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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

6 cents a line and happy

Posted By: es on 2007-02-03
In Reply to: HARD GETTING FIRST JOB, NO WONDER INDIA IS AHEAD OF US!!!!! - ConeyIslandGirl

Hmmmmm....you must not have any real bills, just blow by money eh?


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9 cents per 65 character line and 9 cents every 65 char are two different things.
do they take your character count and divide by 65, or do you have a line length of 65 and you are paid for however many lines are on a page.
7 cents a line
I graduated in Aug - my first job finally came in Sept/Oct they started me out at 7 cents doing orthro clinics.
Cents per line...

Yes, at 6 or 7 cents a line, that is strictly training wages.  Don't settle for anything like that, especially if you have experience and you know you are good at what you do.  These companies make anywhere from 14.5 cents on up for the work they receive throughout outsourcing so, in essence, whatever you make, they make, except you are the one doing all of the work, paying for your phone line/internet, etc.


If they only want to pay 6 or 7 cents a line, let them get new grads or someone with no experience, that way they will get what they pay for.


Cents per line
This is a post of new graduates or soon-to-be graduates, who need to gain experience. !!!
I charged 14 cents per line.
I drove every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to pick up and deliver work. I had six accounts in one building and had them for seven years. I recently let them go because I moved and no longer wanted to drive. You definitely charge more. Think of how much time you spend printing, delivering and picking up. It is much more cost on your part than working for a service and doing everything on line.
Oooh... 3 cents per line.
.
Yes, 9 cents per 65-character line.
nm
6 or 7 cents a line for EXPERIENCED transcriptionists? SM
I don't think any self-respecting experienced MT will work for you for that kind of money.  I know for sure I wouldn't.  Do you think we're all that hard up for work?  It's an insult to our intelligence, knowledge, job skills, etc.  You are a joke.
when every newbie gets a job right out of school at 6 cents per line, I will say they are worth 6 nm
nm
Are there companies offering 7 cents a line to new graduates? sm
This person has been offered 6 cents a line but I know the company and getting a raise will be like pulling teeth even if you do excellent work. This graduate will be doing acute care and feel like 6 cents is okay for clinic but 7 cents is more in line for acute care. This student graduated with honors from MT course.
I think you can expect to get 5 to 7 cents per 65-character line as a newbie. I started at 7 cpl as
nm
4 cents per line for speech editor/voice recognition
Is this a decent pay?
Gross line means anything on a line is a line, even if just one word
it is counted as a line.  Not sure what exactly you are asking, but if you are comparing gross line to the usual 65 characters plus spaces gross line is better.  If you make 7.5 cpl per gross line that equals approximately 9.5 cpl based on 65 characters. 
Are you getting your line count from your program or can you use the line counting software to do
s
Happy as well
I have just recently graduated from Career Step with High Honors. I could not be happier with this course. I was a platinum student, which means they offer career placement services. I did not even need to use their services because I had two job offers. The grammar training and transcription practicum was excellent. I would recommend them to anyone.
IM SO HAPPY
Im so happy im getting a .....FOOT PEDAL!!!!!! YEAH!!
Is anyone happy?
I am finishing up my studies and getting ready to look for a job.  I keep reading posts from people who are unhappy with their current situations.  Can anyone recommend some good employers?  Thanks!
I have been more than happy with my school.
It's MT Advantage Career Center. They used to be blasted for their old director but she's not there anymore. I signed up anyway and just love it. I couldn't imagine a more friendly place and a more thorough school and instructors.
Job offers...I am happy....! sm

Well, ladies (and gentlemen), I graduated from my school with High Honors at the very end of February.  I have been looking for a job for just over two weeks.  I have no medical transcription experience, but I do have about 10 years of legal transcription experience.


So far, I have been offered three jobs!  It is a wonderful feeling to know that you are wanted!  Granted, one of the positions is paying terribly (although they seem very nice, and that's important too).  The other is a sporadic assignment (not medically related).  The lady in question will call me every couple of months or so with different interviews to transcribe.  This will be nice as an added "extra" now and then, and I have already accepted her offer.  The third position is paying fair money, and they seem like a dream company--just what I am looking for!  I wanted part-time IC work (20 hours a week), all work conducted through the internet, the ability to use my own equipment and software, steady accounts, and decent pay.  I will probably go with this company!


I have told the two employers offering steady IC work that I would like a week or so to think about it, and they agreed.  I just want to make sure that I think everything through.  This way, when I accept a job, I'll know for sure that it's the company I really want to go with, and I will be the best MT I can with no regrets.


I have worked very hard for this.  I took many grueling tests, which I passed with very high marks.  I have written scores of letters and made dozens and dozens of phone calls.  I have plugged away at it religiously, and my dedication has really paid off.


To anyone out there looking for a job: Be professional, keep your chin up, and try your best everyday--and you will succeed!


Different considerations - happy MT

On the side of nursing the money is great, the demand is high.  You have to consider whether or not you are a "people person", how much money you need to make, etc.  I am enrolling in nursing school in the spring, but I still love being an MT.  Frankly, medicine is facinating to me and either one is great. 


On the side of MT, I did this so I could be home with my daughter.  She is in school now and getting older.  Being at home has a lot of plusses like obviously being there for your kids, but it also requires a HUGE amount of self discipline.  I have seem other people fail simply because they were not equipped when it came to separating home/work and scheduling themselves and sticking to it.  Money wise, NO, you will not make the money a nurse does, not even close at first, BUT after you get your feet wet and get some experience, you can do very well. 


I flew through MT school and my experience doing this has given me credits for going back to nursing school.  I have to take 2 prereq classes to get into the actually "nursing" part of the program. 


Every job has some form of stress no matter what.  I like the fact that I can get up and work around my daughter right now.  It will not be able to be so flexible as a nurse. 


Don't let what has been said about the AAMT discourage you.  It isn't a requirement to be a member or have a CMT.  Also it is an adjustment being paid on production and can get a little frustrating when you are first starting out and really have to take your time; however, before you know it, it will just click right into place. 


Good luck not matter what you choose. 


Happy CS graduate
I'm a graduate of Career Step and have to say I'm very happy with the education I received from them.  I didn't get the textbooks, so I can't comment on those.  I studied completely online.  I don't know much about Andrews or M-Tech except that they are very good schools.  If I hadn't gone with Career Step I would have chosen one of them.  Someone mentioned the graded/comparison difference between the schools and I think that would probably be one of the main differences.  I think to like Career Step you have to be a very independent studier.  Someone who just likes to be given the material and left alone to get it done unless you ask for help.  That's me.  I graduated from CS in 2004 and have never had to buy textbooks for additional education.  I've bought resource books but not because of something lacking in my education but because that's one of the things that goes along with being a successful MT, but what I learned from CS is what I took with me into the workforce and it has been all I've needed to successfully find and keep an IC position where my boss was very pleased with my work.  Eventually, I decided to go the employee route and found a job with one of the largest companies.  I've had no problems or worries doing my job.  There are a lot of opinions out there.  You will either love Career Step or hate it.  I've very seldom seen anyone "on the line" or "undecided".  They have a definite opinion one way or the other.  I think that's a compliment in itself.  I'd much rather have someone "like" me or "hate" me.  No in between or lukewarm for me. 
Congrats...I am happy for you

So, tell me more.  I guess I am excited for you because I remember those days...but not quite the same senario.  I was considering voluteering when I landed my first job.  I did not care...volunteering would bring about experience so I was willing but instead landed a job.  The day that I was to start part-time, a full time position came up in medical records (my supervisor was willing to let me transcribe when I was caught up on my work).  She was the greatest.  She taught me quite a few things.  She initially started me out on an ESL doctor and told me that if I could do him then I could do anyone else in the hospital.  I really benefitted from that.  I can go on and on...


But you tell me about your excitement. 


Anyone who is not happy with outsourcing...
...might want to consider Barack Obama for president:  He says he will ensure that US companies that outsource work to other countries will LOSE the tax breaks.


 


Something to consider anyway.


 


This could really be an important issue to all medical transcriptionists.

Thank you guys!!! I am so happy that ...
I found this board. I am feeling better when I am taking the tests and actually have a possible job offer when the company is able to hire again. They said they were on a hire freeze, but they are going to keep all my info until the freeze is over so that they may contact me.

Of course that doesn't mean that I can stop looking either. Again I just needed to vent, but i do thank you for the uplifting go get em comments from you both. It is very helpful.

Jenn
Happy New Year Everyone!
I hope everyone has a very excellent 2009, with all good things!
I am very happy for your situation
I have about 20 years experience and am at the top of my game...but I now only get VR work and I am paid about 0.5/line (and according to some reports...my VR is paid more than most..some are paid .02 to 04 line. So I will no way make 40,000 a year...and I do about 2300 lines a day VR...working my a$$ off.
I love my job and am very happy!

However, I feel like I should warn you that after a year and a half, I am still making around minimum wage.  This is okay with me.  I like being able to work at home and the flexibility.  However, I know my salary would not work for everyone.  Some people simply need more money right off the bat, so I don't think MT is the best choice for them.


Are there any happy Heartland employees out there?
t
CC - email me. I'll be happy to give you recommendations on equip. :) nm
nm
Thanks 2 cents
sounds good to me.
My 2 cents
While I do agree it is important to get a good education, I have to disagree with the people on this board that seem to think that the only way to get a job is to go to one of the top three.

This has not been the case for me, or for many people that I know. In fact, the school I went to is quite frowned upon, but I feel very good in how I am doing. Yes, if I had done my homework before starting school I probably would have taken a different course. The fact is that those of us that did not go to the top three deserve the chance to be viewed as an MT, not as a school project.

If someone were on here asking what school to go to, I would tell them that the top three are the best place to look. However, if they are here looking for guidance after the fact, I would never tell them that they are second class, and that is the viewpoint that I, and probably more people, see when we read this board.
My 2 cents...sm
I don't think it's meant to be a negative thing.  I will soon hit my 3-year mark as an MT, so it makes me wonder how long one is considered a newbie.  I consider myself  - experienced - in that I can do a lot of work types and specialities, but I am absolutely still learning something new nearly every day, which I think is a good thing.
my two cents
I also have spent 2 years of my life and $16,000 to be trained in the Medical Office Field. With the negativity and attitude from the experienced MTs at these sites I am realizing they soon may no longer need sites like this. Overseas MT's will be the only MT's receiving any training...how sad!!! I can't figure out why someone with a talent would not want to mentor others!
My Two Cents
Almost every reputable company that hires new graduates provides full QA and training at no cost to the employee/IC. A reputable company that provides quality product to their clients will not let newbie loose on an account with it. Of course, you do have to have an education from a good school and the knowledge and skill to be able to pass their employment test. Take some time and check out some other companies using one of MT resource sites. It should be very enlightening. Remember, many companies will waive their experience requirements for graduates from schools such as Andrews and M-Tec. Very few, if any, of their graduates have ever had to pay to work.

This crud about having to pay for or not being paid during an internship/training is a direct result of AAMT/ADHI's push for apprenticeships for the profession. There were very few of these "opportunities" prior to the apprenticeship talk, and the ones that were out there were known scams. Now it just another way to maximize the bottom line while taking advantage of newbies who are lacking proper education or confidence or ability or are just desperate to get a foot in the door.

My two cents....
I graduated in August as well, and after applying to dozens of companies I finally accepted an IC position with a company.  I figured at least I would be getting some experience until something better comes along.  I have only been working 3 weeks and I am glad I made that decision.  You have to start somewhere, and it is so hard finding that first job.  I figure once I get some experience, then maybe a better offer will come along such as a position that pays hourly rather than by the line and one that will hire me as an employee and provide benefits.  I am just as new to this career as you, but I think we need to gain experience before we will find something better.  Good luck in your endeavors and hang in there!!
My 2 cents.

in your post.  For anyone who is interested, not all documents need be prepared to perfection.  Some dictators like you to transcribe what they say and have coined phrases and refuse to have it transcribed any other way.  So please, do not put forth that this profession is based solely on proper ANYTHING because it isn not.  I have 19 years of experience in this field and was trained in a 4-year program.  No, I am not a CMT because it is not a requirement to be an accurate transcriptionist.  Thanks for listening.   


P/S:  Any nurses, I feel, would be fine with transcribing since they are used to the medical terminology.  However, typing speed is a plus as well, but not necessary.  Accuracy is the key.  Speed comes with time!!!! 


being able to make 40,000 year without a college degree is pretty good. I'm happy.

I got 6 cents right out school.

Even as a newbie, I think 3 cents would be an insult.


Here is my 2 cents worth
Sometimes clinic work won't really be for a few doctors, it'll be for a system of clinics often with very, very short reports with just as much fact checking and account specs as any other place. You might be surprised and find your speed much slower for a while, I know I was.

Teaching hospitals often have the best and the worst of dictators. Residents are honing their craft and learning to dictate well is a part of that. I think we all have to bear with them. Eventually, they will improve.

As for the group of seven hospitals all with different specs, sure it will take you a while to get up to speed. It would take anyone a while to get up to speed. Granted it would be very nice if the company you work for would just give you one hospital per month to get a good grip on the specs before adding another. But, unfortunately, MTSOs are not so considerate anymore. You do sound to be learning them and basically doing okay.

My first MT job was for a teaching hospital too, only there I could do operative notes, but no ER. I had to look up a lot of words/phrases here and there. I looked up things just to make sure I knew what they were. I probably wasted a lot of time. For my efforts, I started off making less than minimum wage and was stuck at about $4.00 per hour for close to a year as far as speed goes, so I would work 12 hour days or as long as I could in a day. But after a while, I broke that and started to make a bit more per hour and in my day. I discovered I was flying through some dictators, while others still held me back. Eventually, it does get better if you hang in there. We who work at home are production employees or ICs and not hourly employees. I started feeling better about my speed, production and myself once I put that into perspective. I also increased my speed and production once I got it off my mind and concentrated on each job at hand. I also set myself line goals for the day, say 800, 1000 or 1200, whatever you feel comfortable with and worked steadily until I met that daily line count, which increased my pay also.

I did not start using ShortHand until I was working for about a year. It certainly does help. Anymore I do so much editing that it is not as much help as I had hoped it would be. I think that really depends on the account(s) you have. Shorthand is nice, but is limited with editing. And as far as editing goes, it is crap everywhere. I just decided to bite the bullet and accept it. I actually don't mind it so much now. But, again, that really depends on the account as some are better than others.

I sincerely do not think you should beat yourself up over your concerns. Despite what schools and MT advertisements tell us, it really does take a while to learn to be a really good MT. We all have been where you are (and some of us never thought we'd get through it to make decent money), but with continued practice, patience and confidence in yourself, it will all get better. I myself would think twice about leaving any job right now in this economy. I've had enough jobs so far to know the grass isn't always greener in another pasture.

I hope my perspective was helpful to you. It is, after all, only my opinion.

God bless you.
If I get paid 7 cents per 65-Character.....
by electonic character count, do you think that would be with spaces or without?

Anyone? Not sure!

Thanks!!
6 or 7 cents? :::snorting::: I made 7.5 at the job I landed even BEFORE I graduated from (lm)

The School That Dare Not Speak Its Name.  I then left that job for another one making 8 cents.  I am now making 8 cents a line from home, and my one-year anniversary of graduating from MT training is not until May. 


Six or seven cents?  Not in THIS life.  And I have had NO trouble finding jobs.  I still get people calling me based on the resumes I sent out back when I first started looking, and I have to tell them I am no longer looking for work. 


Nice try, MTSO.  But trying to convince people to work for 6 or 7 cents a line shouldn't play as long as some of us are here to bring a little reality into the situation. 


I'm sure you'd be first in line for it, right?

The VLC has had numerous complaints against them and people demanding refunds.  I was in a position to KNOW that people that couldn't get jobs because they couldn't pass MT employment tests after the VLC course.  How is that being immature?  Evidently, you're one of the VLC reps lurking on the boards so you can jump in and refer your school.  Otherwise, you wouldn't be taking it so personally.


$ per line?
As a recent graduate and new MT, could someone tell me what a fair salary is, per line of transcription? Thanks so much.
How much per line?
I also do voice recognition as well as straight transcription. I have been an MT for about 2 years now and started off doing voice recognition and I love it. I now do about 1800 to 2100 lines per day (voice recognition). I started off with a company doing vr and was only making 2.5 to 3 cents per line and I stayed with them for about 18 months and after the raises I was making 4.25 cents per line. However, that was an IC position and I wanted benefits so I started taking as many online tests as possible with companies that offer employee status and not IC. I wanted to get benefits. So, eventually I passed the tests for about 6 different companies and I got to pick which one I wanted to go with instead of begging for someone to hire me.

I would take some tests online on the days that you are not working perhaps on the weekends or evenings and see if you pass the tests. It can't hurt at all. I am now working with a new company and I am currently making 6 cents per line and this is for voice recognition, which is pretty darn good doing about 1800 lines per day. You will not know until you try. E-mail me if you have any other questions.
Maybe not out of line...
but not a very good *cooperative* attitude.
line count

Can someone please help me with the whole line count, WPM, total dollars concept. I'm trying to figure out my potential income doing MT. I know there are a range of answers but there must be some averages. I would be brand new at MT. What's your best guess of amount of work in say a 6 hour/day schedule? After 6 months experience? Thanks in advance for your help!


best on-line courses?

Hi all,


I'd like to take an on-line MT course; can anyone recommend one over any others? I plan on doing an internship for experience when I'm done for a while so I can get an actual paid position. How hard will it be to start working from home as I have a 20 month old that I want to stay at home with.


Thanks!


How is line counting done?
I know it is based on a 65 character line, often including spaces, but how do you line count your work and get an accurate number?
Gross line

Hi! I got offer of 7.5 cents per gross line. No idea is it better than 7.5 cents per line including spaces? Please advise!


Line rate
I believe that means 7 cents per line for a 65-character line. If it does, that is not a good rate, especially if you have experience. Also, you need to find out whether that is 65 characters with spaces or without spaces. If without spaces, that is really a bad rate! Good luck to you!
line rate
I have never heard of someone asking a rate based this way. Find out what the margins and font (etc) are before you sell yourself to short. Then I would calculate any document based on those responses and see what the would equal up to so you get a decent rate.