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

Dead end job? - futureMT?

Posted: Nov 11, 2010

I've been considering enrolling at an online MT program, but after reading so many posts by unhappy MT-ists, I'm hesitant. Are there any happy MTs out there? Thanks in advance! =)

My advice, look into something else - see message

[ In Reply To ..]
If I were just starting out like you, I would seriously consider going into something other than MT.

Don't get me wrong, I love MT and truly enjoy this kind of work. But every time I turn around, our pay is being cut, many of us are sitting around for hours each with no work to do, and there are days that I end up making less than minimum wage. It didn't used to be like this, but sadly this is what MT has evolved into today.

If I had to do it all over again, I would have definitely gone into some other kind of work. Just my opinion from a long time MT.

happiness - tstone

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm very happy, but of course I have been an IC for the past 25 years. I am just now about to go to work for an online company to supplement my income. They pay half of what I charge my docs, but it's a paycheck at this point. I think your level of happiness may depend on how much you need the income. I have no idea what to expect while working for one of these companies, but I found an orthopaedic opening and went for it. I will soon find out if all the horror stories I've read here are true. I feel fortunate that I'm only needing to supplement my income at this point. I am fairly certain that working only for an online company would not be enough $$ for me...especially in view of the full time work that is required. Hope I don't want to shoot myself after a week or two. ;-)

My advice - MTmom

[ In Reply To ..]
I agree with the other poster. Look into something else. I have been spending all my down time (i.e. no work available on my accounts) desperately searching for a new job not as a transcriptionist. Please don't waste your time or money.

I agree - former MT

[ In Reply To ..]
I was an MT for many years and really enjoyed it for many of those but the field is really going downhill with pay being cut drastically as work is offshored. I recently quit and am trying to get into coding. I would not recommend to my worst enemy to go into MT at this point. I don't know any thing about your interests or skills but if you are interested in the medical field, there are other jobs that don't require too much education. I've been hearing lately that pharmacy technicians are really in demand but not sure if that would be up your alley or not. I'm sure there are plenty of MTs out there who still like their jobs but as someone just thinking about it, I would say look somewhere else.

Former MT - CJ

[ In Reply To ..]
Not to argue, but to respectfully present another point of view. Why seek a job that "doesn't require too much education?" Why NOT go to med school or get a Ph.D. or go to law school or........? Just asking, not trying to flame anyone. We all see things differently and that's okay. :)

Why? - Anonymous

[ In Reply To ..]
Because many of us are in our mid to late 50's and by the time we finished med school or law school (if we could get accepted at our age), it would be time to retire with a bunch of student loans to repay.

Med School - tstone

[ In Reply To ..]
......and if we had the money to go to med school we wouldn't be working the way we are, right?

I never pursued nursing because I can't stand vomit. This is the closest I can get to the gore. ;-)

Newbie haven't found a Job yet. - Tere

[ In Reply To ..]
Hi, I just got my CMT 9/10 and was so happy, I have a new career, Yea! not. I'm having such a hard time getting that first job, I told the online school I went to "if they would have told me it would be this hard finding a job, I would have found another career". Everywhere you look they want 1,2,3,5,10 years experience. Be a Medical Assistant or talk to your Doctor and see if they will hire you when you get your CMT.

Best Wishes

Tere

What organization provided you with your CMT? - Just wondering

[ In Reply To ..]
If you look at your certificate, who presented you with your CMT?

MT Editor? - futureMT?

[ In Reply To ..]
Are the prospects any better for MT Editors?

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