deal" from where I'm sitting for the next 2 weeks before I go elsewhere.
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.
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?
Who are you?? I think at this point someone is making up names to post. Get a life! nm
xx
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