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#4421 - 05/18/00 07:09 PM
Becoming a MT
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Hello Everyone. My name is Raina. I have been reading the board for a few weeks now and although my questions will probably sound repetitious, I need to ask them anyway. My biggest questions is HOW MUCH MEMORIZATION IS INVOLVED IN LEARNING MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY. Is it a very difficult process. From my experience with doctors sometimes it seems as though they are speaking a different language. So realistically, how difficult is it to learn the terminology. If anything else, this is what's scaring me the most. I am currently an administrative assistant and I am really interested in MT, primary because I like typing and would like to work in my home. And could someone please give me a brief description of the home courses (I'm trying to gear myself up). Thanks in advance for any replies. Raina.
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#4422 - 05/18/00 08:01 PM
Re: Becoming a MT
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Hi Raina. Welcome to the board. I just completed courses from my local comm college for MT Certificate. When I first started my medical terminology classes I thought there was no way I could learn, but I did and received straight A's. I also enjoyed the classes. Once you learn the word roots, prefixes, and suffixes you have it made. I made flashcards to help me out. If I can do it anyone can.
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#4423 - 05/19/00 05:23 AM
Re: Becoming a MT
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Hi Raina! I am almost finished with the Andrews School course. There is quite a bit memorization but when you study from home there is more time to do it. First make sure this is really what you want, check the archives and read about MT. Also know that you aren't going to be making great money right after graduation. After you decide then check out the schools, Andrews has an on-line test to even be admitted to their school, it is a REAL test to evaluate your skills. Good Luck!
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#4424 - 05/19/00 02:48 PM
Re: Becoming a MT
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Hi Raina, I finished a very extensive 18-month MT course, and at first it was challenging but once you learn your suffixes and prefixes it becomes easier. I love words and typing and know that this field is for me. Do your research, but I am sure you will love it. Right now I am taking an advanced cardiology course from the same school. Go for it. You can do it.
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#4425 - 05/20/00 05:27 AM
Re: Becoming a MT
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Donna B
Member
Registered: 12/09/99
Posts: 546
Loc: PA&AZ/USA
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Dear Raina: Don't want to "rain" on your parade, but I'd have to say that it is really imperative that you have a strong interest in medicine. If, as you say, you find it hard to communicate with doctors then I'd look really hard at this field first. Granted you don't have to memorize all the terminology, but if you don't have a facility for the language it might not be for you. I was always fascinated by all things medical....if you are just looking at this because you like to type and work at home, then I'm not sure that is enough. Do you love to read medical articles? Are you always on the watch out for new drugs, new testing procedures? If you don't LOVE this field it could be pretty tough for you. It isn't for everyone. Maybe it's perfect for you, but the fact that you never mentioned that you are fascinated by medicine etc. makes me wonder if you want to get into this field for the right reasons. It's a wonderful job, but it is not for everyone. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do. Just be sure that you will LOVE it! 
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#4426 - 05/20/00 08:49 AM
Re: Becoming a MT
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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The perception that MTs "type while at home" is far from the actual job description. Medical terminology is the tip of the iceberg. You also need to know pharmacology, lab values and tests, pathophysiology (disease process), and anatomy and physiology. Of course, this list assumes that you already have excellent grammar skills. While this is a wonderful career (I sure love it!), I would advise you to really investigate before making a committment and IGNORE any company/school that advertises "make $40K while working at home" -- they just want your money.
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#4427 - 05/22/00 06:30 PM
Re: Becoming a MT
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Donna2
Member
Registered: 12/31/69
Posts: 6152
Loc: Sunny FL
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Ditto, ditto, ditto! Be very careful that you are going into this for the right reasons. An MT has to ENJOY words: That means being interested in listening to words, researching words, spelling words, and learning their meanings. An MT has to have excellent grammar skills. As mentioned, an intense enjoyment of medical is important, too. Transcription isn't typing. It's completely different. Personally, I do not like to type. However, I enjoy transcribing very much. Most good schools will send you info free of charge and will outline "what makes a good MT." Andrews (perhaps others, I don't know), will have you take a screening test, then advise you as to whether this would be a good field for you. It is possible to make quite a bit of money from home, but you won't until you have a lot of experience. "A lot of money" straight out of graduation cannot be your main goal. DONNA [This message has been edited by Donna2 (edited 05-22-2000).]
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