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Needing more MT experience -- extra school? - typetypetypeaway

Posted: Dec 08, 2010

I am hoping that some of you can give me your thoughts about this.

I have been an MT for about 14.5 years and lost my job about six months ago to the facillity going front-end ASR (I think). I basically transcribed only one specialty for that time, although in the beginning I did some gastro and chiro for a private practice. I have very little experience in doing the basic 4, I do have a little in DS, H&P and consults. No experience in OPs.

I have been searching for jobs in my speciality (rad), sent resumes, but with the numbers of MTs looking for work, not much of a response to getting to the next step.

I can possibly apply for my state unemployment to send me back to school and I was thinking if I should continue in MTing but take on more classes in the basic 4, so at least I would have book knowledge (I know clinical knowledge is another thing entirely), but hoping that at least if I had that behind me and with my other 14.5 years in the rad field, some company would possibly take a chance and hire me. I don't want to be an IC at present because I need the benefits (hospitalization).

There are scads and scads of schools out there and I would not even know which one to pick should I decide. I think I have to look at 3 and then the state would determine from that (might be based on $$$).

Are there any of you that are in the same situation now or have been in the recent past and what did you do? Any information, thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thought - Changed course

[ In Reply To ..]
I was in the same boat as you only with double the years under my belt. I was actually able to find work, however, the companies hiring meant going from the pot to the frying pan and didn't want to end up flexing endlessly and worrying every pay period if I would be able to eat. I applied for an easy position at a local hospital and was hired as in Admissions at $12/hr. Not much pay but at least guaranteed income. The reason I took the position is that they (as many other institutions do) will assist in further education. I'm going back for nursing (yes, I'm in my 50's). There are many opportunities I have in the nursing field and the hospital I'm working for would probably hire me. I know it's going to be a struggle for the next two years but it was anyway. At least there is hope for the future. Just a thought as I believe the opportunities to make a decent living are gone as an MT, at least for the foreseeable future. Good luck in whatever you do but keep an open mind. I originally thought I couldn't handle the load but actually the physical stress is easier than the mental stress of working for these MTSO's.

Good luck to you. Wow, that's wonderfully ambitious. - SignmeMT

[ In Reply To ..]
Know that you can do it and you will be great. I would guess your training as an MT was worth something now with your terminology, pharmacology and all. I personally work harder and get out from behind this desk with a couple PT jobs along with the FT MT job. Finding I really enjoy being out with the public more than being at this job - but just keep putting one foot in front of the other. You go girl. I think this is a great choice.

I always look at Betty White, 89 and still working and says she loves her work and says she is grateful to have work and do what she loves. Ain't many of us loving MT work anymore. End of story.

Nursing field isn't all that either...sm - daughter of an RN

[ In Reply To ..]
My mom has been a nurse for over 40 years and it's not what it used to be either. They have been calling nurses in her hospital to stay home when the census is low. My mom was called off 2 days last week - meaning you stay home and either use your vacation time or choose to go without pay for that day. This has been going on for years so not sure if nursing is actually more stable than MTing. It's something to think about at least.

Lucky for my mom she is at retirement age and can retire anytime she really wants. Most of the nurses she works with work 2 jobs - pretty much like most MTs I know.

Good luck to you though!

God help us all...

I sympathize with all of you - TT MT

[ In Reply To ..]
If I knew 30 years ago what I know now, I would have stayed in nursing school and gotten my degree. I live in Florida and they are jumping for nurses down here, so our situation is different. There are fields in medicine that pay well, and to the one lady who stated she is starting over, I would certainly look into something other than being an MT. Use the chance to further your education in a different field of medicine, and talk with counselors at colleges about this. I think it is wonderful you are doing this in your 50s, and I did go back to school when I was in my 50s also, and I took courses in medical business management, a 2-year course in the school I went to. Our field has changed and it is never going to be the same again. You work longer and harder for less money. I want to wish all of you well.

Another Florida MT - Tired Fingers

[ In Reply To ..]
I've been in Florida for 33 years and have seen a huge change. Last 2 years in hospital transcribing, census was down and we were w/o work for days throughout the summer. They shut down whole floors of the hospital. Everyone wonders why, but with all the emphasis in being more health-conscious, I believe this is the result. We're finally getting healthier and census in hospitals is dropping. Good for our health but bad for business. Am working for MQ now and am out of work again, second time tonight. Had a nurse for a roommate last year and they were sending her home all the time because they didn't have hours for her.

I'm in Florida too, used to work for MQ - TT MT1

[ In Reply To ..]
Hi:) I live in Florida also, and have seen a big change in the last few years, not for the better, and I agree with what you said. When I worked for MQ we were always without work, so I had to leave them. I don't know what part of Florida you are from, but I am on the East Coast, and they are offering huge incentives to nurses to get them to come to work. I worked for 3 area hospitals and it was always the same, and nurses were never without work. My daughter works for OB-GYN docs and they are always over worked. I am sorry to hear this is happening to you with MQ, hope things change soon.

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