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

Is 40 too old to go back to school? - MT to ?

Posted: Feb 02, 2010

Being an MT is not paying my bills. I am thinking about going back to school, but I am 40 and it has been so long since I was in high school. I have to google to help my son with his 4th grade homework let alone do college math. AND it will be 2 to 4 years before I will get a good job. I am leaning towards radiology tech, lab tech, or maybe nursing. Can't decide just yet but I know that EMR isn't going to be taking those jobs away!!! Any advice or encouragement? Has anyone made the jump to go back to school? How hard is the math for these types of courses? Thanks in advance.

encouragement! - elaine

[ In Reply To ..]
Radiology, nursing are brilliant careers that will remain valuable. Don't be afraid to go back to school.

My mom knew a woman (back in the 1950s) who went back to school at 40, once her kids were grown up a bit, and achieved an MD degree.

It's never too late! I wish you the best!

not too late - anon

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I wish you the best. I would go for radiology or sonography. I have been thinking about it myself, yet have yet to take the leap of faith.

My grandmother was widowed in her late 40s. She went to school at a time when many women did not work outside the home. She became an LPN, worked at a nursing home and absolutely loved it. Before she passed away, she always told me it's never too late:)

Not too late - longtimemt

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Its not too late--I'm 50 and just started back Monday. I was nervous but no one has made me feel like the old lady in the class. Good luck to you. I'm getting out of medical completely.

Aww, you're just a young'un; you can do it and many - students are older than you. Have fun with your n

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nm

Go back. - Anon

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There was a woman who graduated at age 89 at the school I go to. Granted, she died 10 years later at 99, so I'm sure there are a few posters on this board who will say, "See. She would still be alive today if she didn't go back to school." I, however, think the opposite is true. I say, as long as you can google, you can go back to school. I think it's easier now because of so many resources available on the internet.

Posted wrong place - anon

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Sorry - responding to first poster not to you.

math, etc. - older student

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To the original poster...I returned to school as an adult and was concerned about math classes as I noticed at the end of your post, also. I finished all of my general education classes at a community college. They offer the option of beginning with college alegebra which is usually what you need for your associates OR you backtrack to make your way UP to alegebra (as you shall see, you are NOT alone). I had to make my way UP to alegebra, and it turned out to be fun because one-half of my pre-algebra classes were in a math lab where I made some fun friends my own age who were returning to school just as I was. In those 2 classes, they covered very basic math principles, the things I had not done since being a freshman in high school!!

Anyhow, hope this helps a little. I ended up with my Bachelor's degree and even though I'm not utilizing it fully right now, it was definitely worth it!! Feel free to email me if I can be of further help.

I am 52 and in the middle of my training . . . - Never ever too late . . . .

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It is NEVER too late. NEVER. I wish I would have not taken so many detours long ago, but I did, and here I am -- at the end of transcriptions life in America.

Go!! Don't be discouraged. You will do fine.

I complete my course hopefully next year.

And it isn't coming soon enough for me.

(In case you are wondering -- I am going for Court Reporting)

Talking about court reporting..... - MTer

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Years ago worked with a guy doing this type work and he thought he wanted to get into court reporting, bought his equipment, started and he quit, stating it was harder than our work. Do you find that to be so? I do think it would be very interesting and the big $$$$.

I knew a court reporter years ago . . she thought - she would try medical transcription . .

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She said I had to be crazy to do this job. She felt it was boring, slow and she didn't make the money she was used to in court reporting. She lasted about a month, then went back to court reporting.

I don't find the training difficult at all. Yes, at first it hurt my brain, but I got over that hurdle every time I looked at one of my shrinking paychecks as an MT.

But yes---there is an 80% drop out rate at the school.

Not everyone is cut out for it.

I love it. It will take a lot of practice to build up my speed and accuracy. It is a different mind set definitely. But I am already way ahead of some of the younger people I started with.

It's a fresh start for me. I am thinking about closed capitioning though in the future. Although, my friends think once I get in the courthouse and actually do the work, I will like it and want to stay there.

We will see.

As long as I can pass the final testing (testimony from 2 people at 225 wpm). Whew!

In all honestly, I almost went years ago to CR school, but because of my life situation at that time I could not commit to going to school. I could kick myself now.

Medical transcription has become tedious, boring and uninspiring to me anymore (25 years of it). I needed to make a career change. But it seems India kind of made that decision for me to move forward and leave my comfort zone. I actually thought at one point, I might as well work medical transcription until I retire. I just don't feel that way anymore--don't think that could be possible anyway. Work is going in droves offshore and what doesn't go offshore, EMR is taking the rest.

We are all different, we all gotta do what we gotta do and what works for me may not work for someone else and vice versa.

I can't wait to start my new career. It couldn't happen soon enough.

The trouble with court reporting - Linda Andrews

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What I have heard over the years from court reporting students is you have to get to a certain speed, which is very difficult. Let's say you enroll in a course that costs $10,000, because some of them do. Your course requires that you reach whatever speed by that time or you have to go another year at an additional $10,000. After several years, many people decide that they aren't going to reach that required speed and they drop.

Is that the way it works still or has that changed?

No "trouble" with the school . . . I would say that - the "trouble" is with the student . .

[ In Reply To ..]
Right?

Either you cut it or you don't.

If you don't have the skills to pass the course -- I don't see how that is "trouble" with the school. It would seem to me the student erred in picking a course to take or at the very least did not research the career enough to make an informed decision if it was right for him/her.

Not everyone is cut out for every job. Some people adapt and excel in a field where others lag or just can't cut it because it is not a good match for that person.

I am an older student, have been going to school now for about a year, and I am already way ahead of some much younger students in my CR class.

I know my transcription experience (25 years) has helped to a great degree. But I have a huge desire to make this work. And it will.

It is a two year course, but once you get through the required courses, you can take the test any time at that point (they give it biweekly) -- it is all up to the student to pass the test (225 wpm for 2-person testimony).

A student could finish as soon as 18 months -- as long as they can pass that speed test.

I paid my tuition for 2 years. If I don't pass in that time, it is on me. Not on the school.

Again, they made that clear the first time I walked in the door -- before I even decided if I was going to go or not.

Yes, it is a VERY difficult course. But I love it. Wish I would have done it sooner than now. I think there are many transcriptionists who would adapt very well to a court reporting career.

It is working for me anyway.

I feel very good about how I am doing in school and I have been working constantly on my speed. It takes time, and I know that.

Medical Transcription in the USA is about shot in the rear. It was either sink or swim for me. With the demotion I took, and the pay cut I took, and the work I correct from India every morning, (helping to train them to take my job) I knew it was time to start swimming.

Go for it - Backwards Typist

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You still have 20-some years of employment ahead of you, whereas MT'g may not.

You can do it! If I was younger, I'd be doing it.

Go For It - Ellie

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Went back at 40 and got my RN degree. If you want to get out of the business you go for it, not too old!!!

Thank you for you support - MT to ?

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I really appreciate all of your support. Now I just need to find a radiology school that isn't too far from home. I am hoping that I can take most of the classes online and still work as an MT part time until I have to start doing the "real" hands on work. Now I just have to figure out how to enroll, how to schedule classes....I am so nervous. They do have people at colleges that help you with all of that right?

I'm not that young. - Backwards Typist

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I was 47 when I went to school for MT. I decided this week that I no longer want to be in the rat race, although I did go for that one job interview. I'm hanging in there for at least another year or two, then I'll be totally done with it all and can spend my time doing what I truly love - genealogy.

I love genealogy too! When I quit MTing in a few years... - AzRain

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I'm going to become a free-lance writer/editor but only part-time. I plan on spending my slightly tarnished "golden years" with my grandchildren (and their parents!) and finishing up researching the family roots. It's so addicting!

I love genealogy! - Linda Andrews

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My Lucas-Dodson lines have already gone as far as is reasonable, but I'm working on my Collings (unusual name) now. It's so much fun! Wish I had more time to do it. Taking us back to MT topics now. :)

I certainly hope not! - sm

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I'm thinking about going back in the spring for nursing...and I'll be 41 this year! I say it's never too late to pursue your dreams! Go for it...you (and I) can do it!!

Definitely Not Too Old But Nursing/Radiology Are Physically Demanding - Consider Carefully

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Some jobs like nursing and radiology technologist are physically demanding. You have to move patients around. That's why you see so many people getting out of those fields. That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, but it's an important consideration. Lab tech might not be quite as physical. Hospitals are bringing in lots of people from India, the Philippines, etc., so they don't pay as much as they used to pay and you'll be competing with people who are willing to work for less, just like almost every other career out there.

encouragement - Shel

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I just wanted to encourage you to try. My aunt lost her husband when she was in her late 40's and decided to get her nursing degree. Up to that point she had just been a mom. She got her RN and was a very good nurse (now retired, this has been several years ago). Give it a try, you might surprise yourself!

Is 40 too old to go back to school - SecondWind

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You 40-year-olds kill me thinking 40 is old. I'm 16 years ahead of you and life does begin at 40, or maybe 55. Go back to school and live a long and happy life. I remember when the CRTs, and typewriters became defunct, and much of our industry has gone to other countries before medical transcription started leaving. You have to prepare for the future. I want to congratulate you for your return to school. Buy American whenever you can.

I"m 60 and I"m thinking about going back to school, - but I need something I can learn fast!

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nm

GOING BACK TO SCHOOL - LIVENLEARN

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Good for you! You are never too old to learn!

I'm 56 (I think...no, wait, I AM) and I'm going back to school in the fall... - AzRain

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but they're online classes for a certificate in professional writing. My daughter has a journalism degree and couldn't get a job a few years ago so she started working from home as a writer (blogs, e-zines, etc.). She makes about the same money as me and really loves it! I'm only going to work part-time in order to supplement my meager social security money.

I'm almost 55 and going to school - Sims

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I started college after high school but had to stop to go to work. I then went to the local community college two years ago to finish some core classes. In fall of 2008, I transferred to the local 4 year university. I liked the community college because there was a variety of ages of students and I was not the "oldest" one there. But I do stand out at the 4 year school, although most of the kids are very nice. I say go for it if you have the time and money. God knows with MT we have plenty of time as we have no work!

Not too late - sm

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Went through a BA program and the student age range was from early 20's to mid 60's. It was fun!

YES...go back to school! - DB

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You are never too old to go back to school. I have been a MT for 12 years, 2 years with MQ. Needless to say, I have not been happy here! I have had 4 supervisors, all with different rules and procedures. I transcribe for only ESL doctors and am then scrutinized for QA submission rates or line counts...when even the MEs cant fill in the blanks! I'm tired of all the constant changes in this company and constantly having no jobs available. So, at the age of 41, I went part time with MQ and have gone back to nursing school. I was terrified that I was too old and that I couldnt do the work. I was wrong! There are many people older than me and I am a better student now than I was in my early 20s. I graduate in August as an LPN and then start an online BSN bridge program to get my RN. At this point, I am praying for the strength and patience to be able to deal with this job until then in order to pay a few bills...but I'm finding it difficult. I'm burned out and MQ isnt an easy company to work for. Go back to school! Your education is something that nobody can ever take away from you!

You're NEVER too old - 2 professions

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At 44, I went to get my BA. I graduate with my Masters in June. I still MT because frankly I make more money doing it, but it's nice to know I have an option in a totally different career if I want it.

Do your homework. I read a recent article about Rad techs and lab techs being laid off with the way the economy is. Of course, that won't last forever, but you don't want to go to school and not be able to get a job.

Good luck!!

39 turning 40 by the time I go back to school - anewlife

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I have to say I am nervous about returning to school! But sometimes life throws us curves that change our situation. I know I am not alone in this journey to jump start a new career that I will be happy in. I am not worried about having much younger classmates. I have a teenager and I am reminded quite often what life is like for the younger generation. I am a stay at home mom who is getting divorced. I will survive and move forward in a positive direction with going back to school. I have always been in the medical field but have decided to return to school for occupational therapist assistant. My 4 year old son has recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder. I want to be able to help him in every way. When I sit in the waiting room while he is doing therapy, I realize every time how many children are effected by this and have a full understanding how their worlds are different for them. Not only do I want to help my son but it has also inspired me to put my part in to help any child with a disability. Things happen for a reason right.....So, what ever it takes for myself to reach my goals! Who cares what anyone says. What is important is your future and your happiness. Remember when you are wondering if 40 is too old, you are not alone in your journey. Best of luck to you and deep, relaxing breaths before you step in the classroom for the first time "again".

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