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Hmmm. I think this MTSO's opinion would "carry weight"...

Posted By: sm on 2006-05-11
In Reply to: For Career Step, yes. Their grads haven't done as well for me as M-TEC & Andrews - IMHO

If the poster was NOT a graduate of one of those two schools.


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Hmmm, interesting. If you don't mind me asking *sm*
was it a paid apprenticeship?
Here's my opinion
Tuition is $588 and up.  They also offer courses in mystery shopping, basket weaving, and digital photography, all of which can be found on the Internet for free.  Offering other nonMT courses is usually a good sign that the "school" is only in it to sucker people out of money.  Their "faculty" members don't have any teaching credentials or certification.  Being an MT, CMT, RN or HRT doesn't necessarily make you a good teacher.  The school is not nationally accredited either.  Do a Google search for them.  I haven't found anything positive by anyone who has ever "graduated" from their course and obtained a job.
This is only my opinion and......sm

He gives as TX options: 


Treatment options: Chiropractic care. {Insert whatever names he gives there with an initial cap}  and chiropractic adjustment.


Hope that helps!


my opinion
I think you are looking into MT for the wrong reason (you want to work from home and not work in an office).

While 80 wpm is a good speed, you'll need to be more about 100 to 120 wpm to really get good production. Accuracy of your typing skills won't matter as much as your ability to properly interpret what you are listening to in the dictation, recognize medical terminology in actual use, etc.

Yes, offshoring and voice recognition are taking a big toll now and will continue to.

Look into coding.

My opinion

Hi.  Medical transcription is the best!! I have been in the business for 15 years and I still think it is great.  When I first started people kept telling me that it would be phased out because of VR, and that was 15 years ago. I think if you really work hard the first several months and really learn it well, then I think you will not be disappointed.  The people I know who don't stick with it are the ones who didn't put in the initial "blood, sweat and tears" to really become good at it. 


Medical Transcription has been such a blessing to me and to my family.  We have been able to send our children to private school and that would have been impossible without my working all these years.  I have been able to have a great income and still be flexible enough to take care of my family.  In my humble inion, the great jobs are the ones that allow flexibility within a schedule and they are the only ones I would go for. 


Good luck with whatever you decide to do. 


P.S. Learn your macros WELL


My opinion is ....
that some companies choose to be kind and some choose not to. I have worked for some of the nicest people around, and I have also worked for a company that was rude beyong belief. I would definitely give it a shot although I do not know them personally. Trust me, when you have been sitting at your computer for a while the last thing you need to do is be getting nasty e-mails from someone.

Good luck!
Just My Opinion

I saw below where they state the beginning wage for mRecord is somewhere along the lines of 5.25 cpl.  IMHO, that is just way to low to start, even if you are a new graduate.  There are many other companies out there that will start you out at a higher rate. 


Since you mentioned the Spheris traning, I'm assuming you went to Career Step.  They are so many better paying opportunities for you if you are willing to look for them. 


(and, as a gentle reminder, it's "accept" and not "except")


My opinion...

I know MQ is one of the easiest companies for a noob to get into, but I would take their refusal as a good omen.  MQ is a sinking ship and you would do well to find a better company to work for.


 


Thanks for your opinion! more....
Thanks for giving your opinion Jenn! I hadn't looked at it that way. I just kind of freaked when the Dr. said "dead in the water for clinics."

VR has never really worried me much, but doctors not dictating at all (in clinics) was quite the shocker for me!

I see how and why this wouldn't work in the hospital setttings.

This career path seems so shaky, yet I'm so ready to start training for something I'll love to do.

Thanks again,
Christy
In my opinion, no (see msg)
IT is the most advanced, "smart" Expander out there. I've been using it for 2 years and refuse to work without it, which I told my bosses. It's not for everyone, of course, but starting out with IT instead of discovering it after trying several others is great; the learning curve is not as steep. Plus, it works with SO many platforms (not just Word-based platforms) so you don't have to worry about changing jobs and having to stop using it or losing all your glossaries/expansions because your new company doesn't use Word and your expander works only with Word and Word-based platforms.
opinion
That 'person' who seems angry at 'the post above this' I have a feeling is talking about me. I only posted what I found on the company website. These posts about the big 3 and this particular staffing school seems to be getting people a little 'testy'. Maybe we should move on to a more pleasant topic. Opinions are like noses, everybody has one. Some people get 'ill' when their opinion is differed with. That's what's 'wrong'. To each their own. That's why we're human beings and not robots. We're differnt and have different opinions based on different experiences.
I'd tell you my opinion on the whole MT field, but
I'd be accused of being negative and bitter. LOL Yeah, people get buffaloed into thinking that there is good money to be made doing MT. Evidently, some people do make good money at it. I haven't met any real life person who actually does, though. I've never seen it myself either.

Not sure about the school you went to but in my opinion.....
the best way to go is find someone to mentor you, or get your own accounts with local doctor offices. Make up a fliar that offers cassette tape dictation/transcription.

Unfortunately most of the hospitals outsource now and that is where most old timers got their experience way back when.

Somewhere I read that Meditech was offering a mentoring program????? No idea if it is worth anything, but if they will QA your work, I would start there.

Hang in there. Don't stop trying to land something. It will happen.
my opinion...take it for what it's worth
but when I read your post your grammer was good and you seemed very bright. These are things you cannot learn in medical transcription school. When you finish your schooling and if you have any trouble landing a job, I suggest you revisit this site and as eloquently as your post above, ask for someone to mentor you. I do not think you will have a problem at all. Good luck.
it's not YOUR website and not YOUR opinion only on here
so we are allowed ours and you have absolutely NO RIGHT to chastise the other poster for her advice

grow up a little bit, mommy

Just my humble opinion here...
You may be wasting your talent settling into the MT field. I have no doubt you could succeed based on what you have posted thus far, but I get the impression you are very outgoing, upbeat, friendly, and enjoy interacting with people. I think you may find yourself cut off and bored after a short time and restless. I agree with this poster - what about real estate or sales? You seem such a natural for those fields. Good luck to you in whatever you decide. :-)
Here is my honest opinion. sm
I started MT in my mid 20s (over 20 years ago) Started working for family doctor in high school, went on to college for two years in health care administration (worked part time for college professors), married and had children right away. My first independence with my own doctor clients occurred when I had two toddlers at home. There was no possible way I could have been successful unless I hired child care during that period of time. I was spending a minimum of 8 hours per day typing. There were days when I would put in an additional 3 hours late at night when my children went to bed. My husband worked long hours, so depending on him to take over was not always possible. It is only my opinion that the dedication, concentration and ultimate success in this profession is not possible unless you get the help with your children. Unless part time supplemental income is your goal, full time pay and the intense experience needed to peform well long-term in this profession, reality is not always seen by those entering this profession as a means to stay home with your children.
I Respect Your Opinion. However...

I'm not an advocate for Career Step and I don't know what is on their page.  That IS misleading, but researching the MT field on the Internet would bring you here (MTStars) as well as taking you to Career Step.  I don't think CS deserves all the blame.



TRS Institute Opinion

Ok, I know that a lot of people have posted questions and opinions about different schools.  I've been researching these myself via AHDI, the school website, requesting them to send info, and reading the various posts here.  I was really leaning towards CareerStep because I can function without someone standing over my shoulder and I liked the idea of being able to finish the course quicker if I put more time into it.  I've working in various areas of healthcare for years.  The last position I held I dealt with outpatient billing for a hospital, departments included ENT, Audiology, and Psych.  I did some CPT and ICD-9 coding for Psych in addition to the billing.  Thus I have experience with medical terminology, diagnosis codes, and medical abreviations.  No one would hire me even with this background.  So I determined school was the best bet.  After the mixed reviews for CareerStep that I've read on here I'm now down to either M-TEC, The Andrews School, or TRS Institue.  I've seen what all the various opinions on M-Tec and Andrews but has anyone had experience with TRS Institue.  I was also looking at Allied Medical School's program for transcription but hesitate because they're not AHDI approved and cost the same as M-TEC.  Allied offers a free laptop but I've already got two :)  Plus they offer lifetime career placement (same as M-TEC) but they're NOT approved which makes me very nervous.


Also, does anyone know how much it takes to take the RMT test?  TRS Institute will pay the fee but I'm just wondering if anyone knows how much that is considering their tuition is $3995.


Any thoughts on this would be helpful.  Thanks for reading!


You are entitled to your opinion....
But that is all it is, Amanda, your opinion.  It seems every time a new MT posts here about their school, you are one of the first people to have something negative to say.  Yes, there are many MTs who come here and complain about their schools, but there are also an equal number who have had success and are satisfied with their experience.  It depends on the individual and their attitude.
You are entitled to your opinion...
I disagree.  I have been an MT for years and I find myself making spelling mistakes and typos on this site.  It happens...  This is also a New MT/Student board, so majority of the people who post here will improve their grammar skills as time goes on.  It is best to make excuses for people and assume that they will improve.  No one is perfect, including you. 
My opinion, for what it's worth..
I haven't read the other replies, but a few things struck me from your message. First, if you had researched MT as much as you say, then why did you choose At Home Professions? Secondly, finding "MTStars" isn't the Holy Grail of MT information, LOL. Actually, MTStars is great because if a newbie does find this message board, they'll run like the wind from medical transcription and leave more work for the rest of us. Either way, this message board is more or less and "venting" site. Most of the folks that have nothing to complain about are busy doing their jobs, and there are plenty of them. I've been reading MTStars for years, don't really post much, but at least I get a laugh or two every day.
In my opinion, not anymore. Been in this 25 years.
It is all going to voice recognition, meaning that the only real transcribing there will be left to do are the horrible dictators (ESLs and NON-ESLs) who cannot be processed by speech recognition.

Between that and overseas workers, not much in the way of a future in my opinion. Glad I'm nearing the end of my career in it.


It is a matter of personal opinion. Some like
Shorthand, some like Instant Text. 
No, the school stinks in my opinion - sm
I worked with a lady once who "went" there. Oh boy, was she lousy. Needless to say she did not hold onto the job long, the mistakes were numerous and atrocious. She had previous experience of transcribing written doctors notes and putting them on the computer which she thought constituted MT experience (uh...it was all written down in front of her, slightly different); obviously that experience was useless. I hope for her sake she took the QA I did to heart and did not get too upset by it by taking it personally, but she needed a lot of work.
You're welcome to your opinion. She asked for advice
and I gave her mine.

Get over it.
That's a matter of each persons opinion. I happen to like
MT, I have my own accounts and do the work myself.  I get up, take little breaks in between and don't beat myself up.  I also have a separate private life outside of work, so for me I am not isolated. 
Why did you choose this post to voice your opinion?
It appears as if the OP was so happy about passing the test and receiving that phone call that she rushed to the computer to share her good news with the world. Would it have been so awful to just wish her luck and share her joy? I have been an MT for a year, and I still feel proud and happy each time I pass a test. It is hard for a newbie or someone with less than 2-3 years of experience to get a company to even let you test. When you then pass the test and get a phone call, that is veryexciting and makes you feel good. You could have wished her luck publicly and then sent her an email making her aware of her mistakes along with some tips. This New MTs forum is the last place on this board to post a message like yours.

Why can't some people just let others feel good about themselves?

MTSO?
Please excuse my ignorance, but what is MTSO? (obviously, I'm a newbie)
MTSO

Forgive me for being so ignorant of the abbreviations, but what does MTSO stand for?


Thanks.


MTSO
I know what it stands for.  I've read the posts about MTSO's. But I can't find a straight forward answer. I've read that for newbies, a good bet for getting a job is with/thru an MTSO.  I've googled it but no good info pops up. Where in the world do I find an MTSO?
So who is your MTSO
I have a friend that went to Allied, having trouble now finding work. Who is your MTSO??
There used to be a lot of $$ in being an MTSO, not

anymore.  When you are competing with single-digit line rates from off-shore companies you can no longer charge 18 cpl.  In most cases it isn't corporate greed, but trying to be stay afloat.  Medical expenses are through the roof and everyone is looking for a way to cut expenses and MT is one of them. 


I agree that companies that went offshore long ago did it for greed, but now it is mostly for survival.


People go into this business lured by working at home and making $40,000/year.  They don't investigate to see how realistic that is.  They go to one of the cheaper schools because the better schools are too expensive, yet the cheaper schools are pretty worthless and don't equip you to work as an MT in the real world.   If potential MTs would do their research on the front-end they wouldn't go into this field to start with. 


You're only posting your opinion & website b/c CS pays you for you referrals
nm
Meaning of MTSO

Could someone tell me what MTSO stands for?  May be a dumb question, but I wont know if I don't ask. 


Thanks


hate to tell you but yes I most certainly am an MTSO
as attested to by my corporate annual report to the Secretary of State, my notice of acceptance of an S-corporation by the Internal Revenue Service, my certificates of shares of the corporation, my quarterly payments to the Department of  Employment Security for my employees and my portofolio in a corporate 401K. The OP said "sensitive information" which would hardly constitute your name and address which people even write down on blank pieces of paper at the supermarket to try to win a Caribbean cruise at the supermarket. And if I were you, little Miss Cop of the Internet, I would keep my fancy little fingers off this board. According to your own logic, how easy would it be for a hacker to get ahold of YOUR IP address and start stalking YOU down? The OP probably even has a site on MySpace for cryin' out loud. So go ahead and dispense your advice, i.e. panic, via the MTSTARS board. I'm sure that since you found this site it makes you an expert in all matters. LOL.
MTSO - What are you afraid of?
,
As an MTSO owner.....
I will just let you know that in response to an add I ran for 2 MT positions, I received 50+ very good, qualified MT resumes...that is why no one will hire a newbie! I actually have 3 newbies that I am working with now on a small clinic account that I have. I will not put a newbie on an acute care facility due to the amount of QA that goes into that, but I will start them on my small clinic note facility to begin with and let them work up to the QA. That is my position on this subject...there are too few jobs for too many qualified experienced MTs out there, and there is a deficiency of work due to Nationals outsourcing work overseas..that's that, IMHO.
Bet MTSO is tickled, also, to get an MT for 5 cpl.
x
Can somebody tell me how to find an MTSO?
I've tried google, but MTSO seems to be a common acronym for lots of things. Is there some key term I could search for that would point me toward potentially hiring MTSOs?

Thanks.
National MTSO
I really have no experience with a national MTSO, but I think it depends on where the MTSO is based. So, if the MTSO is based in the US, you would be paid dollars, and if it is based in the UK, you might be paid in EURO, and so forth and so on. However, while checking around on the net, I found a company based in the Philippines. You might want to check them out, the web address is, www.peoplesupport.com. I don't know what their money would translte to US currency, but it may be easier for you.
how to find an MTSO
Thanks.  I know what MTSO stands for but I was having a hard time finding an MTSO in my area. I have noticed a lot of people say that a newbie is better off working for an MTSO to gain experience. But when I search for MTSO I get nothing. If anyone reading this works for or has worked for an MTSO, can you please tell me how you found them. Any info would be helpful. Thanks.
I got my own accounts & started an MTSO.
nm
After some experience working for another MTSO...
I registered a dba with my city, marketed like crazy, and got my own accounts and my own subs working for me.

Besides a great MT education, the thing that has helped the most is having a Stanford MBA business consultant in my corner. I couldn't have done this so quickly without his advice and coaching. Luckily, he works cheap since he's my SO!
You didn't say if you are an MTSO or IC or employee or what. (nm)
nm
MTSO's can be extremely busy...sm

Not only can they be overwhelmed with trying to handle the new work load, but they have to sort through resumes, interview and hire someone, plus paperwork. So if they do have more work, this just adds to the workload. I dread bringing on someone new because it is such a huge amount of work - that takes away from getting the work at hand done in a timely fashion. So patience is good, I'm sure they know you are there, but maybe just keeping their head above water...


I think the MTSO is saying that she has knowledge based
having had MTs who were fakes and some who were not, and is now able to discern which is which. I don't think he/she was saying any more, any less.
I didn't see YOUR name on this message, MTSO!
nm
MTSO - Are you going to answer quick on this
/
So, MTSO, are you going to address the issues
Why are you taking the money?
Except it's not a huge list of MTSO's. It's...
a site where you can post your own business if you want. Most of the postings are solitary MT's, just like you and me.