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MT Student Wants the Real Deal

Posted on: June 17, 2009
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I subscribed to ADVANCE last year when I first started in the medical transcription program at Schoolcraft College. I had researched the field and from all indications, it seemed a good choice of career for someone like me -- a 57-year-old who's been unemployed for 2 years -- to get back into the job market. I already had some experience in medical transcription several years ago in one of my many clerical jobs.

However, I keep reading letters in ADVANCE from medical transcription graduates who are having problems finding jobs, letters about companies that are outsourcing medical transcription jobs, and letters from MTs who feel they've made the wrong career choice. As a medical transcription student who will soon be finishing the program, these letters have me extremely worried, especially considering that I had to use funds from my IRA to pay for classes.

I wish I could find out the truth about the field. Is it a good field to spend money getting trained for? Or have I wasted my precious retirement funds on this schooling? Can anyone give me the "real deal?"

Kathy Handyside

Southgate, MI


 

Hi Kathy ~ I pretty much agree with Lisa, Margaret and Jay. The MT profession is a great one; I've been an MT since 1978 when it was not so hard to "break" into the field (and there were no schools to teach it). Where I work, we do not hire students ~ I work for a level I trauma center. It is not a matter of prejudging, it is just that we have found that students simply do not bring the level of expertise to the job that one needs to do the level of transcription required for our facility. There are great schools with have a great reputation; unfortunately, I have not heard of your school, which is not to say that it is not a great school, it is simply unknown to me.

I would encourage you to get involved with AHDI, join a local chapter (or the online association) and network, network, network. Expect to be in the role of "apprentice" for awhile after you graduate and as you "land" your first job. The MT profession has such liabilities associated with it, both from a privacy/HIPAA standpoint as well as an accuracy standpoint, that I do see employers being more cautious about hiring.

It can be done ... and I bet you can succeed. I wish you all the best.

Pati September 08, 2009
Orlando



I think what really has me worried is that, after spending days job searching on the internet, I can't find MT jobs posted, much less apply for one and hope I get hired. If companies are "begging" for qualified MTs, then WHERE are they doing the begging?? Where are the jobs posted? How can I apply for a job when I can't even find it listed? I've tried monster.com, indeed.com, various MT organization websites, area hospitals and clinics, even temp agencies - no jobs listed! This is what really worries me. I realize that, living in Michigan, which is one of the worst states, economicaaly, the job market is tight, but there must be something out there. I just don't know where else to look.

Kathy HandysideJuly 19, 2009
Southgate, MI

Thank you to everyone for your responses, and especially to Jay for his invaluable input; it really helps - I think I just needed some reassurance that the jobs are out there.

I work hard at my classes. I do love transcription and seem to be very good at it. I've really enjoyed all the classes I've taken thus far; they have all been so interesting. I currently have a 3.9 GPA overall. So far, I've taken the following courses: principles of medical transcription (an introduction to the field), physician office transcription, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, laboratory and diagnostic tests, medical office procedures, Microsoft Word 2007, proofreading and editing - and will be taking the human diseases class and medical insurance coding (just to be a bit more marketable) in the fall semester, followed by hospital transcription I and medical transcription seminar (an in-depth coverage of the legal aspects of transcription)in winter; and the final hospital transcription II course next spring. At that point, I will have my full medical transcription certificate.

I feel I'm being well-prepared for the field and that medical transcription is a good "fit" for me. I work well independently, am disciplined, detail-oriented, and fascinated with medical science. I know I will enjoy doing this for a living; all I need is the chance.

Thank you again.

Kathy Handyside

Kathy HandysideJuly 18, 2009
Southgate, MI

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