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

thinking about taking my CMT test - justme

Posted: Sep 29, 2010

Hi All! I am actually thinking about taking my CMT test. I have thought about ioff and on a lot over the years. I have 13 years experience in 3 different hospitals and 3 different well known transcription companies (I know I change jobs a lot), but often times working 2 jobs at once. I know the AAMT Book well. Despite my experience, I'm still afraid I won't pass the test. I have known so, so many transcriptionists over the years and not a one of them have their CMT or attempted the test. There were many that were more skilled/experienced than me. I find this very odd - No CMTs. Why is this? Is the test too difficult? Is it not worth it? Companies/hospitals don't care? Is it because we're a bunch of working moms who are too overwhelmed as is to put in more energy and ambition into our careers? Do we think lowly of ourselves? Do we all lack confidence as in my case and not even consider taking the test? I don't know. I do know that if I had my CMT, I would no longer be afraid to speak up to these transcription companies and hospitals. My supervisers/QA don't even know the AAMT Book of style. I don't speak up and show them my skills many times because as I have learned they become insulted - okay real ticked off. So, basically I'm paid a low wage to sit and look stupid all the time. When they decide to implement new things, I know are going to create a mess, they don't ask my input and clearly do not want to hear helpful suggestions. Hmmm...I'm paid a low wage to be quiet and look stupid...I do that quite well - a true professional at it. However, 13 years ago I wanted a career - not a low paying job. If I wanted a low paying pay job, I would at least do something I thoroughly enjoy. Maybe I would see other human beings, maybe I would have a good laugh throughout the day, maybe my son would see me somewhere else besides my office? Damn, I sacrifice a lot for this "job"; it ought to be a career! So, if I sacrifice a bit more to study and take the test, will I simply be wasting more time or will I gain the confidence to speak up on issues, stand up for myself and be worthy of an income that is more than "I'm making it." I'm tired of just being happy I can pay all the bills....There has to be more to life than just that...I would appreciate anyone's input - good and bad. Is the test really that difficult? I still have to look up new stuff on a daily basis. I'm limited in some specialities like pathology. I'm capable of doing any type of report, letter, clinic note, etc., but I still have to occasionally check the internet on a few things throughout the day. Taking the test, I'm sure I won't have any references to refer to....

Hi justme, to answer your question about becoming a CMT (sm) - SillyMT

[ In Reply To ..]
I will tell you that I have 25 years experience and I am not a CMT, nor do I plan on becoming one. My reasons are many but I guess the main reasonings are because for the amount of studying that you have to do, the travel to take the test, time to take the test, time away from my family/job and the cost to maintain the certification, the small amount that some (not all) MTSOs are willing to pay for that certification is just not worth it. The most that I have ever seen offered was one penny more a line and again, because of the reasons above, to me it is just not worth it.

I am sure that you will get better answers than mine from MTs who have been and who are CMTs. Whatever you decide though, I wish you the best of luck!

not only no references to use, but no spellcheck - and no footpedal

[ In Reply To ..]
I am not a CMT, have 14 years experience, and also thought about doing it.

I have never done radiology or pathology, but have acute care for all 14 years.

I was told that it was an extremely hard test, and that if you do not pass, you have to repay the entire amount to take again. That scares me because I am a horrible test taker, always have been.

To get out of school, I could not pass the typing test because my hands were shaking too bad. The teacher knew I could type when not taking tests, she felt so sorry for me and passed me anyway.

Still.... tests freak me out and hard ones even worse!

I would love to hear from someone just how hard it really is.

CMT - formerCMT

[ In Reply To ..]
It sounds like you really want to take it, and I would do it if that's how you feel. Do it for yourself. There are CMT prep courses online from M-TEC, TRSI, and Career Step. I was certified from 2001-2004. I took the test when it was a two-parter, and I only had 3 years of hospital transcription experience, and I passed. I didn't keep up with my CEU'S because the clinic I work in now doesn't care one way or another (they don't reimburse for it or pay higher wage for CMT), but I am studying to take it again anyway within the next couple of months just for self-satisfaction and the possibility of a better opportunity coming my way. You just never know.

Little interest in past because of little benefit, outweighed by - Anon.

[ In Reply To ..]
both cost and bother, so like most I didn't bother. More recently some companies have been preferring to see CMT on the applications and some even pay a bit more. Given the uncertain times, and seeing my company boasting of its CMTs, I finally decided to go ahead and get it for my resume.

Anybody with extensive experience should find the medical part pretty easy. The grammar part could be a surprise; it is designed to be difficult for people who've never gotten a really good grasp on written English. So a brush-up with the sort of fascinated attention most of us didn't give it in high school will be in order for some. :)

To JustmeCMT - Momof2

[ In Reply To ..]
Many people refuse to take the CMT or to have anything at all to do with AHDI because they are responsible in a major way for the support of offshoring. As a loyal American, I cannot have anything to do with this organization.

CMT and a dollar... - former Webmedxer CMT

[ In Reply To ..]
...will buy you a cup of coffee.

Thought being a CMT meant my job was secure. Companies like to brag that they have so many CMTs working for them, right?

Still got laid off from Webmedx, "Employer of the Year", a month ago along with others who weren't CMTs. So much for the CMT making a bit of difference.

As for new jobs, you can still look forward to being offered a job as an IC at 7 cents per line whether you're a CMT or not.

Sorry, but am soured on CMT meaning anything more than money in AHDI's pockets.

In the end, all MT jobs will be going to India, anyway, with the dollar always being the bottom line, so it won't matter one bit who is a CMT and who isn't. Accuracy such as what you get employing CMTs now takes a back seat to cost.

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