It's not a hobby, huge investment for a little "extra" money. See msg
Posted By: Deb on 2008-09-09
In Reply to: Part time MT? - Ben
If you can find a job working as an MT without training, I'd like to hear about it. Even MTs who take the cheaper courses have a difficult time getting hired, when there are excellent training programs turning out well-trained MTs (Andrews School and M-TEC).
If a foreign doctor with a strong accent who speaks very quickly is dictating in a noisy ER, would you know whether he is saying perineal, peritoneal, or peroneal? You need to totally understand what he is talking about in order to know if you have the correct word, and a spellchecker won't help.
Would you catch it if a doctor accidentally dictated a medication in mg instead of mcg?
Most people have no clue how complicated the medical language is, made more difficult by fast-speaking foreign doctors (or mumbling, slurring Americans) dictating in noisy places who don't really care if you understand what they are saying or not (but the person paying you certainly cares!)
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- Part time MT? - Ben
- It's not a hobby, huge investment for a little "extra" money. See msg - Deb
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A bad investment
They don't help you or answer emails, they don't let you take time off if you have to, and they don't help you get a job when you are done--they hand you a piece of paper with company names on it who don't hire grads. Waste of money.
Are you looking for a profession or a hobby?
If you just want a hobby, then AHP will be fine. It won't matter that your training will be substandard because you won't be able to get or keep a real job.
As for the hours issue, clients can't wait for medical reports to be transcribed just whenever you feel like working a couple of hours here or there. There are requirements for turn-around time (TAT) and, oh yes, that pesky thing called PATIENT CARE. The work isn't made available just so you can earn a little pin money once in awhile ("set your own hours" HA!), it's there because actual human beings require medical care and ACCURATE, TIMELY medical records are required to facilitate their care. You can't just work when you feel like it. Your employer has to be able to ensure that the clients' work is done within a specific TAT, and that isn't going to happen if they let the mommies-in-jammies brigade just "work while the kiddies are sleeping" or "work a few minutes here and there" when they "feel like it". You will likely be required to commit to a specific time frame and actually work during that time. You may have a range of choices in the time you choose to work, but it won't be a case of just working whenever you feel like it (or deciding not to work during a period to which you've committed). This is a serious job, not some make-believe game.
I prefer policing as a hobby
So don't read
Is a C-phone a good investment?nm
nm
No, it would be a huge mistake.
I have 20+ years experience in this field. One thing you have to understand, wages are DROPPING for MTs. Check out the posting on the Main board, (2006-09-15) where an MT with 12 YEARS experience was just offered a position with one of the major nationals. And what was the marvelous pay offered for this extremely talented individual? 6.5 cents per line. I would venture that to be 6.5 cents every 65 characters (not really per line). Just 10 years ago, an MT could start at 9 cents per line. Now experienced people, NATIONAL companies are going at 6.5? helloooo....Does this raise a red flag? There is a tremendous amount of competition, not only from India and the Philippines but from companies who want the docs and the hospitals to buy their voice recognition and EMR programs. It is not a fluke that wages are dropping. I would be willing to bet that you would NEVER find a job...just try that scenario on for size. 
I hate to be discouraging but I also hate the way people are led on about the MT field. And I hate the idea of you investing time and $2000 just so you could never get a job.
This is a huge list of MTSOs.
This list is huge. A lot of these seem to be small businesses. I only looked at one state, but the list was long. Not many have websites, but some of these businesses are still doing tapes and offering a wide range of services. You will therefore want to look mainly in your own State.
If they can only receive resumes by mail or fax they are not getting swamped with them, so you might have a better chance. . Happy hunting!
http://www.transcriptionvendors.com/index.htm
Except it's not a huge list of MTSO's. It's...
a site where you can post your own business if you want. Most of the postings are solitary MT's, just like you and me.
...owing a huge chunk all at once. nm
s
There are small-sized medical dictionaries, too, instead of the huge
s
If you don't want to get slammed with a huge payment due, estimated quarterly taxes
s
Scroll down just a little & you'll see "This is a huge list of MTSO's"
posted by Misha. I think this is what you're talking about.
Money
What are the chances of making $35K yearly and still having your wits? That is really what I am concerned with. I live in South Florida and am considering this profession. I would like to make enough to supplement husband's income of $85K. However, I don't want to be so stressed out that I can't enjoy life, either. Is there a happy medium here?
money
Those are good ideas.
Its not that I don't have the money, I just have a hard time spending large amounts. I can fritter away $100 here and there at Target and Walmart, but, phew, a $1500 check is hard to write.
We actually have enough money in savings, IRAs and investments to live at our current standard for at least 18 months without either of us working. Not that I would want to do that, but it could be done. So, its not that I don't have the money, its just a matter of spending it. I'm sure you can tell that since we have almost 2 years of living expenses saved up in the bank (and we have about 30-35 yrs to go til retirement), we are kind of tight with spending money.
Thanks for the suggestions though. I do need to have a Yard Sale, as much to get rid of stuff as to get some cash on hand. I have a pile of childrens' clothes to take to the resale shop for some cash too.
Where is the money at?
I was wondering...do MTs make better money working for someone or having a business of there own? Just wondering. I realize being new I will not have my own business for a couple of years but will I be able to make a "living" until then?
Big name=big money when you-sm
can get the same elsewhere at much lower prices. This board and its members often advocate only three schools that charge more than the others and don't offer a lot more. Most companies don't even know these names and could care less as long as you have a certificate and are certified. If you look into these higher priced courses, the only thing different is that they might use the more expensive transcription tapes, that's about it. These courses, all of them, are basically taught by sending you a few books then it's up to you as an individual to make it work. You will see members of the big three schools advertising their wares left and right here and everywhere they see someone looking. They are out to make a catch, so don't be fooled by the nonsense you here about their grads being the only ones being hired out of school. That's total bull and being said their by their little advertising cheerleaders, as well as the owners themselves who have no pride or too much. They order a bunch of books, sell them to you at twice the price and sit back and rake in the profits.
The money isn't what it used to be, and
job security isn't what it used to be.
It might still be a good career for somebody who is especially suited to it. That is, someone who has outstanding skills in written English and has the time and money to to to one of the best schools (Andrews and M-Tec are two two IMO, and cost about $4000. Some people have reported it took them 9 months to graduate, just to give you an idea). He or she must be interested in constantly researching new things and learning every day. You need a great work ethic, especially if you end up working at home. It isn't easy to sit at a computer at home working when there are so many things at home calling for your attention. You need to be able to invest in books/CDs, computers, and equipment when necessary. There are many factors to consider. You should go to Monster.com. I think you can take little tests there to see what kind of work you are suited to. You'll be happier in your work if you choose something you will be good at.
No money for us
Simple....corporate greed. Make more money sending work abroad. It'll turn around, may take a while but once the first big law-suit happens, it'll turn around.
I never said she owed me any money.
nm
Before you spend your money -
Do tons more research before you spend your money, please! I went to MTEC, graduated in 9 months, and have been working from home for more than 8 years now doing acute care. I had recruiters banging down my door to test and was offered positions after every test I took. The little medical backround you already have is nowhere near enough to be an MT, so get a SOLID education so you will not come back here at the end begging for someone to hire you for 2 cents a line. Best of luck! 
Your money would be better spent on
coding and billing. The MT profession is making less and less and having to work more and more. A new MT has a hard time finding a job. As far as boredom, it is what it is. If you find sitting for hours with headphones while mumbling baboons try to put a report together entertaining, than this job is for you. If not, select something different. The top schools is where you want to go if you decide, but again, if I could start my career (been in this for 20 years), I'd go with the billing/coding. It can be done onsite or at home, and all practices need these people to bring in the dough. You'll make more money at it anyway especially since new MTs make next to nothing.
My living is a fair wage for the time and effort, but the effort is from having many, many years of experience. A new MT will have to look a lot of words up which takes time away from production.
Good luck whatever you decide.
P/S: EMR will be mandated probably by the year 2015, so if you're young and smart, you'll choose another profession. I hate to be that way but it's the truth.
If I were you, I'd want my money back from whatever MT course you took.
If you've had any decent MT training at all, this shouldn't have been any problem for you.
Don't waste your money. It's ridiculous
to think that you'll get an education for $12.00 or $50.00.
If you are going to invest money in something, invest it in some legitimate tapes at Medword or HPI.
Wasting your money and time
I am a recruiter and Editor and I have not had anyone from PCDI who could pass the test to be hired. I even gave one person a chance because of her circumstances and she couldn't do the most basic of reports. I've had resumes stating "I want an all American account because I have not been trained on foreign doctors." It's a waste of money. They don't prepare you for anything.
No money, wonderful place
I don't believe you have to register to use word help. Response time depends on the question. Some of us can figure out what you mean in minutes and some of us take a while and/or may never come up with anything. It's a great place, though (thanks MTStars!!!). Highly recommend you bookmark it. Even if you feel it might be a silly question, just ask! I was blessed to work in-house my first two years, and I was constantly asking for help! Good luck!
I'll believe it when I hear from others getting their money.
nm
I wouldn't let it rest til I got my money!
That is what the scammers want you to do, so they can get away with it and keep cheating other people. She is asking an honest question that pertains to her problem, while at the same time keeping it in people's minds to look out for people like this.
M-Tech wannabe...wish I could get the money together right now
I just finished 18 months training at a community college to become an MT and I am not marketable. The provided no books, no equipment, and only 3 months of actual transcription practice. It cost me 4 times as much as the M-Tech program and I walked away with nothing...now I'm back at square one. I've researched online schools and narrowed it down to M-Tech, but after reading the great posts about this school, I'm sold. I am not giving up becoming an MT.
but you certainly save money on travel
and perhaps on work clothes/food away from home. When my son got to be about 8, the child care issue was no longer a problem. But when he was little, he would stand by my desk and say "Play with me" if I had no one to take care of him.
.. So others don't waste their time & money on the same course.
x
Pretty good money
You can make pretty good money as an MT, but it takes time. You might be ready posts from people who have only been in the field a couple of years. I read an article recently that gave a pretty accurate account of what can be expected for pay. It was called "How much money can you make as an MT" It was on the articles page of this website www.help4mts.com and there were other articles too if you have not gotten started. There are many factors involved in MT paid, i.e. inhouse, SE, contract, benefits, etc. Good luck.
Making decent money here.
I was one of those stay-at-home moms that wanted to make my own hours and earn a good living and I am doing just that. I have been an MT for 2 years now. I work at home while caring for my 3-year-old son. Yes, it is not easy, stressful even, but I make more money at home (close to $20 an hour) than I would make at a B&M job and I don't have to pay $1000 a month for daycare anymore. I have a completely flexible schedule and I work early in the morning while my son sleeps and during his nap times. If I have to, I work again in the evening to finish up work.
This profession is difficult and takes a lot of work, but what career that pays a decent salary doesn't. It is possible to make more than $4-8 an hour. It does not take years and years. I was up to $12 an hour after 6 months, comparable to what I made in my previous position, where I had been employed for 3 years.
Just because you can't make it in this industry is no reason to discourage others from trying.
Thinking about MT as 2nd job - extra money
Hi there - I have a very sound career holding a Management position making great money, however we are trying to pay off bills and I thought I would pick up a second job. A friend told me about being a MT and at first I was kinda excited to start my research, then sites like this (some of the posts) have scared me. HOWEVER there are a good number of success stories. I think I may continue on, as this will not be my main job, just for extra income.
My question for all of you who are certified. I keep reading about the BIG 3 schools. I don't know who they are, but I was going to go to one of my technical colleges in my local area. Is that a no no in the MT world? I mean, it's an accredited school. I'm just scared that when applying for jobs, they will want those that came from the big 3 that you all are talking about.
If anyone can share information I would greatly appreciate it. Thx a bunch!!!
We don't hate our jobs. There's no money in it
anymore now that the corporations have taken us over & are offshoring our jobs. This field used to pay really well, but those days are over & it can be difficult to make minimum wage, especially on VR. Many MTs are trying to re-train to find other careers so they can actually make a living.
proficient transcription...sent them money...will I get work?
I was hoping this would be a great job. Does this company actually give you work? Really worried now. Help!!!!
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.
Everywhere I have worked, coders made more money than MTs.
nm
Yes, new MTs have value. Doesn't mean companies should lose money on you, though.
There's an extremely high cost to mentoring/training new MTs. You've come into MT work with the wrong expectations, I think, regardless of where you got your direction.
Not much money to be made for new grads at MedQuist.
Guess it is pretty profitable to get rid of experienced MTs and then fill their spots with new grads at half the rate.
Don't waste your money on Penn Foster.
go to M-TEC, Andrews, or Career Step. These grads regularly finding jobs right after graduating. Most online companies that allow you to work from home will not hire grads from Penn Foster. You may be able to find in-house work, but since you stated your goal is to work from home, you should check out the 3 schools listed above. Otherwise, you are just wasting you money.
That's because CS doesn't have an entrance exam, they will take money from anyone
regardless of whether they have a snowball's chance in you-know-where of ever making it as an MT.
Unfortunately, the best time to ask about the school would have been BEFORE you gave them your money
Allied is a very poor course, it doesn't teach you what you need to know, you don't get enough good transcription practice, and unfortunately it is going to be difficult to find a job.
You need 2 years' experience to take the CMT (certified medical transcriptionist) test through the AHDI (formerly AAMT).
M-Tec and Andrews as the 2 best, definitely worth the money. See message.
They both have instructors, Career Step does not. They also use REAL books, CS uses books written by the person who sells the course and they are not as good. I took the CS course and if I had it to do over, I would choose M-Tec or Andrews instead.
You will be limited as to companies you can work for using only dial-up, and I think that's actually getting worse as more and more places require high speed internet.
Dont waste your money on TRSI
Terrible school that takes your money and doesn't teach you anything or answer questions. I didn't learn anything and still can't get a job. I'm going to have to start over and will probably to go to MTEC or Medline. Jeni
If help is genuine, then it shouldn't need money to grease the palm
X
I make good money at it, wouldn't quit for anything.
This particular board has a lot of "the sky is falling" mentality but in reality, there are many, many MT jobs.
I make about $30.00 per hour, well worth my time.
Career Step will sell their course to anyone with the money, regardless if they will ever be capable
of doing MT work or not, regardless of how poor their command of the English language is or how poor their spelling skills are.
Put the money towards good education, not an unnecessary laptop.
It should tell you something that a school offers a "free" laptop to get students to sign up. List how many good things and how many bad things you have heard about Andrews and M-TEC. Then make the same list for Allied and TRS. There's your answer.
It's sad that people don't find out more about these courses before they slap down money
x
Sorry you didn't check it out before signing up. Can you get your money back?
It definitely is not a very good school, and you definitely will have a difficult time finding a job after finishing that course, because the people doing the hiring know that that course is not extensive enough to teach you what you need to know.
Paying money to take the test wouldn't be bettering myself.
I am an excellent MT and everyone I've ever worked for knows that. I don't need to line someone else's pockets and take their test to prove I know my stuff, I prove it every day. It all depends on where you work, some places want a CMT, but most don't care as long as you do the job and do it well.
CS website says there is money to be made for those who promote the training program!
No wonder people are so quick to promote CS. I don't think M-Tec or Andrews pay people to promote their school! If they do, they owe me some money, LOL!
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