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

Current CMT's - is it worth it? - MT-Cali

Posted: Jan 08, 2011

If I take the CMT test the goal is to increase my income from my current earnings as a full time MT/ME. But is it worth the $$ and time required to prepare for and take the CMT test? I am confident that I would have no problem passing the test after adequate review, etc.

So is it worth the effort? Bottom line -- it will cost money to take the exam and it will cost money to either enroll in a review course or buy review materials to prepare for the exam. And the CMT credential would only increase my paycheck by a few cents with the added CMT incentive pay.

Current CMT's -- is it worth it ??

Personally, I'd never be associated with those sell-outs. SM - Not a CMT and proud to not be a chump.

[ In Reply To ..]
They do nothing to help American MTs, happily jump in bed with overseas and sell our jobs out from under us just to line their own pockets and puff up their inflated sense of self-importance.

The CMT and BOS is a bunch of crap that they've sold themselves and any hospital administrators they can sucker into believing it's really worth something.

Nowdays, I think whatever wage increase you'd earn with CMT behind your name isn't likely going be that much more than what you'd have to pay to get it in the first place and maintain it. Just my opinion, of course. Everyone's situation is different.

Why waste time and money on a CMT certificate? Your work should speak for itself. I know personally of someone who spent the time and money to get one, and it sure didn't save her job in the long run when management had to cut positions.

The more people fall for the CMT fantasy, the more it artificially inflates "industry standards" and makes it that much tougher on everyone else.

C (chump) M (medical) T (transcriptionist) - IMHO.

CMT scam - sc

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I agree entirely. Certification is a racket to get your money in exchange for an inflated ego. I applied for certification about 10 years ago, after having had about 15 years of acute care experience at major 500+ bed hospitalis. I read the Book of Style cover to cover and had it down pat. I paid my $300+ fee. I passed the first part of the test, which I thought was the more difficult part. Later I took the second, transcribing portion of the test. I felt I did perfectly, but they failed me. I asked why, and they wouldn't tell me, stating only that I was weak in orthopedics (one of my favorite specialities!). I know that was not correct! For a further $50 fee, I requested another evaluation, and they again failed me. I swear to God, I believe with all my heart that something was wrong on their end. I don't know what they do now, but back then you registered under a code number or name. I truly believe they got my code mixed up with someone else's, either accidentally or on purpose. It just crushed me as I take great pride in my work. Needless to say, I have a low opinion of the whole thing now.

Failing you so that you have to pay again to - re-take it is part of the scam.

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nm

Don't bother - not worth it - Carol

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And don't forget it also will cost you each year to maintain your CMT credential by your attendance at seminars, workshops, etc. Very costly for not much in return.

The whole thing is a scam. Not only is AHDI scamming - MTs with their so-called "credential" - sm

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and the way-too-much-money you have to fork over to them for it, but so are the MTSOs, who are in bed with them.

So what if you get an extra half-cent or penny per line with their stupid CMT? Does anyone really think the MTSOs give a _______(fill in expletive of your choice) about whether you're "certified" or not? No, of course not.

And that extra penny they're supposedly paying you? It won't be coming out of their pockets, no way. They'll just find yet another way to take that penny out of YOURS.

Current CMT's- Is it worth it? - Walnut

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So you refer to the CMT credential as a "stupid CMT" and the way too much money you have to fork over to them for it.
1. How can Taking a test to prove that you possess a certain level of knowledge ever be stupid?
2. The CMT credential is owned by many MTs the country over who prefer to keep up on their education in the transcription profession and learn new procedures/meds/techniques in the ever-changing medical profession.
3. The CMT credential allows MTs to advance through positions offered in supervision and management given only to those who show and exhibit professional standards.
4. This extra 0.5 cents/line, you have $5.00 extra per day and $25.00 extra a week or $125.00 in a month.
5. Possibly saying the words, "stupid CMT might be showing ignorance on your part.

Was never worth anything to me in the several years - I maintained it....

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No raises, no better job, no advancement, nothing,except letters after my name gave me a vague and unjustified sense of superiority in an otherwise dead end job. Not to mention you keep paying for it as long as you want to keep it.

Walnut: Regarding #2 in your post, I can - learn new procedures SM

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meds, techniques if I care to without a CMT after my name. As a matter of fact, I must know those things in order to perform my job correctly. IMO, it seems that a lot of time now is required learning the MTSOs platforms, client specifications, special "rules", etc.,(I could go on but most know what I mean) and the MT knowledge gained through experience is there or it isn't, regardless of that credential. I don't need the CMT to know what I am capable of and I don't know of any company that compensates fairly for knowledge and experience. It's all about greed now. Saving money is all anyone cares about.

CMT? - OldHandAtThis

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Just my neutral 2 cents. The CMT could be worth a lot but it isn't, the reason why is that does not guarantee an employer that you can sit down at your computer and do the work accurately and efficiently. If it did, it would be very valuable. Secondly, if you are a top-notch MT with years of verifiable experience in large acute care hospitals and good references (and pass the pre-employment tests with flying colors) you can demand top dollar; employers are usually desperate for competence and if you make it clear that if they want you, they must pay you the same as the CMT, you are going to get it. The problem as I see it, is that the CMT credential is not nearly hard enough to get, getting it needs to be a whole lot tougher; tough enough so that an employer KNOWS you could walk into a 300-bed teaching hospital and handle any transcription that comes your way. That being said, obviously people need the opportunity to acquire those skills and that requires experience, training, and education; a good credentialing organization would provide the guidelines necessary to reach that skill level which, by the way, isn't going to be achieved until you have been plugging away at this for about five years; although a good training program of course can really give you a good head start. It would be nice if the CMT did mean that you had a super-duper skill set; it would solve a lot of problems for all of us, those of us who already have the skills and those of us who are on the way to acquiring those skills - and for the hospitals and MTSOs as well. But right now, having held a CMT once upon a time (only because I didn't like the idea of my colleagues thinking I was afraid to take the test) I do think it just doesn't mean all that much. So, CMTs out there, I hate to burst your bubbles, but experienced top-notch MTs without the CMT credential can demand and can get the differential that is supposedly only paid to CMTs, and sometimes a bit more!

Calling it anything BUT stupid shows pro-AHDI - bias on your part. Its a S-C-A-M.

[ In Reply To ..]
NM

Yes, do it. - Rita, CMT

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To carry proof of professional credibility, how much is that worth? I agree with Walnut. It helps employers screen for more educated employees.

Don't they sell this credential to the - Indian MTs? s/m

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This credential is laughable. I cannot make sense of this industry at all. They keep finding ways to lower wages, they do not put any stock in experience and ability and compensate accordingly, yet they think a credential means something? I took this test about 10 years ago, it was so easy, has it changed drastically? If not, if I had minimal experience, studied for this, passed it, and then managed to get a job in the "real" world of transcription, I would fail miserably at the job. My knowledge and experience was not tested with this CMT test at all. JMO

and they sell it to the indians at a discounted - price, too! What does that tell us?!

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NM

CMT - Anonymous

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I "grandfathered in" back in the late 1970s when AAMT first organized together with several of my colleagues and I can tell you that some pretty crappy MTs got their CMT by doing that. I later took and passed the exam to prove my worth and did enjoy the meetings and seminars as well as the outside reading I was required to do to maintain my certification status. However, it meant nothing to any of my employers and I never received any extra compensation. Either a person is competent or they or not, the initials don't count for much, IMO. I dropped mine years ago because the membership dues became too expensive. I'm not sure why you think CMTs are more educated than non-CMTs.

not one of my many,many (over 30 years' worth) jobs cared a flying flick is CMT or not. - my experience. had it-got NOTHING for it.

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and never doing it again.

CMT might mean something in India, but it - means NOTHING in the United States.

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Except to broadcast the GULLIBILITY of those who fell for it.

MTCali, these people have apparently not read any - of the many posts on this subject.

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There are benefits that are listed in many, in spite of what is being said here. Whether it would help you keep a job in future I can't say, and my calculator's not handy for the money part. It'll be best for you do your own research and decide.

I'm sure she has, and asking experience with it or opinions on it is part of the research. - just sayin NM

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x

Yes, but research starts with search for proper sources, - and it turns out there is a paucity

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responsible and honest thought on this thread. A researcher needs facts, not vents.

What I think - sm - ex-MT 2

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I had the exact same experience as ex-MT. I had the credential but not the money. I worked with some horrible transcriptionists...the kind that just put what they think he means instead of verifying it. But they got the same pay I did. I did QA for one of the major MTSO's transcriptionists. I was contracted by the client (hospital) to QA the reports that were being done and QA'ed supposedly by this MTSO. The reports were beyond horrible. They kept assuring me that their QA people were CMT's...please....I did primarily their Radiology reports and I got reports that the body said right foot and the impression said right hand. Blatent - stupid errors anyone could catch with a medical background or not (100's of reports a week, not just an occassional oops that slipped by). Hello----if these people were CMT's then the CMT program needs to be done away with. My point is CMT behind your name does not make you a better transcriptionist and in most cases it won't get you any more money, but it will drain your pockets of a few hundred dollars every year paying dues, recertification fees, seminar/conference/symposium fees.

I say save your money, they sold us down the river when "they, some of the head leaders" started their own transcription services or expanded existing ones and recruited United States MT's to go to India and work for them teaching Indian students to transcribe. Initially it was started to pump up the $$$ in their pockets. Then doc's decided to join the business and start services or help get contracts so they could employ their relatives back home and....... we see how well it worked for us the United State's MT's.

This isn't meant as a rant but more of a chronicle of what started out as a good idea to promote our "profession" so the world saw our worth, knowledge and integrity was worth more than just being classified as a "typist". It worked until corporate greed took over in what was supposedly "our organization". Our jobs were auctioned off to the "lowest" bidder.

well said. My experience as well, matter of fact. - NM

[ In Reply To ..]
.

Well, I value opinions and personal experiences as additional food for thought - on any subject. sorry "paucity", faccts R not eno

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x

and where are you going to find any "facts" on CMT - other than from AHDI themselves?

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That'll get you biased "facts" on the subject, but not much else. She's asking real, working MTs what they think of CMT, and those of us who've been doing this job for more than a year or two can see through all the hype, and know it's just a money-making scheme.

I'm sure the old adage, "There's a sucker born every minute" is written somewhere in AHDI's company policy.

No and here's why.... - Ex-CMT

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1. Most employers don't pay extra if you have CMT certification anymore.
2. For those that do, typically the amount they pay extra doesn't equate the cost of obtaining and maintaining certification.
3. Most hospitals/clinics don't care about CMT certification. As a matter of fact if you ask HIM directors a lot will tell you they either don't know or care what a CMT is. All they care about is accurate transcription.
4. The tests have been so dumbed-down over the years that anyone can pass it. Used to be that you'd have to work at least a couple of years to have the knowledge and experience to pass.
5. Working in QA for several years I can tell you that I have failed many a current CMT on quality reviews and yet have non-CMTs pass reviews. Having those 3 letters behind your name doesn't make you a good transcriptionist.
6. I dropped my CMT status after AAMT/AHDI decided to allow people from around the world to take their tests. They used to be a pro-American group but no longer care about the US MTs. They no longer get my dues, either, because of this.

If the tests have really been dumbed down, - Pragmatist

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that's very serious and will kill off the CMT ultimately if true. Tepid demand from some employers is all that's keeping it afloat. That most of the best MTs don't have it is, of course, nothing new.

That an MT can take it regardless of where she or he lives (or religion, skin color, etc.)--fine with me. Of course. An MT is an MT, whether residence is in Canada or the USA.

My big outrage these days is that an MT now has to take the RMT before the CMT, for TWICE the fees and ancillary costs, and bother. A bald-faced plan to extort additional fees from people who've already shown by years of reaction that they were much too high.

CMT - MTMT

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I have known many transcriptionists that have taken the CMT test. I know some really smart people that have taken it and failed multiple times. I don't agree at all with the comment that the test has been dumbed down. I have always heard that over the years it has gotten harder.

I hope that's true, MTMT. I personally have no - Pragmatist

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knowledge. I took what I thought was a modestly difficult test terminology-wise. The grammar part actually surprised me by requiring a bit more skill than is needed to get through high school, or college for that matter, these days. This was a couple of years ago.

Also, how much you wanna bet the Indians take - a much easier test than US MTs do? n/m

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Just my opinion - Ayn

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I know there are plenty who disagree and that's fine, but IMO the CMT is not about earning more $. I don't think it earns you that much more - right now. BUT, I think that will change and soon. I believe that certification in our field is going to become more and more important and that down the road more companies will acknowledge the need for certification to give credence to our profession. Why are MTs so eager so profess how skilled they are, how important they are to the medical record keeping of a patient & to patient care, etc. and yet they are not willing to step up to the plate and prove their worth? If we expect better pay and respect for the vital and difficult job we do, we should be willing to prove that we deserve it. Just whining about it doesn't get it folks. I think the up and coming MTs will be more and more willing and likely to become certified, and I plan to stay competitive! I take pride in my abilities, in my knowlege, and in my work, and I am willing to prove myself and am willing to continue to learn and grow - that is why I took the CMT. I want to see this profession get the respect it deserves and to no longer hear us referred to as "typists" ! But, we have to be willing to be more than typists. Almost every other job in the medical profession has a certification process -- why not MTs?? If we want the public and others in the medical field to acknowledge us as professionals with specialized knowledge, we have to prove it! And quit griping about how expensive it is and that employers should foot your bill. Nobody pays for your education but you. Nobody pays for the nurses' certification exam or the coders' certification, etc. This expense is part of making yourself marketable and continuing your education. If you are lucky enough to work for a company that DOES pay for the exam or the prep or the CE courses, count yourself lucky. But, if you don't -- it is not your RIGHT to get paid for such things.

Stepping off soapbox now -- sorry for the long post.

And no, I am not a member of AHDI and don't plan on becoming one -- they give too much support to offshoring. But, unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, they are the ones offering certification and trying to pull this profession of MT'ing into a coherent, consistent voice.

AHDI is lobbying hard to Washington to make - their CMT mandatory. That will

[ In Reply To ..]
pretty much be the nail in the coffin for the American transcriptionist, if that gets passed.

Well, I have trouble seeing how that would kill off - Pragmatist

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MT. Demand will remain as long as we are needed. No longer. CMT irrelevant either way.

I disagree with Ayn that the CMT would give us any real additional "credence." That is because this is such narrow work that employers learn immediately, the very first day, whether we have the level of skill needed. Unlike many much broader high-skilled positions, which can take months and years to reveal critical lack of experience and ability.

Although ignorant providers may be swayed by it, many IT managers are actually very good at their jobs and know very well what they need from us.

What making the CMT a requirement for a position would do, of course, is give people with it an advantage over those who don't. But as soon as that inconvenienced employers, salary-wise or decreased labor supply-wise, they'd just get rid of that paper requirement. After all, they have no real need for it, although some are using it to a modest degree as a marketing gimmick.

The single reason I could see for licensing in future might relate to access to confidential records, but there's no need to test grammar for that.

Nurses, scrub techs, computer techs, coders, etc... - ...

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...have to pay for their own certification/licensure, as do MTs. The difference is, nurses, scrub techs, computer techs, coders, etc., get paid for it right-off-the-bat. MTs don't. MT is an experience-based profession. The more experience---the more diverse experience, I should say---an MT has, the more valuable he/she is.

CMT is simply an additional out-of-pocket expense for the MT's already dwindling income, particularly since ASR/VR arrived in the picture. That technology was marketed to hospitals, doctors' offices, etc., as a way to replace the MT, but the technology failed, and the ME was born.

I won't pay $$ out of my now nearly minimum-wage salary to an organization who's doing nothing to defend the MT against these big, unethical MTSOs. If AHDI will start protecting the MTs' wages, then, and only then, will I give AHDI my money.

AHDI wants me to pay dues, pay to take their CMT exam, pay, pay, pay; but I have to ask, what have they done for the MT except demand money and laugh all the way to the back in the same limo as the MTSOs?

MTSOs pay so horribly, and AHDI is doing nothing to stop them, which is leading other MT companies to follow suit, simply because the big MTSOs are getting away with it.

This may sound paranoid, but if I hadn't witnessed it personally to ALL transcription jobs in my city, I'd probably have dismissed a rant like mine as schizo, too.

Cert Exam - Clickyfingers

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I took the CMT exam over 20-25 yrs ago and passed, recertified x2. The hospital I worked for gave me the big reward of 5 cents increase in pay. I was and still am an excellent transcriptionist but it didn't stop any doctors from referring to me as "the typist". The hospitals I worked for didn't care about the effort to reward with better pay but it always made them look good for joint commission to have certifieds on the staff. Note, I was the ONLY one of four in my department. After re-certs I decided to heck with it and dropped it. AAMT or whatever it is now was never a big help, but I at least have the satisfaction of knowing I passed at a time when failure rate was quite high. Unfortunately, the medical community, as a whole, doesn't care if you are a monkey. If the price is right, you can get a job. This field has deteriorated so much it isn't even anything like the proud field it once was. Only verbatim because don't want to hurt ESLs feelings. So, we give up what we have learned to transcribe horrible grammar and drugs mispronounced so badly, you don't even know what they are, etc., and that goes for the so-call PAs. I give them no mercy. They are often worse than the ESL physicians. I could go on and on, but hopefully, the jobs will come back here and maybe those "typists" will have to educate themselves or get out of the industry make room for those who can do the job. What a sorry state of affairs. Get certified for $300. No way Jose.

Clickfingers - Maude

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I completely agree with what you say. I think that many transcriptionists shoot themselves in the foot by referring to what we do as TYPING. We are not TYPING, we are TRANSCRIBING. While we want respect from others, we should also respect ourselves. It makes me cringe when I hear an MT refer to how much they "type." Grrrrr.

MT-Cali - Cali-2

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No, it is not worth the effort, money, or time. AHDI is becoming increasingly irrelevant with each passing day. MTSOs don't care about the CMT--they care about MTs who can transcribe accurately and professionally. I used to support the AAMT in years past, but no more, not after they sold out the American MT. The CMT no longer means anything. Don't support this sell-out organization!

Certification - Clickyfingers

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MTSOs don't really care who they hire. I've seen proof that cheap for them is the name of the game, just by looking at some of the word help requested on MT Stars. If you have a keyboard and a computer, they'll hire. Our own industry has let experience and knowledge, and dedication fly out the window. They also "update" their platforms and do you ever notice, after time they do, it takes more reports to reach your goal than it did before they "udated.". They manipulate how much we can produce. I love this industry but boy oh boy, do we get shafted by our own in addition to organizations that supposedly were there to help us. Sure, help us support them. I'm just holding on waiting for that magical date. And by the way, how can they send an IC a contract that we would have to commit to a certain number of lines per day at so much per line and then out of the blue, move us to VR and pay us half because we aren't transcribing, we're only doing a few keystrokes. No one sent me a new contract to this effect. Am I disgruntled. Yes, that's why I said we also going shafted coming and goin.

CMT - Wiserone

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I was a CMT when we had to "earn" credits by attending in-person lectures, seminars, etc. Observing an autopsy and writing a report = 1 credit. What has become of this industy is a crying shame. Shame on anyone who dismisses what we went through. What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. I have to be strong, as I can't find a legitimate person who cares for the patient anymore!

CMT was worth it to me...But... - anon

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My company provided the review guide at no cost. Also, weekly review classes at no cost. Then they paid half the testing fee IF I passed, which I did. They gave lots of hints on taking that 2nd part of the test, telling of the problems some had encountered and how to overcome those. So in the end for me, I was out $75 and I have made that much back in several months with my increased pay. This was 2 years ago, and I do not think my company offers all of this for free anymore! I knew nothing at the time about AHDI. I think you would have to figure out how long it would take you to earn back your investment to see if it is worth it, and don't forget you need CEUs to maintain it as well. Good luck with whatever you decide.

CMT: Worth It? - Melimeg

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Are there any transcription companies that actually do pay CMTs more money than regular MTs? If so, who are they, and how much is the difference in pay?

webmedx pays more for CMT - anon

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I am paid 0.0025 more a line, not a heck of a lot, but 2 years ago when I did it, they also paid for my workbook, and my group classes for preparation, and paid 1/2 the exam fee as well IF I passed. So, for me that was worth it to take the test. I think though that they no longer provide the CMT review guide, but some fellow employees who just passed told me they found some used on line. When you join a study group officially through AHDI (and Webmedx is a member) you only pay 1/2 the fee of the test, then Webmedx picked up the other 1/2 (only if you pass). I was well prepared by attending the weekly group meetings and doing the study guides and passed easily.

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I have to say this is my first time to this website and I am deeply discouraged by the forums I have read because it sounds like this line of work is basically dying a slow death. I am currently enrolled in a community college and am about to finish getting my certificate ( I am in my last class which is practice/internship) to become a Medical Transcriptionist but I'm beginning to wonder if it was worth it? I already had fears because of accounts going offshore and EMRs but reading some of ...

Feb 11, 2011

I'm curious about the MME certification/position. Can anyone please give some honest insight as to what the difference in pay is, what the testing for the position is like, etc. I would like to apply for the position in 2 months and would like to know what to expect. Also, once you're an MME does that open up advancement opportunities into QA, CCM, etc.? Any information would be appreciated. ...

Jul 18, 2011

Hello forum users! I am currently very interested in the MT field. I am a fast typist, excellent speller, I have a good grasp of grammar, etc. I am eyeing a course offered online, it seems professional and excellent and all that. The whole thing seems perfect for me! I would like to work from home and make my own hours while doing this. However, I recently spoke to a neighbor who is an MT, and she is losing her job to a machine. She also claims that her MT friend ...

Dec 28, 2011

I am just wondering if this schooling has all been worth it. I am not seeing alot of happy people on this site. I have been a graduate of medical in 1986 and since gone on to manicuring for the sake of flexible schedule while my child was in latter years of school. I pursued a course with Mt Professionals to be able to catch up and with skills and am still in my third year of school on part-time basis waiting to pass to become a paid employee with one error. I am getting really ...

Jan 06, 2012

I guess I just need to vent/rant for a minute. I have been an MT for over three years now. I seem to be one of the few who prefers VR over ST. I worked for Spheris before MQ gobbled them up, and I thought they were a great co. to work for. They paid 5 cpl for VR, which is pretty good if you can edit 300-400 lph. Then came the Q, and it was okay for a while, but then the Spheris accts. were offshored and there went the Cornerstone accts., and Cornerstone was a great ...

Feb 03, 2012

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May 22, 2012

I am wondering if anyone has any advice on becoming a CMT. I have been doing transcription for almost 15 years and I am wondering if I can really make more money if I get my CMT. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. ...

Jan 03, 2013

Just wondering if it is worth it to test up to tier 3 or not. I wouldn't mind getting more in my work pool (especially as things have been a bit slim lately with the holidays), but had heard there was no pay increase for moving up a tier, plus was worried that I'd have to spend more time in research for the first while getting used to the new work, hence slow production down. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance! ...

Mar 28, 2013

I'm thinking about taking a job with Nuance, but with all these negative comments about them, I'm not so sure I should. I get so discouraged looking at these boards and seeing all the negative comments. I have been out of work for the last 2 weeks because my PRN clinic job is running low. I really need something to help pay the bills, but at this point it sounds like bankruptcy might be my only option as I can't handle the stress of looking for a new job every we ...

May 29, 2013

I read this message board from time to time but have never posted but am looking for advice. Last fall I lost a full time job at a bank - which caused me to sincerely doubt my self-confidence as an employee. I then started the career step MT program and am currently about 60% compete. I recently applied and accepted a job at a local, very busy gift/general merchandise store. I like the job. It pays $9 per hour and is about 30 hours a week. There aren't any benefits. I believe I ...

Dec 08, 2013

I was a school teacher; now I am working as a security guard. I am 64 years old and making right at $30,000 a year and getting a full benefit package. Could I improve my situation by spending $4000 to do the Med-Line MT program, or should I leave well enough alone? I live in Oklahoma, and my house is paid for. ...

Sep 24, 2014

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Dec 01, 2014

I would put my 2 cents worth in about how I feel about work today, but then I didn't make that much, so....I guess I'll have to wait until I can rub 2 of them together. We are all in the same boat, so we just have to keep paddling as best we can! Praying for all of us! ...

Jan 05, 2010

i recently tested for a position at this company but see nothing but complaints on this site... i wonder if its worth taking a job here??? ...

Apr 12, 2010

I know I've read somewhere on the board about this company but can't remember where. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking for steady PT evening work Sun thru Thurs (3-4 hours nightly). More than experienced with over 25 years in the biz, university/acute care accounts, except radiology. Thanks. ...

Apr 25, 2010

I've been trying to find online courses for coding and I see AHIMA offers courses. Are these the same as offered by say, The Andrews School? ...