Can you afford to work for minimum wage for SM
Posted By: reality on 2008-07-13
In Reply to: So being an MT is not profitable - Lisa P
a year or more? AFTER your schooling. That is the reality. Even when you get proficient, you won't be making more than $15/hour for a few years after that also. Do you call that profitable? You will also be responsible for supplying your own internet connection every month and possibly your own equipment.
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Wow..how does that work. Your making $5 an hour. Didn't minimum wage go up? If you pay or line co
does not go up, I'd probably move on. I understand right now your probably just getting the experience but you work a whole day and make $40??? I'd be tempted to change jobs soon. I know personally I could not survive on $5 an hour.
No minimum wage here.
I have been at this for 2 years. Yes, my first year was slow and lean, and god bless Mom who lent me $$ to keep the wolves from the door. I make substantially more than minimum wage now, however. There are a number of MT's on this board who will say the same thing.
The constant negativity on this board is overwhelming sometimes. If you're only making minimum wage, you need to reassess the company you work for or your work habits. Sorry, but that's my view. If I can AVERAGE $20 an hour after less than 2 years in this business, anyone can.
Minimum wage in my state is 5.15 and
some days I don't even make that transcribing. I have two transcription accounts, heavy VR. If I only looked at this with respect for the money I made, I would be depressed. I also needed a career change (and made fair money before MT). But, I consider MT a trade off. These are some of the added benefits as I see them beyond the pay:
No to and from work commute (I save two hours daily). Not having to drive in inclement weather (that just scares me, I don't miss that). No work clothes or uniforms to buy or keep up (how do I calculate that?). No eating out for lunch or even packing a lunch for work (save money there). No office politics or drama to deal with (priceless). Being able to schedule MD appointments and other things that come up and work around those without begging my "boss'" permission (again, priceless). Not having a job where I am standing on my feet all day (I'm too old for that anymore). Saving a bit of money on taxes using my home office for work (always a help). Being home and able to keep up with the laundry, housework and have a homecooked meal on the table at a decent hour (pretty close to priceless to me). Being able to watch TV or DVDs in the evening with my husband again and have family time and even keep my grandchildren for the whole weekend if I want (priceless to me). These are some of the things that make MT a better trade off for me than what I had before when I made better pay, particularly on those days when I don't. There is value to all of that to me.
Just my opinion.
I started at minimum wage.
When I started working as an MT, I was only making minimum wage(was an employee and they had to pay at least minimum wage if I didn't make my line count). I could have started working at the local hospital for $15 an hour, but I chose to stay home with my son and not have to put him in daycare, even if it meant I would make a little less. I am glad I did. Now after 11 months, I make $17 an hour and do not have to pay daycare, commute costs, or spend a lot on clothing (love to working in my sweats). I knew the minimum wage was temporary and that if I focused on my speed, I would get to where I needed to be financially. So while you may start out making minimum wage, you don't have to stay there.
$30 a month is more than you can afford?
That's all I paid per month on my Sallie Mae loan that I used to go to M-TEC.
My advice: If you can afford it, get the best
MT training there is, in the 2 top schools M-Tec or Andrews.
I believe that graduates from these 2 schools will always have a good chance to get hired.
All other schools are 2nd grade, not such a good chance.
If you can afford it, a college program or business school that teaches it. You'll make contacts,
s
fair wage for newbie
I would start as low as 5 cpl just to gain some on the job experience.
Minimum of 6 cpl would have been better. Dunno about how they
s
Most platforms are 1150 per day minimum
x
Minimum line requirements
I am wondering if any employers offer transcription opportunities where there are no minimum line requirements expected of the transcriptionist. I know if you are employee status then you probably have the 10-12,000 line requirement for a pay period, but what about IC status? Or part time? Can someone please let me know if any MT employers offer "situations" where a transcriptionst has no minimum line requirement?
Thank you.
That wage per hour is a crock, no matter what! Look at the 3 recommended
s
Career Step grads - what was your starting wage?
Career Step grads - what was your starting wage? What were you offered in cents per line? How many offers did you get? How long did it take you to find work?
Thanks : ) -MKJ
I hope you're being paid a decent wage and not being
taken advantage of, which happens a lot.
Most places offering PT want minimum of 600 lpd. 1000-
s
200 lines an hour is way beyond minimum expected
s
It is true. Those have tested and meet AAMT's minimum requirements
The Approval Process does mean something to me. It means that those schools have been tested and at least meet the minimum requirements, according to AAMT's standards. It doesn't say if they have gone over and beyond those minimum standards, but people in the industry know that already.
flat hourly wage, hourly + volume, and stricly volume based pay ?
I have heard there are companies that pay flat hourly, some that pay hourly plus volume pay, and then strictly per production. Anyone have any experience with these different pay structures? Know which companies do which (and will take new grads)?
Thanks : )
I've seen awful work from "experienced MTs and good work from new graduates
I've seen awful work from "experienced MTs and good work from new graduates.
Training and education really does make a difference. Some people just have 15 or 20 years of very bad experience. They may be fortunate that one employer was willing to hire and keep them, but if that one closed, they would be in trouble. It all depends on the person. some new graduates are a better bet then some experienced MTs. I would prefer to find an experienced MT with great skills and a teachable attitude, but many experienced MTs know everything and are only willing to do things the way they've always done them.
most psych work is included in multispecialty hospital work..sm
contracted to a medical transcription service that requires multispecialty experience because of the hospital work. Unfortunately, very rarely can a medical Transcriptionist these days be given only one specialty when working for a service or hospital. We have to be well versed in multi specialties. The Turn Around Time on demands have increased, and thus the service or hospital gives the MT many different types of work. Learn as many specialties and gain as much experience in different specialties, which in turn will make you a more valuable MT and more apt to gain employment.
Just be sure not to pay for work. There is an MTSO below who apparently charges to work for them (sm
It might be tempting when you're getting desperate for work to pay someone so you can work for them, but don't do it. You can buy software and a foot pedal on your own, so don't let them fool you. If you are approached via e-mail from this site by an MTSO saying they have work for you, please read the posts below before making any decisions.
Can you share where you work that the work is plentiful? nm
s
Work for MTs
I was hired before I even graduated or had begun job hunting by a large transcription company. It was the easiest job I have ever gotten. I was hired because I attended a top-notch school (M-TEC) and did well in the program. There are plenty of jobs for well trained MTs, even new ones.
Work through it
Type the report thorugh the first time. Look up any you are not sure of to gain understanding of the report. Listen again full through and fill in blanks. Then listen again to problem areas to pick out works. Never guess. Leave blanks where you are not sure. Any hard dictator takes time to learn and multiple listens to the voice file to complete it to the best of your ability.
FT work and PT Mt work...
can this be done or am I getting in over my head. FT in-house, not MT and PT MT at home.
Anyone else doing this?
looking for work
Hi,
I would suggest NOT going to companies.....try docs you know personally or that have their own practice. That is how i started, just walked in, gave them a business card and flyer and made a deal, that if they gave me a chance, i would reduce the cost for the first 30 days. i got my first doc that way five years ago and he has referred me to many and i am still with him in addition to two others he referred to me! It is wonderful.....set your own hours, no rush on anything. good luck!
Cindi
Not enough work
I am actually an employee and they do have set hours kind of. Technically they say set hours but I have 2 split days and was told at the beginning as long as you get hour 40 hours in. But also at the same time, the first 2 hours of my work day I have been getting mabye 10 dictations, but they still ask you to tell them if you are not going to be around at any of those times, and when you will make up those hours. It is just frustrating because everything was starting to click into place. Finally getting up to 1300 lines a day and making some good money!
Not enough work.
I have been working for about 1-1/2 years now in med trans, almost a year for this one company. Still pretty new at the lingo and how the business side of things run. But lately, there has not been enough work with the company and I am sitting around for hours getting only a few dictations downloading. Your are assigned an account and also a backup but I was just wondering if this slow time thing is normal? This has been going on now for 3 weeks, also kind of has been occurring every now and then since this summer. I am just wondering how long what the usual is and how long should I wait until starting to look for another job?
Thanks
maybe her son will go to work for her too. nm
:)
Here's what seems to work for me
I have a very active 16-month-old and there's no WAY I can work when she is awake. She needs my attention every minute at this age. She stays home with me fulltime. I get up at 7 am and spend the mornings with her till naptime (around noon till 2 or 3pm) and work when she is napping. I then work after she goes to bed at night, usually from 8ish to 11 or midnight. I still get about 6-7 hours of sleep a night and although I could use a little more, it's so worth it to have my sweetie home with me :) I'm lucky enough to have a 24-hr TAT with no set hours and this helps immensely too. I tried part-time set hours and that was a bust at this point in our lives.
I also have a mother's helper (a 14-yr-old neighborhood girl) who comes 3 afternoons a week for 2 hours to watch and play with my daughter so I can get a little extra work/catch up on housework time. I pay her $4/hr and she is thrilled to get it.
Where there's a will, there's a way! :)
work!!
I work for a local dermatology clinic. I applied like crazy to more than a few nationals and no one would hire me even though I was passing their tests. But I like the fact that I can still work at home the majority of my work day, I have to go into the office to pick up my tapes and print what I typed the previous day. I live close to the office so it's not like I'm breaking the bank driving into an office 15 to 20 miles away everyday, and my children don't have to spend 9 hours a day, 5 days a week in day care like they did when I had my office accounting job.
want to work...
I am looking to work from home as an MT. I just finished school and have no experience. I am willing to do an apprenticeship is necessary. Anybody got any ideas?
I did some work for them.
They are a pretty good place to work, as far as I know, I am new too. Good luck!
Need work!!
Hello,
Im a new MT graduate looking for work. Please if anyone knows of any companies that will hire new MT graduates, please let me know. Or if you are company willing to give a chance let me know.
Thanks,
Sonnett
Seriously, looking for work!
I recently completed my at-home education and am also having a tough time getting work. I am a mom, both of my children are in school. I am extremely hardworking and eager to start work. Does anyone have advice for me on what to do next? I have joined AAMT and have posted my resume in a number of places. I have applied with many of the large companies via internet. I am so frustrated with the testing process, not knowing how I am doing. Maybe these companies just don't want newbies? I also made several attempts to solicit work through local Doctors. With all of my effort, the only lead I received resulted in a $600 loss with TA Assoc. I am sure you have all heard of them! Help?
No work yet.
Here it is Tuesday morning 10:00 and no work yet. Yesterday it was about 2:00 before anything arrived. Does every company have this problem?
No work yet.
I have an even better one: How would you like to get backup accounts with "no work" too. What a joke.
Would MT work for me?
Hi!
I am a 53 year old nurse with over 25 years nursing experience. In 2005 I moved to a Caribbean island with my husband who was itching to retire.
I have done some writing since moving here, but I miss my medical career. Unfortunately, the island I live on does not want to give me a nursing license, so I am looking for replacement career! I am not ready for retirement.
Although I could certainly do the course work, I wonder if being located "off shore" would decrease my employment possibilities. I do, however, maintain a U.S. address for business purposes. I would like the imput from MT's out there.
I heard from a company called TRS Institute who says they hire off shore workers after completing their course. Anyone know about them?
Thanks,
Jen
Help, no work...
I just started with a new company and there has been no work for over a week. I have emailed and IM'd, and all they will tell me is that there should be work soon, that is, when they respond. What do I do now? Wait, or start looking again? Why do they hire when there is no work to do?
Work
Hi Karen,
If you would like some work until the other comes in, please let me know. If you have WP and a wave player, I would be willing to discuss overflow work for you.
Thank you,
Debbie, WRU Transcription in Illinois
work
I guess it all depends what wage you are making. There are some companies that pay newbies better than others. So may be that is what you have to look at.
Is this the one where you pay them $100 and then get to work for 2 cpl?
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Anyone work for MQ?
I have used the search function on this site to try to find out what really is the problem with working at Medquist. Basically, all I get is that they restructured which affected people's accounts and line counts at the time, got rid of bonuses and 401K matching and don't answer emails. As far as QA feedback goes, on one hand I read that you never hear from them and on the other that they pester you all the time.
Surely, a lot of people do actually work for them. I was thinking of applying. I don't really find the above all that horrible. Am I missing something?
Enlightenment would be appreciated. Thanks.
Work there Now!
This place has really changed since being bought out by Nightingale (formerly Scribes) There were a lot of cuts which in turn, made a lot of MTs and employees leave. However, all the good ones stayed and are growing with the company. There's also been a lot of turnover in the office, but again, it seems like it's for the better. The air of the company seems to be getting lighter and talking with the girls in production is a lot of fun these days! "more fun than..."
I really like it and don't plan on leaving any time soon! Plus, where else can you get paid training with a QA standard like none-other! That's why they get the good accounts! And moving towards EMR, this looks fantastic!
Nope, not going anywhere!
OMG!!! Why would anyone work for that?
New grad or not, no one needs to work for such low wages. Sha, I really hope this is not what they offered you. If it is, you need to run from this company. They obviously don't value their MTs. Even if you do 400 lph editing, which new grads can rarely, if ever, do, you would only be making $5 an hour! I thought 5.25 for straight transcription was low, but 1.25 for editing? That is ridiculous! 
looking for work.
I am looking to do psychiatric report transcription mostly but have some experience in the hospital medical fields also. I have about 2 years psych experience and 6-8 months medical experience. Can anybody help.
Amber
MT work available
Is the only work available from nationals VR/ASR rejects?
I need work!!! Please help!!!!
 PLEASE HELP!!!! Desperately in need of work.I do not have exprience, but I do have a CNA certifcate, and I am familiar with medical terms. I have a dictation pedal, and software. Please help, my husband is sick and unable to work at this time. We have 2 small children, so I have to be working from home. Sincerely... Amber Holt
Regarding MT work....
I was in your situation and took a course through PCDI. I think they are now Ashworth University or something like that. Also, if you have your CNA, check with some local doctors or your local hospital. Our local hospitals started sending employees home to work. You may have to work at the hospital for a short while, but then you could work at home. Another benefit to this, is that you would get appropriate training while at the hospital. If you have any questions, just email me. Most places will not hire without an education or experience.
I used to, but where I work currently (sm)
the spellchecker is so good and so updated that I have not been updating my drug books. Then again I've been doing this a long time. The company also provided a Quick Look Drug Book CD, but it's so slow that I find using on-line sites faster, or creative googling.
When you watch TV and an ad for a drug comes on, pay attention because it's usually new and patients will be asking for it. I'm not saying that's the best place for patients to get their drug information, but it helps me learn the correct pronounciation and spelling of some popular new ones.
I work for them...
the company was bought by Proveros, but yes apply. The pay is ok. Not the best you will see, but I am almost always busy. The accounts are pretty good. Give it a shot.
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