fears about on-line testing
Posted By: Jeanie on 2009-02-24
In Reply to:
I am so nervous to take some of these on-line tests for MT positions. Can you tell me what they entail? Besides a foot pedal, will I need some type of earphones? What kind of reference books should I have nearby? How picky are they?
Everyone wants Word 2003 or better. Any ideas where I can get that cheaply? I have worked with WP for 18 years. I have also used Word and so am not worried about learning curve on that.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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on line testing
all of the online testing I have done, you just go into the test site you find with their website, and the transcription tests are actually done right on the space that they provide on the test site. There is no need to go into word or anything else. You can adjust the volume and speed and everything right on their website testing place. Sometimes the regular foot pedal will not work, but then you can control the dictation with the "F" function keys. The voice comes right up for you when you get into the test site. Very simple.
Thanks so much, you eased my fears!
That's one of my biggest fears -- my heart goes out to you. sm
I volunteer for a local food back through United Methodist Open Door. They do not provide money for rent or anything, but they will give you some food and a referral to other agencies that provide assistance. They do ask for proof of income, but if you are experiencing a short-term situation, they will help you. They never turn anyone away hungry. I am sure there are such things in your area as well.
I hope you find some help. I am sure it is very scary right now. I will keep yo in my prayers. Good luck to you. Hope you heal quickly.
Arrgh - my worst fears!
You nailed it! ShortHand is compatible as an Expander but the lag time makes it hit-or-miss. I turn off my computer every day, so that's not the answer in this case. You're also right about the dictation part of the equation - it's a separate piece of software from another company.
Aria does pull information across (labs, diagnoses, etc.) but if the dictation is typed prior to the doctor approving this (labs usually) it doesn't show up in the document. I was told that I would have to mark the document incomplete then check the next day to see if the info was approved, then cut and paste it into the document and mark it complete.
I'm supposed to be an automaton of efficiency and professionalism designed to turn out a buttload of work in a timely manner that makes people look like they know what they're doing. I don't have time to babysit a platform that doesn't meet those needs! 
You've given me a lot to think about. Thanks for the info and taking the time to reply! 
She fears because of her own lack of transcription skills, sm
not because the ESL doctors do not give good patient care. If you are not up to the job of transcribing the reports, then you should not try to do it. But do not blame poor patient care on the ESL doctors.
one of my biggest fears...will pray for you sister!
;)
Regarding testing. I have given in-depth testing but I have come to find that sm
no matter what a company wants, be it ESL specialist, etc., the best test to give ANY applicant is one that is not planned, one given right on the spot, verbal, one that has not been scheduled so the person has had no time to get nervous, but throw about 15-20 questions at them, general knowledge for their level of skill, and it can tell you wonders about their knowledge that is retained!! I actually find that the retention rate of folks hired this way is actually higher than intense testing given by some of these larger national companies. We all know that it takes sometimes a couple of weeks for even the best MTs to understand (I am speaking of the ESLs or bad dictators). There are some companies that give these as tests and what does that tell? Tells nothing and means nothing! Some of these that do well on these actually cannot do the work. How do we know that these folks have not actually had someone else do the test for them?
I find the best way is to pull a pop test on the spot in the middle of the interview and it works! Don't ever give the same questions to two separate applicants. Have a database of questions to pull from. Score from the ones you ask and move on from there. If the person cannot do the work, you know it in a day.
I believe it was the old EDiX that used to give over the phone questions, but they still scheduled this and people had time to get nervous. This way there is no time and well, you would be surprised at what folks actually do know...and in some cases...what folks actually do not know when given multiple choice, but to me this is an excellent way of testing, takes very little time, which I personally consider to be too valuable to waste 3-4 hours on a test, which someone who is experienced and has worked for 10 to 15 years in the field should not be required to do anyhow, should not be asked to do. When you have worked 12 hours during that day for a company (and some have), why should they have to take 4 hours to do a test?!
Think about it!!
I have recently spoken to other recruiters from other companies and they have agreed with me on this and I hope it catches on because it certainly is less time consuming and tells you all you need to know without giving them the actual work to do.
A gross line is anything on a line is a line. A line set at 65 characters means it sm
has 1-inch margins on each side. The maximum number of characters on that line would be 65 and that includes spaces. If there is 1 character on that line it is a line.
A standard 65-character line usually consists of 65 characters with spaces unless, of course, the employer does not pay for spaces and then it would be 65-characters without spaces.
Anything on the line makes up a line even if just one letter or number. Every line of print is a
s
Gross line = each line on page counts as a line, even if it's only 1 word. nm
x
Gross line means anything on a line is counted as a line.
You can get an idea in the difference using documents you have already created, assuming you're working in Word. Simply open a document and check the properties. Click on the statistics tab and you will see the number of lines as well as characters with and without spaces. If you're currently getting paid by the line and a line is 65-characters with spaces, do the math and see how that number of lines compares with the number of lines in your stats.
One thing to keep in mind: if you have a blank line between paragraphs, instead of hitting the enter key twice, format your document to give the appearance of blank lines between paragraphs.
Testing for a new job
I am testing on Friday for a new job. I need this job very badly, because of the benefits. If anyone has any suggestions on where I can find some practice tests(written exams), please let me know! Thanks.
testing
x
When testing, is it better to - sm
When testing for a company is it better to type verbatim or can you change things like grammar to make it actually correct?
Testing
I humbly say that I have never tested for a company where I have not been offered a job and I've tested plenty. I always type verbatim with the exception of changing grammar. If in doubt, I put (?), basically for anything I would send to QA if actually working. IMO if you start "correcting" you'll likely flunk the test. I've always tested for acute care so I have no idea what testing would be like for clinic work.
Not testing
Has anyone every been hired without being tested first? I was just asked to sign on with a company and start as soon as possible. I've already got ID# and everything. There was only one other company that did require testing but that fell through, could never get the information straight or help with it. Should I be leary of this one too?
not testing
I also was hired on this past week without testing. Like the other poster said it was a good feeling to have your experience do the talking... Good luck
Testing sm
Anyone know a good testing site from a good company who doesn't require buying expensive equipment just to "test", sick of reading those who say "If you don't have.......don't bother testing." I am probably on the wrong board, but I want to test today, if possible. I only have Execuscribe and earphones, am totally clueless otherwise. Have "Word" but no medical dictionary in there either. "Sad" but true. Thanks for any info.
Pet testing
We once had an MD call our radiology office to see if we would MRI her beloved duck. Alas, the duck passed away before we could scan. I can only imagine what the report would have consisted of, LOL.
Testing
I tested with many companies without having to get *permission* to do so. The national I landed my job with right out of school said they required 2 years' experience, but I tested and passed, and they hired me. If you get discouraged and give up you will never get in. You have to keep plugging at it. I e-mailed my resume and applied and tested for many, many companies before I got hired. I actually started working for the company I am with now the day after I graduated my MT program. It really can be done. And you're right, it does seem to be a very impersonal business on many levels. Fortunately there are many companies out there that have very nice people that will give you a chance. It's just a matter of finding the one that is right for you.
testing
testing
testing
Hi,
yeah, just got done taking a test and nailed it, I know I did, but got an instant reply of not enough experience. I'm certainly not a quitter and will just keep trying. I am so ready to work!
testing
just testing my validation
testing
 Can anyone out there explain to me why when taking a test for a national company they would tell you, Note: The audio is bad and that is part of the test. Why in the world would a company want to give you a bad audio tape to test on? Is this a Joke? I feel this is very humiliating to a transcriptionist. Just give a decent test. How is anyone supposed to pass it if the audio is bad? I do not care who you are and how many years experience, if the audio is bad, then no one is going to pass. This is totally ridiculous. I am glad I am starting to look into coding for a new profession because these National companies are making a mockery of this field, which was once respected.
testing
Just testing before posting anything.
Testing
I always try to get as much info as I can when a company is posting a test. If they cannot look at your resume and see how many years and what specialities you have transcribed and see that you either do or do not meet their qualifications - they have too much time on their hands. Who has time in the MT business to grade and pick over tests? to me that's just crazy. The only ones who might benefit from these tests are newbies trying to break into the fields - and they usually do not have the # of years of experience that any national is looking for - yes - perhaps it is time to get out and get a real job - but I can remember when this was a real job - it isn't what it used to be.
MT Testing
Should testing transcription be done verbatim or do you suppose it could be lightly edited? I was not sure about this. I have never had a company instruct me on what they prefer.
Thanks
CMT testing
I have a question for anyone who has ever used the CMT Review Guide. There is a CD with the book that has snipets of dictation. I am getting so frustated. I don't think I've gotten 1 right yet. The punctuation is mostly what is killing me, but also they seem like they expect you to know what kind of format you should be using. Maybe I'm missing something, but I can't seem to figure out when they want what, as far as set up goes, so consequently I get them marked wrong. So anyway, has anyone else had a problem with this, and if anyone has taken the test, is that the way the test is too?
Testing, etc.
I have only tested for one company, and I felt I aced the test with no problems. The only reason I tested with this particular company is because it was part of the application process from the very beginning. With most, I don't even get to testing. I can't figure this out! Resume is perfection. No, I am not using my current company as a reference.
I did ask the last one who turned me down for some elaboration as to what areas I need to strengthen. Not sure if I will get a reply, though.
Testing, testing 1-2-3
Which is what one of our bright and fab docs says everytime he starts a report...
LoL... I wonder if he comes back and says, Is this thing on?
Yep.. It's one of THOSE days. 
I am currently testing for them too...sm
That is some long dictation to type for a test. I only listened to the SOAP notes file but it is long. Alot of reports in that one file. I don't like the fact that they are in Canada and noone knows nothing about them.
What would you do when testing?
***Edited by Moderator***
RE: Testing
I had trouble with some, some I didn't. I used Gearplayer foot pedal.
When testing have you ever
Had six or seven short notes to type and you got one that you just couldn't figure out and there would be blanks, would you finish it with the blanks, even if there were quite a few, or would you not do it and tell the person you're testing for that you weren't able to transcribe the note?
testing
I am trying to test (not medical) and they had me download something called DSS Lite, so I could transcribe what they e-mailed me. Does anyone have any experience with this? I cannot get my foot pedal to work with it. Thank you in advance.
Testing
One thing you might do and not sure if you did it (if with the "standardized testing") save your work after EVERY completed section -- then if you take a break you should be able to go right back into the section you just completed. Hope this helped.
testing
I agree. And my foot pedal does not work with most of these companies for doing the test. I have to use the F keys to start and stop.
I got my current job with transcriptionmatchmaker and had to take only one test and they contacted the companies looking for help. But they are not doing that anymore right now, or at least the person that helped me is not there.
RE: testing
I was recently laid off after 6 years doing transcription for a surgical/imaging center. I had to transcribe all imaging and surgical procedures. I would like to test my skills so I can be up on the recent changes. Is there a web site for this. I have 20 years experience in all modalities having worked in the hospital setting for 8 yrs, rehab etc.. Any ideas would help.
Thanks
testing...
When testing for MT jobs I look EVERYTHING up even if I know it for sure (like during the multiple choice) i.e. "The plural of fibula is" type into Google "Plural fibula" and the first thing that comes up is like this: Fibula or Fibulae (plural) may mean: Fibula, the calf-bone of a mammal." So you know its fibulae. With the transcription tests, I type them in word with my spell check and my expander. After done with all the tests I read back starting with the first one, as if im doing QC work. It works for me. Hope it helps you.
They are testing to see what YOU know.
They are not testing us. They are testing you to see that you learned what you needed to through their course. Coming here and asking for the answer is equivalent to someone in class leaning over and asking their neighbor a question while testing. Would you do that?
This is really something that should have been discussed somewhere in your course. I am sorry you are having difficulty with this file, but that is just part of the testing process. Good luck!
Is the testing hard?
/
I hate testing
Why when you have experience why do these companies send long dictations, are we not educated, can you not read a resume... I understand that we need to test but some of these test are just well grrrrrrr..... If that is the test then I will not work for you I can't imagine what your like to work for
Testing, Info
You must take a typing test first with a corrected speed of 55 WPM (Southern California area). Then you must take a transcription test, in some cases a written test for terminology, but most definitely transcribe about eight short cases. It's really not hard at all if you are a seasoned MT. I have worked for KP for over 10 years. As with most places of of employment, there are pros and cons. KP is also union. For the most part, I have enjoyed working here. The pay is good for the surrounding area and the medical benefits are why I stay employed with them. I can make more at home transcribing independently, but no bennies, no sick leave, no vacation. And they are surely expensive. Hope this helps!
Universal MT Testing
Anyone else out there looking for a job only to be deluged with requests to take applicant testing at mttest.com?
After taking this test three times for different companies it occurred to me that why not test once or retest for a higher score, etc and be able to share this info with all potential employers.
After researching this site, I have found out it's all about the mightly dollar. Did you know the more applicants a company sends for testing, the bigger discount they get?
Urgh.. I have two more invites to take the test in my inbox. 
There has got to be a better way, any ideas?
Universal MT Testing
Our company contracts with Career Step (MTTest.com) to screen and test our applicants. After having tested hundreds of applicants who expect and deserve quick notification, we have found this method to be beneficial not only to our company in recruiting but to the MT who is not really qualified for the position we need filled. Immediate pass/fail notification is a plus I think.
Our old method was to give randomized voice files by speciality (as someone in the string suggested), but the time it took to check the test and get back to the MT took considerable man hours and expense. We have seen numerous complaints posted about MTs who test for various companies who do not hear back immediately from companies they tested for, but who do not bother to call the company in question either. It becomes a catch-22. The company generally will respond to someone who is interested enough to call and inquire how they did on the test if they have not heard back in a week or so following the test. Conversely, there are many times a company does follow up immediately only to find that the MT is no longer available or interested.
The testing site at Career Step screens an applicant. If you pass the screening, you move on to the objective portion (general medical knowledge). If you pass that portion, you move on to the transcription test. You would be amazed at how many do not get through the screening.
I would recommend this type of testing to any service who is recruiting. The cost is minimal when you consider the time saved by ruling out those who are not qualified right off the bat. For those of us who do take trainees, we also have the ability to check the scores on the screening and objective portions and decide to give the MT a try. We've found quite a few diamonds in the rough that way.
The test is randomized and is customized for each company. I believe confidentiality prevents the site from "sharing" applicant scores, but any MT that has taken the test for other companies on the site is welcome to let me know their scores on the screening and objective protion, which might prompt us to pass them on to the transcription portion. It is certainly worth consideration.
Psych testing (sm)
This is why I like this board. This nice person did answer my question about numbering. This never came up but I found it very helpful and it made me less nervous. BTW, the test was mostly English words and I felt it was a waste of time and did not test my skills as a MLS at all, but that's the way it goes, I guess. Looking for something more challenging.
Best way go go about testing/work--SM
is that whoever is paying for the work gets the work done THEIR WAY, BOS or no BOS. BOS is a guideline only, a lot of institutions and services adopt many things from it but there are usually exceptions.
The BOS in no way is a bible, just a guideline.
I was hired w/o testing - sm
Started looking for 2nd job when started having low workloads on my primary job; sent out 2 feelers and both asked for tests, then one of them called me and said not to bother with the test, my experience said it all. What a good feeling - to be appreciated!
Have a great day.
Yes, I have been hired before w/o testing. nm
nm
I have been testing with several compaines.. sm
In the past several weeks, I have taken basically the same test three times. You would think they would have some sort of skills assessment that they could post for all the different companies to look at... Oh, well, here I go again
testing the avatar...
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