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

Current MT, need career advice - sm

Posted: Aug 03, 2011

With all these posts about career changes it got me to thinking that now is the time for me to go to college. I have a local community college in my city as well as a 4 year college. Prefer to go to community college. I've been an MT for 12 years but need out! Which field do you think is good to go into? Biggest concern of mine is something that is secure. Love the medical field and want to stay in it. Advice?

If your community college offers and you want to stay in medical, try a technician job - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
such as radiology tech, lab tech, something like that. I know these jobs have great pay and of course if you land a job most likely will have some benefits to go along with it.

Career change - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Got a question tho, a friend of mine would like to get out of this business(who wouln't), but she has a past DUI on her record. I know nurses who have drinking and addiction problems and they are sent to rehab, given a temp suspension and are right back on the job. Can she get hired as a nurse, tech, etc., with this in her background?

Probably not - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
With a conviction of any kind, she will be unable to get licensed in most states. That leaves out any occupation that involves state licensure.

It would be unlikely for any school to admit her, in fact. She would be unable to pass the background check required to work at a healthcare facility, hence she could not do any clinicals, and thus would be unable to complete the program, would put the school and the facility at risk, etc.

Your state policies might be less stringent. Perhaps if it's a misdemeanor, they don't look too closely.

If it's something like coding, though, employers themselves pay very close attention to things like that. There is so much liability, money, and opportunity for fraud involved that it is becoming increasingly unlikely that anyone will be hired unless their background check is pristine.

Career Advice - Sara

[ In Reply To ..]
My advice would be to go to nursing school. Way more money and job security. I have friends who make 90K to 150K being nurses..specialized, but still that is a lot of money.

Career advice - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
We have a community college here. Much cheaper than a standard 4-yr college. I found out recently I can get an RN degree in 30 months to the tune of about $3000. This is looking better and better. Probably longer tho if part time, as I still have bills to pay and mouths to feed. Just a thought!

What about HIM? - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Would Health Information Management be a good career to get into? I believe it would be due to EHR but would like to hear what others think.

I don't think any of these - would necessarily be bad...

[ In Reply To ..]
but depending on where you live or want to live, how many say, radiology techs, HIM, lab techs, etc would really be in demand? If you live in a small town with only one or two facilities, might be wise to check with HR or doctor offices and see what they really need.

The only exception would seem to be nurses, but why? Maybe nurses burn out or move on or whatever more than others. I know for myself I could never be a floor nurse because I just don't have the patience (no pun intended!)

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