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!

• career satisfaction? - almost a student
  • Put your worries aside. - IMNMT
    • good point - almost a student
      • Research. - Apple
        • is this susan? - agj
        • Makes sense - almost a student
          • If you enjoy reading . . . (sm) - Redpen
            • Great way to put it - almost a student
              • There is always room (sm) - Redpen

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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.

i looked into Career Step and it is like $1500, does anyone really have that kind of cash to lay out in the beginning?

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

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...  

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.

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.

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!

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

Is anybody satisfied with CareerStep training?  I hear alot of negative things about them....

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,

I was with them a long time ago but decided to leave. Now I attend a great school with real instructors who are CMTs and have over 20 years experience. I already have a great job lined up and they pay for my RMT and CMT exams.

Just my opinion!!

Hi,

The companies that hire Career Step grads, do you have a test to take with them that requires you to make 98% on the employment test before they hire you?

I am try to decide if it will be worth it to take another MT course, as the first one I took companies seem not to be interested in you unless you went to a aamt school that is on their list.

Thank for your input!

BMT

Thanks

I have been a stay at home mom now for almost a year, my husband and I have recently decided that we need a little extra income, I am trying to find something flexible that will allow me the time with my son. I am currently subing at the schools, and even though it is some what flexible some weeks I don't get many hours, and I have to pay for child care, at the end of the day I haven't made more then $25.00 after my travel and child care cost. anyways I am looking into medical transcripting and I found a school, they suggested transcripting over medical billing for my situation. They say they offer career assistance and help you find work after you complete the coarse. the school is Alide has anyone gone through them? and how much career assistance do they really give you? and I really need a job asap after I finish school, how likely will that be for me? I would appriciate any help anyone can give me. thanks, Brandi

Everyone,

I thought I'd posted but it never showed up - I apologize if this is a double.

I'm a state department wife living overseas without kids (for now).  After speaking with my MT sil this Christmas and learning a bit from her, I'm considering trying to become an MT.

What I'm looking for is a career that is portable.  I live in a US time zone now, but can't guarantee that in the future.  I'll always have high speed internet.  Is it possible to do MT exclusively online?  I'd prefer to set my own hours, part time if possible.

My other options for work are limited to the US Embassy as a secretary, working on the local market in a foreign language for little money, or going back to school online for something like web design.  MT sounds like a very good option, but I wanted to see what everyone else thought.

Thanks!

Hello everyone. I am new to this site. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about US Career Institute. I am almost finished with the program. I would say that I have about a month and a half left.

I just wanted to know what my odds were of finding a job after I receive my diploma. I am very nervous and scared I am going to find out that I wasted my time with this school.

I am from Michigan if that is at all helpful in answering my question.

Thank you!