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Line count

Posted By: KC on 2009-05-12
In Reply to:

I am in need of a new line count program.  My (old) original is on a floppy disk and I no longer have floppy access.  What is a good/reliable program to use?





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Are you getting your line count from your program or can you use the line counting software to do
s
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!


PT line count
How many lines would you type to be considered PT?  300-500? more?  Thank you 
Line count
I've seen PT listed for as little as 2500 lines a week, minium 500 lines a day.
line count

Where I work the line count is 6000 lines a week, 40 hours.  I do not think it matters how much experience you have as to what your line count is.  Company's have a set amount no matter what your experience.


line count

Where I work the line count is 6000 lines a week, 40 hours.  I do not think it matters how much experience you have as to what your line count is.  Company's have a set amount no matter what your experience.


There are line count programs
available. If you use Word, you can go up to Tools, Word Count and take the characters w/spaces and divide by 65. That, of course, is assuming that you are paid for spaces - which some places do not do.
paying by line count
The company that I work for pays by the actual line in the document, no matter if it is one word or a full line. I would like some feedback as to whether this is a good way to get paid or am I getting screwed?

Any opinions??
THanks
Line count quota
I have never heard of a company that requires only 2500 lines a week for full-time positions. Most full time positions are between 1200 and 1500 lines a day (6000 to 7500 lines per week). Most part-time positions require at least 120 lines per hour with total requirements dependent on how many hours you work.

Your figure of 2500 lines a week is very, very low.
Word's line count is not ideal to use. sm
Word does not always count certain things, like headers, footers, tables, etc., from what I've heard, and I've never found it to be very accurate on the whole. For one document, it might be higher than my line counting software, whereas for another document, it might yield a lower count.

If you use specific software to count lines, you will get a higher count with actual (or gross) lines. Do a Google search for Sylvan's Sylcount software (and there are probably other free downloads, like maybe PractiCount and Abacus). You can download a free trial and then you can set it up to run actual lines versus 65-char line. Sylcount has 2 different options for counting gross lines, one being just a standard count-all-lines command and another being a line equals at least 1 character, and each may give different counts.

I still have a couple accounts that pay actual lines and it has always worked out to be significantly higher. In fact, it proves very challenging for me to find work at 65-char because it's not worth my while in comparison. Love the actual lines!!
part time line count
I heard that part-time is 500 lines a day, or 2500 lines a week; and that full-time is about a thousand lines a day or 5000 lines a week. But I would welcome other responses. Any other comments? I would like to know this also, so it's a good question.
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. 
You can count on M-TEC
You can count on M-Tec to get you where you need to be. They are equally as good at placement and training as Andrews in my opinion. No school can guarantee you a job, because they don't know how good you are until you finish the school. I have seen a lot of graduates on the M-TEC message forum saying they got jobs, and some even before they graduated. I thought I read there where companies will waive the two years experience. THey have a website http://www.mtecinc.com if you want to check out the frequently asked questions and messages there.
count me in
I love it.
Don't count on it.
I have done free internships, been screwed by and even severely insulted by an MTSO who used me, never paid me, now after graduating for over a year, still in an internship at 2 and 3 cents a line with no hope for gainfull employment. They all want 2-3 years experience, but no way for you to get that experience. So I too failed all these online testing, I think they are all a sham. I didn't to to MTEC or the other one, I went to community college then online education for MT and MC with Brighton College and still cannot get a glimmer of hope here in this field. When I think of all the money I spent trying to achieve this goal only to wind up here in limbo like an educated idiot! I want to sue someone for it, just don't know where to start!
MP Count
I have to invoice my doctors and I use MP Count. It is a free download at www.mpword.com. It really works well.
I was too lazy to count them but saw them!
being the effort and quality skill set that takes a newbie to a quality, seasoned MT is something one is born with. Some things can't be taught even at the best schools.
I can't count how many times (sm)
I've seen insurance companies request notes on a patient just to get an MRI authorized, for a patient to get a nonformulary med, etc. The canned templates in the EMRs I've seen create sloppy notes and most look like they've been pasted together like a ransom note, not a clean, concise document. One doc told me he would never use his EMR system to document a visit because it was rude not to make eye contact while a patient was talking to you! There has already been one EMR company that threatened clinics with "freezing" their software if they don't hand over their wallets! EMRs have a long way to go before I ever feel threatened by them.
Word Character count.
The easiest way is to go into your Word toolbar, and click on character count (with or without spacing, depends on you school or employer) take that number and divide by 65.  There you go.
Sorry I misspoke. Character count divided by 65.
nm
On sedond thought, when I do a word count on
MS word with a 65 cpl the lines are more than what I get paid for actual lines. So it seems like I am getting ripped off.

That is what I don't understand
65 character count is standard across the board
i think i would prefer 65, and take a lower per line pay to get my feet in the door. However, recognizing how hard it is for new MT's to be hired, if the training is good, I'd take it just for the experience.
Maybe do a word count in some of your documents and get an average per day or week. Total for new
s
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.
If you currently type in word, then do a word count
then I really can be of no help.  Usually when trying to get an idea of a line count with spaces and without spaces, you can use this method.  Some people have actual line counting software.  I, however, do not, so I am not much help in that regard.  Hope this helps at least a little.
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!


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.
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.
HELP--On-line course information..??
I have been an MT for 13 years and have a friend who is trying to enter this profession via an on-line course.  She asked me if I know of any.  Can anyone tell me about an on-line program that includes training in Expander programs that is a legitimate program and recognized and accepted by employers?  Thanks in advance for your assistance.
It is .06 per line. That is good to know.
Thanks

line counts
as a new grad is 90-100 lc/hr fair or should i get a job flipping burgers
compaired to .065/line more.....
So many newbies I've seen post on here are paid .065/line when they are first starting out. Many say that is very average newbie pay.
All you can go on to compare is the $7.43/hour that you made. Divide that by .065 and you have 114 lines/hour. If your not actually typing that many lines/hour, than your making MORE than average newbie pay.
I hope this helps.
It's the only way to compare the standard way (cpl) newbies are paid.
Christy
What do you mean by the contract seemed way out of line?
You don't give an example of what you are talking about, but I doubt anyone here would knowingly sign a contract that was detrimental to them or way outside industry norms.

I love my ESLs. Even though I do acute care, they tend to be fairly repetitive in their phrasing, and you get used to them after a few reports. In many cases, I would much rather have an ESL than a doc who drops entire syllables from words and words from sentences because he is in such a rush to be done with his dictation. Or spellers. I hate spellers.
Line counting
I would like to know who out there started off with a low line count and exceeded to the max of a 1000 lines or more. How many reports are that usually.?And the appropriate hours it takes to get it done.? Would you please share your story with me. that would be great!
Line counts
If you can create normals this will help tremendously with your line count. Also be sure to utilize any samples that you have available. If you are not using a word Expander already, that will definitely help your speed. The biggest factor in being fast and getting a good line count is to know your stuff and that just comes with experience. When you are first starting out there are a lot of things that you have to look up and that takes a lot of time. Once you get more experience you will find that you don't have to look up as many terms and your speed will pick up.

Good luck!
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. !!!
wpm should be for line quota
What would the typing wpm of a new grad have to at least be, in order to meet the following line count?

"Most full time positions are between 1200 and 1500 lines a day (6000 to 7500 lines per week). Most part-time positions require at least 120 lines per hour "
Med-Line school?

Has anyone heard about Med-Line school? Has anyone heard good/bad things about? Anyone go there? What were your experiences like? They are AHDI approved and provide a paid internship, and so far there program appeals to me - but I'm just wondering whether employers will hire folks who studied there - and equally important - whether Med-Line adequately prepares students for MT.


I realize that Andrews and MTech are the two top schools - but I'd like to keep my options open before committing.


Thank you!


 


On-Line Medical Dictionary

Dorland's has a wonderful on-line dictionary for those who cannot afford their own. I use it all the time, even tho I have my own; it's just easier to click to a website!


Here is the link.  Either click or copy and paste in your web browser:


http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands.jspzQzpgzEzzSzppdocszSzuszSzcommonzSzdorlandszSzdorlandzSzdmd_a-b_00zPzhtm



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.
DSL operates over the phone line
The presence or absence of satellite service is irrelevant.
Oooh... 3 cents per line.
.
Yes, 9 cents per 65-character line.
nm
Line/word counts
There is free software out there on the Internet called MP count.  You could download that and scan a document that you have typed to get an idea of words/lines. There are different settings you can use with this program to calculate lines with spaces, extended, and so on.  Perhaps this could be of some help.  Good luck!