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

Would any of you recommend MT as a career choice? - I_need_a_lobotomy

Posted: Apr 14, 2013

I would have in the past, but not any more. Unless I really hated the person and wanted to see them totally fail in life.

RE: MT as a career choice? - anon

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I went to the doctor this week. He asked me what kind of work I did. I told him medical transcription and how they slashed the wages and then gave no work so I gave them the big finger (Nuance). He told me so many of the doctors miss MTs so much, because they have to do it themselves and the voice recognition is nut fun. He said that career is dead. I agree. He said it may come back though, but I wouldn't bet on it. Just my 2 cents. We all have to find another career.

I would recommend it for stay at home Moms. - Most definitely. sm

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I have been so lucky to be able to greet my children at the door, get them on and off the school bus, attend functions without worry. I also think lessening the on-site stress by working at home saved my sanity.

MT has been good to me. I would highly recommend it. I've had my share of lost accounts and being an IC, I don't get to just call in sick but it all is wash since my job is so flexible. I can take off whenever, work whenever, and feel free of all the hassles that come with the regular career choices out there.

I consider it more even trading. I don't answer to anyone but myself, and that sure is nice. I did spend 17 years on-site and while I did learn a lot, I feel far less stressed at home.

I would recommend it for sure for Moms or Dads who want to be at home.

Are you the sole earner in your family? - nm

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.

obiously not. what I want to know is how many jobs she's had, how - long in this business. SM

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guessing novice. and one that got lucky first time out. experience would never give her answer.

She said she worked 19 years in house before going to work at home. - PartyPooper

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I always forget that NO ONE is allowed to be happy on these boards. I bet there are more happy MTs than unhappy, but the unhappy ones are loud and obnoxious about it. Probably why they are not valued, appreciated, praised, etc. They don't deserve it and their company is probably trying to force them to leave. If I was an MTSO, I wouldn't put up with half the crap I see going on.

This is NOT the norm... - anon

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"I can take off whenever, work whenever". You are misleading others to say this is representative of the MT business now as an IC. Most MTs have to submit a strict schedule even though they run out of work, clock in and out, and have limited time off.

Well.... then they made a poor choice in their - clients. I am an IC and I most certainly (sm)

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choose when and if I decide to work that day. I have a 24-hour TAT that I meet if and when I do work. It's flexible.

It's out there, and I'm a true IC. I am not misrepresenting anything. I am sharing my experience.

The MTSO I contract with treats me like the business owner that I am, and yes I can work whenever I feel like it or not. Sorry you don't believe that, but it is true.

Good for you. - sm

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Hang on to what you have, because it is definitely not that way out here for others. That's why many people are so upset with the industry.

I had it like you until about a year ago. PERFECT job, plenty of work, great pay and I couldn't figure out why in the world all of these people on here would complain so much. My job ended, as they so often do without notice these days (I had been there 7 years) and now I feel the pain of all of the others.

So, good luck to you and don't brag too much, because you definitely don't want to be in this horrible place that so many are forced to be.

Good advice - Dazed and confused

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If you don't believe it can happen to you, run on over to the M*Modal board or look at some of the people on this very board who have lost accounts with nothing to replace them. Don't get too comfortable.

I didn't say it was not true... - anon

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You need to re-read my post, especially the title, which I thought was very clear.

To repeat, I said it was misleading because you "recommend it for sure" "most definitely" and use your rare situation as if it's the average.

Up until 2011, I had the same situation and wasn't even an IC (employee with 5 weeks of vacation and insurance). I, however, kept in touch with the industry changes and knew I was lucky to still have a boss/owner who trusted us to keep the work on TAT on our own schedule. Those days are long gone. That's the reality. I like the accounts I have now, get 9 cpl for straight typing, PTO, and insurance. I do, however, have a schedule and time clock I have to punch, which unfortunately IS the norm.

I just would hate someone to invest in a MT as a career and think they can easily find the job you are describing. The experienced MTs who are posting (I've been in the business 25+ years) are saying a situation like yours is now few and far between. Not sure why you are arguing that.

I do the same thing.... - MT

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I wrote up a long post a few months back telling MTs what they needed to do to get on board with those who were still thriving and have never had to adhere to a strict schedule, but I got bashed. I have been in this field for 12 years, have had my fair share of loss of accounts, no raises, etc., BUT I have NEVER worked a schedule in all my years. I come and go as I please and work when I want. I only work for companies that want 24 to 48 hour turnaround times and that's it. I REFUSE to work for anywhere that requires a schedule because that just doesn't work with my life. I can work at 3 in the morning or 8 in the morning...whatever I choose. If I decide to take the day off, I work at night, but that's my choice since I have the work, but just have to meet the deadline to get it back. None of you want to think outside the box and think that nationals paying minimum wage are all that's out there. It's not true. MT may be changing, but it's not dead.

The same thing happened to me - Jane

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Then one day, blam! Lost account, no work, worried about foreclosure. So when you think you want to REFUSE to do something, think again. There are a lot of us out here who are more than willing to accommodate a client's reasonable request. "Thinking outside the box" has nothing to do with it. Some situations are beyond our control. Your "none of you want to think outside the box" says it all. How can you possible know what ALL of us think? If you do not know that (and you don't), you cannot possibly say such a thing. And no, I was not working for a large national.

Yes, yes, and yes! Loved your post! - Totally agree! nm

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xx

The nationals pay more than minimum wage for most; it's the miserable ones who yell the loudest - PartyPooper

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I have decided to be vocal about this, to try to drown out the ones who are so ugly here. There are THOUSANDS of MTs in the United States but only DOZENS of posts here. I guess the happy ones are tired of being bashed.

Yes the happy ones are tired of being bashed. - sm

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Whenever someone posts they are happy, here comes the parade of posters calling that person "from another planet" or "out of their minds." Whatever.... to each his own... you can sit and roll in it and get nowhere or do something about it and get somewhere.

You got that right - Sista

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Love your post PartyPooper!!

Beg to differ - LifeAsMT

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Even the DOL has stated that this industry is rapidly declining from where it once was due to both offshoring and, more than that, technology. It's not a matter of a few grumbling people.

It may be true for now - Annie

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but that could change at ANY time, probably sooner rather than later.

Not necessarily - MT

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It all depends on the field of medical that we are talking about. Not all of us do acute care that needs to be in the charts immediately. Some of us think outside the box and go into different fields that don't require the reports to be in the charts in such a pressing manner. It's been this way for 12 years for me and the type of work I do isn't going to change in requirement of how fast it needs to come back.

that's not what she's saying - see inside

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Not that you can't work whenever you want, but that the work itself could dry up any minute, as has happened to so many here. If you want to get my dander up, be sure to use the expression "think outside the box."

MT - Speed onto charts is by no means

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the only factor. You are deluding yourself. Your job could be endangered sooner than you think. Denial is not a river in Egypt.

I had this experience also, but it is getting harder and harder to find those clients - anon

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I worked for a great local MTSO as an IC and had this experience also, 24 hour TAT, which I could complete anytime during the day that fit. I did this while raising my children and it was great. This MTSO had many wonderful clients, but slowly with the economic pressures she started losing them (many were very apologetic and stated that the department supervisor insisted on cheaper solutions, be it VR or off shoring). It became more and more difficult to find new clients (her reputation is top notch and it was not an issue of quality). I think the days of this type of opportunity are sadly on their way out as well, as more physician offices are complying with the EHR mandate fast approaching or else they will lose money on Medicare patients. I truly hope I am wrong, but I see the writing on the wall.

Like so many others, then... - LifeAsMT

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the little company that allowed flexibility was bought out by the big national...

And life forever changed. Which company was it? I forget because they "merged" and then they "merged" and then they were bought out, or something along those lines.

that's absolutely right, anon. - NM

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.

On What Planet - see msg

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Exactly what planet can an MT come and go as they please? You sound like an MT school on the back of a matchbook.

I thought that same thing! - sm

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Thought this must be another ad for Canscribe!

I thought the same thing - Disgusted

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TranSCAM, anyone?

I do not work for a national. - I have plenty of work.

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I am not the sole breadwinner. We are a two-income family but I always made it work. My DH used to work part-time and me part-time and I worked IC from home in addition to my part-time in hospital job. We saved on daycare, and we enjoyed every minute of it.

I'm sorry you folks think the only way to MT is for a national paying pennies. I really think there is more to it than being a number/employee for a huge national on-line. There are opportunities out there.

Since you have plenty of work - Jane

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Perhaps you would care to give us a few tips so that we might enjoy a similar bounty?

That is part of the problem. People want - someone else to give them the easy route. nm

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xx

Easy route--not! - Jane

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It is not the "easy route." It is called cooperation, sharing, networking, and even collegiality (Look it up.) Perhaps you have been working at home so long you have forgotten about cooperation? Networking? I have helped over a dozen other MTs get work. On occasion, others have done the same for me. I really hope that when your well runs dry (and it will) others are more forthcoming and kind with you than you are with others.

amazing - reality

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I'm an IC who contracts through other MTSOs. I work for two. I have 24 hr TAT. No schedule. I've tried working for a national with a set schedule and find I just can't do it. I'm single, still making over $50k and balance the negatives with the positives. I just don't understand the mentality that because it's not your reality it cannot BE a reality.

Exactly. Your last statement says it all and thank you! - sm

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The nationals are not end all be all and there are other sites besides here that advertise and also just straight up contacting companies through their e-mail contact can land you some fine opportunities.

Again, like the other poster said, it's really a matter of thinking outside the box and not limiting yourself to this site and what people say here.

I find it rather glaringly evident that those complaining just want some sort of easy answer or for someone to just give up the goods so to speak. It's a matter of finding your comfort zone and it's also a matter of again "thinking outside the box."

My DH works with a man whose daughter does translation transcription. Funny this morning I did notice a job on the job board for that type of dictation if you check the site out. There are opportunities. I guess people just want to go by this site and this site alone and the doom and gloom here intead of using their skills to advance themselves or change a sour situation.

Good luck to you all!

Because it's like saying, "I won the lottery, YOU can too." - sm

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The odds are that it can only be a "reality" for a very few since there are not a multitude of similar opportunities (and they're going to become fewer and fewer), and anyone considering going into MT should be made aware of that FACT.

the only thing about that is - tynkerbelle

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the only thing about that is, been there done that. most of the people you think are "whining" on here have been there and done that too. when it works out well, it is pretty nice. you get used to the money. then one day wham, an account is gone and you make a bit less. then maybe the company goes out of business and you have to look for another position. to iffy for me. i am working an old-fashionied hospital job, but with VR. love it.

whining and the lottery - reality

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I didn't say anything about anyone whining, just about people who want to negate someone's positive experience because they aren't having a positive experience.

And to the lottery comment, the MT jobs are out there. It takes time and work to find them. I can't just go do some serious groundwork and win the lottery (if I could I'd be doing that and not posting here or doing MT), but you can find an MT position but it does take work to do so.

the lottery = astronomical odds - that was the point and still is (nm)

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nm

Friend is an IC and she works that way - LinK

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My friend has been a true IC for years. She has her own clients and works when she wants to as long as she has it done within 48 hours of receiving the work. I'm envious of her. She take mornings off to run errands or just to do something fun or she takes whole days off. She works a lot of long nights also, but that's her choice. Those jobs are out there, but I'm sure they're few and far between.

HAHAHA! Brilliant and truthful statement! - LifeAsMT

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At least one good thing happened today; I read your post!

This old timer says do it if you're willing to work IN a hospital or other facility. - Work at home for a career is dead. NM

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x

Most definitely - Old Pro

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Absolutely not being snarky, but honestly want to know--how much longer do you think this is going to last?

Unfortunately, no....sm - Old Woman

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MT was kind enough to me to allow me to raise my kids while working from home, but I can barely support myself these days, let alone feed growing kids. If you just want a little extra money, then yes, I would recommend it, but not as a career.

Recommend MT? - Old Pro

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Not only no, but no.

I am always 100% honest with anybody who inquires about this--sm - anon

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First of all, we are generally talking about somebody just entering the field, thus they have no experience to fall back on. For many, this means paying for education. So the first question is how will they feel if their time and money goes to the education and they are unable to get a job? I had a friend who I was honest with the field about who paid for an MT school (I do not know which one) that supposedly helped with job placement and she never got a job in the MT field. I ask my friends if they can afford that.

I then talk to them about my expectations for the field. I do not think the field will die entirely but the numbers of transcriptionists needed are declining, and likely will continue to do so, especially considering we are competing with transcriptionists in India as well. The pay is certainly declining.

So then the quesiton becomes, what does this friend need to get out of it? Do they need insurance for their family too? Does this insurance need to basically just cover emergencies or do they need coverage for a sick child or a sick adult? The insurance may be fine for emergencies but I have a diabetic daughter, if I depended on my job for insurance, we would be in a world of hurt.

The other question would be how long do you need the job? Just a few years, it MIGHT work. Do you need enough to save a bundle for retirement? Perhaps another career path would be better.

For me right now, MT is what I have, I know how do it and I have a job and experience. However, my husband also works for the government so that is where we get our insurance and that is where our retirement funds are. I am not counting on this long-term at all. I just keep hoping and praying it lasts me for about another 14 months. I will say that if I am still doing it 10 years from now, that would be a big surprise.

No No No ..... and No again and then Run - Regrets

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No No No ..... and No again and then Run

If I were just starting out, no. - Toni

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As an MTSO owner, I get calls all of the time from people who want to decide whether to spend the money for an MT course. I am as honest as I can be with them. This is a tough field with dwindling work. While I've been lucky (so far) and still have a number of clients and am making a good living, I know it's not going to last. At first it was the overseas threat and now it's EMR. It's tough enough for the seasoned transcriptionists to get at home jobs or to work as an IC. Very hard for a newby without experience.

Toni - Old Pro

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I agree with you completely. Truer words were never spoken. I used to mentor MTs who were starting out or people who wanted to get into the field. (Hospitals hired me to come and teach on their premises.) However, I discourage everyone I possibly can. Every day I give thanks to G-d that I can stay at home and spend my time with Dobies and Rotties (whose bite, BTW, is not nearly as fierce as that of the owners of the big nationals).

MT as a career choice - Luckyacew1

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I agree. It used to be a really good job. But nowadays, since Voice Recognition and outsourcing to India, etc., you would have to be out of your tree to train to be a medical transcriptionist! You will be making 4 cents a line. Many transcriptionists are nowadays only making minimum wage.

Hahahaha! - LifeAsMT

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I read the title of your post and burst out laughing (and not in a happy way but more in a snickering way). I would NEVER suggest this "career" to anybody unless they enjoyed pain and suffering.

MT As A Career - anon

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Absolutely not, not any more! Enough said.

MT as a career - Old Pro

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Even I, who in my heydey (80s-90s) made 90K+ a year, would discourage anyone from doing it. My last year fulltime, I made 38K.

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