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Have you taken and passed tests for anyone yet? MQ? Spheris? Keep testing even w/o experience, if th

Posted By: ey let you. nm Wanderer on 2005-07-27
In Reply to: Still Looking...... - smv

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  • Still Looking...... - smv
    • Have you taken and passed tests for anyone yet? MQ? Spheris? Keep testing even w/o experience, if th - ey let you. nm Wanderer

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Most jobs only want 2 yrs of experience. Start testing again and
s
I passed the CMT and then
My employer gave me an 8% raise in my base pay plus a 2 cent per line bump in my incentive. After being employed less than 2 years, they did a wage analysis survey and adjusted my base up another 8%, most likely because of the CMT designation. For me - it was worth it!
Passed Test!!!
I frequent this forum alot and see lots of helpful information that is being shared among MTs. It is great!!! I spent the later part of last night trying to finish one transcription test for a company and finally finished this afternoon. About 30 to 45 minutes later the company calls and says I did a great job!!! I am quite nervous because there are alot of companies who sucker you around and I am a newbie so I consider that a double wammy for me!! It also made me nervous that they called me back so quickly!! I am having butterflies now. I have not even returned there call yet. Well wish me luck. This company has been mentioned alot on this forum but I am going to give them a try anyway. After all I am a newbie!! Thanks to everyone for the advice and guidence on the forum.
I agree. Take it for the experience. It will take you 2 years of experience but you will easily

TAKE THE TESTS!
Most places will let you take there tests, then they can determine if they feel like you have the experience to work for them. The worst they can do is turn you down. As for entry level johs, search the boards. There are usually a few on there all the time. You might start out with a low pay rate, but it will give you the experience that you can use for the better paying jobs in time.
Thanks!
tests
No I do not need help on the tests. I was stuck on a word in a transcription assignment. I had researched it but came up empty. I just needed to know where else to look or anything.

I do not need help with tests.
typing tests
Don't understand the reason either.....I just take the test...
Taking Tests
I am considering MT as an at-home career also and I wanted to know what is the procedure to sending in resumes, taking the tests, etc.? Also, are you hired on an hourly basis or by the amount of lines you can produce in a certain time? Any help and advice you can send my way is very much appreciated.
Employment tests
Most services want to see 98%, or at the least 97%, on an employment test. Anything less than that is "failing" in their eyes.

Think about it from their perspective. If their clients expect 98% accuracy, you need to be able to produce 98% accuracy. If you can't do that while being tested, which they assume is your best effort, you're not likely to do it on the job later.

Not saying this is a great thing or not, just that it's what they may think.
online tests
I also took the Medquist exam after they sent me an email requesting that I take it.  I felt very confident that I did well but was told I did not pass.  They said to take it again in three months, which is now.... and now I have no confidence at all to do it.
Passing tests but . . .
Is anyone else having this problem?  I am passing tests and being told that though I passed, I don't have the experience required for the position I applied for.  They then tell me that they will keep my application on file until some thing opens up that I do qualify for. How often do we see a position listed that doesn't require experience?  I know I did well, so I don't think that they are lying to me, but it is frustrating.  The only skill I lack is speed, but that will only come with experience.  I guess I'm just writing this to vent.  Why won't anyone give me a chance?!  Ok, now I'm off to take another test. 
If you can't pass the tests. . .
If you can't pass the tests, that is an indication that your knowledge and/or ability isn't what it needs to be to do the job.

If you're getting a chance to test, they ARE giving you a chance. THE TEST is the chance.

You can improve your chances by learning more. Get some materials that Allied didn't use and study with them. Get the BOS and learn it by heart and be able to apply it. Get some HPI training materials and transcribe them. Then try testing again.

The one thing that won't help is begging for "a chance." Employers can't afford to spend money on that chance--they have a job that needs doing at 98% accuracy. If you can't show them you can do that, they're not going to give you a job.
Typing tests
I've never seen a typing test, timed or untimed, as part of any medical transcription application process. Transcription tests, yes, but not TYPING tests.

If I had ever been asked to take one, I'm afraid I would have gotten up and walked out. I would have assumed that the employer didn't understand the nature of the work they were calling "medical transcription." If they didn't understand that, they wouldn't be likely to understand much else about it, either, and that would be unfortunate for everyone.

If you're applying to legitimate MT employers, I don't think they will ask you to take a typing test. I do not believe our students have reported having to take a typing test, either.

You might want to check what MT services actually require.

That being said, you should . . . of course . . . improve your keyboard speed. That isn't achieved by going faster, but by keying slowly enough that you don't make any typos, but just keep going on and on. Eventually, you'll speed up. Try keying medical reports and books. There are lots of them on the internet.

In order for you to work comfortably as an MT, you'll need to be able to keyboard a whole shift, or about 7 hours with a 10 minute break every hour and a half-hour to an hour break in the middle.

You can do this if you start now and work at it gradually and without causing yourself stress. :)
Typing Tests
I have applied to several online companies and I haven't found any that don't require a typing test. Do you know of any? Also, as a newbie with no working experience, it's extremely to get my foot in the door anywhere. Thanks.
The timed tests are a test of how well you know

your stuff.   Some of comes from education, most comes from experience.   If you are unable complete the test without it timing out then you know you still have lots to learn.  No 2 tests are the same so you can't take it enough times to get all the answers, but it gives you an idea on what kinds of things they are looking for and shows you your areas of weakness, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.   I have nearly 20 years of experience and I have some across questions on testing that I had to look up.   Not all tests are timed, but I did take one test that was timed and it timed out on me too; more probably because I was rereading everything and didn't realize it was a timed test, but I was still offered a position.  You just might get started on clinic notes rather than acute care and your pay rate will most definitely be lower than if you had scored better. 


I flunk many tests at first, but I learned from each one - sm
that is what you must do. I used to joke that I learned more from the tests than I did from my course. Not quite the case but I did learn a lot from the tests too, they were certainly eye-opening some of them. All you can do is keep trying, what is the saying you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince, well finding a MT job is sort of the same thing, in both finding a job and finding one you like. Try again at Transolutions when they say you can try again (usually 6 months) and in the meantime apply anywhere and everywhere that you can. Good Luck.

Are you not passing the hiring tests or isn't
s
You can leave blanks and some tests even have

instructions on how to notate a blank.   I have 20 years of experience and I have only had one test in my career that I have had to leave a blank,  but there are usually different levels of reports.  One report may be very clearly dictated, clinic type work where there really isn't a lot of medical terminology.  Another may be an acute care report, possibly an Op, and then one may be a report there the sound quality is bad, an ESL dictator, or a fast talking US dictator.


The company is trying to get an idea of your skill level.  If you do very well on the first report but not so well on the second and horrible on the third, then they will probably offer you a clinic account and start you off at the bottom of the pay scale.  


Leaving a blank wouldn't count against you as much as guessing at something and getting it wrong.   I don't think leaving a blank will stop you from being offered a position, but excessive blanks would probably would. 


trouble with online tests?
Anyone else applied to Medquist or FocusInfomatics and have trouble passing the test??  I cannot figure out why I did not pass the transcription test and they can't tell me...just hoping I'm not alone...thanks
Sorry, meant pre-employment MT tests.
nm
Are you taking tests and failing or not even getting responses? nm
s
eMedicine website - neurologic tests

This website is great reading.  This link takes you to a page of neurologic physical examinations, but it has everything, not just neuro.  I guess it's a site for doctors.  You do have to register to certain things, and I don't know if they require you to be a doctor to register because I haven't tried it lately.  There is plenty to see without seeing close-ups.  Something constructive to do while waiting for that first job.


http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic632.htm


Not true. I score tests for new and experienced MTs.
I'm shocked at what should be basics that newbies do not have. Shocked.

There are a few good newbies but most have not a clue what they are typing. Applying knowledge to actual transcription is FAR different than just spouting off what a term or value means.


Testing for a new job
I am testing for a new job. Anyone know where I can find some reviews or quizes on passing written exams? I have been out of school for a while. I need this job, it has benefits.
Testing
Unless they specifically tell you not to, yes, it is acceptable, and in fact, expected.
Testing

Hey anyone have any clues to how you pass the test's. I have messed up 2 now.
They are fine all except one file, then you can't fingure hardly anything he says.Any help would be great!


what is testing like?
I second the summary given about testing for a job!
What is the testing like...I'm new!

Hello,


I just found this board today and have been sorting though the posts. What is the testing like when you apply for a job? So far I haven't gotten to that in my studies. I am studying from home and am curious what to expect. Thanks for your help.


AD


Regarding testing - sm
Different companies have different types of testing. A lot of times when you apply on-line for a position, you will be asked to take a test during the process, usually general transcription questions, terminology, spelling, and some grammar questions as well. If the results of the on-line test are acceptable, you may get a call and may be given a verbal test. Then, you may be asked to download and transcribe a few reports. Most of the time, especially if you know your stuff, the testing isn't too bad.

Best of luck to you!
Testing ?'s
I recently finished an MT course, I haven't done any testing yet and would like to know if I can test myself and how?  It seems like I'm really slow so I trying to find a job or networking is difficult, I'm still trying to figure out alot of the lingo everyone use.');>Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
re: testing
Hi Chris,

I just use this rule for testing, type verbatim exactly what is being dictated. If they dictate numbers for a list then type it, if they don't then don't type the numbers just paragraph form. I think they just want to see how accurate you are and how long it may take you if it is a timed test. They'll give you acct specifics if they hire you, just type verbatim and you should be safe!

God bless you in your job hunt and testing!


re: testing
Hi!

I usually just type verbatim and if they make a mistake correct it for grammar's sake. I think they look for seeing how you correct things as well. Unless the doc is extremely picky and you have been told to type EXACTLY what he says, I would correct any common sense mistakes.

Just my advice having taken tons of tests.

God bless!
Testing
MediVoxx has a test on its site, and if you do well on that, they send you more tests.  There are other companies that have tests on their sites, too.  MTdaily has a list of websites in all the States.  Test with as many that you can.
Testing
Have you checked out the AHDI website? I think I remember finding information on their website about testing and employment. Also, they have an MT student forum that you might find helpful.

BTW, while perfection is a great thing to strive for, spell check will help out in the meantime! :)

Keep testing
There is a difference between typing speed and transcription speed. Good for you for practicing, but 97% accuracy is way too low.

Decrease your typing speed until you hit 100% accuracy all the time. Then, you can gradually increase it.

Get a copy of Cortez Peters' book, "Championship Keyboarding, Skillbuilding, and Applications," ISBN 0-07-049635-8. You can usually locate copies on eBay.

Sometimes, it is difficult to improve your keyboarding speed above a certain level due to "things" you learned way back that severely limit your speed.

That book is a keyboarding program which will just about guarantees to improve your speed as far as you are able, AND do it quickly.

Follow the directions EXACTLY. Begin at the beginning (lesson 1), even though you "know" this stuff already. Pretend you've never keyed before -- learn it like it is brand new. He'll tell you to key letter by letter -- DO IT letter by letter, no matter what anyone else has taught you. Do all the exercises exactly. Do all the corrective exercises exactly. You don't need to rush or try to "go fast," either. Do them only as fast as you can do them WITHOUT making mistakes, and try to relax and let it happen, rather than forcing it. With consistent practice, you'll be over 60 in a few weeks, and the book can take you to over 120 IF you follow it exactly. People have been known to increase 20 wpm in two or three weeks.

Good luck to you!


Job testing
Since graduating Allied, they have given me several job leads. I feel bad that you feel that way. Have they sent you any companies to apply with? I was of the understanding, upon enrollment, that they would assist in finding a job but that was it. If you would like, I will forward the leads they send me. Just send me your email. I have been sending out atleast 4 or 5 resumes a day, and testing atleast once or twice a week since I finished last month. Some are from them; however alot of them are leads I found on my own. Best of lu7ck.
I always found the tests more difficult than actual work (sm)
I think they try you out on their most difficult to see how you do. It also may be the stress of taking a test too. I tested with anyone who would let me test, and I failed a lot of them, but just keep trying. Persistence does pay off. It sounds like you have a great start and you should probably stay where you are to get the experience. Yes, it will count. Best of luck to you!
Does anyone know how long it takes for tests to be graded at MediVoxx or OSI?

I recently tested at both companies and am beginning to wonder how long this process takes. While I am waiting for their replies, if anyone could tell me of other corporations that hire new MTs I would appreciate it.  


 


Plenty of jobs out there w/o typing tests. Haven't
s
Employment tests are not easy, even for entry level.
They need to know what you know. Sometimes the things you blank are just as important as the things you get right.
Testing for jobs

I know exactly what you are going through.  Even after being an MT for almost 3 years give or take a few months, it can still be hard to get a foot in the door.  Keep checking this site for openings and call around to the hospitals and clinics to see what service the use.  Each time you test, you are getting a tad more experience in your belt...


 


Good Luck and keep trying!!!


 


testing for employment

Previous post said, if you test for a national and fail they make you wait 6 months before testing again.


Which national companies offer employment based on pre-employment testing results? ???


One reason I wanted to get into MT is that you get paid for exactly what and how much you DO and I hoped that my skills would speak for themselves when I tested for a position. But if every company wants to know what school you graduated from and how many years of experience you have, then I might as well have a liberal arts degree.


For those of us new, all this "3 years", "5 years" experience stuff is going to leave us dead in the water if we don't get an in somewhere.


Thanks for any reply.


Testing specifics

Hi everyone! I'm a new MT awaiting my final exam results and was hoping someone could outline for me the testing procedures most companies put you through.  I just want to make sure I'm as prepared as possible before I start applying (once I get my certificate of course).


How long are the tests usually? Are they usually dictation only or are there separate written q&a's? Can you use research materials? Are they timed?


Any info you could share would be very appreciated.  I'm expecting my exam results any day now and I want to get rolling immediately with job hunting.


');>


Question about MT testing

I plan to start testing again and sending out resumes for an MT job.  I have a question about testing, though.  Since all companies test applicants as part of the prehire process and there are so many different types of tests between them, do they randomly change the tests between applicants and testing or do they keep the same tests?  Who has friendlier tests?  I've got one year's MT experience.  Just wondering if anyone knows or would be able to offer insight.  Thanks in advance.


how does a new MT start testing?
How does a new MT take tests to prove to employers she can do the work?
testing with companies
What if you keep sending out resumes and never hear anything back?  That's mostly what's been happening to me.  It's very discouraging.  I also got top grades in school, but all people want is experience.
Start testing and see what happens ...
Good luck!!!
In testing I don't see an issue either way, but in
real dictation q.d. should always be daily.  Putting q.d. after a medication is where there was an issue that caused it to be changed to daily to start with. 
online testing
at focusinfomatics.com They have online testing specifically for new people, and if you do well enough they will invite you into their training program.
I believe most of these tests can be played using Winamp or Windows Media Player.

Frustrated with newbie testing
So when newbies, like myself, test with some companies, why, when we are done with the test and send it in are the only messages we get, "sorry, you do not meet our requirements." Or,  NOTHING!!  from any of the companies that we test for?!  In order to get experience in this field, we need to be hired somewhere!!  And, if we don't exactly meet the requirements, a little bit of advises on what needs to be worked on to come up to par would be helpful.  Testing and getting little to no response gets old and discouraging.  Makes me wonder, sometimes, why I even bothered to put in the time for school sometimes when this is the outcome!!  So to all prospective employers, please be a little more forthcoming on helping us newbies out with what we need to do to land a job or get more experience. I am done venting for now!!!