Nurse to MT
Posted By: Marie on 2007-11-06
In Reply to: from nursing to mt - Sarah
I went from nursing to MT. I did train for MT while workig as a nurse. One of my biggest problems during training and through an internship was the medical abbreviations, they differed from what I had used for the previous 16 years (lower case instead of upper case, periods used in MT abbreviations, but not in nursing, abbreviations you are not supposed to use, etc.). Eventually, I worked out those and other kinks. Each client you have will have their own specs as will the company you work for. There is a lot to learn that is new and specific to medical transcription and not really applicable to nursing.
My nurse background was very helpful in knowing the content of reports and "what was actually going on." But, overall, that was not enough to get a job right out of training, so I did an internship. I've been working since I completed that, but not for much money. I've not seen any really good money in MT yet, though I hear it is there. Having made the transition, I would suggest MT training. On the other hand, you may get lucky and land a nice side job without it, I don't hear of that kind of luck often.
The money is better in nursing, but it is a trade off. Personally, I find MT more rewarding than the abuse that goes along with nursing. If you are a long time nurse, you'll know what I mean. With your background, you may find you don't really need to take the most expensive MT school training. The top three are always recommended, though, since they seem to turn out really good grads.
Good luck to you and God bless.
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Nurse to MT
I am a nurse, and I EASILY went into MT and found a job quickly! I will have to say that nurses seem to have more knowledge of med terms, drugs, and the like. If you are good at typing, spelling and the proper english language--go for it! I only do MT work now, because I am home with my 2 little ones, once they are grown, I will return to nursing. Good luck to you and ignore the negative comments!
NURSE TO MT
I'M A REGISTERED NURSE, AND LOOKING FOR A SIDE JOB. THIS APPORTUNITY CAME TO ME THROUGH CAREERBUILD FROM TRANSAMASSOCIATES. THEY'RE OFFERING AN MT COURSE FOR 450.00 DOLLARS ONLY! WHICH THEY CLAIM IS THE COST OF THE SOFTWARE, AND ONCE I PASS THEIR TESTS, THEY GARANTEE ME WORK FROM THEM. HAS ANYBODY HAD EXPERIENCE WITH THIS COMPANY? OR IS IT A SCAM? THEY CLAIM TO BE ON THE BOARD OF DIR. OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, AND THE BBB. ANY HELP ON THIS MATTER? THKX. MINA
I make more as an MT than I did as a nurse...
Nurses do not make the big bucks, let me tell you....I make more now as an MT...plus do not pay for daycare, etc....
Being a transcriptionist is much different from being a nurse,
even if it's a medical transcriptionist
How much does the average nurse know about surgical procedures? How much time does the average nurse (not surgical nurse0 spend in the OR? Radiology? Neurology? Just because they know medical terms does not mean they are ready to be a Transcriptionist without getting any training.
And I'd like to be a surgical nurse, but I don't have the hands.
Did you ever consider whether you had the skills and tools to become a technical writer (medical language specialist, specifically) before you went into this profession? Did you ever take any career personality type testing in school or on line?
I'd love to assist in surgery for my career, but realistically, I'm too clumsy. But if I were determined to do it, I would certainly have researched schools and paid whatever was necessary to make sure I went to one that could have prepared me so I could have had a chance at it. Otherwise failure would be a given, right?
Also was a nurse, still am. You NEED an MT program to learn about this job, not
s
I went straight from being a nurse to doing MT work with
no extra training. I worked in a local hospital and picked up quite easily on the medical transcription end (worked in that department for 18 months). I then tested for a national company that actually required 2 years experience or certification from an approved school, but I passed the test and did well enough that they hired me and waived the 2-year experience qualification. Been at that same company for 7 years, have worked on multiple accounts, received raises and had no complaints about my work. So, yes, you can go from nursing to MT. It takes some practice and some on-hands learning, but you can do it.
I make 2-3 times what I made as a nurse. nm
20$ an hour?!!! I couldn't make this as a nurse where I live! You are VERY blessed! nm
s
A nurse does not have the proper training to be an MT, anymore than an MT could suddenly decide to b
nm
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