You didn't post here to get decent answers
Posted By: hmmmmm....... on 2008-04-19
In Reply to: You expect me to sit there and let someone - verbally walk all over me? sm
You posted hoping that everyone would agree with you. When they didn't, you flipped out. That is exactly why the company you are working for is not going to cater to you...because they don't like your attitude! 
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Everyone is trying to help. They just combined answers into one post.
I just spent 45 minutes going through their website. There is nothing in there website that impresses me as being anything but one of those classes listed on match books. I don't agree with some of they style statements. I did a search for a school in my area and they are connected through a local 4-year college, but the course does not have a good reputation. It says it gives you 6 months to complete the course. It also says that taking the course might take the place of experience - don't think so. They may be able to help you find a job but they have "limited resources." All of these things would tell me it isn't a good school. If the better schools are charging $3,000 and Gatlin is only charging $1450 you're getting what you pay for and that isn't much.
please e/m me -- my post didn't post.
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She didn't say she didn't have the skills. She said she didn't have the experience.
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I didn't find it rude that you didn't agree with me. That doesn't
matter. We don't have to agree. What I found rude and condescending was the way you hammered away at how you had to have training, saying that anybody with common sense would know that you had to go to school to be an MT; things like that are what I found rude. Some of us did just what you said couldn't be done. Like I said, it doesn't matter if we agree or not. We all have our opinions and are entitled to them. Just don't try to tell me that what I, and others, have already done is not possible. 
Years ago you didn't need a certificate, didn't even
need experience, but things have changed. Unless your mentor is going to sit by your side 24/7 I would recommend finishing the class, because you need to have a knowledge base in place. I have seen recent posts though where companies willing to hire newbies will not hire those who has taken from the program that you are taking.
Go to a decent school to begin with - sm
I graduated from MTEC more than 8 years ago and had recruiters beating my door down to test me when I graduated. I tested with several of them and had offers from every one of them to begin working immediately. I have been working at home ever since. I have also heard Andrews is good. You never see people from these schools on these boards begging for someone to give them a chance. The education alone opens doors. Best of luck to you! 
Making decent money here.
I was one of those stay-at-home moms that wanted to make my own hours and earn a good living and I am doing just that. I have been an MT for 2 years now. I work at home while caring for my 3-year-old son. Yes, it is not easy, stressful even, but I make more money at home (close to $20 an hour) than I would make at a B&M job and I don't have to pay $1000 a month for daycare anymore. I have a completely flexible schedule and I work early in the morning while my son sleeps and during his nap times. If I have to, I work again in the evening to finish up work.
This profession is difficult and takes a lot of work, but what career that pays a decent salary doesn't. It is possible to make more than $4-8 an hour. It does not take years and years. I was up to $12 an hour after 6 months, comparable to what I made in my previous position, where I had been employed for 3 years.
Just because you can't make it in this industry is no reason to discourage others from trying.
Answers - sm.
Only you can really decide, but this is what I've gathered through experience and reading these boards.
If you are a good solid worker, not too fast and not a workaholic, you will probably make anywhere from $20K to $35K. It depends on you. I work 30 hours a week, make around $25K, but I'm not the fastest and have to take a lot of breaks to stay healthy. If you're REALLY fast and strong, you might get up to the $40K-$50K range, but that's a real stretch.
It will probably take 1-2 years to get through school, depending on which you take, and then several years training afterwards to get to the top of your earning level. It is a long haul, to get to the "good" money.
You don't get your certification from a school, although they may give you a certificate. Only ADHI can actually certify you (CMT).
While it hasn't always been necessary to go to school to get a job (I didn't 18 years ago), in the last few years it has become almost imperative, as very few places will hire you without either 2 years' varied experience, or graduating with good scores from an "approved" school.
It is a tough career, a lot of pressure, constant learning curve and can be very hard on your health, but if you like it so far, it may be right for you. I won't give it up.
Good luck to you.
Some answers
I don't mean to scare you, but yes most doctors speak as if they have marbles in their mouths. They speak while eating, yawning, coughing, burping, passing gas, using the facilities, driving through tunnels, riding the train, watching TV. They never miss a beat, even if there is very loud background noise drowning them out, whether it's an announcement over the PA, chatter from other staff, patients screaming or even things crashing to the ground.
Yes, it is disheartening and it can bring you to the point of tears, especially when first starting out in this field, but eventually if you do have what it takes to become a successful MT, you will develop an ear that will understand perfectly every incoherent utterance.
This is called ear training and it is gained on the job. It is not something you just attain overnight.
Hang in there. Keep listening to the clearer files dictated by actual doctors to get used to the world of medical language.
The files you have from just anyone dictating are unrealistic examples of what you will face as a working MT. Concentrate more on listening to actual doctors dictating.
Ask for samples of completed dictations and voice files to perform some 'read and listens' in lieu of transcribing the files right off the bat. You will start yourself along the path to building up a well-trained ear.
Good luck with your studies.
Got my answers :)
Thanks to Patty and Karolyn for taking the time to let me interview them! Very helpful and insightful. I'll check back to this topic every once in a while incase anybody had anything additional to add, tips or comments and whatnot.
Cheers,
Jackson
Is MT a decent job based on pay #s I see here? And how is outsourcing affecting pay?
I am brand new to the MT world. I'm considering taking training and an internship at a local company (my cost = $2,000) and then working as a contractor for them. From reading different questions and responses here, I'm concerned that the pay is pretty low and has not increased much in the past few years. My other concern is that more companies are outsourcing their work overseas because it's cheaper. How much of that is happening and how much is that hurting pay here?
I'd appreciate any information and opinions. I have to decide by Monday, January 8. Now I'm thinking that I should just find another career path and take classes at a community college. I worked in another career and made excellent money, but the stress and long hours were just too much. I was looking for something less stressful and the chance to work at home. THANKS!!!
Or not so much stress or long hours, decent pay
I totally understand what you're saying, but being an MT varies so much based on what you bring to the job, where you work, and what kind of account you have that it's pretty tough to predict how any particular person will do. I'm very happy with my job. I find it to be the least stressful job I've ever had, love the predictable hours, and made 34K this last year working strictly a 40-hour week. This is after 1-1/2 years as an MT. I found the first 6 to 9 months terribly stressful because of the high learning curve, but once I settled into my account the stress level dropped considerably. I'm still working the same hospital account I started on, but also work other accounts as necessary. I work for a company that many people on this board say they can't make any money working for; it must have a lot to do with the stability I've had on my account that I am able to make reasonably decent money.
Test answers
I wondered that myself! But then again I am a pretty naive critter
Thank You All For Your Interview Answers!!
There have been many great responses to my 'MT student' interview questions. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to answer my questions. Your responses are all very helpful to me. I really can't wait to graduate and start my new career!! Thank you all once again!!!
I disagree. Allied has a pretty decent program.
I hope you're being paid a decent wage and not being
taken advantage of, which happens a lot.
Looking for honest answers about the future of MT...
I am considering MT (again). I already do some transcription but have never trained for medical.
Many of the posts I've read on different forums are pretty discouraging about the future of this profession.
I am a relatively fast typist (80 wpm, 99% accuracy)and have a pretty good command of spelling and grammar. (I'm sure I could use some improvement.)
I would really like some flexible work from home. I have a child with special needs and don't want to go out to work in an office for ten hours a day.
What is the average pay? Is off shore and voice recognition going to make the profession obsolete in a few years? I hate to invest in training and have it be for nothing down the road. Though, I guess I could look into coding in the future! Maybe there will be more at home jobs in that field down the road.
Many thanks,
Mariah
Difficulty finding work despite decent grades from Andrews
Angela,
I am a recent grad of Andrews--one of the top two schools recommended--and I graduated with a grade average of 97.9.
Contrary to popular opinion, Andrews' grads do not have several job offerings available to them as soon as they finish up school. The graduate is basically on her/his own as far as scrounging up a job. Having Andrews on my resume only allows me to test for a few MTSOs that would not have even given me an e-mail response. It is not an automatic door-opener at all.
I am having a difficult time finding employment because there are only so many entry-level positions available for new grads. There appears to be a glut of newbies. The economic decline is not helping either.
I have passed every single acute care transcription test where I was allowed to test, and I am on many "waiting" lists for future openings. I am really lucky that I am disabled and at least have some money coming in that pays the mortgage. I can wait for an opening, and I don't have to sign on with those MTSO that preys on newbies who can't find jobs.
If folks from the top schools are having difficulty finding employment, just imagine how much more difficult it is for someone that has only completed a low-quality matchbook-type MT education.
I wouldn't waste any money on the Penn folks.
Kathleen
All those answers will be found in these very pages discussed
s
I never hear of those who attended decent schools unable to find work
You can pay now or later. I had job offers with every company I tested with when I graduated from M-TEC, which was more than 8 years ago. I have worked from home since day 1 doing both clinics and mostly acute care. I do not know of anyone who graduated with me who has ever had problems finding a job. Employers are catching on as to which schools offer enough training so that the grads actually have some experience under their belt or are worth bringing up to speed. I also did not have to start out at 6 cents a line. That is absolutely insane.
...You'll get questions & answers right away, make contacts. See things done as
s
Read back thru the Word Help and Style boards, too, to see answers to ?? others have. You'll lear
s
I didn't go to any of the BIG 3
And I did not have a problem either. I worked hard, got extra practice dictation and did a lot of extra work on my own. I got my first job, stayed there until I moved. They gave me such a good reference letter that I have had no problems landing clients since. Every single one has their own style and requirements, so the learning curve is always going to be there anyway. I interviewed a person who went to one of the top 3, and she didn't have a clue, by the way. It is all in how seriously you take the work, just like anything else.
didn't think of that!
Thanks! I just did it, and I think for the most part that did do it. I looked at EVERYTHING else! LOL
I didn't think so.
Can't hurt to ask.
I didn't about that.
Thank you Deb. That IS a very valid point. I appreciate your quick reply.
I didn't know....sm
I didn't know there was paid internships where you get paid for the work. I didn't have an AHDI approved school I don't believe so I didn't have that luxury. Wish I had though.
Didn't like my answer?
Didn't like my tone? That's just too damn bad. Get over it. I told you the truth. If you don't want to heed the truth, that's your problem, not mine.
Didn't mean to insult you . . .
I didn't mean to insult you. When I make suggestions like that, it's as much, or even more, for others who would read the posts later. Few people have that much money on hand--this is a topic that will be google-able for years. Maybe someone can use the ideas to finance their child's tuba lessons some day.
Look at it this way . . . you may have the money in the bank, but if you can get some cash by selling stuff you don't need, you'll have a roomier habitat and "free" schooling, too. Well, sort of free. You might not have to dip into savings that way.
It IS a lot of money. If it were me, knowing what I know, I'd feel a lot insecure about forking over that kind of cash.
but they didn't respond to me
They responded to a new MT, who responded to me. Therefore, they *did* read what I wrote correctly.
Kind of like W.C. Fields, a well-known atheist. He was found to be reading the bible and when asked why he said, "I'm looking for loopholes."
The MTSO found a loophole.
I didn't see it but for some reason
most of my posts and responses don't get deleted even when things get thick! I don't take it personally or think much about it when it does happen. I've seen things that seemed very benign get deleted, not just here but other places. Seems like it is just the way things work.
No, they didn't mind at all that I was new.
In fact, I think they preferred it. That way, they can train me to do things their way. And no, I won't be the only one transcribing. They have one Transcriptionist that has worked there for 6 years and I will be helping her out. I will only have to work in the office for approx. 1 hour per day and the rest at home. They said I could work as many or as few hours as I need to. I've thanked them very kindly every day this week for giving me this opportunity.
I hope you can find something soon as well. It is so frustrating trying to get the required experience.
The OP didn't say anything about any thing other than TV
As I stated before, I work when my little one watches certain programs; however, there are bigger issues here just as you brought up. What I got from the original poster was exactly what those fly-by-night get-rich-quick while you stay at home with your kids try to sell newbies and don't prepare a new MT for the REALITY of working from home, especially with small children. Had the original poster said "in addition to having puzzle time, block building time, playing in the sand time, what good programs will help?" I would have felt differently but that is NOT how the original post was worded.
I'm lucky because I have learning centers set up. I don't rely on extensive TV to get my work done. Plus I'm not a newbie with unrealistic expectations and a huge learning curve to face while there are 2 little ones vying for my attention. It is certainly possible to have kids stay home and work, but to rely heavily on TV IMHO is wrong thinking for the future of our children. I take advantage of mother's day out as I am single with a child who was dropped on my door by a mom who didn't want to play mommy anymore. I have a child with no social skills, who doesn't know what home cooked food is, who never before had a regular schedule, didn't know another child her own age...I could go on and on.
My point is that having a variety of activities, interactions, settings is much better for a child than relying on hours of TV (the OP mentioned morning shows plus wanted more suggestions for other times, which indicates wanting to have the TV babysitting them). If you don't see it that way, read the OP again.
My child can go outside and play on my patio and I can watch and talk to her from my desk. How could a newbie who needs no distraction do something like that. TV. My child can ride around the house, collecting pretend mail while singing and I'll join in while waiting for the doctor to flip through the chart. How will a newbie handle that? TV.
I think you and I are arriving at the same endpoint, but interpreting the OP with different POVs. You never addressed the OP's obvious lack of insight about ENTERING the MT at home world with stay-at-home children. I did.
Didn't mean to jump on you
I'm sorry if I was overly defensive - I'm just so very frustrated. I'm glad things worked out for you, and I feel that if things had been handled differently, I would have been perfectly happy finishing the course. My problem has not been with the content of the course, but with their lack of help when I begged for someone to actually check on why the materials never arrived. I asked nicely about 8 or 9 times before I finally lost it. And then, when I lost it, they punished me for speaking out. These are not the actions of a reputable business, and their lack of response now makes them look even worse. But again, I'm glad for you and good luck.
I didn't say I was just going to wake up and be an MT
I didn't just say I want to be an MT. I said I was starting school with Career Step. They train you to become a MT.
You didn't say what was difficult about it to be
able to help you.
I didn't indicate that anyone can do it. I simply
stated my experience. I thought that was the reason for this forum, sharing experiences and opinions.
Would you not be upset if someone that you didn't know,
had never met, knew nothing about you or your work ethics questioned everything that you are supposed to know to be able to accomplish you job? The whole tone of your post was condescending whether you meant it to be or not. Almost every sentence said *do you* know this or that and I could only assume that the *you* that was being referred to was me. Just because I didn't go for formal MT training doesn't mean that I have forgotten the basics of grammar. Believe it or not, nurses have to know where to put commas, too. We have to know all the basics of grammar. That's why we're required to take college-level English in our nursing programs. Having CMT behind one's name doesn't make one a good Transcriptionist either; it only means that person is a good test taker. Sure, they have to know the basics, but that doesn't mean they're perfect. Neither am I. I'm quite sure I make mistakes even though I strive to produce a quality report without mistakes. CMTs, just like the rest of us, are constantly learning, too, I hope. So, please think twice about how a post is going to sound before you jump on the bandwagon and beat someone down. Maybe you didn't mean to, but you did anyway. Have a wonderful evening.
Agree. Didn't go to either, but SM
those 2 are the only 2 schools I recommend to anyone who asks me about going into MT (if they insist on going into it even after I've told them the income is going down and not up).
You didn't offend me
Lynn, you wrote a lovely post. And if this board was for MTs only, I'd chime in with you about how I like working from home too. You did not offend me and I certainly do not think you are insensitive. I offer you and anyone else my apologies if what I wrote came off sounding that way. That was not the intent. You have nothing to apologize for.
I am mad at the way the companies play tricks on us and I was just trying to get people to see the other side of this coin if they haven't seen it yet and often newbies don't to the delight of the MTSOs. They love posts like yours. They think that is all we want, so that is what they emphasize when interviewing, and some people think they have found the perfect job only to realize later on that if they're not experienced and can't produce like the wind, all these goodies aren't worth much at bill paying time. If you've got a great job, good for you! I'm happy for you!!
Working from home IS great but let's do all we can to make it even better. We need to learn the other side's tactics and not fall for them to our detriment. I've bought into lies and suffered the consequences. If I can help prevent others from doing so, I want to.
I wish you and everyone nothing but success and the most this job can give you.
Mine didn't, but I am IC
so maybe if you are employed with this company they should be paying you to train.
I didn't think that was sarcastic.
Just stating the truth, which you know since you've been in it for so long. I've been doing this over 20 years too and it hasn't changed now, has it? Every Transcriptionist comes into this business with the bright idea "Why doesn't someone tell the docs to talk slower/faster/clearer/enunciate/speak English". Hasn't worked so far but I guess we can keep trying. 
Well, why ask if you didn't want the answer.
You asked why anyone would get into the industry now. Why ask the question if you didn't want to hear the answer. We weren't necessarily defending our jobs, but explaining why we do it. We make more than working at Wal-Mart and are much happier at home doing MT. If you were just trying to make a point, then just spit it out instead of asking questions you really don't want the answers too.
I agree about the post above, but many of us come to this field with our eyes wide open. I knew what to expect. I knew I would have to work hard to get where I needed to be financially and I have far exceeded my expectations. For some of us, MT does pay and pays well, better than any of the other jobs available in my small town.
You didn't say if you are an MTSO or IC or employee or what. (nm)
nm
I didn't use a dating website...
but I met my husband online in an AOL chat room. We now have 2 kids and have been together almost 7 years.
sorry, that should be Department-knew something didn't look right
nm
I didn't have the trouble you described after school.
The school itself was very hard and the work was similar to most of what I did on the job. There were some differences, of course, and I was very slow at first. My experience was different from yours though and the school was the biggest reason for the difference.
I didn't see YOUR name on this message, MTSO!
nm
I didn't ask about finding work.
I asked if anyone knew anything about Gatlin Education Services.
I didn't go to their website, but I knew they
probably weren't legit because they used 2 different names on 2 different boards to post about their "internship."
Just checked email, didn't see it
Thanks for the email. I just checked my email and did not see anything. I will keep looking, maybe there is a server delay or something. I really do want to know the real deal before taking the leap.
Thanks.
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