Some thoughts for those considering MT - Old Pro

Several people have asked me if I think MT is still a viable career.  Coincidentally, today as I was cleaning out some files, I found notes from a seminar I gave and thought I would summarize a few of the thoughts, hoping they might be of value to someone out there.  (Moderator, if you don't feel this is appropriate, please just delete the post.)  First, there are three "myths" to consider:  1.  The myth that medical transcription is easy money.  Many of the not so reliable schools push this idea and use it to exploit people.  It makes me really disheartened that many people who do not have much money to begin with get taken in by this.  Shame on the schools who do this!  2.  The second myth is that it does not matter where you go to school; you can get a good medical transcription education anywhere.  Again, another myth.  The old saying that "you get what you pay for" really applies.  When I am counseling people face to face, I always advise that the two things they MUST have from any program are the SUM program and real, live instructors.  3.  The third myth is that you can always learn "the old fashioned way--on the job."  That was true up until perhaps the end of the 70s; it is surely not true now.  The marketplace and its structure (and pace) have changed too radically.  When interviewing schools, ask questions:  1.  Where are your graduates working?  Can you give me the names of 2-3 grads who would be willing to share their experience with me?  2.  How long has the school been in business?  Is it a private entity?  A sole proprietorship?  Who are the principals?  How are your instructors chosen?  3.  Do your financial homework.  Call the BBB and the Department of Business Regulation for the locality in which the school is registered.  Have there been complaints? Have the complaints been satisfactorily resolved?  4.  What form of financial aid do you offer?  5.  How accessible are your instructors and by what means?  E-mail only?  Are telephone calls permitted/encouraged?  6.  Does your school use authentic physician dictation such as in The SUM program?  Or does it merely use scripts read by actors?  7.  What type of follow-up does your school offer?  Can I "retake" any portions of the course with which I have difficulty?  How many tries do I have to pass the final?  8.  What kind of placement program do you have?  What percentage of your grads get placed?  (There should not be a fee for placement.)  9.  Utilize the wisdom of the "old salts"--ancient MTs like yours truly who have been in this business for decades.  Most older MTs are happy to help newbies.  Many people helped me when I was starting out, and in gratitude, I try to help people just starting.  Those are just some thoughts that I culled from the seminar I did.  I hope something in here helps someone.  Have a great week!