This is a tough field to be in - I have been transcribing for 12 yrs (sm)
Posted By: Carolina on 2008-04-19
In Reply to: Sorry the first poster felt she had to - talk down to me (my opinion) sm
I understand your frustration - the best advice I can offer is to try to find a small MTSO to work for - an individual who has maybe 20 or less employees, so that you can develop a good relationship with that person (you have to look around, they are not all great!) That has worked the best for me. I work close to full time now, but when I was part-time (also because of my children) I once worked for a company who gave me a terrible account...no one wanted to type this guy...after a while I had learned that he repeated many phrases again and again and I worked hard to make hundreds of abbreviations for him. I got to the point that I could do his work very quickly and he was very happy with me doing his work so the MTSO kept giving his dictation to me. One day, I did a 30 minute tape from him in an hour and a half....I sent my work in...my boss called and told me that I could not have possibly done that tape that fast. I told her that I had made tons of abbreviations for the doc and that I had actually done the whole thing in an hour and a half. I told her that I liked doing his work now because I had gotten very used to him, being given him every day. Guess what? She never gave me his work again. I guess she kept it for herself? But she wouldn't let me have it back? Why? I don't know but I know that if you try to pick and choose they will almost never let you because someone else might want the same account. I guess what I am saying is you have to play it smart...don't directly ask for an account. There are a lot of small-time supervisors in this world who are power hungry and want to flex what little muscles they have over anyone they get the chance to do so with. I hate having to play the game and wish everyone could just be open and direct and honest, but they aren't. And in this field it really can be very dog eat dog.
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
Who said I HATE this field? I LOVE this field but
also see the changes coming down the pike. Also feel it is not fair to withhold or misrepresent that part of the equation to someone who is considering entering MT or just starting out. Knowledge is power. It would take years for a new MT to have the kind of insight into this field that a 20+ year experience lends. Believe me, I would be only too happy to keep running my MTSO, making $75,000+ year while working 20 hours a week, paying my MT's well, but it's not going to happen. Try reading "The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman if you want a perspective of what's going to happen to not only MT work but a lot of great white collar jobs. India and the rest of the world are breathing down our necks and in the next decade will be serious competitors for American jobs. There will be no "american" jobs - we will be competing against the rest of the world for jobs.
Friedman states: "The convergence of 'flatteners' has created a whole new platform. It is a global, Web-enabled platform for multiple forms of collaboration. This platform enables individuals, groups, companies and universities anywhere in the world to collaborate...this platform operates without regard to geography, distance, time, and, in the near future, even language. Going forward, this platform is going to be at the center of everything...wealth and power will flow to those who get these basic things right...the infrastructure to connect with the platform and the education to get more of their people working on the platform.
Please wake up and look beyond our box.
Tough to say, but (sm)
you are typing a legal document, a person's medical record and it absolutely must be correct! I look at it this way - if it was my record or a record of a family member I would be upset if it was inaccurate. Not to mention the potential patient care problems associated with erros in a medical record. Your best bet is to leave a blank where you are not 100% sure.
It is a tough decision, but
it is one that you will not regret for either of you. Your work will get better and your line count will increase and your child will learn social skills and how to interact with other children. It can be a good thing, to a certain extent, for children to be in that type of setting before they enter Kindergarten. It teaches them social skills and structure and how to interact with others throughout their day. Not that we as parents can't teach them that, but they get it on a much broader scale when they are in a daycare setting. I have talked to teachers who have said they always can tell a huge difference in the children who went to daycare and were introduced to those things from those who stayed at home and weren't.
Too tough-Lighten up
Everyone is being so tough on Miss Jill here. Are you all really so disgruntled and bitter that you can't find a moment to encourage a new MT. By the way, its great that you have hired and fired, but you yourself made typos in your own post, and while you may have found her attitude to be "prissy" I just find yours to be mean and ignorant.
Sorry they put you in a tough spot
That sounds like an uncomfortable situation for you. I hope it gets better. Wow, fines. I had never heard of that. I did not think MD's were hospital staff, but contractors. Well, I guess it could be part of the contract to get the dictation done in a timely manner so the hospital could stay in compliance. hm.
It is tough being a newbie
Being a newbie in transcription is tough, specially working at home. You won't be able to concentrate, and also you have to do a lot of research, which is time consuming. You are going to get stressed out. Is there sombody else who can watch your kids while you work? Maybe a friend? Really, day care isn't that bad if you do your homework and find a good place. There are some really good day care centers out there. I think kids rather spend some time at day care and interact with other children than having a mom at home who spends hours in front of a comouter. Transcription is tough when you are a newbie. Do you have a job already?
Good luck to you
Another newbie with three teenager
when I had a very tough ESL doctor
my manager said to just do your best with it, so I try my best but don't lose sleep over blanks. It will come in time. Something you might want to do at first is go back through and listen again to those blanks. Sometimes something you type later might tip you off to what a blank should be, or you just hear it clearer.
It's really tough to get a break
which one of the reasons why I quit teaching MT after 10- years. It was impossible for me to find an on-site internship program (no one wanted students on-site asking questions and slowing the productivity of regular MT's). I found a couple of IC's that would let my students transcribe the reports after they had already been transcribed and would verify work experience for them for doing that. I just hated seeing so many students putting all the effort into a class and then being unable to find a job with no experience. My advice was always to go to work on-site vs. trying to go it alone at home with no support. Keep applying until you have no other option. Good Luck
Yeah, it's a tough call (SM)
 Like you said, it depends on the person. Regardless, there's a big learning curve for getting it right in this career. I hope for the best for the OP!
EMR and STILL transcribing
I find it interesting that MTs think that EMR is a death sentence to transcription. There are so many types of EMR. Yes, some will completely replace the Transcriptionist with its "click and plug" variety of reporting. I speak from experience, as the first company I worked for lost a huge account due to one of those types of EMR.
The company I currently work for has used an EMR system for well over a year now, and the transcriptionists still transcribe a dictated report. The only difference is that the report is uploaded to the clinic's EMR system. We have the best of both worlds. The docs/clinics have their electronic records that they can access 24/7 from any computer within their network, and the transcriptionist still does the same job as before.
There are MT companies out there who anticipated such changes and are in place to adapt and even grow because of the technologic changes facing MT.
Does anyone know anything about transcribing for Cardiology?
Just wondering if it is a specialty you can jump into as a newbie. Easy or hard?
Verbatim Transcribing
I'd like to verify that sometimes it is necessary to add/edit information dictated (even if its a verbatim account) if that is what makes the dictation sound correct and is in keeping with grammar and client format rules. Is this correct? I've had trouble understanding this actual concept, and just want to be sure I now have it right. Earlier today, I transcribed for a dictator in my MT internship who gave punctuation instructions that just didn't make sense and was clearly not in keeping with the style of the company. I consulted my AAMT BOS and punctuated as directed there rather than per the dictator. My QA didn't say anything about it. Generally, she lets me know in a hurry if I am wrong. Is this the right way to think about transcribing verbatim accounts?
Transcribing on a laptop
Has anyone transcribed on a lap? Is it better or worse than desktop?
Thanks for your reply!
tt
First thing you want to do is get a tough hide! This board is brutal!
I would like to say we are all civil and well-mannered, but you can take a quick look down the first page and see that we are not, so first of all, don't take offense at some of the replies you will get. There are many more of us out here who are willing to help out, but you will see the "nasties" are the majority on this board. I quit coming here for a long, long time...still not sure why I came back....anyway. Things are quite different than they were when you were an MT (I know, I've been an MT for 30+ years). You have a great background and it wouldn't take you long to get back into the game. The first thing I would do is talk to one of the MT schools. The 3 best are the Andrews School, M-Tec and Career Step. You can speak to one of the counselors, you may be able to bypass some of the class work because of your previous background. There a LOT of new procedures, equipment, drugs, tests findings, etc. in the past 25 years and you need to get reacquainted with things. Good luck to you - you can do it! Let us know how you make out. (And don't forget to ignore the trolls  )
How extremely childish. You are in for a BIG surprise. This is a tough business. nm
"
Of course.....even after 15 years of transcribing I would need to look up a word or two.
nm
i have been transcribing for 15 years and am NOT a CMT nor do I chose to be.
I can get a job with a telephone interview and not have to take a test. Do not be pulled into that "i got to spend money to make money" motto. That's bull. being a CMT means something to those who are members ONLY!!!!!.
General question regarding transcribing
I have been doing a lot of tests lately trying to land myself a steady job. At the moment I only do overflow and fill in and haven't worked in over a week. I have noticed that when given a test file you are not told if it is a H&P, Discharge, Consult, etc. How do you know how to set it up? What I have been doing is just typing until I can tell what it is and then setting it up with headings and such. If I land a job than doing it this way would be time consuming. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Thanks! I have been transcribing for Solu-Medrol
ten years, but I am trying to get a friend of mine into it and I want her to go the right direction. I have heard good things about Andrews School, I will also check out this other one. Thanks again!
Ideal laptop for transcribing?
Hi everyone,
I'm about to graduate and would like to get a laptop for transcribing. Does anyone know of a particular brand/make that would be good for a transcriptionist?
Thanks!!
Your experience transcribing reports in school
does not count as the type of experience they are looking for. The only way you are going to get a job is to keep testing, and ACE those tests. Eventually someone will offer you a position. That is what I did when I finished school to become an MT. But, you cannot list your *school* experience transcribing as experience when applying for companies because they will not accept that. We were all newbies once and it is a hard field to break in to. Keep applying, sending out your resume, and testing. That's the only way to do it other than trying to get a job at a hospital, clinic, etc. working outside the home.
Transcribing a family member's report
and finding out something no one in the family knows.
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.
Yes, this is still a good field!
Hey Porr - Welcome! First of all, you have come one of the most negative MT sites on the internet. If you are easily discouraged or depressed, I would advise you NOT to come to this site. I have been an MT for over 30 years and every time I come to this board, I leave so dejected, I wonder if I have wasted my life doing MT. I have finally realized that this board drags me down, so I don't come here very often. The people who do come on here legitimately, come to relieve their frustrations, get advice, vent about work situations, etc.... we are not all this stressed out all the time  But there are a lot of really good people on here, too, and you can get a lot of valuable knowledge, you just have to learn who the "trolls" are and ignore them (easier said than done at times!) The MT world is undergoing a lot of changes these days. A lot of work is being sent offshore and now they have the voice recognition platform that they are working on. The nationals make you feel very unappreciated, but I have worked for doctors, hospitals, clinics and had my own service for a while, and there are a lot of people out there who will appreciate your skills, just not the large nationals. Stay away from them until you are more seasoned, then, if you feel like tackling one of them, I say go for it. They have their negatives, but you will gain valuable knowledge and you will be able to get a job just about anywhere with one of the nationals on your resume.
This is a great field, just keep your nose to the grindstone and stay away from negative websites (). Do not let the comments you read here sway you one way or the other. I find this to be a personally rewarding field to work in. I hope that you do, too! Hang in there and don't give up!
Is this a good field to go into?
Does this line of work have a future? Is it a good field to go into? I welcome your opinions.
PT is an easy field.
i type a PT account from home. Like any other field, you just get used to it and it's easy. I think you should do well. susan
seriously considering the MT field, but I have a few questions!
Hello Everyone! first of all, I want to say thank you for all of the great information I have found so far from these boards. I am very seriously considering being an MT. I currently work full-time as a Transcriptionist in a Psychologist's office and I really enjoy it. However, I believe I would enjoy the medical field more. I have a few questions that I would really appreciate you guys answering...
Can you make a decent living as an MT working for an online company? (i.e. Spheris, Focus or accuscribe?) Currently, I would need to make at least 25k a year to suppliment my husbands income for our family, and I do not mind working full-time.
I believe I am going to being training with CareerStep... will companies like that consider hiring me if I test and score high enough, even without prior MT experience?
Thank you so much for your help!
Maybe the OP should consider another field of employment. NM
x
Getting back in the field
I have a certificate in medical transcription with four years experience working from home; however, I have not worked in five years since quitting to be a full-time mom. Can anyone recommend a great way to back into the field or a refresher course from a reputable company? I would love to do transcription again but don't want to spend a lot of money to do it since I already completed a course a few years back. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Getting back in the field
Thank you for the advice. I do need to update my reference materials. The school I attended no longer offers the program and unfortunately the company I worked for is no longer around after my supervisor retired, so I am at somewhat of a disadvantage. Has anyone ever heard of FutureMT? They have one of the least expensive programs on the internet. I'm looking at that one and MedTrans Inc. I hate to repeat a lot of what I know, but may not have a choice at this point.
Getting back in the field
I'll look into this. Thank you!
No, not really. Experience in the field - but not just more education.
x
It was a good field at one time
but I wouldn't go into transcription today.
I learned transcription the old fashioned way - my boss said "come here and let me show you how to transcribe." It turns out I had a knack for it and did very well. For several years I had no problem finding a job. I was often hired on the spot in many places. All hospitals had transcription departments in house, paid well and offered great benefits.
Gradually though more and more work was outsourced. Then one by one, hospitals closed their transcription departments. Now hospital jobs are extremely rare, yet most companies want you to have hospital experience. The jobs that exist now are mostly with agencies that pay you by the line rather than by the hour. No matter how fast you type you can't overcome the little things that interfere with your line count - foreign accents, mumblers, people talking and laughing in the background drowning out the dictation, line noise, phone lines going down, computer problems, servers going down, being switched to new accounts constantly so you can't adjust, etc. When those things happen you don't get paid.
It's very sad because I loved being a transcriptionist. Nowadays it's a completey different job than it was one a I started and one I would not recommend. You don't get compensated enough for what is expected of you.
I would recommend finding something that will pay you by the hour and guarantee you have a job. Best wishes to you and your new baby.
It takes a while to break into the field
and start making a decent living. There are huge differences in companies. You might get paid the same cpl but make much better money with one company over the other. If you keep your eyes open, sometimes you find a really good one. Also be sure you have a good Expander program and keep finding ways to speed up your own typing.
If you do decide to enter this field,
I would visit www.aamt.org and check out their approved schools.
Thank you for finally telling the truth about this field!
I have applied to two hospitals that are looking for a radiology transcriptionist. They are both paid by the hour and offer daycare which means that my son will only have to do daycare for 3 hours a day with my husbands help. I am just sad though that I won't be able to spend as much time with my son. I hope that someday I will be able to take home the work. They are interviewing in two weeks so wish me luck! Thank you so much for finally telling the truth to what this field of work is really like!!!
Newibies need to earn a place in the MT field, just like everyone else. sm
talk about disrespect - how about wasting someone's time when you can't do the job or don't want to buy the equipment.
Why do people feel they can scam their way into this field?
With inferior educations for cheap and now wanting to lie to get jobs? Whatever happened to working for what you earn and telling the truth? :-(
I have to disagree. I think it's a great field and I make
Or if you're interested in investing 2 years to break into a field that won't be around...
but if you are wanting to get into a field where you can invest some time and money and actually have a job, you better look elsewhere. Seriously. I don't like it either but that's the way it is.
I absolutely agree. I have 4 years' experience, but wouldn't try to enter the field now. nm
nm
You have not been transcribing 10 years. Your resume reflects about 4 years tops. I am going to put
very little MT experience and now you're pushing software that posters can get for free. There is a problem with that. You need to search YOUR heart ands ask yourself just how helpful you are really trying to be to new MTs or if your lining your own pocketbook because you don't know how to transcribe yourself.
|
