Almost graduated and have questions
Posted By: Chrissy on 2006-12-10
In Reply to:
Hi everyone! I am new on this board and will soon receive my certification. I have one more semester to go with an internship and everything. I have a few questions though.
1. Is it wise to start posting your resume before you graduate , and if so, how much time before you graduate do you recommend starting this?
2. For a new MT, what is a reasonable rate of pay either per line or per hour?
3. Do the grades you make in school really make a difference? I have a 4.0, but some people tell me that they don't even look at how well you did in your classes.
4. How do you know a real online transcription company from a scam? I'm sorry, but I didn't even know that transcription scams existed before seeing some threads about it here.
5. (last one I promise) I am doing an internship for someone local this last semester, does this really count as experience or do you always have to do internships with the company you get a job with before actually becoming an employee?
Thanks to anyone who responds in advance!
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I graduated from USCI and had a job before I graduated, but....
I already had a BS and MA in education and five years of teaching experience, not to mention my own tutoring business before I went to MT. That's what got me my job, I know that for a fact. (All three of my employers have commented on my "great resume".)
If you can't afford to start over with another school like Andrews or M-Tec (I forget the other Big Three school), I suggest you go to ebay and buy some extra tapes to use for practice and include those in your resume. For example, I realized about 3/4 of the way into my studies that I had not done enough research on my school. I bought HPI/SUM tapes from Ebay, AAMT tapes from Ebay, and I forget what else. I did a TON of extra work. My resume looked great, and I did get a job with no problem.
It's not impossible. USCI or AHP does not mean a death sentence, it just means that you have to work harder to impress.
If you want a copy of my resume, just email me. I did have all three employers comment on it, and I have been in my current position for almost a year now.
Good luck!
Those are not unnecessary questions. VERY real questions.
If you are indeed a "big girl" then get some credible information and make a mature, informed decision for yourself.
My goodness. Where does the personal accountability come into play?
Just graduated.........
I am now looking for work. Most employers want
you to have actual experience, which I do, but
the training does not count. So now I have to find
someone who will hire me. Are there any companies
that recent grads?
I just graduated
J--I just graduated, so now I am on the hunt!
I had a job 3 mos before I graduated from AHP, but...
I would still recommend one of the Big Three if I had it to do over again. I had no problems getting a job as an AHP grad, however.
I graduated from CS...sm
and I had 3 job offers within one week, all for work-at-home positions. I had the same concerns at first, since CS was so much cheaper, but I read about how many of their grads were getting work-at-home jobs right away, so I went with it. I felt totally prepared to work, and my employer has been very happy with my work.
Soon to be Graduated !!!
Well I am waiting for my final exam to come back and I will be graduated and looking for a job !!!! Woohoo....
I went through a long grooling course with M-Tech but I loved it !!!
Wish me luck
I graduated AHP and...
I have 2 jobs I love, one for a local doctor and a long-distance account for a hospital. I have received no complaints so far about my work.
If you graduated from one of the MT schools
that are recognized by employers as turning out job-ready MTs, you will have no difficulty at all finding a job. If you graduated from one of the schools advertised by the likes of has-been TV personalities, you will likely have difficulty finding work. That is because employers have had bad experiences with graduates of those schools (even the ones with As). If employers are not familiar with the school that trained you, they will likely not be willing to take a chance either, so you will need to look locally. Try small clinics, one-doctor offices, places that may not have such stringent requirements for training. That way, you can get that all-important experience in a lower-stress environment. Good luck to you.
Graduated from M-TEC in 2001 -
Been working at home doing acute care as an IC ever since! 
I graduated M-Tec Today
Woo Hoo !!!!!
I graduated in July...(sm)
...and had a job within a week of graduating. I completed the M-Tec program and didn't have any problem whatsoever. If you're an M-Tec or Andrews grad, make sure you put that in the subject line of your email!
Yes, I graduated from Allied
I graduated on Aug. 3, 2006, and it only took me a week to find a job. I just found a list of MT companies, applied, and tested at every one that would allow me to. You know, a year later, I don't work from home anymore, but I work at an Air Force base hospital making a lot of money. Just stick in there and apply everywhere you can.
I also graduated from Allied... sm
I found a full-time per diem position fairly quickly at my local hospital. However, they downsized a few weeks later and the four of us in per diem positions were let go. So I can TOTALLY relate to your frustration, as I am now also again looking. Hang in there, the jobs are out there.
Honestly, if you just graduated, you
would be doing your self a great disservice by working so little. There is still a lot to learn once you start working, and it will be very difficult to get up to speed working just a few hours a day or 1 day a week.
Also, a lot of companies will not hire a new grad at less than full time, and what you are asking to do amounts to less than 10 hours of work per week even at newbie speed.
After I graduated, I took about a month off.
When I started applying I was hired, the day after I began sending out my resume.
Just graduated.....where should I start?
Tomorrow night is my last class. The school does not help with finding jobs. Any suggestions as to where I should start looking?
I saw a posting for PT entry-level MT position with Rider & Associates, Inc. Does anyone know who they are and are they reliable?
I was told by a former graduate form my school to look out some companies are not cracked up to be what they seem.
If you graduated from CareerStep, M-TEC, or Andrews,
But there are other good schools too. Those are just the well-known online ones. Just keep applying and applying--and ACE those tests. Make sure your resume is EXCELLENT. You'll find something. Good luck!
I have been working from home since the day I graduated!
I had numerous companies wanting me to test with them. The ladies I know who graduated at the same time I did echo similar experiences. I have also made excellent money. With the right training, the ability to be a good MT, and the drive, it can be done!
Can someone that graduated from Allied please respond...
Can someone that graduated from Allied please respond... I really want to here from current or graduated students.
Thank you.
I graduated from Penn Foster sm
I recently started my first MT job after graduating in December 2008. Because of this course, I felt right at home with transcribing hospital reports, which seemed to surprise my new employer. Penn Foster taught me the basics, and I've been able to apply what I've learned to looking up unfamiliar words, etc.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
I graduated the beginning of Nov. Email me if you like. nm
xx
I graduated from CAI years ago, always had work since
nm
I agree with the variable factor...I graduated
5 years ago from a community college program and was hired immediately at a national company. Started out making maybe 26,000; after 5 years with same company and many, many macros I finally made 36.5 for the year and that is with health benefits for entire family taken out plus extra taxes so we won't ever owe money.
Just make a whole lot of expansions, and if you get QA feedback be sure to note your blanks as they do pop up again.
Hope this helps.
graduated almost a year ago from a "Big 3" and nada
I graduated almost a year ago from a "Big 3" school and have had no luck. I am thinking I have to go for my CMT to get a second look. Ridiculous!
Until every American MT is working who wants to, and is qualified, for a living wage and affordable, quality health care benefits, NO MT work should be going outside the US. Get on it, Obama!
6 or 7 cents? :::snorting::: I made 7.5 at the job I landed even BEFORE I graduated from (lm)
The School That Dare Not Speak Its Name. I then left that job for another one making 8 cents. I am now making 8 cents a line from home, and my one-year anniversary of graduating from MT training is not until May.
Six or seven cents? Not in THIS life. And I have had NO trouble finding jobs. I still get people calling me based on the resumes I sent out back when I first started looking, and I have to tell them I am no longer looking for work.
Nice try, MTSO. But trying to convince people to work for 6 or 7 cents a line shouldn't play as long as some of us are here to bring a little reality into the situation.
I have finally graduated and accepted a position! I'm so excited!
For all of you still in school, don't give up! Get stubborn, work hard, and it will happen! Good Luck to all!! 
I agree! I had 5 job offers before I even graduated! Just make sure you test well... nm
nm
Newly graduated MT - is it possible to find part-time acute work?
I was wondering if anyone has had any success finding part-time, IC, acute work as a new MT? 
If you graduated from Andrews, M-TEC, or Career Step, many companies will waive experience requireme
nm
Questions....
What course did you finish? How did you do? Do you have a kick-a$$ resume? Where are you "training"? Are you being paid for it? Where have you applied? What is your strategy? A little more information, please!
Help !! - Questions!!!
im signing up for the online transcription course through CareerStep and im really looking forward to it. these next few questions are aimed to those who are already a transcripitionist or anyone who knows the answers.
1. how hard or easy is it to find a job once you are graduated?
2. how much do you make starting out? and how much could you potentionally make?
3. is it hard to find a job that allows you to stay at home and do your job? especially when starting out?
4. what are your hours like? both at home or in a clinic?
5. is careerstep (if known) really helpful in finding you a job after graduation?
i have 2 kids and want to make sure this is going to be worth it if i have to work in a clinic and pay a babysitter.
thank so much in advance for your answers. even if you cant answer them all, any answer is very appreciated.
Same questions?
These exact same questions were posted a few months ago by someone saying that they were doing an MT class assignment. What is up with that?
new MT questions
Hello all you fabulous MTs!
I am seriously considering training to become an MT; however, I have some questions for you. I have noticed many of you discussing MT companies who are hiring overseas as well as many of you who are having trouble finding work. I understand the difference the prestige of your school makes and am wondering if there are any of you who have graduated from Andrews or M-Tec who have had problems finding work. I'm also wondering, from those of you who have been in the business for many years, what you see for the future of the MT profession. It looks like VR and EMR have been on the horizon for a long time and could jeopardize the industry but how many of you think this is rumor and how many of you feel it is a legitimate concern? I would hate to spend at least a year of my time and approximately $4,000 training for a career that will be obsolete soon. Oh, and one more question: Are there any of you out there who have successfully found work that pays well but you find the work unsatisfying? I'm trying to convince my husband that this job won't be too boring! Any advice you could give would be much appreciated.
question on questions
If you were a new MT when you started out with this doctor, what did you do for 'QA' and where did you go if you had questions, etc.? I am thinking of doing this and would really be interested to know how you handled that? Thanks!
interviews: questions to ask?
hi, all. didn't want to hijack "not sure's" thread...
i know what to ask when interviewing for a nursing position; the from-home MT thing is going to be a new one for me. i've searched before asking this (maybe didn't use the right key-words). any suggestions for what to ask a company?
here's what i've jotted down:
1. CPL;
2. percentage of ESLs (not terribly huge, as i've worked with lots of foreign docs, both as a nurse and as MT);
3. soft-/hardware used;
4. TAT (if not stated in the offer/job-description);
5. not sure how to phrase this...what the company considers "a line" (as in "how many characters);
6. whether the rate includes spaces.
any other ideas?
BTW: you guys are terrific. thank you!
Questions regarding IC status
I just received a position as an IC. I have never been one before so how do I figure taxes and such? Also, I have been told that I would be able to deduct a lot of things since I do this out of my home. What are some things that I can deduct? I was guess internet service but couldn't figure out anything else.
Thanks for the help.
after reading some of your questions,
I wouldn't say you got the best MT education to be had. I also don't see where you have interest in doing for yourself (that Stedman's Work At Home issue). While you are looking at your insular little world, you haven't been around the past, well, even 10 years, to see the changes that have brought down this industry. Ten years is not even considered one generation. There will be need for GOOD MTs still for many years to come, but those positions will be held by the very best MTs to be had and who are still willing to work for the pay that goes down over time. Many other positions that are now MTs will transition into something different, something still with a living to be offered but different just the same.
Just this year, my employer restructured its pay scale so that in order to make the same cpl, I had to produce an additional 4000 lines per month. If I didn't, I suffered a pay cut of 1 cpl. Obviously this has not happened to you. I've been at it much longer than I suspect you've been an adult. I do not plan to leave the industry although my alternate education is already in place. I'm lucky because my skill set is very much in demand. I am a high, accurate producer with flexibility and if I'm making money, my employer makes much more.
But I didn't get there by patting myself on the back and asking questions that some research would help with and save myself the embarrasment of my peers for not having done the research.
As to what school to go to, read the writing on the wall and take one of the top 3. This industry has changed just in a few short years and if you don't know everything that everyone is doing, someone without education from the top 3 will have a more difficult time getting placement after schooling.
JMHO, which is free, and you're welcome to do with it what you will.
Pricing questions for new mt
I just got an account with a local doctor doing clinic notes part time. Will I be considered an MTSO since there is no middleman? Is .11 cents a line reasonable for 24 hour turn around? How long do you stay at that rate? The only transcribing experience I have is from Career Step where I graduated two years ago. I am in the southern Illiniois area. Is it recommended to charge more for consult notes? I have seen examples of $2 per page and .6 cents per line.
Also, is anyone aware of the HIPPA requirements for emaling transcription files back to the doctor? He sends them in WAV files and I send them back password protected.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks
I guess I have two questions?
1. Why is it such a shock to newbies that the field is so hard to break into?
2. Why aren't the people who sell these MT training programs telling newbies that it is so?
Questions from a Newbie
I'm just finishing school with At-Home Professions (doing my final now) and have 2-3 job possiblities. One is working for 2 physical therapists and I will find out more about it today or this week. The other is the one I am leaning towards and would like your input on; It is working in Neurology Surgery (very specialized) and at first it is working for a very good friend at a lower pay scale just until I get the confidence to do it on my own. What do you think of this option? There is a chance I can get a job with my friends boss, however I thought it might be good starting off to just work for her, that way I can have someone editing my work etc. After I have the confidence and a little experience I can work for the my friends boss.
By the way, all the newbies looking for work-all of these job possiblities have just been from friends and asking my husbands cardiologist about who he uses.
To answer your questions
I'm an IC and was given the IC Manual which does not refer at all to any reviews, raises, etc. I do cardiology and can produce about 175 lines an hour, sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the doctor. Since I'm an at-home IC, I have no one else to compare my work to, that's kind of why I started looking around to see what I could find out. Since my one year anniversary is right around the corner, I figured that would be the time to approach the subject but I wanted to have an idea of what I should be looking for!
Good questions!
Here's my opinion:
1. I wouldn't post a resume until I have finished my course and graduated.
2. You will start at the bottom of the totem pole because you are new and inexperienced. It varies from company to company. I wouldn't work for free. With some companies it will depend on how well you test for them.
3. Yes, it does and each company defines their own standards for hiring newbies (if they even hire them).
4. Do thorough research. You should not have to pay to work. I would ask the company to provide a couple of employees to speak to. I would be very, very careful of accepting at face value any posts on any boards. They are anonymous, no registration required, and you literally have no clue who you are taking the advice of.
5. You should list an internship as just that.
full of questions....
Hello! I am 21 years old looking to do the training to get certified as a MT. Of course I have LOTS of questions. First of all, how hard was it for you to find an "at home" job? And also, is anyone willing to tell me how much it pays? I've seen all kinds of figures and have tried to figure out just how those figures are, well, figured. I just have a hard time believing you can make that much just for typing reports. Any help at all on this would be GREAT! Thank you!
seriously considering the MT field, but I have a few questions!
Hello Everyone! first of all, I want to say thank you for all of the great information I have found so far from these boards. I am very seriously considering being an MT. I currently work full-time as a Transcriptionist in a Psychologist's office and I really enjoy it. However, I believe I would enjoy the medical field more. I have a few questions that I would really appreciate you guys answering...
Can you make a decent living as an MT working for an online company? (i.e. Spheris, Focus or accuscribe?) Currently, I would need to make at least 25k a year to suppliment my husbands income for our family, and I do not mind working full-time.
I believe I am going to being training with CareerStep... will companies like that consider hiring me if I test and score high enough, even without prior MT experience?
Thank you so much for your help!
Formatting Questions?
I am looking into becoming a MT, can anyone tell if there are any other references or templates available for formatting a medical transcription document or is formatting info only outlined in the AAMT Book of Style? Also, are there different formats for different reports?
Spheris questions
I watched the recent discussion on Spheris and searched. I do still have a few questions if anyone has the time. I had posted this on the company board, but I did not get any response there. I'm seriously thinking about applying to this company. I am still new enough that I don't have a lot of options (that I am aware of anyway). So, the below questions are important to me in trying to decided if Spheris would be a viable choice or not.
1. What is their required line count and how do they count it? Is it a daily line count or a certain amount by the end of the week or pay period? How long do they give you to reach the required line count or certain speed?
2. How often do they run out of work and what do they expect you to do while waiting for jobs to come in? Are there times when it is absolutely impossible to get in you lines? Do they do what it seems MQ seems to do and open the floodgates and give you new specs with each new report when your assigned accounts are out?
3. I see this company both recommended to work for and not to work for. I guess it must be a personal preference. So, what's it like on a day to day basis? How is QA, are they resaonable and fair or do they make up their own rules as they go? ASR or VR or primarily standard transcription.
4. Is there any chance that anyone could tell me their starting rates?
From the board discussions, I hear they are better than at least two major MT companies sometimes discussed here.
Thanks to anyone who answers this. You may feel free to PM if you like. |
Thanks! couple questions
Thanks for the reply, I have a couple of questions for you:
Do you have to pay income taxes quarterly? Do your taxes seem much higher self-employed than as a regular employee in other jobs?
A Newbie with Questions
I am very interested in working at home for an MT company but have a few questions regarding doing so and would appreciate any help and advice anyone can give.
If hired to work part time, say four hours a day, do they have to be consecutive hours or any time, so long as four hours are worked during the day? What about full time hours? What is a good production amount for both? Also, if hired to work four hours a day and you finish the work in three hours, can you "sign off" early?
I realize that some companies provide equipment; what equipment would that be and does that include the word processing software? Which is preferred: WordPerfect or MS Word? What would you recommend as the absolute "must haves" for starting out as an MT? Does the company provide report templates to base your work on?
Which company would be the best to start out with? I've only noticed Spheris takes MT's with only one year experience; are there others that are better? Are there companies that hire brand-new MT's; what are they?
I realize that some of the questions seem rather silly, but I am trying to convince my husband that, with a little bit of help with the kids, I can have a lucrative career with benefits and the added bonus of staying at home. Any advice is greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance.
MT may "learn best by asking questions rather than
x
Software Questions
What types of special software would I need to work at home as an IC? This is for a school project.
Thanks!
Firewall, Security Suite, Medical Spell Check, Line Count, etc. Anything eles anyone can add to this list?
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