A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry
Current MT needing career change - sm
Posted: Aug 09, 2011
I've decided I am getting out of MTing. The two options I am interested are completely different yet in the medical field which I love. First is health information management, 2-year degree. Would like to be a coder but worried it will end up like MT in 10 years. Second is becoming an LPN and then down the road an RN. I am in my early 30s and I've got a long work life ahead of me but want to be happy! Which way to go?
Totally understand... - mtgirl
[ In Reply To ..]I totally understand how you feel. I am kind of in the same boat. The good thing about the MT field is that it allowed me to get most of my education. I am almost finished with my Bachelor in Psychology. I am resigning my current MT position to go work for an optician's office and seeing where that will take me but will still keep treading on and perhaps completing a Master's. I think anything you do in the medical field will be better than anything else. You will always have a job. I have considered becoming a coder as well, but also concerned about the future. The most secure path in this economy would probably be the LPN to RN course, but in the end it is your decision. It all depends on what you like to do and if you can handle the different kind of stresses that accompany the RN field. Wish you the best.
I would choose - sm
[ In Reply To ..]anything that involved direct patient care because you can't ever outsource that no matter how much technology evolves in the future - ok maybe robots someday :)
If I could choose, knowing what I know now.... - Hayseed
[ In Reply To ..]I would totally have gone for the LPN with progression to RN. I've never met an RN who wasn't kicking butt financially and also being happy with their career choice. Some continue with direct patient care, some choose administrative positions. There really are so many options--the best gig I've seen seems to be as a school nurse! AND they get to retire at a reasonable age.
LPN jobs seemed to have died out a while back but I've seen a comeback in positions for them, which is good to see! Good luck in whatever you choose!
Becoming an RN - gltrgrami
[ In Reply To ..]I have been an MT for 30 years. Never seen so much change. My income has gone from 55K a year with full benefits, to 37K a year w/o benefits (good ones.) I would also consider the RN, as there are countless opportunities-- but there is NO job right now that is secure. Where I live they are laying off RNs at all the hospitals. Just food for thought ;-) I checked into coding, but they want you to have at least 2 years experience or so many hours before anyone will hire you. Much luck with whatever you choose.
About the Coding - sm
[ In Reply To ..]There are jobs for new coders if you are certified. Not many new graduates can pass the certification exams, but there are jobs for certified coders, period. It doesn't matter about experience if you have the certification. Most courses don't teach to that level, but some do.
Current MT needing change - Amanda
[ In Reply To ..]Have you ever thought about going to medical school?
Yes, I have thought about that but - sm
[ In Reply To ..]I don't think I am smart enough!!
Re: Med school - Amanda
[ In Reply To ..]Take the MCAT. That is a good assessment. If you have thought about it, seriously consider it! :) Good luck!
Getting out and into what? - sm
[ In Reply To ..]If you are worried that coding will go the way of MT, why are you considering a 2-year degree in HIT? (It's HIT, not HIM, by the way. HIM is a 4-year degree.)
Here is what those programs never tell you: the optimal job for those people with the 2-year HIT degree IS CODING.
Health information technology is stuffing records on shelves, making photocopies, chasing after doctors to sign reports, and so forth. The relatively high salaries listed on the government career website is deceptive. The height is due to coding salaries being averaged in with the much lower salaries of other medical records employees.
You do not need a 2-year degree to do that clerical tech work and most people in that area do not have any education beyond high school.
It isn't CODING that is going away, but manual medical records jobs. Why is it going away? Because they are no longer necessary with the move to EHRs. There isn't any more paper to push around. Coders will be employed long after all those other jobs vanish because the work they do is crucial to reimbursement.
You are looking at coding in its entry-level sense. You are completely missing the rest of it.
HIM is a 4-year degree. Now it is looking as though you will want to select a program that focuses on health informatics, like the one at Western Governors University. They teach HIM, with a concentration in HI, and you qualify to take the RHIA when you finish.
A very good way to do this is to take a straight coding course first, get into coding so that you are making a decent salary, and then do a program like the one at WGU where your coding skills should enable you to clear their coding and related requirements easily (and with a cost savings).
Thank you for your very informative post!! - nm
[ In Reply To ..]nm
Are you a coder or in the HIM/HIT field? - sm
[ In Reply To ..]Yes, you're right I meant HIT program, not HIM. I feel that I am being led on by the college I am looking at attending this fall. The instructors of HIT program tell me that when I get my RHIT I can pretty much be a coder anywhere I want. But, the more I research I see that the HIT program doesn't focus too much on the coding aspect and most RHIT's are poor coders. I certainly don't want to spend 2 years of my life on a program where I will be answering phones and filing papers making 11 bucks an hour. No thanks.
HIT - el
[ In Reply To ..]I got my associate's degree in HIT years ago and the only job I could find with it in my area was... MT.
Exactly! The degree doesn't work. Nobody cares about that or accreditation - See message about certification
[ In Reply To ..]Certification is the only thing that matters in coding. The degree doesn't matter. Accreditation doesn't matter. All that matters is if you have your CCS or Certified Coding Specialist credentials. That's my experience anyway.
College courses tend to just touch on coding but not really teach enough of it - My opinion
[ In Reply To ..]I know people who got degrees but can't get a job coding because they didn't do enough of it. You need to make sure that people who graduate from the course you decide on are prepared for certification exams. That's the only test of whether a course teaches coding well enough to get a job doing it.
Coding Questions - MT2009
[ In Reply To ..]Hi. Good post. I just have a few questions for you. You talked about taking a straight coding class. What do mean by that? Do you mean at the local community college or online? Would you happen to know a good accredited online coding course? I really want to get out of MT but can't do nursing as I can't stand the site of blood, etc., but I love the administrave healthcare side and coding might be a good option for me. The only thing is I need an online class. I want to keep working as an MT until I can train in something else, but not have to be in school forever to do that.
I was looking hard at Western Govenors University HIT program, but you made some good points which I myself was thinking about before reading your post.
TIA
What you need is a course that's graduates can pass certification exams - See message
[ In Reply To ..]Nothing else matters. A course either teaches to that level or it doesn't. Most courses aren't designed to do that. There's a coding board here. I would start by reading that.
Similar Messages:
Possible Career Change
Jun 25, 2011
I am considering taking classes for MT as I am ready for a change in my life. As I am looking into MT I have come across several questions that I want to ask to save myself the stress, etc. of preparing to start something that may not be what I am looking for. I see the different schools listed that others have recommended and yet I also see where my local community college offers course in MT. In your opinion would the courses there be suffice to work as a MT? For those working as MT, what do ...
Looking Into Career Change From MT
Jul 10, 2012
I've been doing medical transcription for 17 years now. It used to be a good field to get into and good pay, but as the medical transcription field seems to be slowly phasing out and it's getting harder to make a decent living as we are getting lower wages and less work, I've been thinking about going back to school and getting a bachelor's in health informatation managment or administration. I already have an assosciate's degree, but I would like to know wha ...
Looking For Career Change
Dec 16, 2012
I have been doing transcription for 30 years. I am fed up with it. I started working in a hospital and was making $17 an hr when they decided to lay us off. Then we went contract with the company the hospital was using at .10 cpl. Then, in October, we found out that Nuance had taken over. Now I am making .8 cpl. I want to make a career change. I have been sending out applications since August, probably close to 30 or more, with no interviews at all, no calls, nothing. I think all they see is all ...
Considering A Career Change...any Advice?
Dec 15, 2009
I've finally made myself accept the fact that medical transcription is never going to return to its former state and have been wondering in what other field I have an interest and could once again earn a decent living. Does anyone on the forum have any paralegal or legal secretary experience? I've been researching this field online and have found a few on-line courses but, as with MT, I know I have to be really careful which course I choose and from whom. If anyone h ...
MT As Career Change Choice
Sep 06, 2010
Hi, I hope you don't mind a visitor from the outside I'm here because I need to change careers. I'm 59 , female, single, and have done one career all my life which has been clinical social work/mental health counseling. I'm burned out with this career and alot has indicated that medical transcription might suit me. Where do I begin? What training do I need? Do I need training at all? (this may sound dumb) What schools are the best? Online versus ...
Advice On Career Change
Aug 24, 2011
I've been a medical transcriptionst for 25 years (most of that time working at home)...I can't believe how much money I am losing....I used to think that I would never go back into an office/hospital to work because I wouldn't be making enough money. Now, I am at my wits end. My pay has literally been cut in half, no thanks to EMR/VR. I am at a loss as to what to do...should I change careers (at age 49) or keep doing what I'm doing, while getting further and ...
Career Change Back To MT?
Sep 24, 2011
I was a medical transcriptionist for 9 years, working from home. Two years ago, I left the field and took an opportunity elsewhere. At the time, it was a better opportunity financially. It turns out that this position is not what I thought it was going to be. The money is nice, but the stress and the job itself are making me miserable! When I quit transcribing 2 years ago, I was making about 0.9 cents/line and only working part-time. My current position pays a ...
New MT Thinking Of Career Change...
Jan 29, 2012
I have been working at an OBGYN office for 10 months now and for reasons I'd rather not get into, I am having issues with my MT supervisor. I love MT work. I do feel it is the right niche for me. However, my LPH is under 100 and I do not feel that I am getting enough work to improve my speed. I am still new and still learning. I'm starting to wonder if I might be better off setting up a home office and trying to get on with a company like Medquist or something. I am getting paid on ...
Career Change Advice
Jun 06, 2012
Hello! I just found this board and am hoping for some advice. I will give you some background information first. I am a LPN, but have been a SAHM only for nearly 4 years. I actually left the profession because of burn-out, and my husbands job allowed be to stay home. I love being home, but I'm feeling a bit restless. I'd like to start contributing a bit financially, without huge committments. (I am VP of my kids' PTA and I keep plenty busy in many aspects). Last w ...
2 Jobs That Will Never Be Offshored...if You Want A Career Change
Jan 29, 2010
Makes sense to me; I'd opt to be an electrician (if I can't get on disability). Automotive technicians and mechanics repair and maintain automobiles and light trucks. Motorists need these services near their homes and businesses, meaning this hands-on work would be pretty hard for someone in another country to do. So rest easy. This job is staying close to home. Training is a 6-month or 1-year automotive repair certificate program or a 2-year associate degree program.& ...
Career Change - RHIT, Coding And LPN?
Aug 02, 2011
I've been an MT for 10 years but for the past year I have been in school working towards an AA degree in Health Information Management. I would like to be an RHIT and do coding somewhere. However, I like it but not enough to want to do this for the rest as my life as I am only 34. I love the medical field and want to stay in it but am thinking of switching my major. I think maybe switching to LPN and then eventually become an RN. I think that I might enjoy working with people more ...
Online School & Career Change At 40
Feb 02, 2013
Currently hold Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. Worked as executive admin asst for past 15 years. Considering going to Andrews on line MT school. Is this a good investment and career change for me or should I look into something else? Like the ability to possibly work from home. Also, which school is best choice for finding work at home job (Andrews, Career Step, Mtec, etc..)??? ...
Career Change After 20 Years Of Medical Transcription
Dec 22, 2013
Anybody got any ideas for a career change for someone that has been doing medical transcription for 20 years? ...
Career Change To Massage Therapist Suggestion
Mar 06, 2014
My son is attending massage therapy training and will be done the end of June. He will be making more money than I will be once working. It only took a year. He is going for another year to earn an AA, but will start working and go to school at night. It's kind of expensive, but I think it would be a rewarding career. There is an extensive anatomy course that we MTs would breeze through, so I thought I would pass this suggestion on. I realize some of you are in remote areas and thi ...
Beware Any Of These Coaches For Career Or Life Change.
Mar 11, 2015
The last one on here wanted to charge $497 for a 3-month package of some junk book and phone coaching and followup coaching sessions. I've got her email. I'd hate to find out what her "expanded " package costs. You can find all the same information on line yourself for free. How much time have you already spent job searching on line? Don't waste your money with these people and your time. Use your time wisely yourself. You could also lik ...
Current MT, Need Career Advice
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? ...
Career Step - Problems Passing Career Step MT Testing
Mar 05, 2012
Anyone have problems passing Career Step MT testing. ...
MT Career
Jul 21, 2010
Just doing a little survey here: Do you think the medical transcriptionist is becoming more and more obsolete? I have been in the field for a long time and have already lost a couple of jobs due to technology or work being contracted out. It seems to be the one job I was always able to find as there was also a need, especially if you're experienced. Nowadays, we're talking VR, editors, etc. etc. and the pay is not getting any better. Personally, I have alw ...
My MT Career Is Done.
Jun 30, 2011
I am just a little fish in a big pond, very rarely posted here, but loved to read the posts! I felt though I had to post tonight as I am very sad. For the last 15 years, I was an MT, but tonight was my last shift and typed my last report - a discharge summary. Same thing I started on all those years ago. My account is going VR on July 1, and I was told my wage would go from 9 cents a line to 4 cents. No matter how they crouch it in rah-rah terms (increased produc ...
Career Help
Jul 13, 2012
I am a 47-year-old woman with a BS degree in management who has always wanted to work in the medical field. I began a training program for transcription but have since learned that field isn't promising at this point. I am analytical and have worked in accounting-type positions for many years, and I think I would enjoy coding. From the perspective of someone with experience in the coding field, would you recommend coding as a career or would you suggest possibly RHIA? I would appreciate ...
Almost On To New Career! Bye MT (soon)
Oct 08, 2012
I am about 90% done with my preemployment process at a county position in a neighboring town. It will not be too soon for me start as we got word today that we lost one of the biggest contracts they had and they wont be getting a new one until February. So let me tell you just how thankful I am that I am not going to have to deal with these issues of MT anymore. I will be moving on to an employer where I am fully vested at 8 years! I am 40, so essentially I could retire then! & ...
Considering MT Career... Should I Do It?
Oct 12, 2012
Hi everyone, this is my first post. I am a military wife, so I'm hoping to start a career where I can work from home. For now I would only want to work part-time since I have a young child at home, but it would be nice to have the option to work full-time someday. I've been thinking about becoming a MT for a while now, but lately I've been discouraged because it looks like the job growth has slowed considerably in recent years. I'm looking into the Car ...
New Career.
Apr 02, 2013
How many of you are pursuing a new career. I can't live on the money I make from MT, and I don't know if I can do this until I retire. I have been studying gemology, trying to get into estate jewelry. ...
New MT Looking For New Career!!! HELP!
Apr 08, 2013
Well, I wish I would have looked at this forum before going to MT school. I tried working for two different MT companies. First one I hated the platform/pay and the second one I really liked the account and platform but my work wasn't "clean enough" and they let me go after two weeks. I think I got canned because I questioned some QA redlines and was told I was wrong (no, no comma. Yes, you put a comma. That's hypenated. No, not hypenated.) I even ha ...
Career Map
Aug 03, 2013
Here is a link to a very cool career map on AHIMA website. You click on one career in entry, mid, advanced or master level and it will connect you to all the paths you can go. It also shows emerging areas. Just what we have all been talking about mapped out! http://www.hicareers.com/CareerMap/  ...
Second Career
Nov 06, 2013
I was just wondering if anyone had found another work-from-home career to go to after leaving the MT "world?" The way this industry is going, I'm just tired of it all and would like to find something else I can do from home and make good $$ at itI I have started on something of a new career but it will take some time to get up, get going and start making $$ at it. I am designing cat "trees" or furniture that is more attractive and way more easy to clean than what is on the market out ...
Any Ideas Of Another Career In Which I Can...
Apr 15, 2010
put all of this wonderful medical terminology to good use? Don't want to be a nurse. I hate needles and blood. I am a very empathetic and compassionate person. I really don't want to deal with the public/customers. ...
U.S. Career Institute
May 09, 2010
Hmmmm...Interesting, was reading about Andrews School and M-Tech. I looked them up online and they DO seem to be THE schools to go to. Seems as though Career Step is in 3rd or so? How would anyone place U.S. Career Institute? I'm sure this another matchbox school, but do you think it's one that employers run from? Just curious, thanks if you can help. And Happy Mother's Day to all those great mom's out there, hope you had a great day! :) ...
Anyone Know About Career Step?
May 12, 2010
wonder if anyone here, or if anyone knows of anyone who utilized Career Step for either their MT program or their coding program ...
What Happened To MT Career?
Jun 04, 2010
I am reading on this board and seeing that people from Medquist are being let go, places are being bought out, hospitals are selling in-house to the outside services now. The services charge a decent amount of money to these hospitals, but we see pennies of it. What is sad is that what we do is very important, yet we are treated like all we do is type words (and anyone who has done ESL docs know it isn't just words - it's format, it's incorrect pronunciation, inco ...