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Question about CMT certification - wondering if I should get it eventually

Posted: Jun 02, 2011

Hi all,

I have been a transcriptionist for right at 6 years. I have been thinking about certification, but wondered if I should do it. The only problem I see in obtaining it is my experience. I have basically been doing clinic work with my company and a little acute care, but not much else. I know that pay wise, it really doesn't seem to help having the credential and I think that is a true shame, because I know the MTs who do have the credential have worked very hard to get the experience which is needed to have it. However, I thought it would be a nice to have.

Thank you for your input! :O)

CMT - look in archives

[ In Reply To ..]
Look in the archives of NEW MT and see the pros and cons of CMT

CMT certification? Are they still out there? - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Nice thing to have? Don't know where it gets you nowadays. Go back to school. Spend the money on increasing what you know and then become a nurse or something else that gives you more respect and appreciation.

I'm Not Doing It - Old MT

[ In Reply To ..]
There was a time when I was new I thought I'd go for the CMT credential, but it really doesn't mean much so I nixed the idea early on. If you have a personal propensity to just have the accomplishment, that's fine, but don't do it as a career move.

I have little respect for the credential. I used to do QA at a big company, and there were plenty of CMTs who didn't know their you-know-what from their elbow and they did sloppy work. SO, that is my thing on that.

It sounds like you want to stay in this business, so I would definitely get some more acute care under your belt if you want to milk what is left of this business.

CMT certification - Old Pro

[ In Reply To ..]
Don't waste your time and money. This organization has a lot history of exploiting the American MT. (Just check into their relationship with MQ.) They were instrumental in making offshoring acceptable. They have done nothing for the American MT except exploit and take money. I have been an MT/MTSO for four decades, have done extremely well, and do not need or want to support this organization. As an American, I am not going to support someone who helps my livelihood go overseas. Thumbs down on AHDI or ADHD or whatever it is they are calling themselves these days.

SAVE YOUR MONEY! - oaf

[ In Reply To ..]
At this point in time unless your company requires it and they pay for your testing I wouldn't bother. I was certified and got zip, zilch extra from any of my employers so I let it lapse. It's just another way for the AHDI to get more of what little money we make.

I Agree - Old MT

[ In Reply To ..]
It costs money to take the test, and it's not cheap. I don't know what it is these days, but it was in the 100s.

I always said, if my company all of a sudden requires it, then they can pay for it.

Thank you all so much. That's why I come and get your opinions :) - wondering if I should get it eventually

[ In Reply To ..]
I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who responded. When I first started, I didn't really see any need for it, and now it just confirms my first thoughts on it. From what I have seen, the credential is just an abbreviation at the end of a name, and that is truly sad. :( I am currently in coding school, but am not sure if that is what I want to do and now wish I would have spent that money elsewhere as well. I don't think I have the stomach to be a nurse, and believe me, I have thought about that as a career, as well. Again, thank you so much for taking the time to respond. :O)

"ADHD" ---- ROTFL ----- you made my day! - MT Wordz

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

MT wordz - quick question - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Are you affiliated with company MT Wordz?

just wondering - thought unique name for a company and original, wondering if they are still in business.

CMT - SS

[ In Reply To ..]
I agree with one of the posters: focus on acquiring acute-care experience. Solid acute-care experience will enhance your employability more than "CMT" on your resume.

If there are two interviewees of similar qualifications, CMT vs. non-CMT might be the deciding factor who is hired.

CMT - SS

[ In Reply To ..]
Ask your employer if they will reimburse you, at least in part, if you pass the exam and if they will increase your compensation if you pass. Some MTSO's do.

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