The truth about MTing. sm
Posted By: searching on 2007-04-16
In Reply to: should I get into this business - ng
You are the only one who can decide this. What you need to know: You must have an excellent background in grammar and spelling. Otherwise, forget it.
You must be able to set goals for yourself and meet them. This is not a field for "part-time" people to break into. You can work part time, but you will need to really put the time, effort and concentration in until you know the business. It was the hardest training I ever did, and I have 3 college degrees.
It does take 3-5 years to get comfortable with this field. If you are looking for something that will start making you money in 6-12 months, forget it. You will just have started. The money is there for those that do the work, realistically $12-18 an hour for the average MT. Sometimes when I start a new account, I'm lucky to make $8-10 an hour for the first several months. Do not be fooled by the "make $25 in your spare time ads," they are scams. A few exceptional people make that money or more, but most of us make a decent living, $25K - 35K a year.
If you are looking at a training program, be sure you get into one of the really reputable programs that can place you after graduation. (I only know of 3 of them although there may be several others. The rest give you a certificate and you're on your own; you're lucky to get a job.)
Yes, many of the companies are going off shore. Fortunately, there are still companies that insist on American quality. I have 18 years experience, including 10 years in-hospital. I can send out 2 resumes and get a job, but that's a lot of experience. Also, I no longer make the $24 an hour I did in hospital. I adjusted.
If you have the qualifications and you are willing to put in at least 3 years of dedicated training, then it's still a decent field, and I think it will be for years to come. But if you want a quick, stable income fast, I would look elsewhere. Just my opinion.
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I started MTing in 1979 and right not would not recommend it to anyone.
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You want good news or the reality of MTing? sm
Got out of MT after 12 years recently. I had multiple job offers when I graduated from MTEC and have worked at home since that time. I have made excellent money most of those years and used to enjoy it. Over the past 3 years there has been a definite turn for the worse as far as the number of ESLs docs out there, as it seems all the docs who speak well are using ASR or switching to electronic medical records altogether. Also, instead of my line rate going up each year, many of us are now in positions where there are never any raises and we are being asked to take a reduction in line rate, be available to work 7 days a week, scrambling around to get what work there is on multiple accounts, etc. What other job do you know of where the more experience you get the less money you are offered each year? You are also competing in a job market right now where there are fewer jobs than ever and plenty of people with lots of experience. Yes, if I had to do it all over again I would not choose this career. Just MHO... 
Truth is toxic?
x
Truth about MT jobs
Your are so right. I have done this for 19 years, but had to take off the last 2 years. I have been back transcribing for the last 5 months. I now can truly say that I regret ever going into this field. It is ridiculous what they pay now. It is insulting and impossible to make a consistent living doing this anymore. I make less than I did over 10 years ago. Eight cents a line is ridiculous, but anyone that takes anything less than that is insane. You will not get ahead doing that and never benefit from this job, working for a service. Im sorry, it is truly sad what has happened to his occupation. Very sad, and will get sadder..... unfortunately
You can "believe" all you want but there is such a thing as truth. sm
Medical transcription is not relative and you won't get a job because you "believe" you will. It takes a lot of hard work. As the other posters have said, you need basic English skills and they're not coming through on your posts.
You know what? Nobody needs to be ashamed for telling the truth
If someone thinks one of the "Big 2 or 3" schools did a good job for them, there's not a reason in the world why they shouldn't say so. This idea that only those schools' supporters should be silenced is inappropriate. At the same time, other schools' graduates should do the same.
Just telling the truth. Many of their graduates
come here and say the same thing. Their program stinks. Any company that advertises on matchbooks and TV you really have to wonder how good they are. You never hear of M-Tec or Andrews advertising.
Well, sugar-coating the truth isn't
much help though, is it? It doesn't matter if you can type 100 wpm if you lack the necessary English grammar, spelling or punctuation, true? You still can't pass tests with picky companies.
Thank you for finally telling the truth about this field!
I have applied to two hospitals that are looking for a radiology transcriptionist. They are both paid by the hour and offer daycare which means that my son will only have to do daycare for 3 hours a day with my husbands help. I am just sad though that I won't be able to spend as much time with my son. I hope that someday I will be able to take home the work. They are interviewing in two weeks so wish me luck! Thank you so much for finally telling the truth to what this field of work is really like!!!
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