Thoughts on MT profession???
Posted By: mj on 2007-09-17
In Reply to:
I've been researching for several weeks and am seriously considering enrolling in Andrews school, but wanted to get some opinions of where you think the MT profession is headed. Do you think MT's will be phased out in the next few years? Where is this profession headed with VR/ASR now starting to take place? I know the starting pay is low and I am not entering this profession with the intent to support my family. I would just like some opinions from some experienced MT's and what you think will be the future of the MT profession.
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What's going on with this profession
I am very new to this profession. I have spent the past 15 years in medical billing and coding and is in process of transitioning to MT. I found stumbled on this site and must say the messages and replies I here are CRAZY! I read how a lot of you are fed up with the lack of work, which is understandable; I've read the different views in regard to "Newbies" vs. "Vets" I believe I have read almost every post for the month of October and November, and I am feeling very discouraged. It seems that MTs are not appreciated, overworked (or underworked depending on who you're working for) underpaid (is .06-.08 realistic for 5-10 yrs experience?) I feel like this profession brings on a lot of stress worrying about whether or not you're going to make enough money to pay bills or wondering whether there's going to be work tomorrow, the next week or next month I here about these MT companies who try to S----w MTs out of their pay/production. It seems that MTs are not valued which is the same for Billers. Doctors do not see the value in their billers when they are the people generated the money for the doctor.....I don't care is that doctor saw 100 patients--what does that mean if he can't get paid for it? Not to mention the fact that I am not attending one of the 3 best MT schools around, I just feel like trashing the entire idea. Oh yeah I also read you can't get a job if you didn't graduate from one of the big 3's. You can't work if you do not have experience, what the I am too old to stress over money, and I am a very hard worker I believe in starting at the bottom, but after 5 or 10 years in this business I am only earning less than .10 per line, I don't know. Can someone please enlighten me on this profession? Is it really worth the effort, cause a lot of you are very discouraging. Thanks.
MT profession
Run away as fast as you can before you make the mistake of coming into transcription. I make less now than i did 15 years ago when I started and have to work a lot harder to make a dollar. Run, hurry, runnnnnnnn!!!!
Are you looking for a profession or a hobby?
If you just want a hobby, then AHP will be fine. It won't matter that your training will be substandard because you won't be able to get or keep a real job.
As for the hours issue, clients can't wait for medical reports to be transcribed just whenever you feel like working a couple of hours here or there. There are requirements for turn-around time (TAT) and, oh yes, that pesky thing called PATIENT CARE. The work isn't made available just so you can earn a little pin money once in awhile ("set your own hours" HA!), it's there because actual human beings require medical care and ACCURATE, TIMELY medical records are required to facilitate their care. You can't just work when you feel like it. Your employer has to be able to ensure that the clients' work is done within a specific TAT, and that isn't going to happen if they let the mommies-in-jammies brigade just "work while the kiddies are sleeping" or "work a few minutes here and there" when they "feel like it". You will likely be required to commit to a specific time frame and actually work during that time. You may have a range of choices in the time you choose to work, but it won't be a case of just working whenever you feel like it (or deciding not to work during a period to which you've committed). This is a serious job, not some make-believe game.
She is right - choose another profession
I too have been an MT for almost 20 years. These MTs schools will train you to become an excellent MT and they will be glad to take your money too. Then you are a highly trained and skilled MT. If there are no jobs, what do you do with it? It's useless.
Because of EMR and all the outsourcing that has increased since January 1 - you have old MTs with 10, 15, 20 years of experience out job searching again because they have so many years in and they do not want to change professions before retirement. It is so competitive that MTs with 2, 3, 5 years experience will not be able to move in their jobs. A brand new MT is not going to stand a chance. Don't waste your time and money.
heard of at home profession ....
Hi Cindy,
Yes, I took their course and it worked for me. Takes lots of hard work from yourself to make it. I'm a successful medical transcriptionist!
What's your thoughts on this?
I declined a job because of the travel time was too long. There were several jobs available and they sent me another e-mail that one of the positions is filled. They also recommended that I should apply at some of there sister companies. Are they trying to get me to work for their company? Is it becasue I am a customer of theirs? I'm not sure what ot make of this. I need advice.
My thoughts...
Hi guys. I just read through all of your posts, and I have to admit, I agree with concerned2bmt. What a lot of people seem to be forgetting, is yes, you save money on gas, daycare, clothes, makeup, and food. There is no commute, so that means that you just get to roll out of bed if you want, and work in your p.j.'s. You don't have those expenses, and that is great.
The only problem is, when you work from home, you pick up expenses that you wouldn't normanlly have working for someone else. I have just started a job, and I am an IC. No benefits, and I adverage between 8 - 10 $ an hour. I can make more as soon as I can manage to make my Expander apply to what I am doing. However, Just in a matter of months, I have already incurred expenses and difficulties that I wouldn't in the office. The real problem is, these expenses adverage out to be more for me to work from home than if I were working for someone, and paying for gas.
Look at it this way. If you work for a hospital, you usually start at about 12 bucks an hour, plus benefits. Now, figure that you will spend on adverage, 60$ for gas, 40$ for food, 20$ for clothes, per week. Okay, for a 40 hr. week, you gross 480$ - expenses, brings you to about 360 per week. Right?
Well, I make about 40$ per audio, and I can do about 3 a day. that means, I make about 600$ per week, 2400$ per month. That's only on a good and I do mean really good week.
My drama at the office, has turned into my kids screaming, crying, fighting, and getting hurt. My husband, not understanding that I am working, wanting me to talk to him, watch t.v. with him, cook, clean, or wash clothes, find something for him, or run to the store for him. This in itself, slows me down terribly to the point that if I want to maintain that 600 a week, I have to work some after everyone has gone to sleep. Then, I pay about 90 bucks a month for internet connection. Now, that doesn't count the money that I have already spent for school to learn this trade, the filing cabinet that I had to buy to keep everything locked up, the accountant that I have to keep on retainer so that I know how to pay in my taxes, the paper that I have to buy to print out invoices, the stamps for sending the invoices, the long distance calls I have to make, the ink for the printer, the file folders, and most importantly, the 1300 dollars worth of reference materials that have to be updated every year, the 1200 dollar computer that has to be upgraded every two years, the 800 dollars worth of programs on the computer that will be obselete oh, I'd say about next week.
See, so far, I'm adding up a lot more than I would have to if I was working for someone else. I can't afford health insurance for me and my family. that would run me about 1800 a month because my husband is dying and no one wants to touch him for less than that, then you have extra electricity, extra water, and unless you don't eat at home, you still have a food bill, drinks, foot pedals, head phones, key boards, and all of this is stuff you wouldn't have to buy if you worked for a hospital.
Concerned2BMT is right. We work for too little, and we just sing along about how great it is. Yes, I am glad to have this job. Any money is good money. However, when you stop and really look at it, our money doesn't adverage out. Until we all stop taking it, they will keep dishing it out. Problem is, the only reason most of us take it, is because they will just threaten to give our jobs out to someone overseas. Why is it that I have to have 2 years experience on top of my education, to go to work, yet some Indian who has my job, and most everyone elses, only got my job because the company built an office in India, and they retained that job after about 3 months in training.
Which brings me to another point. Has anyone stopped to think about the extra expense of a lawsuit? And that does happen. Could you imagine how much that would set one of us back. We have got to get together on this people. I din't think I would become a millionaire overnight, but I would like to be compensated. Just because I don't have 2 years experience, doesn't mean that I don't know what I'm doing, and therefore, I'm not worth but 3 cpl.
I hope this gives everyone a new perspective. I would love for us to unionize. I think it would be great. I have never settled, until now. I have a high school diploma, and not 1, not 2, but 3 college degrees. All of which I needed for this job. My expenses for that alone have run me into over 60,000. I believe I should be faily compensated, but until we demand it, and do something about it, it will not happen. We are just as important as the doctors, the nurses, the people who build the hospitals, the people who provide electricity to the hospitals, and to our patients, we are the difference between life and death. One right or wrong word from us can determine if they will see tomorrow.
In a sense, we are the most important element. Without us, the doctors wouldn't know what has been done for the patient, what the patient needs or does not need, therefore, eliminating the need for, the hospital, the nurses, the electricity, and ultimately, eliminating the patients.
I've heard about everyone's fear of voice recognition. I can't even get through at bellsouth, their systems can't tell the difference between yes and no, so do you think a computer can tell the difference between too, to, or two, which can make a lot of difference in our field?
Do not settle any more people. We are IMPORTANT!!! Our patients depend on us, sometimes more than their caregivers.
thoughts
I have not been on this board for along time because I used to get so discouraged with the negativity, but your post was absolutely so true and uplifting!!!
I totally agree with you and I am actually working for a company that is paying me 3 cpl for editing and 4 cpl for transcribing. I am a newbie and only just graduated last Aug. of 2007. There is never any quiet or alone time to work and it gets harder and harder. I also do all my work late at night after everyone has gone to bed. Otherwise there are just to many interruptions! I feel like I work and and work and research and I am putting so many hours in and my paychecks are just absolutely minimal! I know that starting out is hard and it takes time to make money but my last paycheck was laughable! I am probably not the fastest because I spend a lot of time doing research but I feel like I am putting in so many hours and I drag myself to bed sometimes at 3 and 4 in the morning thinking that I really put in a long night and then when I find out how much I actually made, I could cry! But thank you so much for your words of wisdom, (and they really were!)I am not sure what the answer is but I agree that something should be done!! Thanks again.
my thoughts
If they dont actually ask if you graduated I would not offer it up. If you pass the test, you know enough in their eyes. If they ask you, I would explain you have not recieved you diploma. That is just my opinion.
My thoughts *sm*
 What matters more than the school you attend is whether you are willing to take responsibility for your own education. You have to be willing to be dedicated, work hard, and be extremely resourceful, especially if you attend a subpar MT program.
No matter what, your success is on your own shoulders, not the schools.
Some Thoughts
1. Training (are the both relatively close in what they teach)
I'm not sure if anyone knows the answer to this. Most guess that the answer is "no." Of the three schools in question, two are close in what they teach. It is clearly stated on their websites and it is known to prepare students to get a job and keep it. Two of them use respected textbooks and have industry-respected instructors to facilitate and guide students.
2. Certificate vs. diploma
This is not important. They are the same thing. They just reflect the fact that you finished the course successfully. What does matter is that you do not think it is a certification as an MT. A certification can only be granted by AHDI after you successfully pass their exam.
3. 4 months for one program vs. 9-12 for another.
How many students actually do it in 4 months? Or 9? Will you have to pay extra if you need more time? Check the fine print--a extra payment every couple of months? Or does the school just seem to take longer because they're realistic about how long it will take? Maybe they recognize that people are different and are willing to work with you as long as it takes at no extra charge.
Some schools have a policy of cheap-appearing tuition, no instructors, and making students struggle on their own. It's the student's fault if they can't do it in break-neck speed. If the student passes the only exam in the course, the final, they pass.
Other schools have a policy of realistic tuition, full instructor support, and of leaving nobody to struggle on their own. The school feels responsible for student success. They work with students who need additional help and material. There are exams constantly, so the student is well-prepared to take employer tests and there is no surprise "sorry, you didn't pass" at the end.
You actually do get what you pay for.
Some thoughts...
After I graduated from M-TEC, a couple of acquaintances found out that I did medical transcription and wondered if I would be interested in general transcription they needed. I was not. After all the medical knowledge I had accumulated, I did not want to waste my time just typing stuff. I really don't think of my skill set as typing at all. My skill is being able to hear medical dictation that is garbled, accented, and/or full of medical language and equipment that the average person would have never heard of and turn that into something that is medically accurate. It is knowing when I should flag something because it just does not seem quite right, so the doctor can check it. It is making educated, informed decisions every day. I have invested considerable time and effort in learning how to do this well, so there may be other transcription jobs out there, but I am just not interested.
Please be careful with use of the word profession vs. occupation..sm
though the two terms are sometimes used interchangably, they really don't mean the same thing. Occupation is what engages or "occupies" one's time, such as a job. Profession is considered a calling, vocation or form of employment that provides a needed service to society and possesses characteristics of expertise, autonomy, long academic preparation, commitment and responsibility. While MT's are dedicated workers supporting healthcare in a paraprofessional capacity, it's not really in the same camp as law, medicine, ministry, etc. MT's don't work on their own, unsupervised, such as a doctor does, nor do they have a long academic prep, even if they do go to business college...
I honestly do feel for any new MT entering this profession. SM
Pay has gone down considerably in this industry. I believe this is a combination of large transcription companies who focus on large quantities because they have to in order to keep their client base and stay in business. A huge factor, in my opinion, is the ever increasing number of overseas transcriptionists who work at a much lower wage than we do (of course, their cost of living is lower), and the alliance they have with many of the Indian owned transcription services who operate out of this country (well, at least they have an 800 toll free number and use a U.S. adress, when in fact, they are operating out of India and not paying taxes like American businesses). I have 26 years experience in this profession and make probably 15% less money than I did over ten years ago. There are many highly experienced MTs who are having a hard time with a company fit during the past few years, because everyone seems to be sacrificing quality for quantity.
Keep searching and some company will let you get your foot in the door. One of the largest U.S. transcription companies (I won't mention the name, but most know who I am referring to) are likely losing veteran MTs by the dozens as we speak due to the recent negative changes. I believe this will make the job market even tougher for the new MT. There are many experienced in the profession who will be and probably are "shooting out" resumes as we speak.
My advice to you, as we were all new once, is to get your foot in the door of a local clinic or hospital, put your time in (at least 2-5 years) and learn as many specialties as possible. The hands on training and staff that you will have at your disposal in the medical records department will be invaluable and crucial to your future in this profession. Working from home as a new MT has many, many disadvantages, mainly the low pay and high rate of competition out there. With production pay, you will find yourself making less than minimum wage quite often. It is sad that many schools don't bother to inform you. Good luck and stay persistent. Something will come your way.
My thoughts on your options....
I think it is great that you have TWO options available!
As for physical therapy - that option is quite limited. Transcribing PT notes would not give you much exposure to medical terminology, etc.
As for neurosurgery - that would be an interesting option to go for! More diversity than PT notes. But still, limited exposure.
So, you would have to decide if you want to make more money (doing PT) but limit your experience, or make less money and gain a more broad base of experience.
Still, I think the best experience would be a hospital. There you would get all work types, different dictators, and certainly the experience that would make you marketable to move up in the profession.
But you may find that you love PT or you love neurosurgery and want to do that only until you retire.
That is my opinion, for what it is worth!
Whatever you chose, I wish you the best. 
Not the profession. MTs in house at hourly pay do great. The world of the
s
Please read my thoughts on this, Lisa
I think part of the rub from your post, Lisa, is that you seem to think that you seem very self-centered. Honey, unless you have a disabled child that requires you to be in that house 24/7, you do NOT HAVE to work from home. You just want to really bad. Nothing wrong with that!
However, just because we don't tell you what you want to hear does not mean we are being rude. You just simply don't want to hear the truth.
You even said in one of your own replies that you have decided that your children's welfare was more important than hitting the TAT expectations. Great! You've made your decision! At this time in your life, this is probably not for you.
You can have it all, just not all the same time dear. Concentrate on getting your babies into school, then sit down and concentrate on your career while they are safely looked after in school and learning.
I don't see any reply to your thread as rude in the least. Even the newbies who are encouraging you will probably come back shortly to say they have had it with this profession because they cannot make what they want. Most do.
You've taken the really tough road by starting out at home. Learning inhouse is far better, easier on you, and easier on your family, actually.
While they see you typing at the computer all the time right in front of their little faces, they believe that computer is more important than they are. Wait until they are out of the house with school and then work. This way, when they are at their safe, loving home they feel their mommy is really there for them, not the computer.
Trust me, even later as teenagers, they will constantly complain that all you do is work, all you do is sit in front of the computer. You have tough enough times ahead! Don't rush it!
Good luck, dear.
My humble thoughts on this subject
It is very difficult being a newbie to the industry and working your first job remotely. I am still considered a newbie having been in the field less then a year. I originally began working for a national, but found that to be stressful. Not only was the pay low, but you never found out about your errors until days later (by then I had repeated the same mistakes several times over). However, my biggest obstacle was the difficult dictators and the lack of availability for someone to immediately “lend an ear”. I now work as an IC but still find that I am faced with the same challenges, the only advantage is that I have a better TAT to enable me to research and produce better reports. Pay is still low, the work still frustrating, the learning curve exasperating, and my nails are almost nonexistent. If I had the opportunity to work in an office environment with experienced MTs around me I would (those jobs are hard to come by in my area).
Why do I continue this line of work? I enjoy it. I love to learn. I love the medical terminology. I enjoy, to some degree, working from home. Would I have chosen this field knowing what I know now? Probably not, I think I would have used the thousands of dollars spent toward a nursing degree and be assured of job security.
Good luck to you.
I wondered the same thing, actually...sm for thoughts
I guess I am suspicious by nature, because when I started looking into schools, I kind of figured there would be one or two negative posts about even the best!
However, I think that Andrews and MTEC are structured so that there are very, very few disapointed students. First they screen applicants--very important to make sure that students have the aptitude for this field. During the course, students have a lot of contact with instructors--support system is great. Then they have minimum graduation requirements that insure you will be ready for a job. Finally, they help with job placement. All of these things pretty much garuntee that complaints are pretty much nil. They are upfront about what they expect from students, so no surprises there either.
Agree...not a good reflection on our profession. A seasoned MT would not make this mistake. nm
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