Take a medical terminology class - one class - at a community college (sm)
Posted By: Carolina on 2008-04-19
In Reply to: What can I do to have a better chance... - Veronica
You don't have to sign up for the whole program, just take a medical terminology class and learn it inside and out. Get some medical terminology CDs and listen to them in your car. Find places with in-house transcriptionists to let you test and start out working in-house so that you will have help. It is very hard the first couple of months but gets much easier after that. I was a secretary, took anatomy and physiology and some other pre-nursing classes. Decided not to be a nurse, took a medical terminology class and that was it. Studied a lot, listened to tapes, went and tested, worked in house a few months. Have been doing this 12 years now.
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Might want to take a medical terminology class at a local college. Anyone nearby to mentor with? nm
s
pay per class
Your husband is a SMART MAN! LISTEN TO HIM! If it sounds too good to be true it usually is. Many if not all of the "transcription schools" are nothing but a scam. An in fact, a lot of the "coding" schools are nothing but a scam. The ads are pushing the same thing that they pushed for transcription several years ago -- "Work at Home . . ." etc. Question, question, question. Kids or not, DO NOT GO INTO TRANSCRIPTION UNLESS YOU WANT TO WORK LIKE A WOMAN IN A THIRD-WORLD COUNTRY.
Math class
Some simple calculations would reveal that 0.055 would yield a mere $8.25/hr at 150/lph, which most newbies are not capable of producing. So let's be somewhat optimistic but more realistic and assume they could do 125/lph. That would yield a dismal $6.88/hr. I think we all know non-skilled labor that pays better than that; for instance, burger flipping. But to be truly realistic, most newbies can only hope to make about 100/lph for the first few months. There are state minimum wages that are higher than $5.50/hr.
Like I said, atrocious for ANYONE, even a newbie. As long as individuals are eager to grab up those slave wage jobs, the rates will only continue to drop. Sad reality.
Transcription--pay per class?
I need help. Through my research, I've found that all or most approved transcription schools require you to pay for the whole program (either up front or with a payment plan). I understand that since it is a specialized program with very specific content, it should be purchased as a "whole". My husband, on the other hand INSISTS that any legitimate school will have you pay per class and not commit to paying for an entire program.
Has anyone ever heard of transcription schools that charge per class?
never heard of pay by class
I can tell you what I did. I went to a vocational college locally that had a good program. They allowed you to pay by semester/quarter, and not the whole thing at once. Maybe that is what your husband meant. I don't have a lot of good experience with online schools. Check out ahdionline.org for accredited online MT schools if that is what you need to do. If you do go to a local college, you may be able to tap into local scholarships. That is what I did to help take the bite out of tuition. Or if you don't have a degree yet, there are government grants available out there. Most of the ladies in my class did that it seemed. Just do your homework and make sure you are comfortable with the program. Good luck.
Was your local course a single class or
a curriculum? How long did the training take?
I'm deciding on whether or not to train locally here or online with Career Step.
The advice you've been given sounds really good. I hope it helps you! Hang in there! :)
I failed my first test...took another class and (sm)
got some medical terminology cassette tapes to listen to in my car - I listened to them everywhere I drove...no music for a few months, just terminology, listening and repeating. I went back to the same place and asked them to let me test again. They did and I passed. They had everyone work at their service for at least 3 months before working at home. The first month I made about $2.00 an hour - no kidding. I was just determined...it was very helpful to have other MTs working there with me to help (some chose to work in house and not at home). By the second month I was up to $13.00 an hour. Within a month I was working at home on my own. It is very hard at first but it gets easier - don't give up! 
OOhhhh - they have basket making classes? Too bad they don't offer a class on maturity.
**
I went to a Community College
/
Not all of them! Community College
can be great if you find one with a well rounded program. I went to a CC and was hired by a national before I even graduated. Don't knock community colleges. There are some that have really great programs. You just have to do your research.
there is a Community college in BC . . .
That partners with the CanScribe program I think, their fees might be different or that way you might qualify for some financial aid $ from the Canadian gov't based on income level, worker retraining, displaced homemaker, etc. It's online so you don' have to be there. Basically what I'm doing on the other side of the border through EvCC. I forget which college it is but it is on the Career Step Canadian info link. Good luck!
community college
You may want to research Career Step through one of the community colleges that offer the program. Some colleges offer financial aid and instructors. It seems to be worth looking into.
Yes, Community college is better
I'm doing the CS program through Everett community college and I would definitly say it is better than doing CS alone. I have instructors I can email/call at anytime if I need help, plus, you get more assistance that way!
Everett Community college.
I attended Everett Community College online. They utilize the Career Step program and also you have teachers and classmates, and deadlines. It was a very good program and I have had no problem getting a job right out of school. Actually, I have three working accounts right now. I was able to get a Stafford Student loan and there are many options on repayment. Please to any seasoned transcriptionist, please do not nit pick at this email, I just woke up.
4 CMT instructors of community college course? I don't think so
4 CMT instructors of community college course? I don't think so. Prove me wrong.
Someone below said 4 CMTs instructed their community college MT course. That is so hard to believe since CMTs can make more transcribing than teaching and community colleges are hurting for money. When they get money, it doesn't go to the MT course. There may be 1 or 2 exceptions. Would you post the name of your school and the web site so we can give them the credit they deserve?
I went to Randolph Community College and
the instructors do not have their credentials listed on the website. You would have to email each on individually, and I'm not giving out names on a public forum. I'm sorry that you don't believe me, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. I know I got an excellent education from 4 CMTs among other instructors in my program.
The Community College I went to offers
a CMT exam after completing the program. It costs $150.00. I'm not sure of all the details though. I'm considering taking it, but haven't made up my mind yet.
I went to a community college and was hired
by a national one month before I graduated. You do not have to go to one of the "Big 3" to find a job in this business. You have to keep applying, keep sending in resumes, and TEST, TEST, TEST. That's what I did. It's not easy, but it can be done if you stick with it.
I went the community college route...
3 terms, September to June, got a certificate in medical transcription. I then went an additional term and picked up a medical office specialist certificate and also took some coding classes and passed the coding test that same year. Within 2 months I had an in-house transcription job (the first and only transcription job I applied for) worked there 3 years, did every type of report and all radiology reports, and have been at home for 2 years now. My current employer (which is a very good national) hired me without even having me take a test of any kind, just did the phone interview, so my community college certificate has not hurt me in the least. Good luck in whatever you decide.
Everett Community College
I am starting the MT program at Everett Community College in January and was wondering if anyone has had experience with this school and if so, what did you think about it? I know their curriculum uses the Career Step program, but just wondered what people thought of it being presented in the way it is at Everett. Thanks!
San Juan Community College
Hello,
I am interested in taking the Career Step program, but trying to decide whether to go through San Juan Comm College. I would like to know if anyone has taken the CS course through the college and if they felt prepared.
Thanks!
Everett Community College
Hi Julie, I am a student in the medical transcription program at Everett Community College. I am in my second semester and have been able to get financial aid (that I don't have to pay back) for my first 2 semesters. They also offer Federal Student Loans that anyone can get. The program is great but definitly not easy! The instructors are also awesome. Let me know if you have any questions!!
http://www.everettcc.edu/programs/bat/medtrans/index.cfm?id=300&linkFrom=Search
Community college course or online? Your opinions? sm:)
Hi. I'm new to the board, and would like your opinions on which you think is a better education: local community college here which offers an MT certification course (3 semesters in length) or online with either CS or M-Tec?
I am self disciplined, but still may stay more focused if I have deadlines, and classes to go to. I'm not sure...
Have any of you found more value in one choice or another? Thanks in advance for your time/input! :) Anne
Check into your local community college.
You will get an excellent MT education and it won't cost you an arm and a leg. What people say about the "Big 3" schools is a lot of hype. JMO
Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, OR SM
I completed their 2-year program, and it was excellent. The person in charge of the program is a CMT and she had another CMT working with her.
Chickadee
training.....go to your local community college sm
and check out their training program.
Medical terminology
I have to agree that this is one of the most fun courses in the MT program!
That said, do you have a good bookstore nearby? If so, maybe you can go in and take a peek in the "RMT Study Guide". That will give you a great idea of the extent of terminology you will be learning.
Good luck (but you'll do great)!
medical terminology
The medical terminology needed to be an MT is much more in-depth than most people realize. It's not something you can jump right into and start making decent money. There is also the fact that even if you know a lot of med terms, you have to be able to understand the doctors, who often have difficult accents or just don't speak well. Some people have been lucky enough, with a little knowledge of med terms and typing/spelling/grammar skills, to find a company that will take them on and train them (I did this, 13 years ago - I never went to MT school - I had a bachelor's degree in nutrition). I know there are others who had similar experiences. But this was years ago and these days (from what I'm reading on the board)I think the MT training programs are the best way to go. You'd be much better prepared. I know MT sounds like a wonderful work at home opportunity, and it can be, but it really does take time to build up the skills to make money at this. Good luck.
Career Step thru Everett Community College
I ams starting this program Spring quarter (April). I am able to use Veteran's Dependents' Educational Benefits for this so it is paid for 100% (my Dad is a disabled Vietnam Vet). If you qualify for Veteran's aid (spouses and kids do in some cases too), worker retraining (were you laid off? has your field been outsourced overseas like manufacturing?) displaced homemaker (did you get divorced or widowed and need viable job skills?), or just low enough income that you would be eligible thru FAFSA (federal student financial aid) then you can get aid for this program. If you have to pay out of pocket tho, choose Career Step directly.
There are a couple other programs out there run thru Comm. Colleges, one in AZ, one in WI.
Community College Career Step Training
The fact is that most students who take Career Step training via Everett Community College or San Juan Community College do so, because they cannot afford to pay for Career Step out of their own pockets. No matter where they obtain the training, it is still quality training. Even if they don't get their first job via the Spheris or any other fast track, they will still be able to find a job if they work hard.
scared of medical terminology
Could anybody please explain to me how much medical terminology one has to learn while studying at M-Tec? Medical terminology to what depth? Superficially or like a doctor?
Thank you.
I did a community college certificate and immediately started working as an IC
I always recommend the community college route because it is VERY inexpensive compared to the MT schools. You can always do an MT school after your community college work if you think you really need it.
I am NOT a certified medical Transcriptionist (CMT) because that can only be obtained through AAMT. I DO have a certificate of completion of the MT course through my community college though. I have found it to be more than adequate for me to work as an IC MT, and my teacher has been very willing to help me with problems and questions that I can't figure out myself through these wonderful MT boards!
Good luck!
A woman told me this week her community college "certified" her as an MT.
I think the problem is the people who are teaching those courses don't know the difference. It isn't really a lie. They just don't know better. Of course they also shouldn't be teaching a subject they know little or nothing about, but that's for another thread, another time.
Could be poor MT material to start with - my absolute best MT came from community college and
I've had some Andrews, M-Tecs that couldn't even pass the first grammar screening.
office experience + Medical Terminology - Is it enough?
Hi everyone,
I've been wanting to take an MT course for quite some time, but still haven't managed to come up with enough money. So - I was wondering. Do you think for a beginning MT job in a hospital, would previous office experience plus courses in Medical Terminology be enough? Have any of you successfully done this?
Thanks for the help! 
Christina
Taking classes for medical terminology and "some transcription"
Most nationals will only consider you if you are an actual graduate of one of the AAMT-approved courses. If not, she may look for local clinics who are willing to train.
Get a copy of the BOS II for style guidelines and take medical terminology/anatomy classes at
s
Are you a medical transcriptionist? Have you experience or training in medical transciption?
You can't just say you want to be "an" MT and just start doing it. It is not easy.
FYI terminology
Hi Newbies!
Since I'm so ancient and all, I'd just like to pass a small note regarding a term I noticed while perusing this evening. Believe me, I've had my share of booboos in life (typed hypospadias with "ius" for 5 years before realizing it was "ias"!), so have always appreciated it when someone helps me along. I hope I'm not stepping on any toes.
When speaking of one nostril, it is a naris. When speaking of both nostrils, they are nares.
Therefore: "The left naris was infiltrated with topical anesthetic" would be the proper transcription.
Have an oh-so-wonderful weekend! 
....I mean 24, not 28, all have different terminology
nm
Medical Transcription/Medical Coding
Hi,
I am a MT and can't find a job or pass employment test. So, I have to take one of the AAMT approved schools this time around and was thinking about Medical Coding but, not sure of this. Does anyone know if Medical Coding is harder than Medical Transcription to pass or is the stress more intense? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a bunch!
Barb
Medical Coder or Medical Transcription
I am so confused!! I took a Medical Transcription course and could not find a job and it was not one of the BIG 3. I am about ready to go with M-Tec Medical Transcription School. But, I have been reading post about Medical Coders and now I do not know which to choose. I do not want to make another mistake and choose the wrong school or the wrong career. Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
BMT
MT terminology question
Continuing education is a good thing if you can get it. However, a good ear is more than half the battle IMHO. I started with 2 semesters of medical terminology. However, I started in the file room. Those 2 semesters of terminology are the only formal schooling that I have had, and I have been doing this for 16 years now. Get some really good reference books and develop your ears. That helps in the short term, and that may be all you need.
MT Terminology Question
Hi, I was hoping one of you could answer my question about medical transcription.
How well does one have to know medical terminology and surgical procedures to do this job? For example, when transcribing surgical procedures, does one have to understand every term of anatomy and everything going on in the surgery? For me this would be very difficult. And especially for surgeries, are MT's expected to understand everything so well that they are expected to catch if the physician may have misspoke about a surgical technique or other surgical aspect, and then query the physician? I used to do medical coding and for me surgeries were the most difficult.
Thanks in Advance
I would study terminology and if you can
get some practice tapes to use that would help. I know there are places on-line where you can test (google for them) to get an idea of where your weaknesses/strengths are. I don't know if your weakness is terminology or grammar or both and since you aren't getting your tests back and no one is telling you what you did wrong you may not know what the problem is.
If there is a test you can do on-line that you could do and send me and I could also hear the dictation I would be glad to give you some feedback.
The terminology in MT is much more in depth than
it is in nursing school. I can't tell you have many times I've gone to the doctor or been in the hospital and have had to spell medications for the nurses, or even describe the medication to the doctors.
You also have to be able to decipher dictation, which is just as bad as doctor's handwriting.
You can post your resume on the job boards and see if you get any hits.
Advice for new MTs needing help with terminology
Please ... AFTER you have done a thorough search on Google, etc., and you come to the Word or Drug board -- make sure you include the sentence the term/drug is in as well as the type of work you are doing. Of course, without the patient's name. LOL
...in our line of work. You NEED to know the terminology
z
You need the terminology/anatomy more. Each company has their own
way of formatting. If you have 25 accounts within a company each account can have a different format, so you learn a lot of that on the job. Being familiar with the Book of Style would be helpful. Not all companies go by BOS, though I think most do.
I don't know if there are specific things about format you don't feel like you learned or just in general ask questions, try to learn the BOS, there are style forums on some of the MT boards. There are also sample reports so you can get an idea of formats.
Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and I'll try to help if I can.
The accreditation is actually the government's terminology. In other words, if (sm)
a school is "accreditated" it allows the student to apply for PEL grants, government loans, etc. Otherwise, they are private schools and not subjected to the government's way of running their program, etc., and the student is not eligible for the loans and grants that an "accreditated" school would be. This is no means changes whether the school is good or poor, just means whether or not they allow the government to dictate how they operate.
I totally agree with you, terminology is horrible!
NM
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