A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry
Going back to school? - worriedMT
Posted: Apr 20, 2011
I am almost 51. I have been in this profession as well as many other aspects from receptionist to office manager. I was doing transcription when it was considered "just typist". I have taken so many classes, for my own benefit of course, on terminology, anatomy, etc., and of course they were not count toward a degree because hey were all continuing ed courses.
I wonder if it stupid for me to go back to school. Problem is, I could do most management jobs in this field without the degree and have more experience than most do coming into the field with degrees. I don't know if I can afford to go back because of course I work and make too much money.. in the eyes of the government. But we all know how much it takes to go back to school.
Any advice?
back to school - anotherMT
[ In Reply To ..]I am in the same boat. Looking at the lack of work as a MT and realized recently I realistically have 30 years before I can retire - and I'm 45 now! I also made too much money to get any grants to go back to school and I don't want an office or management job so now what? I am stepping back and looking at what I enjoy doing and going from there. I work part time at a preschool, have a weekend transcription job that I hate and at my "full time" job I earned $200 for two weeks of work. Just applied at Menards to stock shelves because it will get me out of the house and active, which I need, and isn't too far to drive with the high gas prices. Guess you just have to look at what is out there and find something you like. Don't rule out school, according to my son, the local college library has a lot of information on grants and scholarships available to every age. He will be leaving the army in a year and a half and will be continuing his education then, so there may be some hope for us yet.
Going back to school is never a stupid. - RHIT is a two-year degree to consider.
[ In Reply To ..]x
RHIT - TAA
[ In Reply To ..]I have 1 year to go. Went back for RHIT and eventually CTR.
What is CTR? - MTPockets
[ In Reply To ..]Thanks!
Going back to school - Research
[ In Reply To ..]You have to really have a plan. A plan on how it will be paid for (no matter how much money you make, you can usually get student loans) taking into consideration the GOP budget cuts out much of the money for education. You have to know what your TRUE earning potential is when you graduate with that degree. You have to consider what your competition would be in getting the jobs your degree qualifies you for.
I believe no education is EVER lost. But I can tell you I went back and got my BA and then got my MS and my earnings would be less than I make as an MT. I've had to move in with one of my kids because my student loans have come due with no way for me to pay them AND rent. The competition is filled with lots of younger people with the same degree and while sometimes my age helps, a lot of times, the jobs are going to those who are a tad younger.
It helps to make sure you can earn a living but really give it some significant thought. I've been an MT since 1974 (I was 15) and still love it but today I'm a smarter, wiser, more educated MT who makes the same as I did pre- any of that education.
back to school - no name
[ In Reply To ..]I dont know if you want to do this, but if you cant come up with tuition, they have student loans out there. I am doing this because with my degree, I will be making 3 times as much as now. I am barely making it. I need to do something. So I am going back and working both, which is extremely hard. Dont let no one talk you out of it because of your age. I have had them say "by the time you graduate, you will be retiring." 25 years is a long time. It just made me want to do it more. good luck
Getting a job in your 50s will be hard - My Opinion For What It Is Worth
[ In Reply To ..]I had applied at many jobs and as they ask your age on the application (indirectly of course such as what year did you graduate high school), I never had one job interview. I can understand someone interviewing and not liking you, but to not get one interview? I had applied for a job at a hospital doing filing in Medical Records. I thought knowing my ABCs and being able to count would at least get me an interview. Nothing. Also, when you see ads on TV for jobs, they always have young people in their ads. At my bank, the oldest teller (been there since she was young) told me her sister went to school for an accountant. She is still working in the grocery store as she could not get hired.
If personal satisfaction is enough, then go to school. I would at least be mindful that they are not going to look on you positively when you are competing with most, if not all, of the applicants being young and fresh faced. Age does matter to employers.
Age - Anonymous
[ In Reply To ..]My thoughts on the file clerk job you applied for are that you are over qualified, that can also work against a person. I agree that it is difficult at our age. I'm applying for other jobs while keeping one foot in MT. My experience so far has been that I have been called to interview, but the companies have chosen to fill the posts with internal candidates. I'm 56 but have no proof that it is an age issue. I'm at the top of the salary scale where I currently work and have thought that perhaps employers see that and don't think I'd accept less. The job market is complex and timing is everything, all we can do is hang in there and keep trying. If you are being overlooked based stricly on age and have proof, that is discrimination and grounds for legal action on your part.
WorriedMT - Old Pro
[ In Reply To ..]If I were your age, I definitely would go back to school. It might not hurt to meet with some different counselors at universities and colleges, etc. and see. Perhaps you would be eligible for grants, etc. Don't give up on yourself! If I were not nearly 70 I would be joining you in the classroom. Good luck.
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