Lots of stress and long hours doing MT especially - sm
Posted By: on 2007-01-06
In Reply to: Is MT a decent job based on pay #s I see here? And how is outsourcing affecting pay? - amelia
when you are first starting out. If you have to live on this, then in the beginning it is not a good choice. But if you are married and have a spouse income to live on and yours is just supplemental then that will work. When I first started 5 years ago I made $5K the first year, granted that was PT but I worked FT hours basically. I still work PT but practically FT, 30+ hours a week. I made about $16k this in 2006. Now I am not a fast typist (100-160 lph depending on dictator), and I find it hard to sit here and type for a solid 6 hours so I get easily distracted and goof off instead of working or else I am sure I could do $20K+ easy as I have more good than bad dictators. But some companies have mostly ESL and it is very hard to make money that way especially starting out. So many factors factor into to your income, your ability and typing speed, the ease of dictators, and if you can be dedicated and not get distracted. Obviously the more you can dedicate yourself and work consistently the more money you can make, just depends on your personal goals. Good Luck.
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Or not so much stress or long hours, decent pay
I totally understand what you're saying, but being an MT varies so much based on what you bring to the job, where you work, and what kind of account you have that it's pretty tough to predict how any particular person will do. I'm very happy with my job. I find it to be the least stressful job I've ever had, love the predictable hours, and made 34K this last year working strictly a 40-hour week. This is after 1-1/2 years as an MT. I found the first 6 to 9 months terribly stressful because of the high learning curve, but once I settled into my account the stress level dropped considerably. I'm still working the same hospital account I started on, but also work other accounts as necessary. I work for a company that many people on this board say they can't make any money working for; it must have a lot to do with the stability I've had on my account that I am able to make reasonably decent money.
Be sure to investigate the company first. Lots out there, lots
that are not legitimate.
Lots of feet....
I never expected such a response, but wanted to say that I opened that door to one person, from about 60 responses, and am happy with the decision. Best of luck to you all!
I've done lots of looking
and have never seen a work from home opportunity that doesn't require a few years' experience.
There are lots of schools
I don't really know anything about the school you are referring to, but you are right about there being a lot of schools out there. I graduated from Meditec and don't hear much about them on the boards. What I have heard hasn't been so great. For all it is worth, I graduated, went through their internship program and am working as an IC MT now. I can't complain.
As far as schools go, sure you get what you pay for. But you also get out of a school the effort you put into it. I've tested with several companies and have never had even a hint from any of them that my school was a bad. Not everyone can afford the top three. Not only that, not everyone even starts out knowing about them. I'd already started in my training program when I learned the "top three" were even there. I did not frequent the boards then and that's the only place I see and hear this stuff.
Cut yourself lots of slack...
I worked so hard for so little money when I first started out. I wondered often if I had made a huge mistake becoming an MT. But you do gradually get the swing of it and learn how to "work smarter, not harder." For me, it really was more like a year or so before I was happy with the money I was making and the stress level. Try not to look at your hourly rate too often, and focus on the things that are getting easier for you and better. You may work long hours for a while, but look at the gradually increasing paycheck. It's a process. This too will pass!
I'm sure you will be fine. The fact that your work is looking so good that they're giving you more already is a GREAT sign that you have what it takes to succeed! I'm much more concerned about people who sacrifice quality for speed.
Keep it up! You'll get there!
and lots of grammar errors.
It is always good to have dreams.....
No, lots of transcription work available, though
ASR and the like are becoming more prominent.
Tiger Direct and New Egg....lots of computers
xx
lots of links provided at the angelfire link.
http://www.orthoguide.com/ortho/
http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/transcription/translinks.html
lots of good info at M-TEC and Andrews web sites - nm
x
I find that lots of companies are using ShortHand these days.
They have a 30-day trial.
How long did it take you?
How long did it take you to "develop an ear for it"?? i have a test to write in 2 weeks and with this one doc that is on the test, i really don't think that i will be ready!!!
Any suggestions???
how long...
I guess that depends on the individual. I was going to school, working a full-time job, and working with DKM at night and on weekends. I was pretty slow to start, but had decent typing (WPM). Some of the docs are tougher than others (including their fields and associated terminology, etc.) and still are. Sometimes, the audio slows me down. But, I started in October 2004 and quit my other job in May 2005. I have been working full-time at home since then. Each of our docs is different and depending on which one I am working on, my production goes up or down.
How long have you been an MT?
I work the *** account and very few of the doctors have bad accents. In fact, I think only one is hard to understand and since his stuff is all edit work it isn't that bad. I actually thought the majority of the work is easy to understand and can get line counts quickly. If you haven't been an MT for long let me tell you... CHA is an easy account and most others I have worked are much more difficult to understand!
Pay is a bit lower than I'd like, but I'm going to ask about that being changed.
I have always had work and always been paid on time. They do IM the whole team about the Q being full and needing people to log in and work, if you are already working then just ignore the IMs, I'm sure they aren't intended for those of us working already.
My understanding from emails lately is that they are having issues with MTs who aren't doing work properly or working their comitted hours/times. The clients are getting a bit upset about these things.
I may be leaving, but that is only because I need to find an employee position for the health insurance for my family since my husband is changing jobs in May and will no longer get ins through work.
I've had no issues with either Rajesh or Laila and both have been helpful and kind to me. I guess each person is going to have a different experience with each company...
But how long does it take U to do 45 min. job?
x
How Long Did It Take
Shawna , how long did it take you to complete the CS program?
how long
does it typically take to transcribe 500 lines?
How long does it take you to
type one hours' worth of a doctor's dictation?
Still lots of in-house jobs on the big job search sites. The at-home US MT is going the way
s
How long would it take to transcribe
30 minutes of dictation? I'm taking on a new IC job, and the supervisor asked how many minutes of dictation I would like. I'm guessing I should start at 30, but I'm not sure about how long that would take. I've had about 8 months' acute care experience. I don't want to take on more than I can handle. Any ideas? Thanks.
60 days is too long even for me
/
I've done both and all I can say is to think long and
hard before you choose either one. Neither job is all it's cracked up to be once you get to the "real world" of work.
How long to stay with first MT job?
I have a question that I have not really been able to get some sound advice on and was hoping the posters of this board could give me their opions. I would appreciate any views.
The question is how long would you stay with your first (low paying) MT job? I am starting to make some fair money now, but am spending 12+ hours per day to do it, which actually comes out pretty low per hour. While I do appreciate the opportunity to be working right after training, I also feel limited by not having two year's worth of experience yet to try to move on. Most places seem to prefer MTs with at least the two years experience. On the other hand, I am getting very good work experience where I am and do not run out of work. I can't keep up this particular pace forever for what I am earning overall. Would you wait out two years for the experience?
How long is it taking all new MTs
I have been at this job for almost three months and I have yet to rest the goal everyday in one week. I can't wait until my little ones are in daycare/school again!
Not as a newbie! Lots of new drugs, lab values, tests, implants, etc. Clinic would be better. nm
,
Don't know TTS, but if the program has errors due to lots of ESLs, sloppy docs, etc. you'll ha
s
Just type what you hear. Lots of things are repeated in differnent notes.
s
Are you at the current doc's office all day long? sm
I was thinking that if he wants you to transcribe from his office, could you get that done in a couple of hours, and then go home to work from there? I started my "home work" with one doc. She raved about me so much that all her doc friends called me to get me to work for them. Sit down with your doc and feel him out. He could be a real help to you! Good luck!
How long did it take you to finish MTEC?nm
nm
Some advice on becoming an MT. See long message.
First, you MUST have excellent grammer, spelling and listening skills. Without these, don't bother. You won't be a success.
Transcription is not something you can do in your spare time. It is a very demanding profession. If you work as an independent contractor (IC), you set the amount of time you want to work, but your paycheck is dependent upon how much work you do. If you are not a fast typist, your hourly pay will be low. I think the average MT does around 150 lines per hour. At 8 cents per line, that's $12 an hour. This is just AVERAGE pay.
If you are an IC, you will usually have no benefits. No insurance, no paid time off, all taxes come out of your check. If you work as an employee, you will have to keep a schedule, and usually a minimum line per hour to stay employed.
Becoming an MT requires a lot of training. You are going in the right direction with a nationally approved school. One of the three will give you a better chance at a job if you graduate with high marks. But even after school, it can take up to 3 years to become fully trained and making "good" money, which runs between the $12-$18 per hour range. It is a big time investment.
My advice is call Career Step. I believe Andrews and MTEC will counsel you extensively before they will accept you, to make sure you really understand what you are getting into. I hope Career Step does the same, but I haven't heard as much about them.
It is a tough field, and not going to get any easier, although I still think it is a great profession. You have to look at all the aspects before you decide if it's for you. Call the school. In fact, I would make a list of questions and call all three schools. They can probably help you better than any of us can.
Best of luck on whatever you decide to do.
Distance learners--how long did it take to graduate?
I am enrolled in a program right now that is supposed to take 9 months, but I am now on my 14th month (I think I am close to graduation now). I was just curious as to how long it has taken others to graduate who took MT distance learning courses. Thank you.
I also agree that there will be jobs for a long time. sm
Been doing this for 18+ years. You won't get rich, but you can make a decent living, at least as much as you would make on most secretarial or retail jobs, once you get the training. I make around $24,000 a year, but I don't push like I used to. I could make more teaching, have the qualifications, but nothing in the world would make me face that. It's a nightmare.
There will be decent jobs in transcription or editing for years, but not the gravy some of us are used to. Just a decent wage, probably average $12-18 an hour from now on, hope it doesn't drop lower. I don't think things are going to be too rosy in many other fields either, so I'll stay where I am until I'm ready to retire. JMO.
As long as you're posting links, how about this one from Berkley
especially where it shows US MT hourly wage at $13.17 and Indian MT hourly wage at $1.50-$2.00. With $11 an hour savings you can hire a lot of QA'ers and still make a killing!
Does anyone know how long it takes for tests to be graded at MediVoxx or OSI?
I recently tested at both companies and am beginning to wonder how long this process takes. While I am waiting for their replies, if anyone could tell me of other corporations that hire new MTs I would appreciate it.
How long have you been away? Might need a refresher course from a local college or business school.
s
Hours for MTs
Working from home is really no different than working in an office or hospital as far as the hours are concerned. The only difference is that you are on your own and must be able to perform the same duties. Would you apply to a company or hospital and ask them if you can pick you own hours? Probably not. As a home MT, you can choose what shift you prefer, if available, but it is still a work environment, and you are expected to be there, in the chair, doing the work the same as if you were in a hospital or office setting. That is why you see shifts/hours advertised. Companies need to know that the work will be completed and returned to the client in a timely fashion to the client's satisfaction. It's still a JOB, even if you are at home.
Hours
Michelle, if you are an independent contractor, you can generally set your own hours/days/shift; however, if you are an employee, you must work the hours/days/shifts your employer wants you to work. Of course, as an employee you get benefits, too.
Also, IMHO, VLC is a better program than AHP.
Hours
I work at home and I decide what hours I work as long as my work is back within 24 hours. That doesn't mean I can goof off all day and not do my work, I have to discipline myself and have scheduled times to work. You do have freedom, and thats why I love it, but you do have to work also.
I don't look at the hours
I look at the line count because productivity in this kind of job is based on the line count. Also, as you gain experience your hours spent on an account will decrease, that is if you retain the same volume over time.
Based on other experienced MTs, they usually do not keep just one account, so if you have time in your hands, try to get another account to make up for the slow periods.
Also looking for PT 20 hours. Please sm
If you take that job and they still have open positions, could you please share with me the company? I have been looking for PT IC work like you mentioned. Thank you!
hours?
So how many hours of work do approximately get in per day? And how many hours of sleep do you get at night?
Do you really set your own hours?
I have heard that MT's (working from home) set their own hours to work... and then I have also heard that you have specific set hours that you work. Which one is right? Or do you have a deadline that you must get your work in by?
Thanks for clearing up the confusion!
Trust me, I've been doing this a long time and I still make stupid little mistakes.
Nothing is worse than being started on a new account, being under QA, and have them point out all of your mistakes. You start feeling incompetent so believe me when I say your mistakes and errors do not go away completely, no matter how long you've been at this. I am beginning to believe no one is perfect all of the time and should feel better about it than I have when I screw up. Just believe in yourself..and everyone else will too.
Hours / MT training
Has anyone here done at home professions MT course? Is it legit?
Also why do the job posting have set days and hours MT's have to work. I thought if you worked at home you could pick your own hours? Can someone clarify this for me
Thanks
MT schools & job hours
Does anyone know anything about an online school called Future MTs? Also, when working at home is it possible to get jobs that allow you to work whatever hours you want or is it mainly shift work?
350 lines in 8 hours?
That really isn't much. You should be spending time when you aren't working studying *grammar* and such. I am a newbie, have been at this since January, and can get at least 150 lph. So far I am able to get about 9,000 lines per pay period...that's 10 days. Not trying to bash you or anything, but it sounds like you really need some practice. Websites like www.rxlist.com are great for drug names as well.
My work hours...
I have a 3 y/o and an 8 m/o, both girls. They go to a 5 hour, 4 day a week program. This allows me a 4 1/2 hour block to go to the clinic, pick up tapes, and go back home and type uninterrupted for awhile. I pick them up and I don't work again until they go to bed at approximately 8:00 pm, then I work until I'm done, usually around 11:00 or 11:30. I sleep until 5:00 am, when I get up and do it all again. My oldest gets up on her own about 6-6:30 am and the youngest gets up whenever her tummy wakes her.
I have only had this job for just over a month now, and I love it. My old job was a full on work in the office 8 hours a day, 5 days a week job. So I almost feel like I'm on vacation now with the flexibility that I so desired all along.
I hope you can work something out for you and your kids where you can all be rested and happy.
Take care.
What hours/days are you available. sm
Please email me with your the above info and where you received your education.
You need to break more often than every 2 hours
straight. That won't be good for your body and you'll burn out easy.
Again, most places will allow you the time to get comfortable with your dictators. Don't try to be too fast and make mistakes because that won't be worth it at all to either you or your new employer. That shows sloppiness. JMO.
Hours you worked
Starting as an IC, did that mean you were able to determine the hours you worked in a day? For example, I would like to work early morning part-time and finish in later evening and night. Is that something that was common to do as an IC, or do you have to give them a detail of the hours you are working?
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