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Which is more important? - laramielady

Posted: May 25, 2012

When researching medical transcription programs, I hear conflicting information on whether it is more important to have the RMT credential or to take a program that includes internship for the experience requirements. Can you tell me which is more important in the real world of transcription?

Neither one. - Please see message

[ In Reply To ..]
You need a program that prepares you to pass employer transcription tests. You need a program that is respected enough by employers that they know that you've received a good education.

The RMT was supposed to help new MTs since the CMT is too hard, but the employers don't really care. They just want to know if you can pass their test.

If you went through an 'Internship' or "Externship', you'd better hope that you're one of the few that get to stay. They can't hire everyone. If they don't offer you a job after your externship, any employer you apply with is going to wonder what's wrong with you. The big problem with an internship or externship is, they are used to try to prop up poor MT courses. They aren't teaching you enough in your course, so they hope that you'll learn something in the externship. An externship just offers you whatever kind of dictation they happen to have available for you to transcribe. It's for THEIR benefit, not yours. It's not a good system. Go for better training in the first place. If they tell you an externship or internship is (required) (recommended) (expected that you will find your own), just reject that one. Find a course that offers enough IN THE COURSE ITSELF. The only people who benefit from an internship or externship are the employers who get free or low-paid workers and the schools who get someone to do their teaching for them. The student is the loser. If they are lucky, they get adequate training, but most are not that lucky, and most students want more than 'adequate' training.

Different opinion - oMT

[ In Reply To ..]
I'd like to politely disagree, though I will agree on your point about how a potential employer will look at someone in a negative light if they did not do so well with an internship.

I graduated from what I believe to be a great MT program who happened to also be partnered with a company who offers an internship program. It was not a requirement. I honestly don't know why anyone would not take the opportunity if it gets your foot in the door since so many companies require at least a year or two years' experience. I actually didn't know about this until months after I graduated, but that is besides the point.

My internship, I believe, ran 4 unpaid weeks, but I was able to land a contract within 2-3 weeks of the internship and actually received compensation at the end of my week.

Prior to this, I had applied to many, many companies only to be shut down by the lack of experience. There was one company who I had tested for and passed, Transolutions, Inc. (at the time), despite their 2 years' experience requirement, but they didn't have an account for new graduates. That's what they told me, but I actually think I just failed their interview. I think it's quite a blessing as I do enjoy working for my current company.

I do agree that you do need a program that is well founded and respected. There are plenty of schools listed under the AHDI Approved Schools list, but there are 2 specifically that many companies know and probably prefer over the ones listed on that site.

Comment - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
You were fortunate in two respects. First, you were one of the VERY few who get a job from an internship. Most intern programs are scams intended to provide free labor for the employer. It is very difficult, if not impossible, for prospective students to identify them up front.

Second, you got a job under unusual circumstances. You ONLY got it because of the internship. You did not qualify for other employers, i.e., you failed their tests, but the internship provided a trial employment so the school-affiliated employer could see if you met their needs. It worked out for you, but will not work out for all. You were also locked into that one job.

I agree with the person who explained that neither the RMT nor an internship should be considered in selection. The only thing that matters today is attending one of the two schools employers respect. They know that those schools produce MTs who are ready to work by graduation. They transcribe to national standards, have accuracy and productivity expectations at profesional levels and can meet them, and simply do not NEED an internship.

My opinion is that Andrews would be the best bet because most employers prefer their graduates. Your best bet for completing the course is Andrews and your best bet for getting up to speed quickly on the job is Andrews. Employers also respect their students because they know Andrews does not participate in federally guaranteed loans. Their students had to make a sound business decision about cost, seeing that the tuition and payment plan worked out to the positive when comparing other schools, and had to budget and save to make the down payment and monthly increments. That requires maturity, the kind of foresight and planning that ICs will need, and the ability to delay gratification. Employers understand that Andrews students were not handed anything on a platter, but had to work to achieve it, beginning with the tuition. That says a lot for them, and that affects the positive view that employers take of them, as does the fact that employers know they will not be struggling to pay back loans but can devote their attention to their work without distraction.

Comment - Old Pro

[ In Reply To ..]
Well said! I have never seen an Andrews student fail.

Agree - oMT

[ In Reply To ..]
I agree with you completely about getting the best education from a very reputable program to increase the chances for employment. I didn't attend Andrews, but I have seen that it is the highest recommended school for any potential MTs.

You do bring up an interesting outlook on the tuition issue. I personally couldn't afford it, so I looked for one that offered FAFSA. It just so happens that the MT program I was enrolled in utilized Career Step's courseware completely, on top of the program's own curriculum, and my financial aid covered me completely. It all worked out for me in the end, and perhaps I may have been lucky in that respect; however, I believe the possibility is there for anyone who has it hard financially.

You're right, though. I have read from many, many posts that a lot of employers highly consider and employ Andrews graduates than other schools.

prospective MTs I mean, instead of potential :) - nm - oMT

[ In Reply To ..]
x

Just wondering... - coradee

[ In Reply To ..]
What MT program did you complete, and what company did you intern at? The way you describe it, they seem like they worked out great for you, and I'd like to look into them. Thanks!

Internship - laramielady

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you for your advice. Basically, I've been told that you can't get a job in this field without experience and that the only way to get experience is through an internship. I guess I need to do some more research before I make a decision. Thanks again.

I would say the people who told you that are selling internships, not education - Another Opinion

[ In Reply To ..]
I've watched the "internship" situation for years. Those who promote internships do so because the education provided by the course itself is inadequate. They are, in effect, selling internships, not education or training.

laramie lady - Marmalade

[ In Reply To ..]
Neither one is important. If you go to a too-notch school (think Andrews) there is no need for an internship.

Internship - laramielady

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you all for your expert opinions and advice. It helps to hear what actual transcriptionists have found to be true rather than just the sales pitch from a program.

To Laramielady - DiggerMT

[ In Reply To ..]
I graduated from M-TEC in 2002.. When you graduate from M-TEC, you are given the password for their job board (can't remember what it is called) that has listings of companies that will hire new grads from M-TEC. Of course, it has been 10 years and things might have changed there, but I was hired and working within one month of graduating from M-TEC and I have been working ever since as an MT. I received a great education through M-TEC, but it was still VERY HARD to actually begin working as an MT. Go to M-TEC's website and check them out.

Thank you - laramielady

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you for the recommendation. I am looking at their website and it is quite impressive. I particularly like the fact that they seem to teach all aspects of the career rather than just the mechanics of transcription. Thank you again!

Schools - MTEC grad

[ In Reply To ..]
Another MTEC grad here (2004) who had multiple job offers as soon as I graduated and tested. School still has a listing of many companies that will let its graduates test for them on graduation without any experience. As another poster said, this list is accessible only to MTEC graduates. In addition, the school passes on via e-mail special requests from companies that have positions that need filling either by new or experienced graduates as specified. I've received a couple of these e-mails in the past 2 or 3 weeks.

There are still some nice, decent people who work there - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

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