M-TEC Message Forum / Open Forum / General Discussions

AHDI-FL Annual Meeting & Educational Conference

vpiloian — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:55:29 GMT

The 28th AHDI-FL Annual Meeting & Educational Conference is scheduled for May 14-15, 2010, in Fort Lauderdale. Early registration deadline is March 15. Attached is speaker and registration information. Have a great day!! Hope to see you there!!

Favorite Mistakes and Other Transcription Giggles

Amber, CMT — Sat, 07 Feb 2004 12:56:00 GMT

I've always wondered if other MTs and students have their favorite dictation moments. Sometimes it's my own misinterpretation or the way a doctor will say something that strikes my funnybone (excuse me, oleocranon) and I'll laugh out loud (to all appearances at nothing at all). I thought I'd start if off with a few of my favorites from the course so far:

The phrase dictated was "thigh has a maximum girth of," transcribed as "thigh has a maximum mirth of."

I kept hearing the phrase "purple circulation." I knew that couldn't be right and finally realized (from the context) it was "peripheral circulation."

This female doctor has one of those lovely, slow Southern drawls. In the diagnoses, one of them was a very nice little poem, "Rule out gout, which I doubt."

I'd love to hear any others out there...

Amber

YOU CAN DO IT!

Jenners — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:07:34 GMT

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to come back and let everyone know (graduates and students) that I have started my 2nd week of work, and my boss is already asking me to take on more dictations because she is impressed with my work thus far! I graduated in November 2009, took the holidays off, and then started applying EVERYWHERE! The combination of my timing and graduating from M-TEC helped tremendously to land this 1st job! I know there is a lot of negative feedback as far as MT jobs go, but they are out there. I promise! It's all in the timing. M-TEC has prepared me so much for my career as an MT, and I am so thankful to have found them (especially my instructor Marie Roberts!)

So fellow graduates, keep looking and sending that resume. Someone will take notice that you graduated from the best MT school, and they will hire you!

If you are a current student, my suggestions to you would be to keep studying and do the best that you can do! Take it 1 day at a time, and don't worry now about all of the negative feedback you are hearing. As with any career, there are highs and lows. Just do your best!

Best of luck to all!

Forum Rules

Mike DeTuri — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:58:00 GMT

Here are the Terms & Conditions for posting to the M-TEC Message Forums.

[quote]Terms & Conditions

Although we attempt to moderate all messages we cannot be held responsible for any messages posted. We do not vouch for or warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any message. You agree that neither these forums, nor any person or entity associated with them will be held responsible for any content.

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You agree that you will not discuss pay, line rates, or MT companies and accounts on the public areas of the forum.

You agree that you will not post copyrighted content without the express permission of the copyright holder. Advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes and solicitations are also inappropriate in this forum. We reserve the right to remove, edit, close or move any post for any reason at our discretion.[/quote]

For those who have questions about the discussion of pay/line rates, the M-TEC management team has asked me to post the attached document.

Someone...please tell me more about Linux

Firefly — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:13:13 GMT

I'm a prospective student and am considering purchasing a new computer that I would use strictly for the course. If I do get a new computer, I'm wondering if this might be a good time to switch over to Linux. While researching people's thoughts on Vista, I found some old posts by Mike discussing the benefits of Linux and the potential problems with Windows. However, I'm not a computer guru. I can learn software easily enough to do what I need done, but I don't have much knowledge or interest when it comes to the nitty-gritty maintenance kinds of things. I really know next to nothing about Linux, so I'm not even sure how to get started making the switch or if I should. Would I be opening myself up to headaches and frustration by switching over? Should I just stay with what I know - Windows? Would Linux work for this course? I could really use some good advice! Thanks in advance!

AHDI Speech Recognition Course

JanetS — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:09:36 GMT

I'm considering taking this speech recognition course to supplement my resume. I'm wondering if anyone has taken it and if you think it was worth the money or if it helped with the job hunt.

Thank you.

Janet

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

rather inspiring letter at mtstars today

Nandarani — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:36:26 GMT

it's from 'fingers' and entitled first hired first fired. it's what happened next. it has an mtstars flavor yet it's a happy flavor so that is why i thought some might appreciate it. 'fingers' is an experienced mt.

New Student in Indiana

lfischer — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:09:48 GMT

I am a new student in the Tier 1 Basic program. I have a degree in health services administration, so I was told Tier 1 Basic would suffice.

I decided to pursue a career in medical transcription after I lost my baby girl. We knew she had a chromosomal issue and I did a lot of soul searching during that time. I want to be with my future children (she was our first, I am in my mid-20's) and I want to watch them grow. I hope I can succeed.

I work 35-40 hours a week and need some reassurance I can complete this program in 6 months. I also like to socialize and not spend all my time at home. Can someone give me some advice from someone who has been there?

Lacey

Don't get discouraged! You will find a job! I DID!

MicHill — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:04:04 GMT

I graduated in September and took a few weeks off prior to beginning my job search. It took longer than I anticipated, but I accepted an offer on January 30th. I was beginning to get a little discouraged, and I must extend a personal thank you to M-TEC, my family, fellow graduates, and my instructor for all the support and encouragement. It is not easy starting a new career, even if you have prior experience in the industry. You must be ready for all the challenges you will face and be willing to accept the rejections as there will be some, I know. It takes time and hard work to find the right fit for each of us so don't settle for something you are not ready to commit to. Good luck to all of you! However, it's not luck you need it's the drive you all have to make it in this career or you wouldn't have chosen M-TEC! :w00t:

"Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Anonymous

Can a single person support themself on a MT wage?

ChelsF — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:55:50 GMT

But what about a single person with no children to pay for but also no husband to rely on? Can you make enough as an MT to pay for the necessities like rent, food, gas/electric, etc. or do people have to work at an additional job? I know it depends on a lot of factors but generally speaking as an MT if you were single could you support yourself?

Transcriber as Family Breadwinner

Whtbc10 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:24:43 GMT

Hi. I looked at M-TEC several months ago but figured with the job I had (Sr. Systems Analyst at a major pharmaceutical company) there was no way I could get the study time in and not have a brain meltdown. Well now I've been laid off (so much for hard work and loyalty) and I feel as if I've been given an opportunity to find something more satisfying to do as a career.

I am still very interested in transcription for many reasons not the least of which is job satisfaction and going into a field that is growing, but my concern is that being the main breadwinner of my family will I be taking too big a chance here? Will I go through 18 months of learning only to find there is no job or if there is work will it pay enough for me to support my family?

To that end I have one main question to ask, and I'm not sure if it can even be answered - what is the pay scale for this type of work? I would prefer to work at home and for a company, not self-employed but would love to hear from all area's as those are just my first thoughts. I'm sure the information will vary between area's where people are located and level of experience.

I've read through many posts and see alot of satisfaction out there with their choice to go into this field, but I also see alot of people using it as supplemental income, not as their mainstay, thus my concern.

Any information you all would like to share with me will be greatly appreciated. I'm at a crossroads here and have a major decision to make. I didn't think at 53 I'd ever have this decision to make, part of me is excited, another part is scared. ;)

Thanks!

Doing taxes.....whats the MT 2-digit code we use for our 1099?

SuperTracy — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:07:18 GMT

Sorry if this could be a repeat question from last year, but I am like 2 steps away from finishing my taxes. It is asking my for my 2-digit code, which I guess can be found on a link on a page at IRS.gov, but I am still unsure what we are considered......anyone know? I am anxious to get my refund, lol, I want to finish this! Good thing I made so little money! :D

Laptop vs Desktop

Michiganchick — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:52:15 GMT

So I was just having a discussion with another student about getting a new computer and it sparked a good question to ask working graduates. If I am looking for a new computer and am going to be an MT but also have to have one just for personal use: Should I get a laptop for the job and keep old computer for personal uses or splurge on the extra money involved and get a desktop for job and personal uses. I've never bought a laptop before but I have looked at new ones and they always seem cheaper and I often wonder why. Any feedback would be appreciated. :)

Session 10

Joy

If you could, or do, study Full-Time...

Brenda in Ohio — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:04:49 GMT

I realize this is a mostly theoretical question but I would really like your thoughts/estimates.

I just lost my job this week, which consumed a lot of my time, naturally. Also, becoming sick, and progressively worse, over the last year made it extremely difficult to work full-time and also study. I actually enrolled with M-Tec early last year, but haven't made any significant progress yet. My "sickness" rather innocuously began around the time I enrolled and it was diagnosed in May '09 as Fibromyalgia. But due to continuing progressive pain and symptoms, I was referred to a neurologist who ran all kinds labs and tests. (I'm familiar with most of the common labs run, but the neurologist challenged and frustrated even the lab techs with all the rare labs she ordered for me.) In December the neurologist diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease.

M-Tec friends just try researching that one for a challenge! Mito Disease is still considered "rare" but has dozens and dozens of manifestations and is currently being researched as the cause of many more common health problems.

Anyway, having lost my job and taking my health into account, I'm now considering my life choices and options. The future is not looking great. Not having a job is a major issue since I'm single and work was my necessary income. I've applied for unemployment, but I'm not certain I'll get it. I'm really, really praying I can get it because I think I could survive on that while being able to dedicate the time and energy I have to studying MT. Mito Disease is progressive and there is no cure and at this point I feel my work options are becoming limited.

And there you have the basis for my question. Thanks for your thoughts.

Im so confused....

MiaG — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:51:36 GMT

Okay, so here in my town (Midland, Tx) We have a Kaplan college, there are a couple of courses I would like to take Medical Assistant or Medical Office Specialist. If I do MOS i can learn transcription, billing, coding, and other things. If i take the MA course I can learn phlebotomy, ivs, ect. I love the idea of working in the hospital with patients but I also love the administration part of healthcare....What do you all think of me doing both? Take M-Tec and the MA course?? Of course thats alot of money in loans I'd have to pay back. Im applying for a SM loan next week, once hubby starts his new position at work...how hard is it to get one? My credit is pretty lousy..Idk Im so confused. I am one test away from getting my GED which i will test for that in March. Any advice ANYONE can give me, Id greatly appreciate it.

what to do when the internet is out

bleachcse — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:00:23 GMT

This is a question for those currently working as an MT from home. Yesterday, our phone and internet was out all day long. It didn't come back on until about 9 P.M. When you are working from home and depend on the internet, what do you do when something like that happens? Just curious. I'd hate to lose a day's pay for something like that!

Insurance with a job?

Sunshine1 — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:02:04 GMT

I have a friend who is considering joining the program. She is worried about having health insurance. Can anyone tell us if it is common to receive health insurance with your new job?? What about days off or other benefits you have received upon graduating and getting a job.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Another new grad gets a job offer!

RKM63 — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 11:45:00 GMT

I haven't posted much ever on the boards but wanted to give all students and new grads some hope. I graduated December 17 from the Premier program and just got a job offer today! It is everything I was looking for. I wanted a part time job with hours that fit my family schedule (I have 2 kids, ages 6 and 8). I'll be working Sunday through Thursday from 4 am to 8 am (this time is perfect for summer, I'll have my work done and the whole day to spend with the kids).

As soon as I get my equipment shipped to me and set up, I'll start training.

My advice to you is to work hard and keep that GPA up because that certainly helped me with getting this job. Also, use MTEC resources(including your instructor). MTEC is a great school!

AVATAR TEST ZONE

Kathy Kropko CMT AHDI-F — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 09:48:13 GMT

The avatar test zone was getting a little too long, so I am starting a new thread here for anyone that wants to test their avatar.

To create an avatar, choose a picture that you have from a digital photo or clipart that you found on the internet and save to your computer (DO NOT LINK DIRECTLY FROM ANY WEB SITE). Keep the size small so it does not slow down our site, and then you can add it under the "control panel" settings and avatar link. Choose the "upload avatar" option and then browse through your computer to find the location of your clipart. Then just click UPDATE

Which program, Premier or Basic?

lrc425 — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:40:57 GMT

Hi,

I am new to all this & starting to research schools, M-Tec came highly recommended. My question is, which program did most of you do Tier I Premier or Tier I Basic and how long did it take you to complete?

Any info is greatly appreciated!!

Lisa

My Talk with Jack McCullough

Nandarani — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:46:02 GMT

Didn't mention the promotional video. My main concern was, is the school going to remain #1. I just listened and got his point of view on the present and future. I came away understanding better that this school has the elements addressing the future of this profession that I'd want. Sorry about the vehemence in all previous e-mails. Got more vehement when communication long-paused early on between students grads and administration.... .

Bottom line would be that MTec prepares its students to be Versatile.

So maybe that ought to be a new way of approaching outreach? I dunno. Maybe I should be given a discount on tuition to promote the school. HAH HAH HAH.

But my orientation gets to change now to getting another copy of Medical Language since the copy I'd had fell apart to try to study in advance.

Edited to remove (!) icon.

second guessing..

Blondieac1 — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:31:54 GMT

I am really second guessing my decision to do the M-TEC program. I have been reading the forum. It seems there are a lot of people either having trouble finding work, not making minimum wage, and who are having trouble adjusting to their position once hired. I also just finished listening to the sample audio, as well as finshed reading posts from current students. It seems that many are overwhelmed trying to get through different session, and that they are also overwhelmed balancing their family life with school. On the other hand, I have heard many positive things from a recent graduate.

My children are 18, 16, and 4 years old. My youngest will start kindergarten in August of 2010. Up until that point, I will have to balance her care with my studies. After she starts school, I will be able to devote from 8am till 2pm on school work each weekday. Upon graduation, I would like to find a part time position. I am not sure how realistic that idea is. It sounds like I might be working many hours and not even making minimum wage. I do not need to find a company with benefits, and would prefer one that I can work the hours I choose as long as the work is finished.

I feel like maybe this is not the best decision now for me after reading many of the posts. Any advice ?

Misty???

Sharon Lee — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:42:48 GMT

Several months ago there was a disabled lady on the forum that wanted to start MTec but for several reasons went with a school in her area I think. Just wondered if anyone knew if she went ahead with medical transcription and how shes doing. Havent seen any posts from her for a long time. Sharon

Job update from recent grad

Stacy9700 — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 14:58:21 GMT

Hi everyone -

I always appreciated posts from working grads when I was slogging through the course, so I wanted to take a few moments to provide an update on my experience.

I graduated in early October 2009. I had actually begun sending out resumes immediately after taking the PE. I interviewed and received a job offer from my first choice, an orthopedic hospital in my city which has in-house transcription that works at home. I had a couple of connections to this particular hospital, including a transcriptionist and a PT that worked there, which probably helped me get the interview. This clinic had a "no-newbie" policy primarily because of the extremely high volume of patients seen there and probably because there is no QA department per se. There is one manager with about 15 transcriptionists. I think she may do random quality checks, and of course is available to ask questions, but they really expect you to be able to "hit the ground running". I knew this going in, but felt fairly confident that I had what it takes to do this! :)

After a two-week in-clinic training with the manager, I was sent home. I will tell you that that first week was hellish, to say the least. Learning all the doctors and getting used to the transcription platform and account specifics was tough. I did not manage to make even minimum wage that first week. It also happened that the transcription department was under enormous pressure to keep up with the very large backlog of dictations as this particular orthopedic hospital had just recently opened an after hours clinic and added several new doctors. So, it goes without saying that they were not thrilled with my first week's work. I honestly thought I might not be able to do this and was worried about being let go. But after freaking out a little bit, I put my nose to the grindstone and worked on my IT glossaries over the weekend and the next week went much better. And every week after that since mid-October, my weekly earnings have gradually increased. I am now making almost $20/hour, and I really love what I am doing. I actually was able to help out one of the seasoned transcriptionists with a question the other day! :)

I guess my main point in posting this is that I think MTec prepared me very well for this career. But I will say it was still a bit of a shock when it came down to actually DOING it, and making a living! I was not totally prepared for the intensity of the work. I was one who took lots of breaks while studying and complained when I had a large number of dictations to "plow" through. :) I didn't realize that the reality of doing this job is that, if you want to make the money, you have to do a large amount of dictations all day every day, and do it quickly. Obviously, that's the name of the game. If you're not enjoying sitting for long periods of time at your computer during your studies and doing long lists of dictations, you're probably not going to do well in this career, plain and simple. You also need to be fast. I type 95+ wpm, but that is not enough. You HAVE to have a good expander program, and you better have good research sources right at your fingertips when necessary. Plus, you can't underestimate the importance of truly understanding the medical information you are working with. I don't think I truly appreciated the importance of this when going through school.

Anyway, today, three months almost to the day from when I started working with this hospital, I can honestly say I truly love my job. I am a newly divorced mom of two young children. I have an MBA and was a marketing director in my previous before-kids life, making a 6-figure income. I quit that career 15 years ago to be a stay-at-home mom. When I was faced with divorce, I knew that that career would not be very conducive to raising children on my own. So, I began my MTec training and here I am. I am able to work from home, my hours are very flexible, my job is interesting every day, and I am making pretty good money.

So, I would say work hard during school, and be prepared to work even harder when you start working at this, but I think the rewards are there. Good luck to you all!

Stacy

Which School to go with?

Becker — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:52:28 GMT

I'm currently researching which School to go with for MT training. Three keep popping up especially, M-TEC.

Any advice is appreciated on training & is it what you expected, etc., anything........

thx in advance.

Really??

MiaG — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:07:08 GMT

Im no where near enrolling, but I ordered the Catalog just because i wanted something with M-Tec on it hehe. Anyway, I was looking at the admission requirements and it says that we have to have a HS diploma or GED, now does that mean we have to show proof? because I am getting my GED now, Im one test away which is math (which I HATE lol) If hubby doesnt get a job and if i pass im going into law enforcement, but if he does get a job before I finish school...Hello M-Tec :D Wish me luck and thanks for any info you can give me....

PS: What happens if we dont pass the pre-enrollment screening test? Can we keep trying until we do? Thanks again

Happy New Year :)

Another new grad HIRED today!

tcleach — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:41:24 GMT

Hi everyone! I know how I loved reading stories from grads that landed jobs after graduating. I finished the Premier course the first of December. I was offered and accepted an IC position today, and I start training tomorrow. I am so excited! I graduated at the slowest hiring time of the year, but after just 3 weeks of testing/sending out resumes, I am now officially a working MT. Can you feel my excitement??? Best of luck to everyone. I think 2010 is going to be a great year :D

What do you think?

JayCee56 — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:27:37 GMT

Hi Everyone,

In the past week or so I've been doing a lot of research on both medical transcription and medical transcription schools. I've learned that Andrews and M-TEC are considered the best schools if you are serious about becoming an MT who will actually get hired. Of course, you have to have a high GPA to go along with it.

There are many who say that all transcription is going over to India or VRS....and don't forget that unless you have two years of experience, you are out of luck as far as anyone hiring you after graduation. If you are fortunate enough to get hired, your first year will be below or at minimum wage. Now there is also this *bump* with the 9 months vs. 18 months....and many companies no longer waiving the two-year experience requirement because of it.

My gut feeling tells me if you are GOOD, there are companies who will be happy to hire you, and after you get some experience under your belt, you might make a decent salary as well.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you.

Forum Opened : Good news. Question about testing directly out of school.

Nandarani — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:57:17 GMT

I did not know the forum had been reopened to the public - had been entering through favorited thread once I found this would work. This is welcome news and a wise decision. Thank you administration !

For anyone who may have known of me, and my desire to be working first, before enrolling... I accepted a full-time position as a special education teacher on Oahu and moved to Honolulu. My life is beginning again. I am still very interested in MT. Now feeling out how my time will be used most productively in all areas prior to enrolling at either Andrews or MTec with preference for MTec. I cannot relie on intuition only.

By the way the issue that seems to be coming to the fore now (with me) is technology and expander coaching. For this all important area I have always felt most confident with MTec. I had been considering Andrews too before breaking arm just when I had saved the money and was ready to commit. Either school offers good preparation. Andrews relies on one expander though.

Shorthand is THE expander offered and taught at Andrews. A Very Successful MTec grad posting on a thread within the last one or two months said replying to a question that she relies upon the Word Autocorrect dictionary she created in the later sessions at MTec, and Shorthand into which she moved her dictionary. Shorthand was offered to her at a nominal cost upon employment. With these tools plus her skills, she is shining. You should be able to find the good thread by searching Shorthand.

Learned recently that some employers are now requiring experience rather than allowing MTec graduates to test immediately upon graduation. This would be the result of the shortened time frame to complete the course. Would someone comment if they can - perhaps it is too soon.

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

How long

boysmome — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:35:59 GMT

I was just curious how many hours a day and/or week everyone typically spends on their studies?

Wireless Internet

mamaherb — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:46:28 GMT

Does anyone work from home with wireless internet like Alltel wireless card? Or Hughesnet Satellite internet? I cannot get DSL or cable as I live in the country. Can anyone give me any advice to work from home. Almost finished with Session 18!!!

Employers wont accept wireless or satellite???

Sharon Lee — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:02:38 GMT

Just read someones reply to "potential student, full time RVr" The only option I have for internet is satellite. Anyone out there have any comments?? Sharon

I am a working M-TEC grad!!!

stepmomof2 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:03:28 GMT

Hi all, I graduated from M-TEC on October 22, 2009. I spent the next few weeks after graduating sending out resumes. In all I sent out over 90 resumes and only got around 12 responses mostly saying that they were not hiring right now or not hiring entry level at this time. I was really beginning to get discouraged when one of my first contacts got back with me and things started getting in gear. I started working for a small MTSO last Wednesday. It's great because I have the same doctors all the time and can get used to them. I am working as an IC, so I still have some stuff to figure out regarding taxes but probably won't have to worry until next year since I started so late in the year. I did struggle through a lot of the M-TEC course and even questioned if I had made the right decision, but in the end it is worth it. All of the studying and hard work pays off. I am loving working from home and can see myself doing this for years to come!

Job update from a new grad

Spikelina — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:48:27 GMT

Hi everyone,
Well, it seems like just a few weeks ago I was still a student, wondering what would happen when I graduated. Now that I am actually working I thought that I'd come back and give anyone who is interested an update. I remember that when I was a student, I really needed these posts, and so it is my turn to do it!
I have been working for all of 5 days. I was in training for the 1st couple of days, and I just got released from QA. Hard to believe that it happened so soon! They said that it doesn't surprise them from an M-TEC graduate. The work is so interesting!! It is much more interesting than the PDs. I used to fall asleep sometimes at the computer while doing my PDs. It is just so exciting to actually be working on real live dictations, that are from hours ago, that I actually can't sleep after work. (I work from 4 pm until 12 am). I really am having fun! I am sure that in the beginning I am going to make no money, because it takes me a really long time. I have hope, however, that someday I will actually get faster!
It is so fun do do this. I just wanted to let you know that there are many opportunities for new grads.
Well, that is all. I might add that it took me a long time to finish school. Many extensions! However, in the end I had a very decent GPA. I would say that it is more important to learn all you can while in school instead of rushing. It was hard for me because I didn't get much support from my family while I was in school. Now that I am actually working it is a different story!
Good luck to you all!
Melanie:)

I got a job!!!

Spikelina — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:04:04 GMT

I am so incredibly excited. I got a job!! I graduated a couple of weeks ago, and now here I am with a job. It is my dream job, and I can't wait to start. I have read so many of these posts in my long journey at school, (I had extensions for a while) and I know how encouraging it was for me to read them.
Good luck to everyone! M-TEC is the best!
Melanie

Anther proud MTec grad working!

Connie Z — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:13:48 GMT

Hello friends,

I'm sorry it's taken me awhile to provide an update since graduating in September. I've been pretty busy, but I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know that your hard work will provide you avenues not otherwise available to you.

After working tirelessly for 12.5 months, I became a proud graduate in September, 2009. If you go back and do a search for my VERY early posts, you'll see that I had the same fears that many of you have expressed. I questioned my decision to return to school, to spend the money, to take the necessary time, and to commit to something so scary. I love medicine, language, a good story, and culture. After standing on the edge of this enormous "pool" and weighing in the opinions of many who had started before me, I decided to jump in (with "Swimmies"). I knew I had taken on a challenge, but I don't think I realized just how frustrating some days would be. Can I say "comma drama," hyphenphobia, grammar mania? Whew! What a ride!

Fast forward to September. A few days before leaving on a special vacation, I received the word that I had graduated! WOOHOO!! Wait!! Now what?!! Big fears were returning. I found myself back on the pool deck waiting to take another plunge. As many others have said, graduation is bittersweet. The sense of accomplishment and readiness is awesome. The fear of jumping into a new "pool" is very scary! I started to send out resumes the first part of October, and on October 12, I had a job!! Not only did I have a job, I love the company I work for, the people I work with (waves to fellow M-Tecers), the new challenges I am faced with, and knowing my investment provided me an opportunity I otherwise would not have had. Yes, it is difficult, and no, I cannot pay bills with what I am earning. Well, maybe the water bill...LOL. Hopefully, after more practice (did I say that?), my productivity will increase. For now, everything is so new; it takes me quite some time to finish a report. Thank goodness I didn't take shortcuts, and I stuck to my plan to push through all those PDs, even when I had to do some of them 5 times! The extra time you take now can only help you in the long run. Stick with it, learn from your mistakes, reward yourself for achieving goals, and remember, all good things take time :)

Wishing you all the best in your search for your dream job!

"Just" another new student

edibleforest — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:38:18 GMT

Hi to you others just here, and thanks to those welcoming us with motivating comments. We have a pinned topic in Break Room as Introduction. The most recent post there at this point is from early August. So there's some more somewhat new student intros over there.

Anyway, these studies seem fun so far. I think the starter sessions are a little more gentle, coaxing our confidence.
I'm glad to be an M-TEC student (approaching Session 3) treading on grammar with care. Yikes! See you all as we progress and advance.

Susan
Puget Sound area

Work + Baby?

barrelracer — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:07:13 GMT

I'm assuming a lot of you MT's are moms with kids at home. One of the reasons I am thinking about transcription is the potential to work from home, as I am pregnant with my first child now. (Due Oct. 31). Does this generally work out pretty well? I would think that not having commuting costs and saving on daycare are obvious benefits, but do babies/kids get distracting during your work? How often do you have to take breaks to tend to them? (Well, obviously every 2-4 hrs. to feed a baby...) Are most employers flexible with this? (Give deadlines rather than having you work a specific shift?) What are your schedules like?

Just wanted some feedback from moms out there about how transcription allows them to balance work and home life. I'd appreciate your stories.