M-TEC Message Forum / Open Forum / General Discussions

New student in NJ

JrsyMom — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:03:46 GMT

Hi everyone! I'm a new student and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Michele and I live in New Jersey. I completed my first assignment over the Christmas break and submitted it to my instructor and now I'm ready to get going on the Session 1 syllabus. It's been a while since I've cracked open a textbook but I'm really eager to get started. Now that my three kids are back in school I've got plenty of quiet time during the day to work on the assignments. If anyone ever has any tips or advice, I'm all ears! :)

Look forward to chatting with all of you in the months to come!

Quote of the day

ArmyWife&Momx5 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:05:13 GMT

Happiness is always a by-product. It is probably a matter of temperament, and for anything I know it may be glandular. But it is not something that can be demanded from life, and if you are not happy you had better stop worrying about it and see what treasures you can pluck from your own brand of unhappiness.

--Robertson Davies--

I like finding quotes. Sometimes they make you look at things in a different way.

New student! in IL

norahazer — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:29:00 GMT

Hello! I am a new student to M-TEC living in IL! I would love to talk to anyone in the area in this program! I 'm excited to begin!

~Norah

Types of jobs after graduation, foster homes/social work departments?

Lucylump — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:39:39 GMT

Hello all: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Ontario, Canada. So here's an interesting question and one which I really didn't think about until after I read "Beyond the National Service" in Session 16.

The article talks about many areas of work within the MT field and one of the things I found most surprising and most interesting, given my 15 years of fostering experience, was the different types of work that MT's can find for themselves. I've never heard of this in Canada but perhaps it is different in the States? Are there really jobs for MT's to be found in children's protective services, foster homes and social work departments?

If so, that's right up my alley and I would really like to hear more about it. I would love to work for these agencies especially since my husband and I have been fostering for 15 years and "know the lingo" already....lol. Does anyone know anyone who works as an MT in these areas or can anyone tell me a little bit more about how to start searching for work in these areas? Now that I'm in Session 16, I'm starting to prepare myself for getting back into the work world from home...sounds strange doesn't it? I already work from home doing administrative work for a computer software company but I really, really, really like the sounds of working for child protection services, foster homes or social work departments...anything that has to do with social services would suit me just fine.

Would love to hear from anyone who can help me start looking and thanks so much for reading my post.

Sandy:P

Getting Back in the Saddle

ArmyWife&Momx5 — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:34:12 GMT

Ok, its been awhile since I've been on here. I actually had to slow down a little bit with school work. Let's get caught up. October 26th I had a little boy. My 5th and last child. My husband was home for leave for 2 weeks and then after that he block leave before deployment. I spent most of that time adjusting to having 2 little ones in the house and getting my husband ready to go. He left to go back to Iraq in December. I spent this past month working on school a little and helping my children out with a routine. The older 3 pretty much went into it with no problem. The almost 2 year old on the other hand took a little bit. Everyone is fine now and I am ready to get back to it.

I know every once in a while I need some encouragment b/c I get a little hard on myself and sometimes want to throw my computer out the door. I should already be on Session 5 but only on 4 so I have a lot to catch up on.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday. Tomorrow my kids go back to school full time and so do I.

Newbie from Illinois

Debbie Decal — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:18:21 GMT

Hi everyone! It's a newbie from Illinois!

I am Debbie, I live in Naperville...I'm 53, and am slowly getting into the study habit once again.

I have four grown children, 3 sons and a daughter, between the ages of 33 and 24. Our empty nest has turned into a hotel, with kids moving in and out as their life circumstances dictate. Never thought I'd be a mom of a boomerang kid;)

I went back to college in the '90s and obtained my BA in English, but my two major passions have always been politics and medicine. This fall has fulfilled both of them, with the election and enrolling in the MT course.

I haven't worked for a couple of years, since we moved my elderly inlaws nearby. I drive them around to doctor appts., grocery shopping, etc, and take care of their medicine prescriptions and such. It's been stressful and time-consuming, so it's best that I stopped working for awhile.

I hope to do well in the course, and look forward to joining the ranks of MTs!

New from Michigan

happymom — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:48:04 GMT

I wanted to introduce myself to everyone!! My name is Lisa and I am from Michigan; the Ann Arbor area. I just paid for all of the materials and after holiday break I should be receiving my box in the mail. I am very excited and a bit nervous. I am a stay at home mom, I have a beautiful little girl Ella (almost 10 months:D) and I am also taking classes part time at the local community college, to become a RN. I am lucky enough to have a ton of support from my husband as well as my mother-in-law, so when I need study time, they are both more than willing to help. Feel free to contact me and I am sure I will be asking all of you a ton of questions! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and looking forward to 2009!!!

Lisa

Question

Vtach — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 07:57:37 GMT

Do you set your own hours? What is the time frame that most places give you to have your transcripts done and typed?

I would like to have 2pm until 7 or 8pm free for my family. I would prefer to work early like at 3 a.m. until 8 a.m. and then I could work from 8 a.m. until 2 if needed.

Is this possible if you work from home? I know some MTs work in a facility like a hospital and have set hours that they work, but I'm only interested in working from home.

Thanks again!

What is the percentage of MT that graduate from M-tec that get hired right away?

Vtach — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:27:36 GMT

I'm just wondering how the job outlook is. I've wanted to do MT for 7 years. Finally I think I'm going to take the plunge. Let me know the good the bad and the ugly about Medical Transcription.

Thanks all!!

podcasts medical

Birgit von Pelser — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 12:04:06 GMT

I was browsing through Itunes and found podmed where you can download videos and podcasts. It is so cool. They have videos of examinations, catheterization, surgeries...etc. It is so cool. Today I downloaded a podcast ( med school finals) about blood work and ABGs. The best thing is it is free:D Just wanted to share.

Bee

Santa Tracking

Joanne1 — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:09:34 GMT

Here is a cute website for tracking Santa www.noradsanta.org It is a fun site for anyone who had kids or for those that don't but believe in Santa to see where he has been so far. Merry Christmas to all.

Wheelchair Bound MT Help

mistymeanor — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 00:51:28 GMT

Ok so I am a total newbie, and am the type that researches the heck out of things before starting them. I have already been to vocational rehab place to discuss paying for me and helping me do MT School. I have spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (or called Werdnig-Hoffman's Disease or the broad term is Muscular Dystrophy) which I am sure most of y'all have heard of being the type of audience I am discussing this with.

Currently I type approx. 48-50wpm average. I do not traditionally type, I use one finger per hand, but have adapted to doing this very quickly. Sometimes I am able (if my desk was higher up) to use my full left hand and one finger on the right. Which is something I will try to get before starting (a new desk that is).

Anyway, I cannot use a foot pedal... I am in an electric wheelchair and can barely move my feet. I have found this: http://www.aaaprice.com/lfh2305.html

I emailed someone here (I do not remember who) to ask about adaptive devices. I was told the software M-Tec uses does not support anything other than the USB foot pedal. I find this odd because the device I looked at is a USB hand device. I wouldn't know why this wouldn't work also? I am pretty computer saavy as my job is sales for Dell computers, so I am required to know the "in's and out's" of computer hardware and software. But that of course doesn't mean I am right!

Another theory I had is if you could set up your keyboard to have shortcut keys to start, stop, and rewind dictation?

I also looked into medical coding and billing as an option, but was kinda turned off by it because of the memorizing of all of the codes. I kinda feel from my research that most people are either "numbers people" or "letters/words people". Am I right about this? It seemed like not only you have to be fast at like 10-key, but also a "walking" (or in my case rolling! lol) code book. I feel I am better with spelling, words and grammar than I would be with numbers. Heck I am 30yrs. old and still don't have my times table memorized! LOL!

Also I run a computer with windows vista, would this cause any problems with the program?

I have been researching at my local community college for online courses, but while they are cheaper... I worry they wouldn't help me find work, I haven't found out one way or another on that part of it. So I have heard rave reviews about M-Tec and it just seems like one of the best schools to also help people find employment following certification.

Introduction

marylizbeth — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:48:50 GMT

Good day everyone! I wanted to introduce myself as a new MT student. I officially enrolled yesterday and should be receiving my materials tomorrow or Monday. I am truly excited for this wonderful opportunity. I was working in the field of Human Resources for the past 12 years and prior to that, I was a physician recruiter for 3 years. I am 37 years old, married to a wonderful man, and have 3 children. Melissa is 18, Madison is 7, and Brandon is 1. Yes, I really do have three kids that far apart in age.

Unfortunately, this past summer, I was one of 50 people who lost their job at the company I worked at for 8 years. The declining industry forced the organization to have a reduction in workforce due to lack of work. In some secret way, however, I was relieved. I know that may sound crazy to some, but I had grown to dislike my job. I was at a point of burnout and knew that a change was necessary in order to maintain my sanity. So, I took what could have been a tragedy and turned it into an opportunity to pursue something that I would enjoy. My heart has always been in the medical field and at one point, I was even accepted into nursing school. However, given my life with children, I thought that might be too challenging for me.

So, here I am and I am excited and ready to pursue a quality education through M-TEC, gain a solid knowledge of the MT field, experience that will land me a satisfying and rewarding job, and meet new friends and colleagues!

I do have a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and a Master's in Business Administration (MBA). So, hopefully my educational background and work experience, will allow me to be successful as an MT.

Thanks and I look forward to working with all of you!
Mary LeJeune

Dvorak Keyboard

Amanda Barnhart — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:50:55 GMT

I've read a lot of good things about the Dvorak layout and I wondered if anyone here uses this layout. My speed and accuracy are well above average with the QWERTY layout, but I'm thinking about trying to switch over to Dvorak before I begin M-TEC. Does the Dvorak layout really help with speed and fatigue problems? How difficult is it to learn to use the Dvorak layout with the same speed one has with the QWERTY layout? Ultimately, is it really worth it, or is it just an unnecessary hassle?

Also, I know this really belongs on the tech board, but I don't think I have access to that board yet since I'm not officially enrolled. If I do have access to it I can't seem to find it.

Yet Another New Student (WA State)!

ncjaneausten — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 03:21:34 GMT

Hello everyone. I'm a brand new M-TEC student and it's great to see so many others just starting on this adventure. I live in the Seattle area. I'm actually in the same town as fellow newbie CarolF. and I enrolled on the same day and got "The Box" the same evening as she did! (waving hello to CarolF.!)

I was so excited to unpack all the books and look through everything. I've emailed my first assignment, so I'm just waiting for my password. I should be able to put in a lot of time studying as I only work one day a week as a nanny, and my own three kids are grown. (Well, almost - my baby is almost 16 and 6' tall!)

It's wonderful to "meet" all of you and I guess I should head over to the pool now...

Jane

The M-TEC Edge

Lisa R — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:03:23 GMT

After reading the post about unhappy MTs, I just had to comment with a new thread. You do not have to go to MT Stars to find unhappy MTs. If you network with MTs outside of M-TEC, there are plenty of folks who have been in the business a while who have trouble finding something good to say.

I feel that it is an important edge M-TEC grads can bring to the MT world--a positive, can-do attitude. Our circumstances do not have to dictate our attitude. We can be confident and prepared for the changes ahead.

Some of you may recall, I failed my first PE. My retake got lost in cyber space. The wait was discouraging. I took some time out. Did some more ESL practices. Got a new computer. Took a vacation. I thought I would need to wait until after the first of the year to find a job. Not so! I jumped at a job opening opportunity and landed a position as a full-time IC in acute care. I got the job soley on M-TEC's reputation. No testing. After one week, I am feeling great about being a working MT. I am receiving positive QA comments. It is challenging and much more fun than being a student.

For those of you who are dragging your feet in your studies, what are you waiting for?! Keep your eye on the prize, and get after it!

Question about laptops versus desktop computers

barb58 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:37:15 GMT

Hi everyone:

My name is Barb and I am a grad student. This is my first time on the forum. I have a question and could use some feedback. I have been debating over getting a laptop versus a computer. When applying for jobs at home does it matter which it is? Are laptops allowed when you work for a company as long as they are compatible as to what they want?

I would appreciate some input on this.

Thanks,

Barb

cheeksy@verizon.net

A possible newbie

Skylar — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 21:33:36 GMT

Hi everyone. Believe it or not, I'm a guy and I'm thinking about doing this because the blessing of working from home would allow me to pursue some interests I have in music and art. Are there ANY guys doing this? I'm not married nor do I have kids, so I have some freedom that way. But I am concerned about the income starting off in this field. I need to make about 25000 a year in the beginning,. I know it takes a little while to build up the income. Does anyone have some ball park figures that I could perhaps get an idea from about the starting salary? How long does it take to get into the high 20's or low 30's salary range? If this is just going to be minimum wage for a couple of years, I'll probably not be able to do it. Thanks for any replies. I'll probably think of something else later.:)

Just Wondering

leezamaries — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:57:32 GMT

This is something I would really love to do but I have a question.

My hubby started a new job 2 hours away. Now we are starting a new home search since we really need to be closer to his employment. Would you recommend waiting to start after the move or is this pretty flexible?

New NC student saying hello to everyone.

kayheavey — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:04:35 GMT

Hello to everyone.

I just started and finished the Terminology Challenge of Session 1. I am so happy to be a part of the M-tec world.

My name is Keilani and I'm from Charlotte, NC. I am a stay at home mom of a 15 month old and married to a wonderful husband who is happy that I am doing this program. I look forward to get to know my fellow M-tecer's. Now I need to get back to studying.

Take care,

Keilani

(Just started Session 1):D

New Student from Canada

Mandlyn — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:50:06 GMT

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to take a moment and introduce myself. My name is Amanda Stewart and I live near Toronto, Ontario. I just received my package yesterday and I was beyond excited sifting through all of the information. I completed the Terminology Challenge and the Syllabus Quiz today, and I am hoping to receive my password soon so I can begin Session One.

I just got married this past August to the love of my life (we got married young, I am 23 and he just turned 25). My husband just finished Medical School, so we will be moving to Chicago January 3rd, where he is attending the Kaplan course in order to write his Step One medical exam in August. Both him and I will have our heads in books for awhile but it will be worth it in the end, especially as we are both doing something we love!

I can already tell that I have made a great decision in choosing M-TEC and I am very eager to soak up as much knowledge as I can!

Cheers,

Amanda Stewart

A few questions from a potential newbie...

Becky79 — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:22:05 GMT

Hi everyone :)

I keep thinking about starting here at M-Tec in the new year, but I haven't quite decided yet. I work in a doctors office now and the medical information is really interesting to me, plus I like grammar and spelling and the idea of working from home. Have a bunch of questions though...

About how much time per day or per week do you need to study to stay on track? I'm a bit worried about working a hectic full-time job and having enough time to do this. Is two hours a day realistic? Did you find it works better to study every day, or skip some days and put in more hours on the weekend?

Can anyone tell me about what I could expect to earn working full-time at home for a national company? Of course I wouldn't expect to make a lot at first, but what about after a year or two on the job? Everything on the net gives such broad ranges that I don't really know if I would make more or less that I do now. Do the national companies offer decent benefits, such as good health insurance coverage? Are there ones that let you be flexible with hours, or do you pretty much have to work the same set schedule every day?

Thanks in advance for any replies. :) This forum is great and everyone seems really positive and helpful. I've come across some other forums on the net where all they seem to do is complain about low pay, strict hours, and poor benefits, so that has me a bit unsure.

Trying to decide to enroll

slr — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:49:39 GMT

Hi! I have been looking in to enrolling in M-tec or another online school. Not made up my mind yet but wanted to get some feedback if I could.

I work full time now in a grocery store. With the economey they way it is, our store is suffering and I thought I had better look for something else now. I had thought several years ago about working out of the house but didn't pursue it. Now, however, I need a career change and have been researching jobs where I can work out of my house. I like to type and just working on computers in general and have been researching medical transcription for several weeks, but have a couple of questions if anyone can help.

After finishing does M-tec help you get intouch with companies that are hiring?

Can anyone tell me what some of the companies are that hire graduates to work from home and how that actually works?

And how much I could earn working from home?

Thanks Sandy

working too?

ladybug — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:51:58 GMT

Is anyone out there working full time and doing this program?

New Student from Florida

KristinR — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:18:03 GMT

Hi Everyone!

I just received my box, so I thought I would say hi and introduce myself.

I live in Clearwater, Florida with my hubby and our 13 month old son. Motherhood definitely keeps me on my toes, so I'm hoping my little one continues taking nice, long naps!

I'm very exctied to embark on this journey, and I look forward to getting to know everyone along the way.

Kristin :)

Just signed up!

CoziKitti51 — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:53:42 GMT

Hello everyone. I'm from Missouri and I just signed up! I've been researching for almost a year now and finally got the money to join. I can not wait for my box!!!

Considering M-Tec

Satori1977 — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:01:30 GMT

I actually joined this site over 2 years ago. Thought about taking the class when I was pregnant with my second child. But money got in the way, and I needed a paycheck asap. So i went back to work full-time, but I am not happy. I enjoy my job, I am a veterinary technician, but I feel like I need a change. I am tired of physically hurting myself every day for too little money. Plus my mother (who was my free baby sitter) moved away. So I have to start working nights. I am not looking forward to not eating dinner with my family, not tucking the kids into bed, barely seeing my husband. But we can't afford childcare, and bills are piling up. I have been looking into health careers (nursing, rad tech, etc) because I love anatomy and medicine, but I would need to take a couple years worth of pre-req classes, then be put on a waiting list for 2 to 4 years. So here I am again. I can still work at my job while I go through the program at M-Tec. When I graduate, I can still work until I start making decent money, then maybe I will just do relief work at a vet hospital. I am a little nervous about going back to school (I last went in 2001), but if I can find the money to finance this, I really want to do it. I know I can't pay in full, and even the payment plan seems a little steep for me, but maybe I can work something out. How did everyone else find the money for school? I think right now that is the only thing holding me back. These message boards have been so helpful. I love medicine, I love the English language (grammer, spelling, all that good stuff!), and don't mind sitting for hours in front of a computer. I really think it would be a good fit for me.

An example of what an MT does

bbpi03 — Fri, 20 May 2005 09:46:14 GMT

Originally posted on MT Chat.

This is a sample I made up including many things I have had to look up over my time as a student and employee. The only thing I have partially copied is a SAMPLE of an EKG report. I just cannot go about making that up. It would be totally messed up.

I have made this sample because I thought it would be useful for people who are thinking of entering this profession. It gives you an idea of what you need to know (not just terminology), and teaches about the research aspect of the job.

Some things to remember:
1. This is easier than actually listening to it, so remember that you will have to deal with mumblers, accents, bad pronunciation (which I MAY have included).
2. I made sure to spell things wrong and put incorrect grammar and punctuation. It is your job to get it all right.
3. I wrote things sort of like they would say them, like abbreviations. You have to look them up.
4. I understand if you are new, you will not know about BOS standards, but as far as the corrected version, you will see some other things you didn’t know that you didn’t know. Not every one uses the BOS, but most employers, in my opinion, would expect you to.
5. I have used ... for pauses. Some dictators pause at weird times.

Here we go!!

Patient comes in with a two day history of shortness of breath rhinnorrhea cough. No nausea or vomiting diarrhea no ...chest pain times three days. He has a pee em h significent for thyroidosis secondary to hypothyroidism. She is currently taking si-toh-mul. H ee ee en tee ay an oh tim...(cuts that word off) well developed well nourished female in no acute distress. Ay an oh times 3. Pearla. Ee oh em eye. Oropharynx revealed 2 plus enlarged red cryptic tonsills. Neck supple. Lungs see tee ay. Heart see ee kay gee. Mucus membranes are moist. Extremities there are no cyanosis clubbing or edema.

Laboratory data. Tee ess h point 4. Glucose 14.5 w bee cee 5 lymphs 23 4 monos. bee you enn 14 creat 1. Sodium 140 milliequivalents.

Ee kay gee possible atrial flutter approximately three two one. Baseline sinus rhythm pee q are ess is one two one. ST elevation is present in the anterior, septal, and literal leads. Massive ST segment elevation is present in vee two two vee six with moderate ST elevation that obscures visualization of the q are ess complex in lead one. Changes are consistent with ell see ay occlusion.

We will continue her on her current medication and she should followup in one months time. Treat as above.

I think the experts of this board should put a correct version out. I don’t trust myself to get everything right, and I do not want to confuse anyone. I have been studying now for about 1 year. I am not done with school (I am doing operative reports at the moment), and I have worked doing discharge summaries for about 3 weeks now. Even though my employer says that I am doing fine, I do want to leave this for those who have more experience than I .

IMPORTANT NOTE
I do not want to scare people off from becoming an MT. Do NOT expect to do well on this. It is simply a tool that shows you what you would hear on a report, and the things you have to think about. People who think about this as a job they would like to have do not realize all of the things you have to think about. I didn’t. No one can possibly know all there is to know about a job until they are in the other person’s shoes.

Some examples of things MTs think throughout a report: Is there a hyphen that goes there? Is that spelled right? Is that the correct verb tense? Did that sentence even make sense?

If you ENJOY this, and think you can learn all of the things you got wrong, then check out one of the 2 great schools out there.

The other thing to think about is that you have to do this EFFICIENTLY in order to make any money. That will be taught by a good school as well. Notice how loooong this will take, and it is only a few lines. A good MT can whip this baby out in no time flat, but it takes school AND practice, not just knowing how to type and some terminology.

This will also show those who think that all MTs do is type, or know some words and type, that they are wrong. Maybe those will have a little more respect for what we do. And then say...gosh I would like to do that. Or not.

Maybe an actor/actress on this board, or Mike can put together a wav file for prospective MTers to download. I may live in a fantasy world, but someday it will happen.

Shan

Hello there New CA student here

ShanMTStudent — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:54:11 GMT

Hello everyone,

I wanted to say hello and let everyone know that I am just starting session one. I am excited and scared. LOL I have been monitoring the various forums that MTEC has and was very impressed with the information and heart warming encouragement that has been offered when needed.

I look forward to being a full time MT and having a career that keeps my mind working but also allows me to have some sort of a family life.

I have two girls three and six years and have been married for 10 years. MT would be my second career. Previously, I worked in Information technology doing computer programming and most recently was an IT Mgr for the past five years.

I thought about going back into IT but my life style just doesn't fit that career choice anymore. So here I am trying to make everything work. The medical field has always been in my life. My first job was as a receptionist in a medical center. My mom is a LVN (retired), husband is a X-ray tech and my younger sister is a RN.

Well, thats all for now. Back to the books. :)

quick question

NaMurray — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:59:04 GMT

Hello, My name is Nichole. I have been considering becoming a MT for several months now. It wasn't until a family member gave me a copy of plexus magazine did I even find out about M-TEC. Altho I cant say that I searched long and hard for the information on different schools. That is because one of my family members joined Alliedschools.com to become a MT. She is the one that put the interest into my heart. I am very, very glad that I did not just jump into the first school I came to, as I see that alot of people did (from reading the M-TEC website) and then found the right school for them. I have already done that once before at a local campus, and hated the career choice.

I think that is part of the reason that I'm committed to doing my homework before I pick a school, not only just to find the right school, but to make sure this is for me.

Ok, so on to my question part, ha. Has anyone ever heard of Alliedschools.com before, for medical transcripting? should I warn my family member about it? I really pretty much have my mind set on M-TEC, just from hearing that students were given another look just because they were taught at M-TEC, and that they are AHDI approved, along with so many other things.

Also, does anyone know if the programming works with Apple computers?

Thanks so much!

Just enrolled from Michigan (where it's midnight!)

Gretchen Ann — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:04:07 GMT

Hello everyone!

After years of checking out this site, the field and these forums, I finally enrolled!

I live on beautiful Lake Michigan, in the great state of Michigan, with my husband and two children-13 years and 18 months! We are finally in a position that allows me time to do this-I ended my full-time employment after 13 years with the same company, organized my house and my family and am ready to start.

I should have my materials by the end of the week..can't wait!

Gretchen

Hello, Another New Student

barbv — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:52:18 GMT

Greetings everyone, my name is Barbara, from Michigan..I am just now starting Session 2. A bit nervous, but excited (and overwhelmed when I downloaded the syllabus..lol). But I've been looking for a new, challenging career change, and I think I've found it here. I've worked both in the medical field (at a clinic, as an aide) and also been a substitute teacher for years and years. That got a bit stressful..so I started looking for something I could do at home or in a medical setting.

A bit of my personal story: I live alone, am single (widowed), with one daughter, happily out of the nest. I am "owned" by one cute, but stubborn dachshund, and two beautiful cats. Oh and I have a great man in my life, who is totally supportive of me doing this, he's my cheerleader! He's ridden the "rollercoaster" with me as I've tried to decide which path to pursue.

Everyone has been so supportive. I'm glad to be part of such a welcoming, friendly group of people!

Okay, hope to see some of you "around the halls" :) And would love to talk to anyone in Michigan who's also doing this course.

take care,

Barb V

All kinds of pain!

lmh — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:19:04 GMT

I have been typing approximately 4.5 hours hours a day since middle of June, and it seems like there has hardly been a time when something didn't hurt! I did figure out that it was the use of the mouse that hurt my wrists, so now that is not a problem. Right now my right elbow hurts, and almost every day my lower back or hips hurt!

I bought a very nice chair from Office Max a while ago, so I wouldn't think the chair would be the problem. Preventing it would be great, but if anyone has any good ideas on how to get rid of the pain after it starts, that would be very helpful too. I have tried ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, and Aspercreme to no avail.

This pain has been preventing me from typing as much as I want to and earning as much as I want to. Any advice would be appreciated.

Does everybody use back support? That part of the chair is not adjustable for me, but I didn't think until now that I needed it.

Joining the Fray - (West Virginia)

Sunnybug524 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:52:25 GMT

Hi all!

I just placed my order and am quite excited. I am from West Virginia about an hour south of Pittsburgh, PA. I teach Biology labs at a local college. I got a bit of a taste of transcription while working as a research associate and am looking forward to entering the field.

I have been really impressed with what I have read about M-TEC and with what all of you have to say here on the forum. I just wanted to say hello and "meet" some of you! I welcome any and all advice!

Sarah

Yep, I signed up...!!!~~~~

watersx5 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:35:49 GMT

So I took the plunge!!! It'll be here in 2 days!! Yippee! I'm excited to start!

I'm right outside Atlanta and hope I can get together with others around here and study or talk about the program!!

Looking forward to losing 15 hours of my week to studying...lol.

Stephanie :-)

Holiday Mail for U.S. Military

Susan Francis CMT AHDI-F — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:04:39 GMT

I received this request and wanted to share it with everyone who might be interested in letting our U.S. Military men and women know we are thinking of them during the holidays and appreciate their efforts.

Good morning:

If you or your family members (school projects) would like to send a message of holiday cheer to U.S. service men and women around the world, you might like to participate in a project called "Holiday Mail For Heroes," sponsored by the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes, Inc.

From now to December 10, 2008, the public is invited to send holiday cards with messages of thanks and cheer to:

Holiday Mail For Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

The cards will be screened, sorted and delivered to military bases, military hospitals and veterans' medical centers.

The project was announced yesterday in Washington, DC by officials of the Red Cross, Pitney Bowes, the Marine Corps and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Red Cross Officials said cards must have regular first-class postage when mailed to the Maryland post office box. The cards must be received by December 10, 2008. They should not contain gifts, money, food or other inserts, and they should not be decorated with glitter. The Red Cross also requests that the cards not be addressed to individuals. There is a web site: www.redcross.org/holidaymail.

Many thanks for supporting our troops, veterans and their families.

How much equipment does a working MT need?

lisam5305 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:08:17 GMT

I have looked at a few other website's job listings, and I see different companies wanting different things (like a c-phone, etc.). I'm just wondering, how much extra equipment other than the foot pedal included with this course does a working MT need?

Thank goodness there is still another month and a half until this semester is over, because I keep racking my brain and still can't make up my mind about this. I think I would love this profession and I think I would be pretty good at it, I'm just so nervous about spending so much time and money on training then making very little income for the first few years, at least.

I really like what I have seen on the M-TEC website, but Med-Line's payment plan is much more flexible (and affordable). I so do not want to have to take a loan for training, and I don't see how anyone can afford M-TEC's payment plan. Decisions, decisions!

At Home Work

lauriekg — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:00:18 GMT

I am concerned that I will go through the program and not be able to get at home work, without first working in a hospital or clinic. Almost all jobs posted ask for years of experience. M-Tec does not help you get jobs when you finish their program. I'd love to hear from past graduates that work only at home. Please reply to help me decide if going ahead with this program is right for me.
Thank you,
Laurie Golden

New from Maryland

rennglass — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:15:16 GMT

I bought my box on Friday and just waiting for it to arrive. I've been married for almost 7 years and we have a 3 yo son and a 5 mo daughter. I currently do medical transcription but only radiology. I want to branch out so I'm going back to school.

I've tried searching for some shipping info. Did anyone recently order their package and get a tracking number or did your order update to shipped at the online store? I've been waiting anxiously for 3 weeks to be able to order. (Dang stock market)

Holly

New student here from Pennsylvania

lkite76 — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:20:11 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I just received my box of goodies this afternoon. I have been busily reading my Student Syllabus. I haven't really even gone through the books yet. I just wanted to get started.

I live in north central PA with my husband and 18 yr. old daughter. I have three other grown children and one granddaughter. I have couple of dogs, a couple of cats and a couple of horses. I have a new job that I'm not crazy about, so I'm hoping to do really well at this and find myself a new career. Jumping right in.

Lisa