No, the school stinks in my opinion - sm
Posted By: on 2008-10-05
In Reply to: Depends on if you want a job or not. - SM
I worked with a lady once who "went" there. Oh boy, was she lousy. Needless to say she did not hold onto the job long, the mistakes were numerous and atrocious. She had previous experience of transcribing written doctors notes and putting them on the computer which she thought constituted MT experience (uh...it was all written down in front of her, slightly different); obviously that experience was useless. I hope for her sake she took the QA I did to heart and did not get too upset by it by taking it personally, but she needed a lot of work.
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
Not sure about the school you went to but in my opinion.....
the best way to go is find someone to mentor you, or get your own accounts with local doctor offices. Make up a fliar that offers cassette tape dictation/transcription.
Unfortunately most of the hospitals outsource now and that is where most old timers got their experience way back when.
Somewhere I read that Meditech was offering a mentoring program????? No idea if it is worth anything, but if they will QA your work, I would start there.
Hang in there. Don't stop trying to land something. It will happen.
This stinks!
I am an employee and can collect unemployment. I haven't checked into this. I quess I need to find out how long I can collect unemployment, and look into COBRA or individual/family insurance since I will be losing these benefits as well. It just goes to show you how far 14 years of being loyal and dedicated to a company can get ya! I probably shouldn't send them my resume until I find out about unemployment because that would ruin that. Thanks guys! Call me depressed!
Penn Foster stinks to put it mildly - sm
Everyone recommends the 3 you mention, years ago (8) I did CAI, a little more affordable, not a bad program though a lot look down on it as well, a little more affordable than the others as well. You will be able to bring in some extra cash, and if all 6 kids in school, I would say $1-2K a month in the long run. Starting probably $600 or so if you work hard. It won't make you rich unless you have you own accounts and a lot of MTs working for you. I have a very busy schedule, only 2 kids and only bring in $1500-1800 a month, but I have a lot going on, I am sure I could get that up to $2500 if I didn't have life happening all the time. But avoid Penn Foster, AT-home professions, etc. Those programs are a joke. I worked with a lady who did Penn Foster, boy was she bad, she did not last long where I worked as she did not listen, made the same mistakes over and over again, etc. I looked over their course and could not believe how bad it was from the decription on the internet, total joke. But MT is a good job if you are looking to supplement an existing income, this what I do, no clue how I would live on $1800 a month, but I would if I had to I guess. As for finding work after, no it is not easy, you have to be persistent and apply everywhere basically. Took me 2-3 months to find a job after I was done my course, I just applied everywhere I could and eventually found 2 places (1 was clinic, the other acute care, the best of both worlds) that would take me and I ran with it, put in my 2 years and have since worked at about 5-6 other places, think I have my niche now, but will probably shoot to get my own accounts soon and get a few MTs working for me so I don't have to work so hard (I hope).
Here's my opinion
Tuition is $588 and up. They also offer courses in mystery shopping, basket weaving, and digital photography, all of which can be found on the Internet for free. Offering other nonMT courses is usually a good sign that the "school" is only in it to sucker people out of money. Their "faculty" members don't have any teaching credentials or certification. Being an MT, CMT, RN or HRT doesn't necessarily make you a good teacher. The school is not nationally accredited either. Do a Google search for them. I haven't found anything positive by anyone who has ever "graduated" from their course and obtained a job.
This is only my opinion and......sm
He gives as TX options:
Treatment options: Chiropractic care. {Insert whatever names he gives there with an initial cap} and chiropractic adjustment.
Hope that helps! 
my opinion
I think you are looking into MT for the wrong reason (you want to work from home and not work in an office).
While 80 wpm is a good speed, you'll need to be more about 100 to 120 wpm to really get good production. Accuracy of your typing skills won't matter as much as your ability to properly interpret what you are listening to in the dictation, recognize medical terminology in actual use, etc.
Yes, offshoring and voice recognition are taking a big toll now and will continue to.
Look into coding.
My opinion
Hi. Medical transcription is the best!! I have been in the business for 15 years and I still think it is great. When I first started people kept telling me that it would be phased out because of VR, and that was 15 years ago. I think if you really work hard the first several months and really learn it well, then I think you will not be disappointed. The people I know who don't stick with it are the ones who didn't put in the initial "blood, sweat and tears" to really become good at it.
Medical Transcription has been such a blessing to me and to my family. We have been able to send our children to private school and that would have been impossible without my working all these years. I have been able to have a great income and still be flexible enough to take care of my family. In my humble inion, the great jobs are the ones that allow flexibility within a schedule and they are the only ones I would go for.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
P.S. Learn your macros WELL
My opinion is ....
that some companies choose to be kind and some choose not to. I have worked for some of the nicest people around, and I have also worked for a company that was rude beyong belief. I would definitely give it a shot although I do not know them personally. Trust me, when you have been sitting at your computer for a while the last thing you need to do is be getting nasty e-mails from someone.
Good luck!
Just My Opinion
I saw below where they state the beginning wage for mRecord is somewhere along the lines of 5.25 cpl. IMHO, that is just way to low to start, even if you are a new graduate. There are many other companies out there that will start you out at a higher rate.
Since you mentioned the Spheris traning, I'm assuming you went to Career Step. They are so many better paying opportunities for you if you are willing to look for them.
(and, as a gentle reminder, it's "accept" and not "except")
My opinion...
I know MQ is one of the easiest companies for a noob to get into, but I would take their refusal as a good omen. MQ is a sinking ship and you would do well to find a better company to work for.
Thanks for your opinion! more....
Thanks for giving your opinion Jenn! I hadn't looked at it that way. I just kind of freaked when the Dr. said "dead in the water for clinics."
VR has never really worried me much, but doctors not dictating at all (in clinics) was quite the shocker for me!
I see how and why this wouldn't work in the hospital setttings.
This career path seems so shaky, yet I'm so ready to start training for something I'll love to do.
Thanks again,
Christy
In my opinion, no (see msg)
IT is the most advanced, "smart" Expander out there. I've been using it for 2 years and refuse to work without it, which I told my bosses. It's not for everyone, of course, but starting out with IT instead of discovering it after trying several others is great; the learning curve is not as steep. Plus, it works with SO many platforms (not just Word-based platforms) so you don't have to worry about changing jobs and having to stop using it or losing all your glossaries/expansions because your new company doesn't use Word and your expander works only with Word and Word-based platforms.
opinion
That 'person' who seems angry at 'the post above this' I have a feeling is talking about me. I only posted what I found on the company website. These posts about the big 3 and this particular staffing school seems to be getting people a little 'testy'. Maybe we should move on to a more pleasant topic. Opinions are like noses, everybody has one. Some people get 'ill' when their opinion is differed with. That's what's 'wrong'. To each their own. That's why we're human beings and not robots. We're differnt and have different opinions based on different experiences.
I'd tell you my opinion on the whole MT field, but
I'd be accused of being negative and bitter. LOL Yeah, people get buffaloed into thinking that there is good money to be made doing MT. Evidently, some people do make good money at it. I haven't met any real life person who actually does, though. I've never seen it myself either.
my opinion...take it for what it's worth
but when I read your post your grammer was good and you seemed very bright. These are things you cannot learn in medical transcription school. When you finish your schooling and if you have any trouble landing a job, I suggest you revisit this site and as eloquently as your post above, ask for someone to mentor you. I do not think you will have a problem at all. Good luck.
it's not YOUR website and not YOUR opinion only on here
so we are allowed ours and you have absolutely NO RIGHT to chastise the other poster for her advice
grow up a little bit, mommy
Just my humble opinion here...
You may be wasting your talent settling into the MT field. I have no doubt you could succeed based on what you have posted thus far, but I get the impression you are very outgoing, upbeat, friendly, and enjoy interacting with people. I think you may find yourself cut off and bored after a short time and restless. I agree with this poster - what about real estate or sales? You seem such a natural for those fields. Good luck to you in whatever you decide. :-)
Here is my honest opinion. sm
I started MT in my mid 20s (over 20 years ago) Started working for family doctor in high school, went on to college for two years in health care administration (worked part time for college professors), married and had children right away. My first independence with my own doctor clients occurred when I had two toddlers at home. There was no possible way I could have been successful unless I hired child care during that period of time. I was spending a minimum of 8 hours per day typing. There were days when I would put in an additional 3 hours late at night when my children went to bed. My husband worked long hours, so depending on him to take over was not always possible. It is only my opinion that the dedication, concentration and ultimate success in this profession is not possible unless you get the help with your children. Unless part time supplemental income is your goal, full time pay and the intense experience needed to peform well long-term in this profession, reality is not always seen by those entering this profession as a means to stay home with your children.
I Respect Your Opinion. However...
I'm not an advocate for Career Step and I don't know what is on their page. That IS misleading, but researching the MT field on the Internet would bring you here (MTStars) as well as taking you to Career Step. I don't think CS deserves all the blame.
TRS Institute Opinion
Ok, I know that a lot of people have posted questions and opinions about different schools. I've been researching these myself via AHDI, the school website, requesting them to send info, and reading the various posts here. I was really leaning towards CareerStep because I can function without someone standing over my shoulder and I liked the idea of being able to finish the course quicker if I put more time into it. I've working in various areas of healthcare for years. The last position I held I dealt with outpatient billing for a hospital, departments included ENT, Audiology, and Psych. I did some CPT and ICD-9 coding for Psych in addition to the billing. Thus I have experience with medical terminology, diagnosis codes, and medical abreviations. No one would hire me even with this background. So I determined school was the best bet. After the mixed reviews for CareerStep that I've read on here I'm now down to either M-TEC, The Andrews School, or TRS Institue. I've seen what all the various opinions on M-Tec and Andrews but has anyone had experience with TRS Institue. I was also looking at Allied Medical School's program for transcription but hesitate because they're not AHDI approved and cost the same as M-TEC. Allied offers a free laptop but I've already got two :) Plus they offer lifetime career placement (same as M-TEC) but they're NOT approved which makes me very nervous.
Also, does anyone know how much it takes to take the RMT test? TRS Institute will pay the fee but I'm just wondering if anyone knows how much that is considering their tuition is $3995.
Any thoughts on this would be helpful. Thanks for reading!
You are entitled to your opinion....
But that is all it is, Amanda, your opinion. It seems every time a new MT posts here about their school, you are one of the first people to have something negative to say. Yes, there are many MTs who come here and complain about their schools, but there are also an equal number who have had success and are satisfied with their experience. It depends on the individual and their attitude.
You are entitled to your opinion...
I disagree. I have been an MT for years and I find myself making spelling mistakes and typos on this site. It happens... This is also a New MT/Student board, so majority of the people who post here will improve their grammar skills as time goes on. It is best to make excuses for people and assume that they will improve. No one is perfect, including you.
My opinion, for what it's worth..
I haven't read the other replies, but a few things struck me from your message. First, if you had researched MT as much as you say, then why did you choose At Home Professions? Secondly, finding "MTStars" isn't the Holy Grail of MT information, LOL. Actually, MTStars is great because if a newbie does find this message board, they'll run like the wind from medical transcription and leave more work for the rest of us. Either way, this message board is more or less and "venting" site. Most of the folks that have nothing to complain about are busy doing their jobs, and there are plenty of them. I've been reading MTStars for years, don't really post much, but at least I get a laugh or two every day.
In my opinion, not anymore. Been in this 25 years.
It is all going to voice recognition, meaning that the only real transcribing there will be left to do are the horrible dictators (ESLs and NON-ESLs) who cannot be processed by speech recognition.
Between that and overseas workers, not much in the way of a future in my opinion. Glad I'm nearing the end of my career in it.
It is a matter of personal opinion. Some like
Shorthand, some like Instant Text.
You're welcome to your opinion. She asked for advice
and I gave her mine.
Get over it.
That's a matter of each persons opinion. I happen to like
MT, I have my own accounts and do the work myself. I get up, take little breaks in between and don't beat myself up. I also have a separate private life outside of work, so for me I am not isolated.
Why did you choose this post to voice your opinion?
It appears as if the OP was so happy about passing the test and receiving that phone call that she rushed to the computer to share her good news with the world. Would it have been so awful to just wish her luck and share her joy? I have been an MT for a year, and I still feel proud and happy each time I pass a test. It is hard for a newbie or someone with less than 2-3 years of experience to get a company to even let you test. When you then pass the test and get a phone call, that is veryexciting and makes you feel good. You could have wished her luck publicly and then sent her an email making her aware of her mistakes along with some tips. This New MTs forum is the last place on this board to post a message like yours.
Why can't some people just let others feel good about themselves?
Hmmm. I think this MTSO's opinion would "carry weight"...
If the poster was NOT a graduate of one of those two schools.
You're only posting your opinion & website b/c CS pays you for you referrals
nm
Agree with an outside school, but I went to a business & tech school. Great experience, better
s
You CAN get a job at home, right out of school, but it has to be a GOOD school.
You should enroll in Andrews School or M-TEC. I know you don't want to spend more money, but at least you WILL be able to get a job. If you thought At Home Professions was a good course, you will be totally amazed at what you DIDN'T learn in that course that you WILL learn at the two good schools. There is no "required" curriculum for MT, anybody can open up a school, charge what they want, and teach what they want. Companies will waive the 2-years' experience requirement for graduates of Andrews School and M-TEC, but NOT for the other schools.
School?
Has anyone graduated from Thomson Education Direct and got hired anywhere?
Just wondering about choosing the right school for medical transcription course.
MT school
I attend the Andrews School. It has a very good reputation among national services--some will even waive the minimum 2-year experience requirement and allow you to test for them if you are an Andrews graduate. I have heard good things about M-Tec as well. I would suggest that you contact hospitals, nationals, etc. that you might want to work for and ask them which schools they suggest as far as turning out job-ready graduates. Good luck!
$ for MT school
No, I don't. We have debt out of our ears but you can make payments or charge it or whatever it takes. I've always had to spend money to make money. I just want to make sure I can make it back fairly soon. When I do the math it seems like you have to be pretty darn fast at transcription to earn a living. I admire the people out there doing it!
School and $$$
Hey, sorry about your ankle. Sounds like this could be a perfect time to study for MT. I'm sure I saw scholarship information that was based on financial need on one of the "3" schools...Andrews, MTEC or Career Step. Go to their websites and see! All the best to you! 
What to look for in a school
There are three things to look at in choosing a school and neither of them is money.
The first is whether national services already hire their grads and keep them longer than 6 months.
The second is what percentage of the grads score adequately on the employer's test.
The third is how many students complete the course with a grade of 95% or better on the first try.
Even if an employer is willing to hire from a school, if few grads pass his test and qualify to be hired, then the school isn't so hot. If the employer hires, but the grads can't keep the job for even 6 months, then the school isn't so hot. If the school has a high drop-out rate and many students (sometimes "most") don't make it to graduation, then the school isn't so hot. If it takes students several tries to pass, then the school isn't so hot.
You can see that just examining whether an employer will hire a grad isn't such a good measure. You also have to look at how many students get to graduation, how they got there, how many of them passed the test, and how many of those didn't get fired or quit in frustration.
You want a school whose grads are almost uniformly hired by nationals and which graduates nearly all students (all have drops, but you want a low level of those) on the first try.
Considering all that, you have two options: M-Tec and Andrews. And Andrews has a pre-admission test you'll need to pass to get in.
In your case, you should not go for a school which will allow you to skip any courses. You don't know anatomy and terminology like you'll need it for MT--what you know is what you need for billing, and that is different. Unless you hold a PhD in anatomy, you need to refresh your memory. Any school that lets you get away with not doing that does not have your best interests in mind.
School
I recently graduated from Thomson Education Direct. Recently changed to Penn Foster.... I made 49.00 month payments with no interest. Is a good school!
yes, I'm still in school ..... nm
zz
Still in school????
I assumed from your post you were a recent graduate.
school
I agree.....Accept a challenge to succeed.
School
Education Direct,,,now called Penn Foster.
Great School!
School
HHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMM! I just graduated and landed a job within one week.!!!!
School
Are you stocking me? Your a stress ball!
Is school a must?
I have been an administrative assistant for 8 + years and I will be graduating from my Medical Office Specialist/Billing and Coding class in May. Do I absolutely have to go to school to become an MT or can I just test to get a job? Any responses will be greatly appreciated.
Shona`
re: Is school a must?
Yes! Have you mastered anatomy and physiology? Do you know pharmacology? Can you know medical abbreviations? Can you decipher various dialects of providers well enough to produce a medicolegal document? How about the body systems, brain functioning, neurology, endocrinology, cardiology, orthopedics, pulmonology, etc., operative techniques? Medical terminology of all the above specialities, plus more, then if your answer is yes, then test away. Transcription is a labor intensive occupation that requires medical knowledge, dedication, and accuracy.
Is school a must?
If you are really good at learning from a book and feel like you lack experience in just a few areas, then study that way. I got a little training but mostly I was self taught. I knew what I wanted and studied from books and listened to any dictations I could find. The hardest part is getting your foot in the door. I put applications in everywhere and was lucky to have a small MTSO let me show them what I was capable of though. If you have the extra money for the schooling, then go for it. I dont believe that it's a must though.
Good luck!
What school did you go to?
They should be able to help you, if the school was any good. If not, then you need more education from a better school.
school
I graduated from Career Step recently and I felt they thoroughly educated me on just about everything i needed to know. I took the online course and it took me about 9 months to finish.
School
NC Newbie -- what school did you attend? I assume you're from North Carolina, and so am I. Since I have done acute medical transcription years ago, I am in the process of trying to find a school for refresher courses. A lot of medical stays the same, but there are a lot of new procedures, drugs, etc.
Perhaps your school? (sm)
I would first check with your school for assistance. Many schools will offer some type of program to help get you pointed in the right direction.
If you went to one of the top three I know for sure that they offer assistance in this area.
|
