Experience needed for Nationals.sm
Posted By: CCC on 2006-03-03
In Reply to:
I've tried with 2 nationals and quit both. Both needed me because I had PT experience. Once PT work was caught up, then one gave me GYN, which I told her I had no experience in. The second gave me Indian doctors which I never got used to because always a new MD. I was told to create templates, etc., but when the dictation is not clear and the doctor's accent is as thick as mud, how do you overcome it? For now will stick to clinical until I can figure this out, but am wondering how it is done.
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Saw a job on the Job Seeker's Board that was an internship, no experience needed
it's farther down towards the bottom
Have experience, but was told I needed a line for the Lanier station they let you use. nm
n
Employers = Verifiable companies with job offers, often well-known nationals
What we're looking for is a source for helpful information that results in good decisions. Ask the employers means, ask employers who give their names, the names of their companies, and are job providers. That information has to be verifiable in order to be useful. No offense personally. Information is just not helpful unless it comes from an identifiable source and can be verified as being authentic and reputable.
agree - nationals make worst employers and here's why
I've been with my current national for a year now, and I'm burnt out. I do acute care work, struggle with lots of ESLs, and work on several different accounts. For the past 6 months or so, work has been very low on my primary, and I bounce around from account to account, and I only work part-time. I hate that. I wish I had a primary that kept me busy and only in rare instances would I have to work on my secondary or tertiary and so on. Instead, I may work on 4 different accounts in one day just to get in 500 lines, and of course it takes me longer to do that on accounts other than my primary because those accounts have a lot more doctors. Getting the same ones isn't a daily occurrence, and if you do, they're the difficult dictators. Is this normal? It's hard for me to shop around and look for a better national to work for because I don't have high-speed internet access, and some not only want high-speed access, but they also are very specific about what type you need to work for them. I feel stuck, but I am grateful to have a job and that it's not flipping burgers or working in retail. Been there, done that....in my youth.
Work for a small local and do PT for the nationals when I find a good one to stick with...sigh...nm
s
What's needed?
What items are needed for working at home. Such as best books to have, word expander, foot pedal and any other items that would benefit a person just starting out.
Where were you when I needed you?
I am glad to hear of your AHDI approved program. I wish you and your future students nothing but success.
God Bless.
Your Help Needed
I am trying to get back into medical transcription after a 10 year break. Looking to work evenings and weekends only -- still want to keep my day job in IT. My previous experience was in Radiation Oncology and Mental Health transcription. What would be the best way to do this?
I have taken a couple of tests and scored really high on the grammar and medical terminology but no offers yet. Any suggestions on what I need to do to upgrade my skills, etc.
Thank you for help and responses. -- DJ
I agree. Take it for the experience. It will take you 2 years of experience but you will easily
Advice needed
I am seeking advice from the pros...I have been an MT for going on 2 yrs, however I imagine I would still be considered a "newbie". I work for a specialist and was hired with no experience, but I have found that I truly enjoy this work. It appears that I must not be too incompetent at the job, as the doctor I work for has made a concerted effort to keep me here and tells me I am quite efficient at my work. I am looking to begin working from home at some point, and I need some suggestions on where to inquire and/or search. I have enjoyed this work so much and am really looking to broaden my knowledge of it further. If anyone has any suggestions, I would be so very grateful! ~Regards~ Jennwarr
Why copies are needed
At the company I worked for, we had to have copies of the documents for audit purposes and as proof that an employee was legally eligible to work in this country. A copy was kept in the file in office and one was sent to corporate for verification of correct information (spelling of name, numbers, etc). As for filling in the information on the I-9, we would take copies in order to fill in the information when we had time. We hired 70 to 100 people a week and it was much simpler to make a copy of all of them while the new hires were in training than to have to go find them in the center when we got to their paperwork as they all worked different shifts or quit after the first day.
What is needed to begin?
Hello. I am new to all of this. In fact, this is my first post. I have not signed up for an MT course as of yet but I have narrowed my choice down to two schools based on my research. I have taken the entry tests for both M-Tec and Andrews. M-TEC gave me a response and I am waiting on the results from Andrews. I have not spoken directly to anyone from either program but I received a very nice e-mail from M-TEC. I have been through both websites with a fine tooth comb and feel that I would be very happy with either one. Other than the educational program itself, what is needed to begin? What are the computer software requirements outside of the ones provided in the courses? Also, is it recommended to have a dedicated computer for this type of work?
Thanks in advance for your time.
PLEASE HELP! MT Refresher course needed
Does anyone know of a good MT refresher course to suggest? I've taken a couple of preemploymehnt MT tests here lately and did not pass. I feel I've lost my edge by working on a radiology account for a couple of years. I would appreciate any and all ideas. Thank you in advance.
MT mentor needed
Hello-
Saw your post on the MTStars site.
Would like someone with experience to talk to about "breaking in." Am a recent graduate of Allied Medical school. Have heard they have a bad "rep" out in the market place. I worked my anatomy off for a year to get certified with them.
Why is it they is "urgent need" for MT's, yet so hard to find work?
Thanks for time spent on these questions.
From Vermont,
Diane Mortier, RDH
company supplied all you needed???
wow...and which company would this be? i do not mind investing in myself here...and my head is spinning w/ all the various soft-/hardware i see used among MT outfits. i have one place interested in hiring me; they want me to purchase a piece of equipment, which is fine, as far as it goes...and i don't want to end up w/ something i'll never use again if things don't pan out.
in the meantime...back to googling! 
Maybe they got burned out and needed a change. Maybe they just
needed to break things up and they teach and transcribe or QA. Not everyone is motivated by money and they would rather do something they enjoy.
Information needed on a company.
Does anyone know anything about this company, DocMed Medical Transcription
Thanks.
items needed to begin
Hi Andrea! I am a current M-Tec student and I am so impressed. It's a great place to learn! I would recommend getting a good headset, several binders for organization, a printer (if you don't have one already), some highlighters, and a book case for your text books. Eventually you may need a dedicated computer, but for training purposes you should be fine with a shared system. That's what we do here at my house!
Good luck!
Questions, Clarification Needed, Thx!
Hello to the board! Glad I found it. There's a wealth of information here and on the Main Board.
I have a few questions about what I've been researching about MT. Any replies would be appreciated.
1. Is the general feeling among MTs that if a person doesn't do a program thru one of the "Big 3" MT schools, they cannot get hired at all?
2. Or is the feeling among MTs that if the Big 3 schools aren't used, the person can't get hired at a good place?
3. If a student doesn't go thru one of the Big 3, then they can't get hired ANYWHERE and thus can't get that magic "two years' experience?"
I was really burned thru a sonography school. If you don't go thru an accredited program, you simply cannot be hired. Anywhere legit at all. No matter how great your skills are. GOT to have the certification that can only be gained thru an accredited school (can't sit for the test w/o this). I was told the accreditation of the school would be retroactive and cover us (the first students to attend the new program) but that was WRONG. And this was thru a community college!!!
I don't want to go thru a program and then find out that only Andrews, M-Tec, and CS are considered valid for any employment chance.
Many thanks for any help in clearing up the ability to get hired w/o one of the 3 programs mentioned. I find it odd because AHDI "approves" other places as well, not just those 3.
One last question: DOES A STUDENT HAVE TO COMPLETE AN EXTERNSHIP to get hired? Because I live in Podunkville USA so to speak and there is nothing here for 300 miles in any direction...
THANKS!!! 
Nevermind found what I needed for free!
d
Years ago none of us needed training and there were no schools
It's a different world. You need as many skills as you can get. Some of the worst MTs I've ever seen came from other health occupations, RNs particularly although some are good, and yes, even EMTs! I know some EMTs who can't even type, much less spell or proofread. If I needed an EMT though, I would be sure to call for them because I'll bet they were good at that. I hope so!
I felt I had all the support I wanted when I needed it.
However, you need to remember that the course is self-study. You need to be prepared (and I think you are) to work mostly on your own because that is how it will be once you graduate and get a job. I think you will find that you do not need to contact them much, as that is the way their course is designed. Take advantage of the online student group they hold weekly, post on their message boards, and involve yourself. You get out of it what you put in. :-) I think you have the right idea!
I graduated in 9 months and had recruiters banging down my door to test with them. I was working within 2 days of graduation and never looked back. I still enjoy it after 5-1/2 years!
Career Step MT notebooks needed
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I am looking to purchase workbooks from someone who has completed the program. Please contact me with a price of what you would be willing to sell them for. Thanks! 
PattyB |
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For testing I needed software that I could download free
but I could not get the footpedal to work. Anybody have experience with this? I downloaded Express Scribe to listen to the dictation.
Thanks in advance.
Experience
I agree with you. I look at these boards and the "so-called experienced" MT's can't spell everyday words and do not know the difference between add and ad. I did transcription long before part of these people were born -- for an acute care hospital. I can't find a job now without taking a test when years ago all I had to do was go in a hospital and have a doctor dictate a report (which I took either in shorthand or typed while he was talking) and got a job immediately. Ileum and ilium meant different part even back then. I still think a big part of being successful in this type work is being "cut out" for it. I rest my case.
Anyone have experience with TRS?
I was looking at attending the TRS Institute for my MT training. It's so hard to weed out the good schools from the bad though. They promise a guarantee that if you successfully graduate from their course, then you will have a job working with their company, Transcription Relief Services. Has anybody taken their course or worked with their company? Any information is helpful. Thanks so much!
Experience
I graduated from a technical school and have been trying to get a job as a transcriptionist. I made 100% in my transcription classes, yet no one is even willing to talk to me because I have no transcription work experience. I'm sitting here wondering if I wasted my money on this school. I have experience with many computer programs, medical terminology classes and more. I have worked as a secretary in a hospital, and a veterinary office. I wanted to start transcription as soon as I finished school but I'm having no luck finding employment. Can someone tell me if I just wasted $10,000.
Experience
I have not been out of school very long and it was very tough finding a job. I started by sending my resume to every company I could send it to. Even if the company stated they wanted two years of experience. My resume outlines my specific skills as an MT, i.e. computer, terminology, etc...and also outlines lists the specific courses I took in my college program.
There are literally hundereds of companies out there. I don't know if you are wanting to work from home or work in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office, but I would do the same thing either way. I sent my resume to many, many companies.
If you are looking online and the company website offers testing for employment, take the test. That is how I ultimately landed the job I have now. The company I work for states they want 2 years of experience, but I tested for them and they hired me because I passed.
It is not easy to land that first job. You just have to be determined and keep at it. It is not as easy breaking into this business as it is getting any other job. But once someone gives you that chace, you'll be set. Good luck!
experience
I applied at the local hospital as soon as I got out of school. They wouldn't hire me as a transcriptionist, but hired me as a medical secretary. That job was a nightmare. I've applied at every place I can think of around here, but no luck. I finally decided to try the internet. I'm gonna see if I can find an independent contractor. Thanks for the idea!
Experience
I've been sending my resume to every company I can find. It lists all the classes I took in school, my internships, employment history, and awards. I found a couple of companies on here that offer testing. I didn't have enough time to take the test the other day, so I'm gonna do it now. Thanks for the advice. It makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only 1 that has had trouble finding an MT job!
Experience
I'm in the same boat!
Experience
I hear ya! I've been looking for a while, online and not and still can not find any company willing to give me a shot. I even testing with low paying companies on purpose just to get experience and received the reply, your skills are impressive however you do not meet our requirements. It is soooooooo hard finding a job in this field!
experience
I had the same issue when looking for work. Although, I sent my resume to NUMEROUS companies, six were willing to test me. Four of them I failed and the other two I quit in the middle of the test because they had ESLs in there and we weren't even trained on ESL dictations. I wanted to cry!! I finally got a job with a local company that is willing to hire newbies. You need to post your resume anywhere you can, apply to anyone who requests 2 yrs. experience, adn surf the net for MT companies nationwide. Apply everywhere, the worst that can happen is they don't hire you. I started hounding the company I am working for three months before they hired me. Every week. Never gave up. Getting your foot in the door is work. Good Luck!
experience
I'm starting to get pretty aggravated with it. I've actually been lying to companies just so they'll let me take the test. Tess told me about a company called MediVoxx. I guess they hire newbies. I'm gonna give them a try, u should 2.
experience
I've been posting my resume and applying everywhere. I thought about making my own website and starting my own business.
experience
Vatterott was the only technical school in this town offering secretarial courses. I had a bunch of classes, not just transcription. I can honestly say I learned a lot, but their job placement is a joke.
same experience as you had =)
I did not have a medical experience prior to doing MT. I was an engineering instructor, had a BS and an MS in industrial engineering, but left all that because of my son. Thinking that this was a rich environment for discussion, I innocently posted the school where I received my training and I got all the bashing. Anyway, because of all that a kind heart who happened to see that I was being bashed gave an offer to me and here I am - transcribing reports and enjoying to see my son grow up.
BTW, not all forums are nasty. I still come and peek once in a while. It's probably just those MTs who are not getting the satisfaction and not getting enough work who find time to aggravate others.
I think it is low....but you need experience.
I do not think you will gain much experience in way of a doctor's office, but at least it is something. Take the job, and continue to send out resumes for jobs that pay you for production, i.e. 6-8 cents per line as a start. There is no incentive with an hourly job to do more. You make the same either way (which can be a good thing if you are not a very fast typist). When starting out in this field, beggers cannot be choosers. You need to get experience and this will be (albeit not much)experience.
Good luck.
Most new MTs (no experience) are about 75-100 lph - pls sm
and around 95-98% accuracy by AAMT guidelines.
Everyone wants experience
I am currently looking into some courses to become an MT. By doing some research I have found that everyone wants about 2 yrs of experience. Any ideas on places that hire MT's just out of training? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I want to make sure if I go through the training that I can find employment.
Donna
experience
I agree, taking a good course will get you started. Many of the schools help you with employment after you finish their course. I took Career Step courses (well still taking) but lucky enough to find a job from home before I finished. Some companies will hire you if you pass their test (well that's what I heard, but not sure.) I agree though, practice, practice, practice.
My experience
I went to a Community College for my MT education and was lucky enough to get hired by a national before even finishing school. It can be done, but it is tough. The best thing to do is apply everywhere even if they say they want experience, and if they offer testing take the test. Test, test, test...eventually someone will hire you if you pass the tests. The company I work for stated they required 2 years experience, but they hired me before I finished school because I tested so well.
you still have some experience. If you can..
pass the tests and you can show that you are resourceful and willing to go the extra mile, you might get a second look. Or perhaps look into an internship.
My experience
First I would like to say I'm a guy. I posted that and it has been my experience that even though I graduated from Career Step with mid 90s percentile, the national companies will not wave any experience. I did find work with a small company but things started to get slow and now I am looking into the nationals again. I worked fulltime for 3 months before being dropped to p.r.n. Sperus sent me another e-mail after I posted that stating they will let me know when they have an opening. Medquist had a recruiter tell me they would wave the 2 years experience upon completion of my course, that was before they went with a temp agency for recruiters, now they tell me I must have 2 years experience to be considered. As far as the training at Career Step, I felt it was very comprehensive and not many could do any better.
Experience
I was wondering if you are hiring? I would be willing to be paid less and get the training. I actually am in a training position with a transcription company, but I have to drive there and the cost of gas is hurting a lot!
Please let me know. I am quite fast and acurate for a newbie.
scmandella@yahoo.com
How are we to get experience?
How is a new grad to get experience when there don't seem to be any companies that will hire us? I'm more than a bit annoyed at this. I keep getting told that I test well, but the company isn't hiring entry-level MTs. How the heck am I to ever NOT be entry-level if no one will give me the chance to work?
If anyone has any tips on what companies are hiring new grads I'd be forever greatful! I need to find a job soon. I'm pretty disappointed that this is what things are looking like for me, I worked my butt off to get this education and now I can't find work. 
Lol, you get experience by
using it. EScription/EditScript is a platform for MT. It's pretty simple and I love it.
Type it in Google and you'll find info about it.
Amanda
I don't know how you think there is any other way to get experience. There
are companies that may pay better, although I have no idea what you are making since you won't say, but you aren't going to get a good paying work at home position without the experience. You can maybe get an in-house position with a hospital or doctor's office and make more. I think in-house transcription companires are few these days, but you may be able to get a little better pay in-house. You can post your resume on the various free job boards and may get offers that way. About the most you'll get offered is 6 cpl, maybe 7 if you went to one of the more recognized schools and got good grades. With companies having to compete with India and other offshore companies it is very difficult to get a decent paying position, even if you have years of experience. The jobs are out there, just hard to find. I have nearly 20 years' experience and my very first job (no MT education and no prior transcription experience) I was making 6 cpl/gross as an employee. I make a decent living because I work hard, but rates have not kept up with cost of living.
It has not been my experience at all
You need to bring this up to them and make sure you are both defining a line the same way. Make them tell you exactly how and what they count. Mistakes can be made on both sides.
My experience
I went to a school locally to me that offered job placement. They have a 94% success rate and the 6% is chocked up to people who are taking the course for an employer they already work for and a few who decide the job isn't for them. I finished my classes last March and took some time off for family issues before starting work. I was placed promptly when I requested it. They work with many of the larger MT companies in the country, I chose to go with a local company. I am making good money and love the flexibility of being at home. I am an IC (independent contractor) but have friends who work direct for thier companies. I like the tax benefits of being an IC, and don't worry about the other benefits since my husband carries them through his employer. The school I went to also offers online courses. It is Andrews and Holbrook Training Corp. Not to be confused with Andrews. They are based in Latham, NY and offer a very in depth program for MT along with a few other related careers. I was very pleased with my courses (although my teacher is a different story). Also their placement program is offered to all their students even alumni that graduated years ago. You can Google the school if you want.
Also the part about raises....I have always been told that you don't get a raise unless you ask for one in this business and your work has to reflect well to get one...QA is a big deal.
Also for funding check your local labor department. There are many grants (with no low income requirements) that you may qualify for. The federal government has an act call WIA - it is money specifically for those looking to be trained in a specialty field - there are many ways to qualify. Such as being a displaced worker, or making below a certain amount per hour (you not your spouse or household) and proving that this training could potentially allow you to make more). Also there is a government site with job descriptions and "average" salaries that you should check out - MT is in there also.
As far a being certified. You don't need to be certified to work as an MT but you can obtain certification through AAMT. It is hard and I wouldn't suggest it for at least 2 years after starting out as an MT. Those certified through AAMT, I have heard, make more money.
Go for it; that's where I got my experience
I don't regret working for Focus; they gave me a chance and now I have a job as an employee, am a darn good MT, and owe Focus many thanks for giving me a chance.
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