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

Considering pursuing MT certification - JK

Posted: Dec 13, 2010

Hello, I am looking for some input. I have been a veterinary technician for several years and am very well versed in medical terminology as I have published and lectured. I am looking for a change and MT appeals to me for many reasons. My main concern is being unable to find a job after completing certification for I have no contacts and have heard of "newbies" having a hard time finding work. Obviously I do not want to spend money only to find no way in afterwards. Does anyone know of programs that help with employment or have any comments if this is worth pursuing for me? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Funny.... I've been an MT for 35 years, and if I were - younger, I"d want to be a vet tech! (sm)

[ In Reply To ..]
There seems to be no limit of openings for vet techs, but unless you want to work a grossly underpaid job for an MTSO, there's not a lot out there anymore. I'm assuming you want full-time employment with full benefits, as IC work, although it pays a couple cents more, is still on the losing end because you have to buy your own insurance. Even with an MTSO, it's not easy to find as a newbie, because the good ol' days of being able to continue your education on-the-job are pretty much over. In the hourly-paid, onsite jobs, they used to welcome trainees who were new to the field, because they could train them THEIR way. Now, it's all about money (for the MTSO) and production. I'm not saying you won't find work as a newbie, because you will. It will just take more looking. Unfortunately, most of the companies that actively employ new MTs are some of the worst-paying, unscrupulous companies out there. They'll take on the newcomers because they are the easiest to underpay, and to cheat. So you have to keep your eyes open, keep a meticulous personal job log, monitor your paychecks and line counts, etc., to be sure they aren't cheating you.

The ideal candidate for most of the big nationals has 1-3 years' experience; enough that they can usually do the work, but still naiive enough to not realize their work is deplorably undervalued and underpaid.

I would rather be a vet tech, because I think the job pays better is more valued by the employer, and if nothing else, you're helping animals, which I perceive as being far higher on the evolutionary scale than most MTSO executives.

Vet tech - JK

[ In Reply To ..]
Vet techs are also grossly underpaid. I would tell you that you have not missed out on much with the exception of taking care of animals, who I agree are much higher on the evolutionary scale (LOL). But that could be our cynicism after working in our respective fields for as long as we have. I actually do not want benefits or even FT hours. I liked the idea of working from home, and I thought I could still use some of my medical knowledge. I had no idea that there were unscrupulous companies out there. I am really glad you replied and would love to hear if you have more to offer. Iwould also be happy to answer any vet tech questions you may have. Thanks again!

I wish I made more money, and had more free - time, because what I would - (sm)

[ In Reply To ..]
really like to be able to do is help cats. They're out there breeding like gerbils, being mistreated by humans, too many living feral lives, etc.

I guess I'd start by helping to trap and neuter all the feral cats I could. And if I had a bigger place to live than a studio apartment, I would adopt a few more than the 2 I already have. And/or foster cats, too.

Sometimes I think the public needs to be educated about cats; they all too often seem to be treated as 2nd-class-citizens of the pet world. Men think it's macho to "hate cats". Young boys think it's cool to torture them, etc.

Even at the vet's office, I find my cats take a back seat to dogs. Last year my vet prescribed Metacam (meloxicam) for one of my cats after a biopsy was taken of a lump. My cat got deathly ill, and thank goodness I researched the drug online before giving her a 2nd dose! Not only that, she was given the DOG formula! Needless to say, I haven't been back.

At another vet, I rushed a cat in that had collapsed in pain, and was nearly unconscious from a urinary obstruction. The vet couldn't be bothered to even work him into the day's schedule, because he was seeing a dog at the moment. The cat later died.

I recently discovered that there is a cats-only veterinarian not far from my town, so even though it's probably more expensive, I think that's where I'll be heading.

Anyway, I got off the subject of MT-ing, but as a vet-tech you can probably understand the above rant! ;)

Sounds fun. But you forget you have to deal with owners, Drs, - co-workers, not so fun. nm

[ In Reply To ..]
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Vet tech - Dreamer

[ In Reply To ..]
I would like to be a vet tech and work with exotic animals--rhinos, tigers, bears.

Then you can leave owners out of the equation but the rest still - stands, Especially co-workers are NO fun. nm

[ In Reply To ..]
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