A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry


I have a college degree question - desperate to get out of MTing


Posted: Aug 23, 2012

I can't stand doing MT anymore.  I applied and have received Pell grants, yay!  Now, I need to decide on my major.  I want to be in a career where I can help people.  I'm thinking social work or psychology.  But I keep seeing jobs where they say "BA in Human Services needed."  Wouldn't this just be social work?  

Social work - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
A BA in psychology is not enough, as a rule, to get a job out of college. You usually need a masters or higher.

Much of the social work degree is actually working in the field (at least at the university I went to).

However, you should research the outlook as lots of government cutbacks will affect job growth. Also, it is HARD and heartbreaking sometimes.

I would do extensive research before embarking on any 4 year degree.

My spouse got a degree in Anthropology and had to go back for a masters in something entirely different to find a job.

Social sciences can be tricky.

Career counseling - might help

[ In Reply To ..]
You might want to look into career counseling before deciding on a major. If you are enrolling in college, most colleges have a career office where they will help you decide on a career and what you need to get there. There are also good books to read on the subject, like "What color is my parachute?" You might also consider job shadowing, volunteer work, or some type of internship to get a feel for a career before you decide. If you take the time now to decide on a clear path of where you are going and what it will take to get there, it will makes things much easier in the long run.

It is not impossible to get a job with a bachelor's degree in psychology (I have one), but most jobs you can get will not have very high salaries. I used to work at a group home for kids with developmental disabilities and loved it but resigned so I could stay home and raise my kids and then got into MT.

You will need advanced degrees - For both of those

[ In Reply To ..]
Pretty much, you will need advanced degrees in both of those if you want a job that is worth something.

There is an associate's degree social work program at the college near me, but I don't know what the graduates can do. I don't know what a bachelor's degree would do. Without an MSW, I do not know any facility that will hire them. Someone I know thought she would be an MSW when she finished it and was astonished to find that she would not, that none of the coursework would help one bit with a master's degree, and that the few jobs were very low-paying "aide" type jobs with public agencies.

You pretty much need a doctorate in psychology, too. There are "psych tech" positions at the bachelor's level, but their services are not billable, so the attraction for hiring them is decreasing. What jobs exist are, again, low-paying "aide" type positions.

Before you jump into something and waste your Pell Grant eligibility, make sure you determine the job market for it, the requirements, and salaries IN YOUR AREA. Do you need licensure? Certification? Find people who are DOING those jobs and ask to visit them to see what they do and how much they make. It might be far different from what you thought.

People go to college and graduate with majors they enjoyed, but which are utterly useless in the workplace. Many, many graduates now are not working in their fields. The most common job for them seems to be barista.

One of the best choices for college now is health informatics. Even just health information is good. There is a very good, totally online program at Western Governor's University. There is actually a SHORTAGE of qualified workers in these fields, both of which offer excellent salaries. The RHIA salary is better than the RHIT, but you could do an RHIA program at WGU in less time than elsewhere and probably the same time as or just a little more than an AA program.

I realize that everyone wants to pick a job that they feel they will love, but if you don't know what a BA in Human Services is, or what social work is, you do not know enough about the fields to choose a major.

It sounds like you chose the college first and are now trying to fit one of their majors into your life. You should be doing this the other way around. Choose the CAREER first, determine what majors will get you there, then find a college that does a good job of it.

College - BS holder

[ In Reply To ..]
Firstly, good for you!! Learning is a beautiful thing and receiving a PELL grant makes it much easier!! LOL

I agree with the other posters about obtaining degrees that might not "fit" jobs, but honestly, most of my friends, myself included, have obtained jobs that are no where closely related to our degrees. What the degree does convey, though, is a person with motivation to move forward, self-discipline and many other character traits.

No-one says you have to have a major chosen in the first couple years anyway (I assume you are going for a bachelor's degree?). You will be busy with general education classes. Or, even the first year. That leaves you plenty of time to chat with your counselor, check out different departments and jobs they may lead to, just investigate! It's fun to choose a major and have a "plan," but when you attend class and get to know your professors and some classmates, you will learn about jobs you may never have known existed!!

Enjoy it! I did. :)

excellent advice and to reiterate - sue

[ In Reply To ..]
if you do physically want to attend a local university, you can't take for granted it offers the program, especially social work. And it is a masters/doctorate degree field.

Research your question properly - and that means - not here.

[ In Reply To ..]
The people to talk to are people who run social work departments, faculty who teach in SW programs, etc. You can also find many forums where social work professionals hang out.

degree - mt1347

[ In Reply To ..]
Neither of the fields you are interested will pay a lot, but if you are more concerned about helping people and you have grants, and won't get drowned in student loan debt, go for it. You first 2 years will be taking general required courses, and you can discover what you're good at and enjoy. I would say if you like psychology, think about industrial psych, which is basically human resources - you are hired by corporations, hospitals, large businesses, to help design and implement training program, continuing ed, employee reward programs, etc. My nephew does that, loves it, and makes good money. He got a masters, but it's not necessary, you can do well with a Bachelor's. Also, consider what group of people you want to work with - kids, adults, teens, older folks? You want to work one and one in counseling? The Baby Boomer generation is aging - that will open up a whole spectrum of new jobs that will require psychology or psychology based training.


Similar Messages:


College Degree
Feb 17, 2015

I see many job ads for coders that specify a college degree is required.  I am in coding school currently but only have a GED.  What do you think chances are I can get a job with no college degree?  I currently work as a remote MT and have almost 20 years of continuous experience in that field and was hoping that would help me get a job.  I am not at all, however, interested in getting a college degree. ...


So Should I Just Forego My MT 2 Year Degree And Go On To My Bachelors Degree In Something Else Compl
Mar 08, 2010

After hearing all the hum drum about the future of new medical transcriptionists on this website, I'm starting to feel like a real numskull for even choosing my 2 year degree in medical transcription. It just seems like there's no hope for new medical transcriptionists these days. Should I just get any regular job and just go for my bachelors degree in something completely different? Since I've been posting on hear for the last week and so far the answers to my questions have bee ...


1st Degree Over First Degree AV Block
Feb 11, 2013

Can anyone tell me, and I mean if you are on the forum right now if 1st degree block AV block is now acceptable or even preferred over first degree AV block?  Don't get me wrong guys, no matter when you answer it, it will help me.  I would just have like an answer if possible tonight, but I realiize that is asking too much.  Just answer whenever you get some time.  I would appreciate it.  Thanks guys!! Hope!  ...


3rd Degree?
Apr 06, 2010

I've been all over the Internet and my texts and past assignments and I cannot find a definitive answer to this.  I'm trying to decide whether it should be "third degree compression fracture" or "3rd degree compression fracture" as everything I've seen online says to spell it out as it pertains to burns.  I'm assuming it would be the same for fractures, but I can't find anything that describes a compression fracture as a degree.  Does anyone know this one ...


I Don't Know What To Get A Degree In
Apr 19, 2014

I'm going back to school. I know that I want a bachelor's degree. The trouble is, I don't know what I want to study. My personality is introverted and shy. I can deal with co-workers, but dealing with the general public and customers is not my strong point.So careers where I'd have to be out front or a "leader" wouldn't be a good option for me. I can't/don't want to be a nurse or teacher. I had thought about getting a degree in Computer Science, but I am not g ...


If You Are An RMT, Is Having A Degree Still Important?
May 16, 2011

Hi all. I plan on taking the RMT test soon and feel confident of passing. My question is, if I do get the title, will employers care that I don't have a formal education in MT?... Would passing the test serve as adequate indication that I know enough to qualify? Thanks in advance. ...


15 Degree Blade Or 15-degree Blade?
May 24, 2011

not sure which is correct ...


Kaplan University Degree In MT?
Apr 12, 2010

My husband is close to finishing the MT program at Kaplan University.  He will end up is AS Degree - is this a good program? Does he have any chance of getting a job? This degree cost 10 times as much at the course from CareerStep. I sure hope we didn't waste ALOT of money for nothing. ...


Would An HIM Degree Make A Difference?
Jun 09, 2011

if I want to move to something other then transcription but stilll not waste the 12 years transcription experience I have?  ...


Kaplan University MT Degree
Oct 07, 2011

So about 6 months ago I started the MT program at Kaplan University and have been really enjoying it so far. I was reading in this forum earlier, however, and read about a school called Andrews. I was just wondering what the difference was between the degrees that are offered at Kaplan and Andrews and if anyone on the forum has graduated from Kaplan or is in their program and what they thought of the program and if they were abled to get hired right away or not.     ...


Degree Required To Transcribe?
Jan 23, 2012

Does anyone else here find it "interesting" that a company would require an Associates' or higher degree for their medical transcriptionists? ...


Associates Degree Medical Coding
May 07, 2010

Im so confused, I keep reading on different forums on line how hard it can be to break into medical coding. Does having an AA degree help?  Is that a plus?  I see some on line colleges that are accredited offer AA degrees, AABS degrees, etc.....whats the difference? Is it better for a newbie to go straight to AHIMA and take their cluster of courses or take an on line billing class through one of the on-line universities, then go test at AHIMA and AAPC?  ...


Proper Way To Type Out Degree Of Burns
Oct 21, 2010

Can someone help me with the proper way to type third degree burns or 3rd degree burns.  thanks so much. ...


Career Option If You Have A Bachelors Degree
Mar 12, 2012

Interesting post on the coding board about this, so I thought I would mention it here. If you have a bachelors degree in any subject, you can qualify to take the RHIA exam by completing a postbaccalaureate certificate program in health information administration that is accredited by AHIMA.  That opens up a lot of job opportunities.  You should have little trouble with a program like that because of your healthcare background. There are only a few of those programs and some are extre ...


RHIT DEGREE VS CODING CERTIFICATION
Feb 13, 2013

In researching an HIT degree, I have mostly come across job descriptions that include coding.  I am currently a medical transcriptionist and jobs are now being shipped off shore.  Are coding jobs being shipped off shore as well?  And, if so, what would the benefit be of a degree in Health Information Techology?  What jobs are available other than coding and medical records? ...


I Have An AA Degree In Liberal Arts From Years Ago
Nov 28, 2014

or does it need to be a specific AA degree in HIM, as far as what employers are looking for from coders with the proper certifications. ...


Do I Need An Associates Degree To Sit For The AHIMA Certification Exam?
May 09, 2010

so very confused now.  wanted to sign up for AHIMA but now i read this on their site.   Step One: Education Step one begins with a college education. You need to complete either an associate or bachelor's degree program in health information management offered at over 200 colleges and universities across the country. For a listing of accredited programs, click here.  ...


Latest Job-search Finding: A B.A. Degree Required
Sep 08, 2012

If I went through all the work, time and expense to have a Bachelor's Degree, I'd be pretty ticked off if that's all I could get with it. Still, that janitor's job paid a lot better than MT -  something like $18-20/hour.  That's why I looked. ...


Okay Everyone. I Went To College Today
Mar 17, 2010

I spoke with a counselor/advisor who was extremely helpful.  They gave me a couple of tests, personality and skill tests to see what I want do in life.  I scored pretty high on counseling and criminal justice and even showed medical transcription.  Here is what it says about being a medical transcriptionist in Oregon. Wages   Location Pay Period Entry Median Top Oregon Hourly $12.73 (1) $17.00 Monthly $2,206 (1) $2,946 Yearly $ ...


Started My First Day Of College :)
Sep 29, 2012

I just wanted to post that I completed my first week of college. The first day was scary, but by the second day I felt much more at ease. My first class happened to algebra, so wish me luck. I know that I am making the right decision, so I am hoping that I can start counting the days to when I can just give my notice. It is going to be tough, but it definitely is going to be worth it. ...


I've Just Been Accepted To College!!
Oct 22, 2013

After going back and forth for two years, I finally decided to apply for college and I was accepted, yay me!!  Actually, I already have my Associate's degree, so this isn't my first time in college, but I feel like I've taken a huge step in my life and I was so excited I just wanted to share with my fellow MTs!  Just an FYI, after researching an endless amount of colleges, I chose WGU majoring in Health Informatics and am even considering my MBA there as well because the ...


I'm Not Sure What College These Docs Went To
Jun 08, 2015

But I noticed when my son graduated from college, it was a mid range college in no way an ivy league school, that he spoke very intelligent, used correct grammar, and actually formed correct sentences. I made mention to him, that in listening to his friends talk, I was VERY impressed and happy they actually learned something in school..He said, "I don't see why, that's what they teach us in college, this isn't high school anymore mom." I'm just not hearing it out of these d ...


Is Ashworth College Reputable?
Jan 07, 2010

I recently signed up for Medical Billing and Medical Terminology classes through Ashworth College.  I would like to know if anyone out there is familar with Ashworth College, I've been told that there's a lot of schools out there that just want your money and I want to make sure if I'm making the right decision for me and my family. Thanks in advance for your help! ...


Welp, Im Going Back To College At Age 50!
May 20, 2010

I waited as long as I could, but my income has dropped by 30% at least, and I can't pay my bills...........so fortunately I just got awarded a Pell Grant (thanks to my low MT income), so Im going back to school! ...


Miller-Motte College
Jun 15, 2010

Does anyone have any experience with this college?  They just opened a new site in my town that will be doing healthcare only at first and have been thinking of doing this. ...


Community College Vs. M-Tec/Andrews
Feb 11, 2011

Is it better to go with the tried-and-true Andrews or M-tec as opposed to a local community college that offers MT courses? I was thinking it would be better to stick with the former, but was intrigued by the fact that the local junior college seems to be promising "internships". I'm not 100 percent sure yet, as the informational meeting isn't until the beginning of March, but wondered what the prevailing wisdom might be on the subject. Thanks in advance for any info. ...


Getting Out Of MTing And Going Back To College
Oct 13, 2011

Mting is no longer for me.  I'm 34, single mom, need a better career.  I can't seem to decide on which career path to take.  I want to get my bachelor's degree because it will make me feel like I have accomplished something, and I would like to have a degree and possibly get my master's someday.  I can't decide between healthcare information management and getting my RHIA, or something totally different and getting a BS in business-human resources man ...


Goodbye MT World, Hello College
Jun 25, 2012

After being an MT for 12 years and wanting to go back to college for the past 2 years, I have finally done it!  I will no longer be an MT as of July 1st, and I couldn't be happier!  I applied and was accepted to WGU and will be getting my BS in Health Informatics. This is a very unique program and my goal is to finish in a year and a half (I had credits transfer in which helps).  Anyone who is interested in going back to college and wants to work in health care with IT, check ...


Community College Program
Jan 18, 2015

I would like opinions on taking a coding program at a community college, then being properly prepared to become a successful coder and getting certified. Cost is important to me, which makes this an attractive option. What is the consensus about this? Thanks for your comments. ...


College Of Legal Arts MT Program
Jan 09, 2010

Does anyone know anything about this school's Medical Transcription program? ...