I understand your situation!
Posted By: jr on 2007-11-10
In Reply to: I need work!!! Please help!!!! - Amber Holt
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.
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Same situation...
I graduated from one of the "top 3" schools, and I have applied to 5 companies, with no response from 4 of them. Like you, MQ was the only one to acknowledge my application -- although I was promptly dismissed by the recruiter from the new outside company they are using because I had applied 5 years ago to MQ. It was like she totally ignored the current information and based her decision on a resume from 5 years ago! I am getting frustrated as well. I was wondering what I was doing wrong. So many other people seem to have no problem getting through to the companies. When I don't hear back, I'm left to wonder if I am just not qualified or if they never got the online application.
I don't know your situation or if
you can only work at home. When I first started I took a job outside my home in a medical office for almost next to nothing in pay. I just wanted to get my foot in the door. Eventually I helped out transcriptionist and from then on I never had a problem getting a job. Beware of a company in Iowa that hires newbies. They teach their MTs the incorrect way and you will never pass any test given by another company. Also, alot of hospitals will hire newbies. They start you off inhouse but eventually let you work at home. Good Luck! Please feel free to E-mail me anytime. .
I'm in the same situation...
I recently graduated from Penn Fosters MT program with a 95%. Even though I type about 95 wpm, none of the MT companies seem to be willing to give a newbie a chance. Although no education is "wasted", I'm wondering if there are as many opportunities as the schools imply.
Depends on the situation
Usually they lump clients together regarding the software that will work with stuff on their end. So all the clients that use (as an example) Lanier and Meditech will go on the "L" platform, and people with experience with those systems will get assigned to that platform and trained on it.
Or it could have to do with specialties. Example - I type only radiology, and have never been trained for the "Basic 4". I will only be working radiology accounts, so I work on the "rad" platform and am only concerned if radiology accounts are out of TAT, approved for OT, etc. If I type for company XZY and they are way behind on Acute Care reports, sorry, I don't type that. Some distinct specialties are split off into their own platforms with their own supervisors and would call themselves some sort of team name. My supe might be over all the radiology MTs, and there may be several subteams under her (such as "L" platform above).
Usually new platforms are scary to current employees, because some companies tend to use us as guinea pigs to work all the bugs out as we go. Its easier for companies to assign new employees to the new platforms because they'll have to learn everything new as it is.
Excuse me, Jay, but you know nothing of my situation and
what I did or sacrificed, so there's no need to pull the "weren't you a newbie" ***do not use this language***; especially since you have no idea how long I've been working or what school I attended. It's common sense that more companies would up the scale if they didn't have people jumping at the chance to work for 5-6 cpl. I've met many people who have settled for 5-6 cpl and then griped that they can make more at Wal-Mart and work less hours. Solution: Hold out. Also, I'm not going to start "at the bottom" when I don't have to because someone thinks it's my duty.
***Ms. Amanda, I would suggest that you watch your language. It is fine to express your views, but unnecessary to be rude towards others***
Moderator
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.
Your situation may allow you to test without further education
Contact the employers and see if they will let you test. It can't hurt to try. You have some good experience. I doubt that you need a complete course.
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 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?
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.
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.
Lisa, I understand your frustration, but I do have to agree with (sm)
Amanda that this must be looked at as a profession and simply not a convenient way to work while staying home with the children. I don't necessarily think you feel that way, but your post does come across as someone who wants their cake and eat it, too! It is very difficult to become an accomplished MT without the benefit of on-site experience, but it most certainly can be done. However, there are dues to pay when it comes to gaining your experience in a home setting and one of them is to be able to gain that experience at someone else's convenience.
Now, I am not saying that you have to be at available at someone's beck and call, but you do have to realize the time, effort and expense it costs the person mentoring you and appreciate the knowledge and insight so freely given to you. Many companies will not even give that chance anymore, so I would take it as a gift rather than an obstacle.
I have raised 2 children by the grace of working at home and without the benefit of a spouse, as I became widowed at a very young age, but that took a lot of determination, scheduling and humility to do so. It is not impossible and my long days and exasberating nights paid off in the end, but only because I was willing to work at it. I can say quite proudly that I have wonderful, well-adjusted children who have reaped the benefits of having their mother with them and have also learned the respect of a hard day's work.
Of course, you can always obtain your own clients and set your own hours, but you will not gain the knowledge that is required to become a proficient MT, as there really is no one to guide you in what you just don't know. However, if all you are after is a paycheck at the end of week without a true respect for this field, that might be the alternative.
I know it is hard - it is very hard, but if you truly want it you will to the lenghs to achieve it with an open mind and the willingness to reach your goals.
I wish you the best!!
"Had I been able to even understand a little of the terminology they were speaking I could have d
That's why you need the education from the good schools. If you know exactly what the doctor is talking about, it would be much easier to understand him, even if he is a lousy dictator. And a LOT of them are lousy, and a LOT of them are ESLs. And the dictation certainly isn't any better just because you are doing it from home.
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