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#97993 - 05/15/08 12:47 PM
Seeking insight
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kaka
New Member
Registered: 05/14/08
Posts: 8
Loc: TN
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I have also posted this in another thread so please bear with me as I am looking for as much insight as possible.
For the last two months I have been researching Medical Transcription. What began as a search to find legitimate work at home actually became an interest evolving into excitement after digging into this field by working on my own from a text/workbook I bought at Amazon. I was ready to commit to CS, it being a middle priced course and coming highly recommended by a couple of former students working from their homes now. My situation is not one of a stay at home mom. Rather I am at the other end of the spectrum. Being near 54, we have a great need for additional income as my husband is disabled. Having a home office and being proficient with the computer and various software, I naturally searched for something I could do from here, as I enjoy computer projects and spend time each day at my desk, even it its just email and Internet surfing.
I knew being older it might be harder and/or take me longer to retain the enormous amount of information that must become a part of your life. (On the other hand it would also keep my brain from turning to mush ) I also am not a high speed typist, so I have also been practicing my keyboarding in preparation of signing on to a course. Knowing repetition, and possibly word expanders, would also do a lot during the training and actual work. More and more I found this work of an M T interesting and am ready to do whatever it takes to become one, reaching for the goal of working and generating income.
Then my research brought me to this forum and taking in a lot of the opinions and experiences I have read, this is very discouraging. First I read many non-favorable threads regarding Career Step. In addition to that, I have read here of how the wages are being lowered to the point of barely a poverty level of income. For someone who had and still wants to have great anticipation of this mid life career path, to say the least, I am very disheartened right now, still yearning to do this kind of work and yet unsure of the results of even my best efforts. From other Internet resources I thought a good MT would always have good choices for employment. Now I am not so sure.
Any and all insight, suggestions and/or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Karen
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#97994 - 05/15/08 01:03 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: kaka]
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baldymom
Member
Registered: 02/26/04
Posts: 632
Loc: Hampton Roads - Va
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Since people like to discuss problems they have had and the bad new that comes, I will tell you a bit about my first year as an MT. If I had worked full time as an MT in 2007, I would have made $25,000, before taxes with no benefits. I work as an IC. I graduated in 2006 from Andrews.
That being said, I would not and will not ever recommend a new graduate of any school jumping straight into acute care. I would also never recommend to any new graduate going with one of the large MT companies out there if they could help it.
I work on a clinic account. I have for 19 months. If I were to work 40 hours a week, this year I would make $38,000. It can be done. It cannot be done working for a hospital account typing 200 doctors and every specialty in the book. I type only orthopaedics. That is why I am able to make it work. As the years go by and as I am able, I will take the time to work on other specialities. Eventually I may know enough to make a go of an acute care account.
I did work on an acute care account for 2-3 months about 2 months after graduating from Andrews. The only files that I could type with any confidence were, of course, the orthopedic ones. I could not even make minimum wage. I don't know how anyone coming out of any other school could make half that if an Andrews grade couldn't pull of $7 / hour. (Yes, Andrews is that good.)
It can be done, but not everyone falls into the best situation as I did. Many do not realize what a huge difference the kind of account you aquire, the company you work for, and the platform you work on can make. I know this now. I'll share it with those I can. I got lucky and fell into a good situation. Many don't know what to look for, so I'm letting those who will listen know how I made it work. Finding a good company that has steady clinic work can be difficult. I found the best!  Lucky me!
Others will come along and tell you differently, I'm sure.
_________________________
What would you do with a brain if you had one? -- Dorothy -- Wizard of Oz
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#97996 - 05/15/08 02:08 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: baldymom]
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kaka
New Member
Registered: 05/14/08
Posts: 8
Loc: TN
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Thank you for your insight. Right now I am on the threshold, so to speak, going into debt for classes and the doubts of beginning this grueling journey at this point in my life pulling in one direction. While the excitement of learning new things, expectations of a whole new world opening up along with the desire to be an asset, productive and contribute not only to our income but to healthcare in this anonymous way in the other.
I eagerly look forward to reading and carefully considering all that will respond. Still in the end, I am depending on God's wisdom to direct and empower.
Again thanks
Karen
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#97999 - 05/15/08 02:28 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: kaka]
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2kids3dogs
New Member
Registered: 04/01/08
Posts: 15
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I agree 100% with what Baldymom said. Clinic work is the way to go although those accounts are few and far between. As for training, there are several local community colleges that have MT programs. For someone like myself, I prefer going TO school rather than learning from an online institute. Then again, that's just me.
I've been offered several acute care positions but I have no desire to do acute care again. I did that for too long, hated every minute of it and honestly would rather find another job than spend hours being miserable.
If you like acute care, you'll have a lot more opportunities but you need to weed out the bad ones from the good ones and I can't give you any advice that way.
There are many days when I've thought about going back to school and doing something different but I love my job, I love MT and one day I'll hit the powerball #s right! ;)
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#98003 - 05/15/08 03:10 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: 2kids3dogs]
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baldymom
Member
Registered: 02/26/04
Posts: 632
Loc: Hampton Roads - Va
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As for training, there are several local community colleges that have MT programs. For someone like myself, I prefer going TO school rather than learning from an online institute.
While this is true, if you need to or want to start working from home from graduation, it is better to go with M-TEC or Andrews. Most community college programs will only train you enough to get into an in-house position with a doctor's office, clinic, or possibly a hospital position. If you want to start from home, then those two on-line schools are the only way to go. Their instructors and communication are excellent. You just have to provide the self-discipline.
_________________________
What would you do with a brain if you had one? -- Dorothy -- Wizard of Oz
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#98004 - 05/15/08 03:31 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: baldymom]
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kaka
New Member
Registered: 05/14/08
Posts: 8
Loc: TN
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In the beginning of my search, I did research anything local. At the time I thought it was because I am in a rural area but have come to see the necessary training for M T's that plan to work from home as soon as possible after completion of class is not available.
I talked with a woman who does transcription for our small local hospital. She used an online course from a University about an hour away and while she is working in house, she desires to transition to home but cannot pass the tests.
As I stated in my original post, I have been studying on my own to become more familiar with everything involved in order to make an informed decision. I have been using "Introduction to Medical Office Transcription", third edition which includes several pages of written exercises and a CD with actual transcriptions to be done at the end of each of the 12 chapters. Is anyone familiar with this? I am halfway through the text/workbook and found myself more and more needing at least a medical dictionary. Since I have no other resources other than using Google and whatever I can find online.
So this has convinced me its time to make a decision. Most courses come with some of the resources I need and I don't want to duplicate dictionaries, etc. Thus the reason for this plea for information.
Again thanks to everyone for your time.
Karen
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#98006 - 05/15/08 03:36 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: kaka]
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kaka
New Member
Registered: 05/14/08
Posts: 8
Loc: TN
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P. S. I neglected to mention the authors of the book I am studying. The book I mentioned, Introduction to Medical Office Transcription, third edition, is written by Karonne J. Becklin and Edith M. Sunnarborg.
Karen
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#98007 - 05/15/08 03:41 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: kaka]
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FarAwayDeb
Member
Registered: 03/15/02
Posts: 2827
Loc: just south of Rochester, NY
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I sent you a PM. 
_________________________
Good grammar ain't easy.
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#98009 - 05/15/08 04:08 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: kaka]
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baldymom
Member
Registered: 02/26/04
Posts: 632
Loc: Hampton Roads - Va
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I feel the need to clarify something, for whatever it is worth. When I say I am an IC, I mean I work for someone else as an IC. I do not have my own accounts. I don't know how hard it would be to gain your own local accounts graduating from a community college/business school program, or any program for that matter. Though if you are in such a rural area, that may not matter much. There may not be much available.
I am not familiar with that book you mentioned, but it sounds like a great place to start. I'd love to hear that transcription CD and see how it compares to the real thing! Some programs use actors. There's definitely a world of difference.
(Shameless plug: Andrews, Andrews, Andrews! )
_________________________
What would you do with a brain if you had one? -- Dorothy -- Wizard of Oz
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#98013 - 05/15/08 04:59 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: kaka]
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FarAwayDeb
Member
Registered: 03/15/02
Posts: 2827
Loc: just south of Rochester, NY
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I am halfway through the text/workbook and found myself more and more needing at least a medical dictionary. Since I have no other resources other than using Google and whatever I can find online.
There is an all-in-one dictionary online that includes a couple different medical dictionaries, plus more:
OneLook
Edited by FarAwayDeb (05/15/08 05:00 PM)
_________________________
Good grammar ain't easy.
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#98047 - 05/16/08 02:24 AM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: FarAwayDeb]
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AmBeck22
Member
Registered: 11/02/06
Posts: 326
Loc: WV
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Kaka,
If you're wanting to start from home and CAN swing a loan payment, go with Andrews or M-TEC. Period.
I just paid off my school loan in March and it wasn't difficult at all; I only had to pay what I could afford and when I had it I paid extra. Luckily, I can say that I paid it by being an MT!
Finally, listen to Deb. She knows what she is talking about.
_________________________
Amanda 
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#98061 - 05/16/08 09:54 AM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: AmBeck22]
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kaka
New Member
Registered: 05/14/08
Posts: 8
Loc: TN
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Thanks to everyone for your response. I am filled with eager yet cautious anticipation. As much as I want to officially begin, I haven't reached a decision yet. Mostly because I was so focused and already 99% decided and certain CS was one of the most outstanding schools and would prepare me for any job in this field. Plus it's a lot less expensive, and that is no small consideration.
It's a bit difficult to rethink and sort out all this new information, but this has definitely opened my eyes to some things I was ignorant regarding. And I am exploring the prospects of the two schools recommended by most here.
Again thanks and my best to all.
Still seeking,
Karen
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#98116 - 05/16/08 05:04 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: baldymom]
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Ebit
Member
Registered: 01/10/03
Posts: 1280
Loc: Black Hole of the Internet
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As for training, there are several local community colleges that have MT programs. For someone like myself, I prefer going TO school rather than learning from an online institute. While this is true, if you need to or want to start working from home from graduation, it is better to go with M-TEC or Andrews. Most community college programs will only train you enough to get into an in-house position with a doctor's office, clinic, or possibly a hospital position. If you want to start from home, then those two on-line schools are the only way to go. Their instructors and communication are excellent. You just have to provide the self-discipline.
Hear, hear! I would strongly advise against community colleges, with the possible exception of Everett CC and possibly Gatlin. I have never seen any other that could produce a decently trained MT graduate - and they can be MORE expensive than the top online schools. And I've reviewed hundreds of MT tests over the past couple of years. Don't waste your time on CCs!
_________________________
The means are the end. - Laia Asieo Odo
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#98125 - 05/16/08 08:05 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: Ebit]
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sheepshearinglady
Member
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 197
Loc: Nebraska
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From my understanding, the Everett CC program uses CS materials but you get the added bonus of having actual instructors. Please correct me if I am mistaken.
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#98258 - 05/19/08 12:54 AM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: sheepshearinglady]
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Redpen
Member
Registered: 12/31/69
Posts: 932
Loc: Virtual Oklahoma!
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Choosing a school is a difficult decision. It's not easy to find a school that is a good fit with your personal style and finances. Take as much time as you need to make the decision, but make sure that you are making the decision wisely. Make sure you are looking at the right things.
If working from home is what you want to do, then that is what you should base your decision on. Will that school prepare you to be offered a job promptly after graduation? Will the employer be a good one? Will you be able to hit the ground running and work productively -- as far as possible -- right away? Will you be able to KEEP the job as long as YOU want? Or will you be let go within 90 days because you can't do the work?
Pay close attention to this: "while she is working in house, she desires to transition to home but cannot pass the tests." This is the problem -- working from home requires superior preparation. Not all courses teach to that level. This is a very, very important consideration.
If finances are an issue, be sure you are clear about financing options. Be clear about what you get for your money. Cheap is no bargain if you can't get, or keep, a job!
Finally, you mentioned that "Most courses come with some of the resources I need and I don't want to duplicate dictionaries, etc." I am not sure I am reading this correctly, but please don't make this important decision on whether you may or may not end up with duplicate dictionaries. Or even on whether you end up with a whole duplicated library! Focus on whether you can get a job at the end of it.
I wish you success with your decision. It's a difficult one. Why not take another week or two to think about it? Put it out of your mind for that time, then come back to it with a fresh outlook. During that time, your mind may sort through some of the details, making your decision a lot easier.
_________________________
Redpen
(The Andrews School)
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#98266 - 05/19/08 10:14 AM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: Redpen]
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kaka
New Member
Registered: 05/14/08
Posts: 8
Loc: TN
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Thank you. This is the most difficult decision I have made in a long time. I don't feel I have been hasty, I have been researching and home studying since March. But I am going to take this week to concentrate on something else (or try to, this profession pulls at me.) While at the same time regrouping my thoughts. Saturday I will be 54 and following the holiday weekend seems to be a good milestone to move forward.
Many thanks to everyone for your insight. I certainly am still open and by the grace of God not nearly as frantic as last week with everything spinning around in my head.
By duplicating dictionaries, I meant I had found myself going about as far as I could, in my home study, without personally owning any medical dictionaries. Knowing most courses provided them, I did not want to order one myself to only have it duplicated. It did not have anything to do with choosing the school based on duplication. It meant my procastinatin in choosing a school was coming down to the line.
Again thanks,
Karen
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#98284 - 05/19/08 05:57 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: kaka]
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JJ3
Member
Registered: 04/01/01
Posts: 152
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Hi Karen,
Check out the sections below on this page. There is an Andrews board and an M-Tec board. Lots of info on there.
You can even log onto the M-Tec student board. You can see what the students are all working on, talking about, struggling with. You can get an idea of what will be happening for you as a student. It seems like a very supportive community.
Good Luck!
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#98357 - 05/20/08 02:42 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: JJ3]
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busymomma
New Member
Registered: 05/20/08
Posts: 1
Loc: Indiana
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I, too am a newby. I am just completing At-Homeprofessions MT course. It was complete with a Stedman's medical dictionary and a quick look drug book, both of which are great! I am at the point of looking for employment. Everyone you talk to "knows someone" who makes lots of money typing, but when you get down to brass tacks, I cannot find anyone really working the job. I have gone through the phone books, and online hospital doctors registry, and have not found anything. I have only had two places who have even asked for my resume. I would perfer to work from home, for several reasons, but can go to work if needed. Any leads on how to land a job, or any one who needs help or knows of any companies who do hire at home typists--let me know.
I find the work to be challenging and interesting. I have a high B in my course, and have only my final to be posted--then I am done.
I was thrilled to be told of this forum--Thanks to you all!!
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#98358 - 05/20/08 02:46 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: busymomma]
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haggis
Member
Registered: 04/29/04
Posts: 2638
Loc: Left Coast, FL
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It was complete with a Stedman's medical dictionary and a quick look drug book
Complete? 
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#98360 - 05/20/08 03:10 PM
Re: Seeking insight
[Re: haggis]
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14tonks
Member
Registered: 10/25/01
Posts: 6295
Loc: Only 3rd world country in US
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AHP is not one of the courses out of which people generally find it possible to find work at home unless they have contacts to get their own accounts or with someone who will hire and train them. At best it provides a very sketchy introduction to clinical transcription. Your best bet is to look around for any hospital or, more likely, doctor's office that will hire you in house. Another possibility is a small local MTSO still dealing strictly in tapes and paper who can therefore only hire from the local area. Occasionally someone in that boat is willing to hire a rank newbie who needs to be trained from ground zero--which you do. AHP just does not give you any real prep for this work, and big nationals looking for people to do acute care work at home will not respond to your resume.
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