Talk me out of M-TEC and an MT career!
Posted By: adamblast on 2006-08-29
In Reply to:
Well, after 6 years of working a deadend IT job, I'm looking into a career change--and I think MT may be the area for me. (I've been making nearly $16.75 at my dead-end job, and I realize that's more than an entry-level MT makes, but this job is completely stagnant, and I've got no job flexibility or prospects in this career.)
I've been browsing sites like AAMT, XXXXX, MT Monthly, and now this one... And reading articles on the KAMT site... And I'm drowning in information overload. I hear such positive and such negative things both!
Example: the US Labor Dept says MT is likely to continue booming for many years, with off-sea outsourcing and voice recognition having only marginal overall effect on the outlook. Meanwhile, people here at MT Stars talk like it's a dead career and discourage newbies from starting in.
Here's why I think I'm a good candidate: I love English and love learning. I have a sharp aptitude for tech skills and I'm a great keyboardist who loves working and playing on his PC. In addition to my computer love and knowledge--being a born SciFi/computer geek--I'm also a successful (albeit smalltime) Shakespearean stage actor. I just starred in two summer productions (Macbeth in "Macbeth" and Athos in "Three Musketeers") for Central Coast Shakespeare Festival in central California. I've got the thick skin and the self-directed drive that comes from years of auditions and taking huge creative risks. I know how to market myself and am not afraid of taking whatever initiative is required.
I've pretty much decided to sign up with M-TEC, but I'm wondering if anyone really thinks I'm a dummy and a dolt for doing so in 2006.
I truly believe I'll excel at starting my own independant MT career--it just seems to fit my strengths, and it could also provide me the flexibility to live where I want and also take whatever acting gigs come my way. If I study nights I could be ready to quit this job within a year, and making close to the same money within 2 or 3, I suspect, with far greater hopes for the future.
So, let me have it with both barrels!! Or alternately, wish me luck if you think I have a decent shot at it...
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sex talk
My 11-year-old is looking forward to having "the talk." My sister-in-law gave me a great book to read to him. It has a good amount of humor in it. We have not had the talk yet, but it is coming very soon as my son has been noticing girls a lot more lately.
It sounds like you covered all the bases. I didn't even think about bringing up the girl lying about birth control.
Good job, Mom! I'm sure you are raising a very respectable young man.
I'd talk to a tax specialist ....
IRS laws can be confusing. Many people on the boards can probably give a good overview of the laws and requirements, however different states may require different things. I wouldn't want to be caught in a financial quagmire because of ignorance of local requirements, thus a consultation with a local tax consultant would be my choice.
Talk to your school
Placement can often be tricky, depending on your skills and your flexibility and requirements. If you graduated from one of the 3 AAMT-approved schools, you should be able to get assistance with job placement from the school that you attended. Be sure you take advantage of all that the school has to offer, and ask them to work with you on finding a good fit.
If you are an M-Tec graduate, please be sure to email me for assistance. Some times it just takes a little time to find the right job for you. Don't give up.
Susan
Just depends on who you talk to
When you select a school, be sure to enroll in a program that can offer you some job support or a program like Career Step's Spheris Training Track, which can lead directly to employment. Maybe other schools have something similar. Just be really clear about what your school will provide you with when you start your job search. Some schools don't offer any support whatsoever. There are companies who hire beginners. New grads get jobs every single day. I haven't graduated yet, but I know that though sometimes it takes a while to get that first job, almost everyone at my school who has wanted a job upon graduation has found one within a couple of months, and high honors grads usually get multiple offers.
I second productivity talk sm
I question how helpful it can be having someone send you expanders. You would have to have the Expanders and a list to constantly stop and look at and memorize. Making your own expansions in a way that makes sense to you will boost your productivity faster. If you think you can memorize someone else's system and abbreviations, then go for it.
I just re-read that and hope you don't think it is being snarky - it is honest-to-god advice. I have found the most effective way to make expansions is by creating them on the fly as I am transcribing. When I notice I have typed the same phrase three times in a report I stop right there and make an expansion. For most phrases I use the first letter of each word. For single words you just have to do what makes sense to you. Many of my expansions end in -x so that they are not confused with real words i.e. medsx expands to medications because meds is a word that I might actually use.
Another thing - if you make an expansion for something like "-year-old Caucasian male" take the time to put in the others like it, i.e. "-year-old male," "-year-old African-American male." If you put in "left foot" take the time to do "right foot" and "left leg" and "right leg." It will take some time now, but using a day or two of slow-down now will save you time in many subsequent documents and boost your production quickly.
Do you have an Expander or are you working from AutoCorrect? I can probably make better suggestions once I know what you use. I mainly use Instant Text, so my suggestions might not be relevant to you if you use something very different.
Good luck - developing a system of your own and constantly building on it is the way to go.
You might talk to someone at TRS and inquire about
the possibility of hiring on with them upon graduation. I am a newbie, and still haven't found a place to call home yet, but I do know that TRS also actually does medical transcription as well as having the TRS Institute. It is called Transcription Relief Services, I believe. I have spoken with people there in the past, and they were very nice; however, I have applied there since completing a program at a technical college and they, unfortunately, did not afford me the courtesy of a response or even aknowelegement that they received my resume.
Did you talk to Andrews about that?
I don't think anybody ever said that jobs would be held waiting for Andrews grads. Employers aren't going to hunt you down and beg you to work for them.
There are a number of employers who waive experience requirements for Andrews and MTec grads. They are willing to consider them, which is a BIG benefit, if you ask me.
It's not ALL employers, either. It's just certain ones. A pretty big list, though. Did you use that list? And apply to all of them?
If you did, then you might want to talk to Linda about it. You might be projecting an image that employers are taking the wrong way or something. The employment assistance, from graduation on forever, is included in the tuition so you might as well use it. They can't help you if you don't tell them you're having a problem.
Talk to each school...
I know that both Andrews and M-Tec have people who will answer your questions about job placement and how their graduates are doing. You should ask specific questions (like those posted below) about what types of jobs, how students are doing paywise, how GPA would affect things in addition to the job placement rate.
As a disclaimer, I am currently an M-TEC student about a month away from graduation, so I can't give any specific job hunt info at this time!
I am going thru U.S. Career
I am almost thru with my M.T. course. What problems are you having finding a job?
New Career
Who knows what tomorrow will bring in med.trans. I have been in the business for 20+ years by default. I never could figure out what to be when I grew up and well I guess I may as well admit that by this age, I should consider myself grown up! I love the medical part of transcription not the English part. I am more of a science/math/computer lover. I also enjoy the hunt and the research to the field. I started my own business 8+ years ago and have changed the way I do business too many times to count. Med. Transcription is always changing and is always a challenge. We are all very underrated and underpaid. Hmm sounds a little like the teaching profession. Well anyway if u have the skin for it go for it! Just be warned it can be very difficult to get that first job. Look me up when u start job hunting. I have 14 transcriptionists that work with me!
New career
I'm new here and I don't know if this fits here (mods move it if you want)
Ok... I'm here 'cause I need some recommendations about Medical Transcription. Sounds very interesting. A friend of mine told me about ProfitMT.com and I like it... Do you people can tell me anything that I should know?
Thanks!
MT career ??
Hello,
I have been told that the MT field will be obsolete within 5 years due to voice recognition software. I was thinking of getting into school for it, but if I won't have a job in a few years, I don't believe it's a good idea. Any input on this? Thank you very much.
US CAREER
I wasted my time and money with this company. I would recommend you stay away from them - not worth the heartache!
Career Step
Please excuse the typos, my cat decided he wanted to sit on the keybard.... cher
Career Step will get you a job.
Hello. I graduated from Career Step with high honors and was hired by a major national within a week after applying. I have been working for 4 months and have moved out of the mentoring program faster than "normal" (per my mentor). Since being out of training, I have excelled beyond what they consider "normal" for new graduates. If that's not an indication of the course content, then I don't know what is. I chose Career Step because of the fact that it is self-paced with no "assigned" instructors. It didn't mean I was alone. It was the way I liked to learn. If I had a question, I emailed support, and received an answer promptly. Many people put down Career Step, but they are usually disgruntled students (who may need more support than others) or from other people who are just listening to these disgruntled students/prior students/ex-students. I admit that Andrews and M-Tec are fantastic schools, but they will cost you. I am happy I attended Career Step, didn't break the bank, and am employed at a great job.
career step
i looked into Career Step and it is like $1500, does anyone really have that kind of cash to lay out in the beginning?
Career Step
I too was trying to decide on which school to train with, when after careful research and hand wringing, decided on the Sallie Mae loan for Career Step. In my opinion, it offers more bang for your buck. From what I have gathered from the student forums and chats, there's lot's of support if you need it. The top two schools are excellent, but very, very pricey! I work full-time for the benefits and want to transcribe part-time, so I didn't want to go into heavy debt to learn MT.
Cherish
career satisfaction?
I am 99% ready to start an MT program, but am trying to work through some lingering doubt. What qualities/interests/skills lead to a person being successful and satisfied in the MT field?
I have heard the basics: good spelling, good grammar, good keyboarding skills, ability to use reference materials, a good ear, interest in medicine (this was debated though), and self-discipline.
Does anyone have anything to add?
Obviously the people frequenting this site are either MTs, MT students or people considering MT. I don't expect to hear from anyone that studied MT, then partway through the course or upon starting work decided that it was not for them, though it would be insightful.
I guess I am just trying to avoid what happened in nursing school - I loved the classes, and the idea of being a nurse, but was blindsided by clinicals. Part of it was fear but part of it was the realization that while I loved helping people, I did not want to be face to face with their nether regions or healing wounds 8-12 hours per day. Not squeamish (actually loved the cadaver lab), just not mindful of how much human contact a nurse has.
I have tried listening to and transcribing some of the SUM demo, and it seems interesting and I think it would be satisying to turn X minutes of dictation into a clear medical document, but wonder how/why/what kinds of people hang in there when the novelty wears off.
Anyone have a crystal ball to share? Heck at this point I am ready to buy a magic 8 Ball. LOL
Thanks!
Thanks! (? about Career Step)
But don't worry, I would never base my decision on what is said on this message board, it just gives me a little more to think about. I am still very serious about it. I am currently taking a course at my local college, but it's not a certification course, it's just a supplemental course. I am considering taking the Career Step course, and so far everyone has positive things to say about it. Is it truly a good course for finding a job in the future? Thanks, SC
Career Step
Career Step offers a great medical transcription course. I saw it first-hand in a couple of months ago.
Career Step
chose Career Step program -- finished in 13 months while being home with my daughter who was 1 when I started -- passed final with honors and had a job within 3 weeks.
Career Step
No, you are not wasting your time. I'm on Career Step through Bellevue Community College, and I just got a full-time benefitted position at Tucson Medical Center.
I'm not even done with the program yet. I just applied, they called me, and I tested. They thought I did really well, and couldn't believe I didn't already have professional experience.
Also, at the time I took the position, I was in contact with Write Now Transcription in California, who offered me a job through them, as well.
Please note, I am not even done with the program yet.
So, go ahead and do the program through Everett Community College.
The reports they have you transcribe are in general, a bit tougher than average in the real market, which is good. You get a chance to really cut your teeth on good and bad--really bad-- dictation.
Good Luck and go to school!
Career Step, also..nm
x
Transcription Career
Honestly, read the boards and you will find out, like I did, that once you graduate from a school for MT it is very difficult to find a job. Please don't waste your money and time. If you still must persue this type of job then start at a local hospital or clinic that will train you. I would hate to see one more person pay all this money for training, only to be really disappointed in the end. I'm just being truthful. Please research this and you will find out the same thing.
Career Step
JBarker--I went through Career Step's course. I just graduated a couple of weeks ago...(Feb. 22) You can take a year to take the course, and if you need longer, they offer extensions. I think it was worth the money, in my opinion. The tests that I have taken so far have been very similiar to the final exam Career Step gave. Good luck with your choice!!
Career Step
Just to throw this in here. If your SIL does decide to do Career Step which is a great program. I have had a few friends complete it and get a lot of job offers. I have a Gold Online Career Step Course for sale very cheap. Just thought I would mention that. My email is tummons5@sbcglobal.net if you have any questions.
Thanks
Angela
Career Step
I've hired two CS grads and both are wonderful transcriptionists. The very worst I've seen out there is PCDI. They don't train on ESLs and I have not had a single applicant yet pass the test on mttest.com. What they charge and what they provide for what they charge is outrageous and I feel very sorry for these people.
US Career Inst.
Hi, I'm almost half way through my course from US Career Inst. Do companies hire graduates from this school? Any info would be great.
US Career Institutes
Used to be At-Home Professionals, they changed their name to fool people, because they have such a poor reputation. Unfortunately they are considered a "matchbook" school. They do not teach you enough to make you ready to work as an MT. And unfortunately, most companies are aware of that. I'm not saying you CAN'T get a job, but it will be much more difficult for you than if you had attended Andrews School or M-TEC. With only USCI on your resume and no experience, it's going to be very difficult. Good luck to you.
Career Step
So...am I wasting my time? I've decided to enroll at Everett Community College because they use Career Step curriculum and I can get a pell grant. My husband is just starting his carpentry business and I can't afford payments. I'm hard working, polite, and where MT work is concerned an open book to be molded. So, surely someone would be willing to give me a chance when I graduate with high honors.
career switch
The on-line school, M-Tec, offers basic courses for those who already work in the medical field. It would be less expensive for you as opposed to someone, like me, who has no medical background. FYI.
Is MT A Good Career?
Is MT a good career to get into?
career change
I think you've got the stuff MTs are made of. I, too, decided to make a career change after working for about 24 years as a secretary, administrative assistant, clerical worker, etc. My last office position was as a medical secretary to two urologic surgeons. I had performed medical transcription about 24 years ago for the VA. Back then, they simply called us clerk-typists, medical typists, or some other "off" title. I trained on the job. Just as you love the English language, so do I. When I began transcribing again for the urologic surgeons, I realized how much I had missed it.
Right now, I am taking MT training via a correspondence course as this is all I can afford at this time. However, the training makes sense to me due to my experience and a Medical Terminology course I took about nine years ago. I am taking the training because I would like to become an RMT and eventually a CMT. Eventually I would like to do QA and editing work within the MT field.
God has blessed me with my first independent contractor MT position, although I am still in training. Go for it! Do not let negative talk and disgruntled people get you down. The MT field will be all that you want it to be in your life; it will be a positive experience, because you are a positive person.
Take care.
U.S. Career Institute
I believe how well you will do with your training from U.S. Career Institute will have to do with how hard you study. Application of what you have been taught is essential with MT training as it is with any other training. I am learning a lot through U.S. Career Institute as that is my desire. What companies will be looking at is whether or not you can pass their test.
Also, At-Home Professions does still exist. They are a sister school of U.S. Career Institute, and their training is a more extensive. Hence, it costs more.
I hope this is helpful.
Career Steps
I am searching for a school. Can you tell me what is wrong with Career Steps? What were you not satified with regarding Career Steps?
Career Steps
What make Medtec so different from Career Steps?
Career Step
Why would you suggest that new MT's choose a different career?
Career Step
Career Step, besides being by far the cheapest training approved by the AAMT, has the option of taking a module by Spheris (a transcription company), if you take this module they will hire you upon completion to work in acute care. Career Step also provides "job placement assistance" for their standard program too.
Career Step etc.
Everett Community College in WA has a partnership with Career Step (and you can enroll from anywhere in the country - online program). If you think you might qualify for Federal Student Financial Aid, Worker Retraining, diplaced homemaker, disability, etc., this is the program that can apply those benefits.
Career step
CS is a great school and approved by AAMT. If you are looking to sign up with them, see my post on the classified forum.
Jeanne
Career Step
I am doing my research on MT schools. It is between the big 3 MTEC, Andrews, and Career Step. Does anyone know why Career Step is so much cheaper. (1500.00 vs 3800.00)
Does that mean the other two are much better and have better chance of finding a job.
Obsolete career
Dear Julie,
I have been told that transcription will be an obsolete career since 1983 when I first started and guess what...I'm still working. As a matter of fact, my hospital just hired three new transcriptionist. We have SR but we are also a teaching hospital and have many foreign docs. SR also needs to be edited as very few docs are front end speech. There is actually a shortage in many parts of the country. If you are afraid to venture into this field...may I suggest Coding as this also can be done at home.
Please help! Looking for career advice.
I am an older, single mom with a teenager who must be home-schooled for health reasons. The switch to home-schooling has necessitated a change in my career goals. I've decided to enter the MT field, working online from home. I'll most likely enroll in Career Step's online program, although I'm still looking carefully at Andrews and M-Tech, too. After I complete my MT program, what should I expect when I start my job search as a newbie? I do have transcription experience, but not in the medical field, and my work experience is not very recent as I've spent the last couple of years working full-time on a graduate degree. As a newbie MT, are there specific things I can do to enhance my employability as an MT working from home? Money is very tight, and I'll need to start earning a paycheck ASAP. I know from reading other posts that the choice of MT school is extremely important, but what else do MT employers look for? I'm assuming that in an online format, there won't be any hidden age discrimination against those over forty, but are there any other pitfalls I should be prepared for? Any and all advice would be highly appreciated!
Career Step
 I am looking for all and any information on Career Steps. Has anyone taken their course? Please advise me with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Thanks a bunch!
Career Step
My husband is currently enrolled in this course and it is much more thorough than the course I took locally over 7 years ago. They have a payment plan and are very reasonably priced. M-Tech and Andrews are much higher priced and take longer to complete, we checked into those as well. They all look like good courses though, just your call. Good luck!
Career Step Course
Are there any Career Step Grads to give advice. I am almost ready to sign on. How long did it take you to get a job?
Thanks,
Bobbi
Career Step
It is a great course. Takes a lot of self-discipline. Most find a job within a week of graduation if you are not real choosy.
Career Step
I also took Career Step courses, but I took them through an affilliated college. I think it made things a lot easier and there was also a lot of help if you need it through your instructors.
Career Step ?
HI I too am in the same boat im about to graduate an MT school myself and have also like you looked at serveral companies who are in partnership with Career Step I personally have decided that the extra training couldnt hurt so I plan to enroll as soon as im done. email me if you want to chat about it.
career step
Is anybody satisfied with CareerStep training? I hear alot of negative things about them....
Career Step ?
Hi,
Does the companies that work with Career Step require you to make 98% on the employment test before they hire you? Or do they hire right out of School.
I am trying to make up my mind if it is worth it to take another school as the one I took before was not on the list of schools with AAMT.
Thanks,
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