I am very happy for your situation
Posted By: but you must know..yours is the norm on 2009-04-02
In Reply to: Why I chose MT... - sm
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.
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Same situation...
I graduated from one of the "top 3" schools, and I have applied to 5 companies, with no response from 4 of them. Like you, MQ was the only one to acknowledge my application -- although I was promptly dismissed by the recruiter from the new outside company they are using because I had applied 5 years ago to MQ. It was like she totally ignored the current information and based her decision on a resume from 5 years ago! I am getting frustrated as well. I was wondering what I was doing wrong. So many other people seem to have no problem getting through to the companies. When I don't hear back, I'm left to wonder if I am just not qualified or if they never got the online application.
I don't know your situation or if
you can only work at home. When I first started I took a job outside my home in a medical office for almost next to nothing in pay. I just wanted to get my foot in the door. Eventually I helped out transcriptionist and from then on I never had a problem getting a job. Beware of a company in Iowa that hires newbies. They teach their MTs the incorrect way and you will never pass any test given by another company. Also, alot of hospitals will hire newbies. They start you off inhouse but eventually let you work at home. Good Luck! Please feel free to E-mail me anytime. .
I'm in the same situation...
I recently graduated from Penn Fosters MT program with a 95%. Even though I type about 95 wpm, none of the MT companies seem to be willing to give a newbie a chance. Although no education is "wasted", I'm wondering if there are as many opportunities as the schools imply.
I understand your situation!
I got into the MT career out of desperation!! I was an RN, so I know medical terminology/drugs, etc. I was pregnant and wanted something to do at home so I could be with the baby, so I started looking into MT'ing. I can type relatively fast, and again, was very familiar with physicians, drugs, terminology, procedures, etc. I got in with a small company doing a pretty easy account, moved right on up the chain, and I have been doing this for almost 10 years now. (Our daughter was born 8 weeks premature, so it was such a blessing to be able to be home with her. She had some problems, so no daycare would have accepted her and all of her "equipment" that she had to carry around!) Just because you can type does not mean you will be a great MT without any training, but I don't think it is as difficult as some people make it out to be. If you have some medical knowledge already, a few good reference books and of course Google, I think you would do fine. You just have to be persistent in finding that one company that will work with you. Do you live in a big city or in the country? I would try some the smaller, individually-owned companies first. They are usually more flexible and willing to work with you on the newness issue. If that doesn't turn up anything, I would look on the job board, and just start calling or sending e-mails. Explain how desparate your situation is. Explain your CNA experience, how willing you are to work where they would need someone the most, such as weekends, nights, etc. Sorry this is so long, but I have been in your shoes before, and I don't want you to be discouraged by people telling you that CNA/LPN/RN experience is not enough to be an MT. Good luck to you.
Depends on the situation
Usually they lump clients together regarding the software that will work with stuff on their end. So all the clients that use (as an example) Lanier and Meditech will go on the "L" platform, and people with experience with those systems will get assigned to that platform and trained on it.
Or it could have to do with specialties. Example - I type only radiology, and have never been trained for the "Basic 4". I will only be working radiology accounts, so I work on the "rad" platform and am only concerned if radiology accounts are out of TAT, approved for OT, etc. If I type for company XZY and they are way behind on Acute Care reports, sorry, I don't type that. Some distinct specialties are split off into their own platforms with their own supervisors and would call themselves some sort of team name. My supe might be over all the radiology MTs, and there may be several subteams under her (such as "L" platform above).
Usually new platforms are scary to current employees, because some companies tend to use us as guinea pigs to work all the bugs out as we go. Its easier for companies to assign new employees to the new platforms because they'll have to learn everything new as it is.
Excuse me, Jay, but you know nothing of my situation and
what I did or sacrificed, so there's no need to pull the "weren't you a newbie" ***do not use this language***; especially since you have no idea how long I've been working or what school I attended. It's common sense that more companies would up the scale if they didn't have people jumping at the chance to work for 5-6 cpl. I've met many people who have settled for 5-6 cpl and then griped that they can make more at Wal-Mart and work less hours. Solution: Hold out. Also, I'm not going to start "at the bottom" when I don't have to because someone thinks it's my duty.
***Ms. Amanda, I would suggest that you watch your language. It is fine to express your views, but unnecessary to be rude towards others***
Moderator
Your situation may allow you to test without further education
Contact the employers and see if they will let you test. It can't hurt to try. You have some good experience. I doubt that you need a complete course.
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 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
6 cents a line and happy
Hmmmmm....you must not have any real bills, just blow by money eh?
CC - email me. I'll be happy to give you recommendations on equip. :) nm
nm
being able to make 40,000 year without a college degree is pretty good. I'm happy.
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