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

Is it worth getting certified? - Rob

Posted: 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.

No. - -nm

[ In Reply To ..]

Not really - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
There used to be a lot of companies that offered a CMT differential, but these have become few and far between. It is a lot of $ for the test and a lot of work studying and then keeping up on CECs every 3 years. I used to get an extra 1/4 cpl for having the CMT but that was taken away when my company was acquired by the big N. Not sure if it is worth it for me to recertify or not. It might help you get a job and put you above other candidates. Some higher-level (management, teaching, etc.) positions in MT might require you to have your CMT.

I think you are mistaken - No fan of AHDI

[ In Reply To ..]
Hasn't the AAMT/AHDI been the sole agency for obtaining the (useless) CMT?

Rob - CMT - Fat Owl

[ In Reply To ..]
I have been doing this for over 30 years and at one time was a member of the AAMT back before it "evolved." However, when I saw how they did NOT work in the best interest of the CMTs, and when I saw the shenanigans that the former "old guard" of the organization formerly known at the AAMT pulled on people, I promptly quit and have never gone back. I make great money--even now--and I do not need their alphabet soup behind my name to do so. Why support an organization that has greatly contributed to the plight of the American MT? No, corporations are not people, and you do not need a CMT.

I Love the way they took "American" out - And MT out. Just lovely

[ In Reply To ..]
xx

No - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Had my CMT and let it expire years ago. While it may be recognized (not compensated) within the profession, those outside it have no idea what it means and couldn't care less.

What I find most offensive is that this group of people actually believes it can lobby "for us" in Washington, representing our interests. What a joke.

I agree with everyone above - I have been doing this for

[ In Reply To ..]
for over 20 years and a while back held CMT. Never did me any good and never even kept me from having to take tests to get jobs. I would say spend the 300 plus bucks (that was back when I took it) on a course at the community college or on-line.

To No- sm - Maggie

[ In Reply To ..]
The only thing this group of people has ever lobbied for is for themselves, and for those them deem "appropriate" for their little social circle. And what they deem "appropriate" has nothing to do with transcription. Nuff said.

NO agree with all the above - oaf

[ In Reply To ..]
In the beginning AAMT and a CMT was worthwhile and they actually were lobbying for better pay, etc for the MTS. Now ADHI is a joke. IMHO the big MTSOS now have more influence than we wee little poor transcription workers. I was grandfathered back in as a CMT - but that lapsed - it just wasn't worth it.

. - .

[ In Reply To ..]
.

No - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
There are a few companies that advertise for CMTs. IMHO, these companies employ CMTs in QA or lower-level management who only want to satisfy themselves that their years of paying into the organization and obtaining CECs are worth it (which they are NOT)and want to hire suckers who have also been prey to this organization. In other words, "I had to pay, so I won't hire someone who hasn't made the same sacrifice." Bully for them.

I've met good CMTs before, but it's no guarantee that the individual can produce a reliable medical record or even speak intelligently; in fact, at one AAMT meeting years ago, I was embarrassed to be associated with the group at all.

I Used to do QA - On MTs, some were CMTs

[ In Reply To ..]
I had better MTs than those who claimed to be CMTs. It's a joke.

Similar Messages:

Mar 08, 2011

is it.. Board Certified or board certified ? ...

Apr 01, 2013

I'm currently studying my rear off to become certified, CMT license. Have almost 15 years of experience under my belt doing this but don't want to waste my time if there won't even be a market for us anymore. Should I keep going? Is it worth it? Can't decide. ...

Sep 29, 2010

Would it be possible to get certified if you have not attended school? I have a friend who has worked as a coder for almost 20 years and has never pursued her certification. Can she just take the test and become certified and still reap the same benefits as someone who completed a course and then became certified? I am trying to convince her to do it and have even offered to help her study but I wanted to make sure she doesn't have to attend school to do so. ...

Nov 05, 2011

what other jobs would you be qualified for if by chance coding does disappear. There are quite a few posters saying it will. Thanks ...

Apr 30, 2013

Doc is dictating a letter and wants "Certified" in the letter. Can anyone tell me where to place this in the letter? Thanks! ...

Nov 16, 2010

I am still deciding which coding school will be the best for me. I was wondering what the grad:certification ratios are for these coding schools. Does anyone know if this information is available to the general public? ...

Jan 16, 2011

I saw a job posted on line for and MT with two years experience in radiology but ADHI certified is a must. I have 28 years experience but I am not certified. After 28 years I am still learn new terminology every day. What makes a company just because someone is certified that they are going to be a great MT? I see no reason to be certified right now because medical transcription is really dying off. ...

Mar 18, 2011

Just wondering if most/all MT's take the state certification test. I was told that it wasn't neccessary to take the test to get a job, but that it helps. ...

Jun 09, 2011

I have a question, if someone would be so kind. What is the protocol of becoming a Certified Tumor Registrar? Does this happen after one has been coding for awhile? Are there certain credentials? I have researched online and am still confused. Thank you! ...

Sep 21, 2012

I left Nuance a couple of weeks ago and got what i believe is my last check this past pay period and a check for PTO. I just got a notice of a certified letter from them, any ideas what it could be? Thanks ...

Oct 22, 2009

Medquist has been certified under the TAA, or Trade Act, Program. This means that former Medquist employees who lost their jobs can get funds to go to school as well as help paying for their COBRA premiums. They need to go to their local Workforce center to apply. Here's the site: http://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/ ...

May 21, 2014

I just got a flier in the mail from AHIMA about becoming a CTR or Certified Cancer Tumor Registrar. I have never heard of this and so my curioisty is piqued. My question is could this be another career or is it another way AHIMA is trying to get money out of us? I am not sure if the hospitals or clinics in my area would need a CTR but I will also be doing my research! Thanks! ...

Mar 24, 2014

I have been in the field of Education for 23 yrs and have been an Administrator for the past 13. Due to the economy, schools would rather hire those with no experience and pay them less than seasoned veterans like myself. I have 2 in college and a 10yr old I adopted at birth so I am far from retirement. I am considering going back to school and getting certified as a Medical Assistant (which would include Phlebotomy and X-ray tech) and Medical Billing/Coding or Transcription. I am currently un ...

May 23, 2014

I received some information in the mail on how to become a certified cancer tumor registrar by training online. That's a possible alternative to this work for some. The website is ahima.org/crm. ...

Aug 03, 2010

What are some of the best online college/university that offers certified medical coding/billing? ...

Jul 20, 2012

Hyphens? ...

Apr 25, 2015

I took some pre-employment documents to a notary yesterday. The birth certificate, issued by the hospital where I was born 62 years ago, I was told would not do for ID because it was not "state certified". In order to get a state certified birth certificate, you have to have the notary certify they have seen my birth certificate, then the state issues one they call "certified". This makes absolutely no sense to me and only delays employment. Anyone else had this experienc ...

Nov 25, 2009

I was a student at M-TEC and dropped out. I have all 3 SUM CDs still. One is opened and 2 are still sealed. I just don't know what these are worth and can't find anyone selling them that has a listed price anywhere. Thanks in advance for your help on this! ...

Feb 18, 2012

Editing at .04 cpl, is it worth it? For 250 lines per hour, that is $10 an hour. Maybe that is good considering we work at home? Seeking opinions, please. Not trying to start a war. ...

Mar 08, 2012

I invite any person of management in any MTSO to sit at their computer for an entire shift and see what we go through day after day and see if they feel they are being paid a proper, living wage. There are way too many factors that eat into the paltry wage we start out with, and it's high time this was recognized as an occupational hazard and we are duly compensated. It's only going to get worse, not better, if something isn't done. Of course, I realize nobody r ...

Mar 20, 2012

Looking for a job is terrifying, heart-in-throat time. On the other hand...you discover there are jobs with YEARLY EVALUATIONS (yes!)...RAISES (double yes!)...PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES (I can't believe it!)...absolutely stunning, you don't realize how brainwashed you are, how hammered you are, till you GET OUT. Scared...but free. Don't think of it as shaking like a leaf. Think of it as fluttering like a butterfly. ...

Apr 22, 2012

We are worth more in so many ways. I am very disheartened with the way things have changed in our profession. We used to be paid much better, and have a better chance of moving up the ladder as well. Now we are almost at poverty level on wages. I really don't understand how anyone can expect people who are very highly trained and specialized in this field to live on what we are being paid, or to treat us as if we are second-class citizens. I would challenge any ...

May 12, 2012

I'm curious. How many of you cheering on this lawsuit think that things will change in a way that you will be paid "what you are worth?" And what are you worth? I mean seriously? Is someone who does a lousy job as valuable as someone who does a stellar job? Is someone with a shoddy education as valuable as someone with a first-class education? How about those with no formal education at all? What is it you all think you will really accomplish with a law ...

Aug 18, 2012

I graduated a year and a half ago from a very good MT school. I graduated with high honors and felt ready to tackle this profession. I wanted to do this because it has always been my dream to be a stay at home mom and with this profession I felt like I got the best of both worlds. When I researched MT are suposed to make 30K or more. So I figured as a newbie maybe 20K or even 18K. Wow was I wrong. I got hired about 2 months out of school which was a huge relief but things rapidly went down hill. ...

Sep 08, 2012

I'm getting ready to buckle down and study for my CMT. I got my RMT this spring and promised myself that I would get the CMT before I forgot too much. I'm having trouble motivating myself to memorize all the abbreviations (this seems to be a favorite type of question), so I'm wondering how folks who have their CMT feel about whether or not it has helped them with their career or not. Thanks for encouragement or discouragement. I'd really like to know. ...

May 04, 2013

I have over 30 years experience. I have worked in 2 major hospitals and as an independent contractor. I know what I am doing. Problem is, I am human. I make mistakes. But with this company, 1 mistake is huge. It can bring your accuracy score down below their guidelines. Just for a left out word that does not change the context. I have just about had enough. I really don't have to be talked to like a toddler when I make a mistake.&n ...

Jul 27, 2013

I currently make 9 cpl but curious if it would be worth it to jump over to MME. Thanks ...

Aug 22, 2013

I would love to hear from my fellow MTs what you think we are worth, not by the line but by the hour. Indeed as I was doing research regarding "piece work" in America, I found very little information except that it went back to the guild system. However, I did learn that in England, if you do piece work (cpl, for example) and you are required to sign in and sign out, you cannot be paid for production, but only an hourly wage. So what do you think we are worth? Let's consider whe ...

Feb 14, 2010

What are your feelings about obtaining your CMT credentials when VR (at least with my employer) doesn't follow BOS or acknowledge the styles, forms and practices that, at one time were the norm? I get blown away with sentence structure and grammar these days. Do you think one should become certified with the latest trend with VR? Seems to me "No", not worth it, unless I moved on to a company who did not use VR. But, then again, if this is the trend hospitals and companies a ...

Sep 13, 2010

The hospital where I live has 4 openings for coders, but they all require that you have an RHIT certification. I know in order to have this you must have an AA degree. How many of you have this and would it be better to have this rather than study at Andrews or Career Step? ...