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

Need to get out of MT - suggestions? - TiredWebber

Posted: Apr 30, 2011

After having my pay cut by half over the past 9 months, I realize that I need to get out of MT and in a bad way. I wish I had never gone to school for this. I just can no longer stand for having pay cut after pay cut every year with no end in sight.

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on other jobs that I could do from home. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology along with my CMT. I have young kids with medical problems, so I need to be able to be here when they need me for at least the next 5 years. I have enough money saved to be able to take a year off from working to go back to school or take another course of some sort, but I don't know where to begin. I was wondering if anyone else was successful in getting out and what you were able to find as a good alternative. I've thought about going into coding in the past, but I am afraid that will end up going the way of the dinosaur as MT is doing, and I have heard there are not a lot of work-at-home opportunities in coding.

TIA!

Reply - ALICE

[ In Reply To ..]
This is probably a most predictable response and one that you have already considered, but the first thought that comes to my mind is to continue your education towards a Masters Degree and consider temporarily doing MT part-time, if at all possible. Job-wise, I would think that the Masters would increase your marketability. I don't know, just a thought.

I don't know if it's a viable option, but you could - looking into becoming a remote scribe.

[ In Reply To ..]
What we do but the doctor's talking to you from the examining room. One service's website has a video showing docs one at work. Their service provided a cart the doc pulls around, with a monitor showing the scribe at work. The doc introduces the scribe as another "presence" in the room. They say their scribes have medical degrees (!?), but maybe I misunderstood as that's kind of silly. The way the doc was talking I was thinking don't bother saying it once, then restating it at length for me, just keep moving. I'd know what you're doing and how you wanted it said.

I could see contracting to physicians or working for a service. Interesting development in any case. Pragmatist

we are all facing the same dilemna - GlowGirl

[ In Reply To ..]
In my search for new work at the leading hospitals in Chicago, I came across this company...in India...this is why there are no jobs for us anymore in the US.

http://www.rekhatranscription.com/hospitalsdirectory/illinois.htm

Glow Girl - Anonymous

[ In Reply To ..]
I saw the same directory in my state as well. I don't think that is the company's client list although they are trying to make people think it is. In my state, the did not use the correct name of one of the facilities and there another that I know does not use that company. I think it's a directory, nothing else.

Wouldn't go that route - master MT

[ In Reply To ..]
I went back and got my master's (same general track) and it's about worthless in this economy.

If I had the last 5 years to do over, I'd take the money and put it into direct education. My daughter went back and got her degree in occupational therapy and makes nearly 3x as much as I do, doing MT.

Poster said she has to stay at home for several more years... - Kicker

[ In Reply To ..]
Several of my neighbors stay home and they are kicking butt $$$ wise. The one runs a daycare out of her home and loves it. Another runs a dog/cat grooming business out of her home and loves that as well and is really making the bucks...even in the sticks here and in this horrible economy.

Are you crafty and can make and sell things on line? I remember a place doing custom-made mailboxes and they were back ordered for MONTHS due to the demand.

I would stick to MT for part time for a little cash flow and go from there.

Pursue your passion... - ZumbaSandy

[ In Reply To ..]
TiredWebber,

My situation is similar. It's been nearly impossible to keep my head above the water with pay being cut in half. My advice is to find a way to profit from your passion.

This has been my experience...I LOVE exercise and healthy living. Last year members of my gym began asking me why I wasn't a personal trainer. After entertaining the thought, I realized personal training and fitness could very well be my calling. I began studying for certification. The owner of the gym I attend wanted to bring Zumba in and asked me to get certified. Now I teach Zumba for Curves and my gym, and another bootcamp style fitness class and LOVE it! This summer I will begin taking on personal training clients. My future feels much brighter with this, than transcription.

I still transcribe to keep benefits. I do enjoy transcription, but the cut in pay is not good.

TiredWebber, I wish you the best of luck and hope you can find a career that makes you shine!

Thanks for the suggestions! - TiredWebber

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks for all of the suggestions. It helps to hear other perspectives and ideas that I haven't thought of. I know we are all in this situation together. I hope everyone is able to find a good solution for them. I knew MT wasn't going great, but I never thought my pay would be reduced by this much so quickly.

Found some great reading - TiredWebber

[ In Reply To ..]
I was perusing our local library yesterday and found the book entitled, "Life's a *itch and then you change careers." Yep, that pretty much sums it up, LOL. Had to pick up that book!

Another one - Alice

[ In Reply To ..]
Another good book that I read some time ago and wish that I had had the courage to take her advice, "Do what you love and the money will follow" by S. Samtur. It's what I preach to young people nowadays.

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