I've been searching for quality MT school- glad I found this Board
Posted By: Edda Huntsman on 2007-09-12
In Reply to:
It appears that everyone can agree on M-Tec or Andrews School--by the way is that Linda Andrews and not Andrews/Holbrook?
I want to get started with training soon and I'm having difficulty deciding. I've taken both their tests and they both seem like good choices. Decisions, decisions...
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I've hired from that school before and have found CAIs SM
graduates to be severely undertrained with lack of basic skills. I've hired several of their graduates and none of them worked out. That's how I know it's not a quality school.
I found a job after about a month of searching
I have read the threads with so many negative comments about Softscript, but they do hire new grads.
Glad you found it helpful! :) NM
x
Check out this website - it has the best explanation I've found. sm
http://www.ftpplanet.com/ftpresources/basics.htm
I've never heard of that school, and I've
been doing this for nearly 20 years. Maybe they have in Canada, but in case you work for a company in the US, you might want to consider M-Tec and Andrews. They are on-line and their students get jobs when they graduate because they are in demand. Again, not sure how much it will complicate getting work since you live in Canada, but I think you should at least compare the programs closely.
Look on the company board. I've never
heard of them, but there are some posts about them on the company board.
Wow, this busy message board and no one has a response? Doesn't matter anyway, I've already s
nm
Linked the website. They've never responded the few times I've tried. nm
,
searching for a job
 Hey I know what you are going through. I have started to look for other type of work at this point. I have taken alot of test but never know the outcome. Im not a real great grammar gal anyway. Nice to know Im not the only one. K
so you've been MT'ing for 6 months and I've been at it for 25 years but I don't know
what I'm talking about...that's a good one. The purpose of this board is for experienced MT's to give information to new MT's. One of the developments in this field is its recent downturn. We have a responsibility to be upfront with what we see, know and any conclusions we might draw. With less than 1 year of experience in the field, I hardly think you're in a position to give an educated answer regarding things like job markets, global influences and technological challenges. But then again, people like to only listen to things they like to hear...so have at it!
Newbie searching for a job
I'm in Indiana.
Newbie searching for a job
The only thing that my school offers is an externship. I am required to do 160hrs. of unpaid work before I can get my degree.
Newbie searching for a job
I will have my Associates of Applied Science Degree for Medical Transcription in March and am trying to get an early start on job searching. Does anyone know of any good companies that will hire someone at entry level? My main goal is to do it from home so that I won't have to pay for daycare and basically be working just to pay a sitter. If anyone has any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated!
Venting and Searching
Okay, I need to vent. I've been at this study now for 1 1/2 years and am SOOO ready to be done with it. I have become so frustrated with the online course that I am taking. I get the hint they are severely understaffed, having to wait sometimes 2 weeks to get one transcript graded and back to me. Now, I am ready to submit a transcript that they require a 90% target accuracy rate on and I need to ask them questions. I have submitted 2 e-mails and called them now 3 times, only being allowed to leave messsages which noone will return. They grade everything with such inconsistencies that it's impossible to know what to do anymore. I need to know from them if they will mark me off for adding headings to a HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION or mark me off if I don't add them (I have been marked off for both). And the doctor has put blood work in a separate paragraph than the physical exam. I know I will not get a 90% and they will mark me off either way, so I wanted to get some advice from someone at the school!!! BTW, this is Allied and I know they are hated here on this board. I am just trying to do the best with what I have gotten and they are making it increasingly difficult!! Thanks!
6 months and still searching!
;) So, I've taken the ball into my hands, and I must say, it hasn't helped!
I've applied to numerous companies that were willing to hire a "noob" but heard nothing back from any of them.
Does anyone know of a few more I could look up?
I graduated with a 97% accuracy, so I'm not worried there. Let me know! Any help is appreciated!
You might find something searching for the ABC+Z system. And
s
Quality
Do you have all the required word books for the specialty that you type? I mainly type OP notes and have the current Stedman's books, Google links, etc. My advice is to type the report and put in a blank for the words that you don't know or question. Then, go back, relisten, and look the words up after you have finished the report. Be sure listen for the little words that are often missed. Also, after your reports have been through QA, go back and review the report. Some MTs can go back and relisten, which is a great option. I would also save my copy and then compare it to the QA copy. Maybe someone here would offer to mentor you and offer suggestions? My method is somewhat time consuming but this has helped me. I hope that helps you a little. Good luck! 
Quality is always better than quantity
I am a new MT as well. However, I have learned that quality is better than quantity. In the begining you may want to do thousands of lines per day. However, make sure that this is quality work. You don't want to make mistakes because you want to get high production to get money and then they may fire you because your accuracy rate is terrible.
So, take your time and always deliver the best report to your ability. Do not be afraid to leave a blank if necessary. It is always better than guessing.
What is your line pay rate? Is it an editing or transcription platform? Are you an employee or an independent contractor?
Specials don't have anything to do with the quality. sm
They use the SUM CDs just like the other 2. Their graduates get multiple job offers. I'm very familiar with their course and I definitely would hire someone from there.
LOL - glad you liked it.
I should try and find that Parents article, but I'm running out of time myself.
glad to help
I certainly didn't mean to imply that you didn't know your terminology. I just know that if there is a specialty that I start transcribing that I am unfamiliar with, well, I need to brush up on my knowledge......and I have been doing this for 21 years. For instance oncology, ophthalmology, etc.
I didn't attend one of the "big 3". In fact, I went to the local vo-tech school for medical office assistant just after high school. MT was just ~part~ of the cirriculum. Got an MT job before I even graduated covering for a local MT on maternity leave....that doc office ended up keeping me and it has gone on from there. Worked in doc office for 3-1/2 years, radiology office for 4 years, acute care hospital for 3-1/2 years, and now MQ for 10 years. I am just suggesting that having good references, either books or awareness of good web sites, can make all the difference when you are trying to prove yourself.....because we all get stumped every now and then.
Good luck!
Glad to help!
nm
Glad to help!
Mmmm, French silk pie. Great choice.
:oD
I'm glad it will help
I really love my book. You're right, the size of the print is very nice. If you notice, when listing references for this book, it lists the Medical Phrase Index, which is the very pricey version of this book. I think that particular book is aimed more towards coders, and this book is specifically for MTs. Anyway, glad to help!
Need suggestions on how to improve quality.
Is there something that I could buy that could help improve my quality? I have been taking tests here and there and everyone keeps saying that their QAs don't have the extra time that is needed to spend with my work. I know I don't have the 98% accuracy that is needed. Whenever I do a test I look whatever I don't know up and then relisten to the file. I do all my transcribing when everyone is asleep so I don't have the distractions. Thank in advance for the help.
Yes, I believe there is a future for MTs who do quality work
You hear a lot of sad stories, but many, not all, of those complaining are just not very good at what they do for a living. That is the main reason why they lose their jobs. It isn't overseas MTs taking their work, it isn't speech recognition, it isn't even electronic medical records. It's the quality of their work. They will never admit it. In fact, they will yell and scream and protest! There are many out there who are doing well and making some good money, and no, it hasn't been going down for everyone. Just remember that there are whiners and complainers in every industry. Medical transcription is no exception.
Quality Assurance/Editing
Can anyone give me an idea on how much QA/editors make? Do they charge per 65 character line with spaces, without spaces, per word, etc.? I have always been curious about this.
Glad it works for you
You sound like you have a system that works for you. I tried getting more hours in at night after the kids went to bed and found that I was too tired, would get bad eyestrain and was just not that effective when I did not get enough sleep.
I actually make more money at home as an MT than I would in an office. Like I said below, mine are in dc. If it were just my 3yo daughter, I would be able to do it with her around.
Even though I have a 2 and 3yo in daycare, the benefit of working from home with a flexible schedule (have to get 35 or so hours in per wk, but whenever as long as its steady) is that I can pause my workday at 3pm when my 7 yo gets out of school - I pick him up, then I pick them up. I am also able to send my 3yo to preschool 3 mornings per wk and take the time to drop her off and pick her up. I have also been able to work on sick days. I estimate that since December, I would have had to take 8.5 sick days to care for my children if I worked in an office.
After being a SAHM for a long time, I am enjoying having some time where I am working and the kids are in school.
To each his own - I have fielded opinions from both sides on this one. 
I'm glad you brought this up...
I'm glad you brought this up, because there are scams out there and new MTs need to be aware of them. Just look at the threads below regarding Proficient Transcription.
Best of luck to you in your job search!
glad you agree
I didn't even realize I was on the Newbie board. I've posted this before and people always thank me, some argue with me, but it's my stand and I'm sticking with it!!
Newbies especially get suckered in by this line the companies feed and it's not right. Sounds good and emotions take over and then the spider has you right in its web. How can a woman hold her baby and think "If I'll just take less pay I can stay home with him/her and watch them grow up" and then say No to that! All I'm saying is go for BOTH -- stay home with your baby or for whatever reason you want to work from home but DEMAND for yourself and as a group with all of us the best wage you can get as well! Go for the cake AND the ice cream. You DESERVE both! Just be professional about your work responsibilities to prove to your boss that you DO take your job seriously and CAN do both and are worth the pay which isn't likely to get any better when this tactic works so well.
Many seem to forget this is a PROFESSION. We're not at home making home-made preserves to be sold at the county fair or something. Sometimes we come off sounding like that, though. I'm sure the doctors and lawyers on the golf courses talk about the benefits from working from home too but they don't share that with their patients whom they still charge the same. We keep shooting our cause down all by ourselves. If MTSOs were not allowed to read this site, it would be a different matter. But, like I said, we're being watched.
If you want to move this to the Main Board go ahead. I don't know how to. I've only replied to threads.
Good luck to you and all newbies!!!
Thank you! I am so glad to hear
that using the pinkie to shift will not interfere with the program.
Keep searching the boards for the info you seek. And go thru an MT program if you haven't already
k
Read ALL the posts on this board & the Company board and you'll
s
How do you make lines and maintain quality?
I'm trying to get up to company's line requirements but do not seem to be catching all my errors. Any suggestions?
If quality mattered, there would be NO MT work from India
I mean, I know you're CERTIFIED and all, but you have to be kidding...
Career Step is quality training!!!
I am, of course, a Career Step graduate. I really believe in their program and have found great success as an MT due to their training course. I highly recommend it to anyone!!! Feel free to email me or check out my website for more information ... www.MTinTexas.com.
As a new MT, focus on quality and don't worry about quantity. SM
Any decent company who gives a new MT the chance, should be considerate and realize they cannot produce like a veteran MT. Speaking from experience working for myself and hiring several subcontractors, and also working for large nationals, the quality of your work will first be evaluated. With training and experience, your production will increase. If you need to reread, relisten, etc., do it because it will be well worth it. Research every word or phrase you are not sure of. In time, your brain will soak these terms up like a sponge. You will find yourself researching less and less. However, even veteran MTs continue to learn daily. I feel a good MT has good researching skills that never end. Good luck, keep your head up. Research and review your reports before submitting them.
Regardless of audio quality, the fact that she came as close as she did
to what it actually was yet couldn't get it shows that she has no idea what a salpingo-oophorectomy IS. Not to mention the other info she gave and the type of report that it is.
Glad to hear such good news!
I am happy for you and your family, and I hope he continues to improve.
"Continue to be happily employed?" I'm glad you put THAT in writing
because those are words you are going to eat within the next five years. Better wake up and smell the coffee.
have you found anything yet?
Do you know someone in the industry with experience that can help you out. Maybe they can have you type and they can QA your work and train you at the same time? That would be in a perfect world I guess, but it was just a thought. I graduated from a business college 15 years ago and was fortunate enough to be hired on as a trainee in a hospital. best thing that ever happened for my career. Where are you located?
I found a new one
Looks like it is just starting but I don't know if I can post it
mt-xtreme.com/post/phpBB/index
not from either and found job
I also did not go to Andrews, M-Tec, or CareerStep. I got a job before I graduated. I attended a school many called a matchstick or matchbook school. However, I did not only study what was given to me. I studied extra and typed way more than was required.
While I think that if someone has the money they should go to one of the bigger schools, it does not mean that if you did not go to them you wont get a job.
Hard work and perserverance get you a job.
Graduates, has anyone found
that M-Tec's curriculum was superior to Career Step? Also, for M-Tec grads, were you able to repeat a section (if you tested poorly) until you got it right, and improved? Was there a limit on how many times you could re-test on any given area (I'm thinking of my weaker areas that might need extra time.)
TIA! :) -Anne
I would not advise it. You would be found out.
567
Newbie found a job
I wrote last week about what a hard time I was having finding a job. I appreciate everyone's advice. The best advice I got was "persistence pays off".
I found out how to find that out.
It look like I am getting about 80 words a line. But as my line count per hour increasese, wouldn't I be better off because even the one word and partial lines count as a sentence? It doesn't seem like it would be that bad of pay. But, of course, I am a newbie and do not know the ropes yet.
Something cool I found...
Hi guys,
I don't know if this will help anyone or not, but I thought I'd post it anyway since it helped me. It's laboratory reference ranges. It's like 6 pages long. You can print it out. I don't know if you can paste addresses anymore, but you can Google it, or you can e-mail me, and I will send you the address.
Everyone on the forum has been so much help to me, I hope that this will help someone else.
newbie found job
I have only been out of school for one month. I found a job withing days. I found a website that list 137 companies. I applied to all of them (which sounds like a lot), but I got 13 requests to test. 10% responses is NOT BAD with ZERO experience. I went with the first company that contacted me because I liked what they had to offer. If you email me, I can email you the list of companies. You may some luck with them.
I found this info... don't know if it could help
What companies hire new MTs?
Very few, best start is with local contacts.
MedWare, Emergency Room Transcription, Karen Dual, Director of Human Resources, 1-800-881-3131. Don Flannery, MedWare@internetMCI.com
Medi-Scribe, http://www.medi-scribe.net P.O. Box 31651, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, 925-689-2617, carolrowan@medi-scribe.net, Carol Rowan
TransQuick (Rodeer), Atlanta and Phoenix areas, local. 4848 Riverdale Rd, Atlanta, GA 30337, 770 991 2220
Rapid Transcript, 800-592-4602 or 213-964-0400 (ask for Ora or Cris), Fax 213-964-0412. 4311 Wilshire Blvd. #209, Los Angeles, CA 90010-3716, Attn: Resource Management. ojemi@aol.com or eauh73a.prodigy.com
InHealth Transcription Service, http://www.inhealthtranscriptions.com; Atlanta, GA, Samuel Edelman, 1-800-477-7374 Fax: 770-394-2183. New MTs are only hired locally in Atlanta.
Also found something else of interest
When I clicked on their "Jobs" link, there's a link there under "latest news" that says: "World Direct Partners with Sten-Tel, Inc." The link, however, when clicked directs to the home page, which is empty.
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