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

Just getting started... education?? - NatKay

Posted: Jun 17, 2011

Hello All!

I have recently decided to begin a career in MT, and am trying to weigh my education options.

I have a bachelor's degree in Hearing, Speech & Language Sciences, so I'm great with interpreting speech/language and am also pretty good at deciphering English as a second language. I've also worked for a hospital scheduling outpatient testing for the past three years, so I have a bit of a background in medical terminology (still so much to learn!) and the inner workings of physcian's offices and hospitals. I'm also a really great typist (80-90wpm with great accuracy).

So, I'm weighing my options as far as education goes... While I don't want to settle for a sub par education, I do want to get started and finish as quickly as possible, (dreadfully unhappy at my current job) while still learning/retaining all of the necessary info. I'm also still working full time, so I'm going to need something that is self-paced. One program I've come across is www.futuremt.com . While it is not an accredited course, the website explains why, and that it is in good standing with the BBB (so I don't think it's a ripoff). The course seems to have a lot to offer, including mentorship and job placement assistance. Do employers put a lot of emphasis on graduating from an *accredited* course? Also, anybody have any experience (or know anyone who has) with the FutureMT course?

Any insight and/or words of wisdom anyone has to offer is very much appreciated. :)

Thanks in advance!!

Research companies that are mentioned on this board - mt

[ In Reply To ..]
Some companies will only hire from certain schools. Most won't hire newbies at all, so you need to be prepared for not being able to find work. Most want 3-5 years experience. If I were you, I would definitely do some research in this field. The pay is really not that great. I don't know what you are currently making, but I know I barely make over minimum wage since they went Voice Recognition over typing, took a 50% paycut going to editing text, and have lost some of my typing speed just because it is barely used anymore.

I think MT is great if you are part-time and have a spouse that covers the bills. I know I could not do this business if I needed it to survive. They pay is just not good enough and I'm not willing to put in the long hours for about minimum wage.

Like I said, though, research the companies and see what experience they want or if they will hire from schools that aren't accredited.

MT courses - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
As well as the companies mentioned on this board, OAK Horizons has a wonderful course as well as a practicum with a company so you will get real work experience as well as extensive training. I went through OAK, and I've never had a problem getting a job. I was actually hired before I completed the course, but that was a few years ago. Good luck.

mt - Old Pro

[ In Reply To ..]
When evaluating a school, "accredition" is not nearly as important as using the SUM program. And, not to argue but to politely differ, I know several MTs who are doing very well in the field and do not need anyone's ancillary support. Just saying. It can be done! :)

The schools I recommend (in order of preference) are:
1. Andrews.
2. M-TEC.

Good luck to all!

FutureMT - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
While I don't recommend anyone waste their time becoming an MT anymore, if you are determined to do it anyway, choose your school wisely. It really does make a big difference in your opportunities.

I know nothing about FutureMT, but doing a quick glance at their site, I see they only have 300+ dictations to transcribe for their course. This is not nearly enough to get adequate training.

FutureMT - Old Pro

[ In Reply To ..]
Any program that does not (1) use the SUM program and (2) give you to real, live instructors (NOT an answer key which you use to "self-correct") is not worth it.

Whoops! - Old Pro

[ In Reply To ..]
I mean to say "access TO real, live instructors." Even though it is still early on the West Coast, I am still tired. Only 16 weeks until retirement--YAY!

education - e84

[ In Reply To ..]
Hey!

Did you choose a school yet? I would definitely reccomend going through a school that offers an internship. I schooled through Med Workshops and they are thorough, helpful, and they supply you with the much-needed internship. I think they are the only school that does that. I have been working for them for almost two years now and have had great success with them. Good luck!

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