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

Been away from MT for 10 yrs - where do I start? - TMich

Posted: Jan 05, 2015

I was an MT for 14 years with multi-specialty experience. I have been out of the field for 10 years. I am interested in getting back to it. I have some questions:

-Should I work on Certification before finding a job? Should I get Registered before Certification?

-What equipment/software is generally being used this days for at-home/contractor?

-What is the average PPL?

-How does straight transcription compare to VR editor as far as pay?

-Right now I live in the country (but will be moving to the city soon) any suggestions on good internet access for country MT's?

Appreciate any help!!

Run Forrest, run! - Empirelady

[ In Reply To ..]
I truly mean this in the nicest possible way, but have you been reading this board the past few years? MT is a dying art, being replaced by some technology and a lot of corporate greed.

1) I wouldn't waste $$ on a certification for something that is going away. It will make little to no difference in your pay (actually, I'd say no difference, but there might still be a few maverick small companies out there who ask about it).
2) Most (not all, but most) companies require you to have your own computer these days. As to the programming, it can differ with each company. Some Enterprise Express Editor, some EditScript, some M-Modal's programming, and I'm sure there are others.
3) From what I'm seeing, 3-3.5 for editing and 7 - 7.5 for straight typing. I predict this will go even lower.
4) Blows. It takes into no consideration for slow talkers, heavy breathers, time-wasters, chart perusers, etc. We used to be paid in such a way as to compensate for this, but no longer.
5) A lot of companies won't allow employees to use satellite internet due to privacy issues. You would need to check your local internet options out in the country.

Bottom line, if I was going to be changing jobs, MT is not what I would pursue, unless it's just pin money you want to add to a second income. However, even then, depending on whom you work for, your work could/will be nitpicked beyond all belief, only to be able to have the company lower your wages or let you go because of it. Obviously, that is not the case with ALL companies, but it is a trend that seems to be happening more and more, according to what I read.

Personally, and I'm sure I'll get dislikes from those few who still are working for smaller, independent companies who still appreciate their employees, but I wouldn't touch this profession with a 10-foot pole. I only wish I knew how to do something different without going into major school debt. Tough to do at age 59.

Perhaps others will have more encouraging news and tips for you, but this is from one burned out, older MT who has gotten sick of all the abuse by the major companies.

I do wish you good luck, if this is what you plan to pursue. Who knows? Maybe you'll find a sweet deal somewhere; I'm told some are still out there.

been away for 10 years - jane

[ In Reply To ..]
yes, forrest needs to run real fast. worked as mt for right at 20 years. was replaced by a computer system. our government is pushing for this as are the companies that sell these computers. there is considerable $$ offered to those who will do this. as i am 74 years of age, doubt i will find another job as medical transcription which i really liked doing. so sitting at home on social security after drawing unemployment....

Find a different job! MT is done! - nm..

[ In Reply To ..]
.

Any job is better and pays more - CINDY

[ In Reply To ..]
Sorry you probably left the MT field before things started getting really bad, but there is no job here that pays anything. We are treated with no respect, no brain and no abilities to transcribe when we get major errors for typing if, and or but that the person editing the report heard differently than we did.

I wish there was something good to say about this job field, but unfortunately not. Cannot make enough to pay any bills.

Just making a comeback too - Been away for a while

[ In Reply To ..]
I did acute care hospital work for 6 years before leaving to be home with my son. As he got older, I did some part-time contract work, but now that he is in school, I've just started full-time with a major transcription company. I've heard tons of negative things about all the major companies, but transcription is something I love to do. I will agree that it does not pay as much as it used to, but if you get to work from home, that saves a lot right there.

To answer your specific questions:
1. I am studying for my Registered Credentials. I am doing it simply because I want to. I do not know if it will ever allow me to make more money or not, but I thought studying for the exam would be a great refresher.

2. I used Express Scribe for the contract work that I did, and it seemed to be quite popular.

3. I was paid 6.5 for a very easy dictator and 7.5 for a more difficult one.

4. VR is typically half the rate of straight typing.

5. Most companies require cable/DSL due to privacy concerns.

Hope that helps! If doing transcription is truly what you enjoy doing, then go for it. I would rather make less at a job that I enjoy and get to work from home rather than making more at a job that I didn't enjoy and had to go to every day with all the extra expenses that brings.

Have a great day!

why? - por que?

[ In Reply To ..]
After reading the conditions we are working under on this board, why would anyone want to return back to transcription? Its up to you, but please think long and hard before making this decision. You may get trapped, not able to spend quality time with your loved ones, return to school, spend time doing hobbies, etc. because these companies literally expect you to be available at the drop of a hat, when they need you, but to h___ll with you when you need them..........Don't do it!

Been Away too - prufread

[ In Reply To ..]
I was also away for about 10 years, maybe even a bit longer. I did have many more years experience though. Here is what I did. Just start sending your resume out to every company that you think you might like to work for. Then test, test, test. Be ready to hear that your experience is too old, you failed the test -- which I had never done in my life and don't believe I did that now either. At some point, somebody will realize that you have the experience they are looking for and will offer you a position. Please be aware that the pay scales have dropped dramatically. I also thought about going back to school and getting a job as a newbie -- but that is about 3-4000 dollars of wasted time and money if you already have the experience. You may have to test 20-25 times, but it will happen if you stick to it. I did and I am quite happy where I am. They people are great -- the pay is lousy -- but I am working and that is what really matters. As for equipment and software - that is company specific in most instances. I think the average pay is about 4 cents for editing and about 7 cents for transcription. I am not an expert on that stuff though. Hope this helps and keep on trying.

New and searching - pipergirl

[ In Reply To ..]
I am a fairly new MT graduate. I am searching for work, so many places would like 2-3 + years experience. Do you have any advice for someone just starting out. I am not too overly concerned about pay, although I need it, but so much more important to me is getting someone to open the door so that I can get the experience. Any help you could give me would be wonderful! And greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Pipergirl - Old Pro

[ In Reply To ..]
What school did you attend?

School - pipergirl

[ In Reply To ..]
I attended an accredited college, have an A.A.S. in Medical transcription, not a 1 year certificate.

School - No AAS

[ In Reply To ..]
The accredited college I attended had a guaranteed percentage of placement after the course was completed, which is how I landed my first MT job many moons ago.

They sold you on the course; chances are they know who hires new grads.

Welcome to the black hole that is MT.

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