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I've seen plenty of these graduates scrounging for work.

Posted By: Just like everyone else. on 2005-12-29
In Reply to: You make some good points, BUT please SM - Endiqua

This board isn't the only board in town, and I've seen many of the grads from your favorite schools searching for work just like everyone else. Just because "you" haven't seen it here doesn't mean it's not happening!

Besides, these schools are mostly affiliated with nationals, which IMO, stink anyhow. I'd much rather work for a nice small private. Nationals are not the be-all and end-all by any means, and they work with just a couple of the big boys. The ones who take the biggest advantage of their employees!

Keep looking Alicia. Don't listen to the school cheerleaders.


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I've seen awful work from "experienced MTs and good work from new graduates
I've seen awful work from "experienced MTs and good work from new graduates.

Training and education really does make a difference. Some people just have 15 or 20 years of very bad experience. They may be fortunate that one employer was willing to hire and keep them, but if that one closed, they would be in trouble. It all depends on the person. some new graduates are a better bet then some experienced MTs. I would prefer to find an experienced MT with great skills and a teachable attitude, but many experienced MTs know everything and are only willing to do things the way they've always done them.
Not true. Plenty of newbies get work everyday.
nm
There is plenty of work, I agree. Grads from good schools

Anywhere I've used this it's been set on the company end how the work is funneled to the MTs.
s
There are plenty, just keep trying and don't give up!
x
Plenty of jobs out there w/o typing tests. Haven't
s
Linked the website. They've never responded the few times I've tried. nm
,
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!
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.
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
Who hires new graduates?
Can anyone give me some ideas on who hires new graduates?  I'm having no luck.....
Looking for graduates from either CAI or Medtranscription.com

Hi,


I'm looking into MT programs, and am looking for feedback from graduates of either CAI, or Medtranscription.com 


Would like to know about your experiences with these places! Thanks! Laura


Any MT Advantage graduates?

I'm looking at the MT Advantage Career Center.  I would like to hear from anyone who has taken their course.  I'd like to know how successful their students are at obtaining jobs after completing the course.


 


Thanks Much!


It isn't just new graduates. The job market...sm
is not what it was in MT. I guess the economy has affected it.
One of the hardest things I've done was find a job after MT school. I searched and searched. I finally just kept applying and somone gave me a chance.
Support for AHP students and graduates
I would like to get any support or encouragement from other people who have either completed the AHP course or are currently taking it.  I have read so many negative comments in here about the program.  I am about 3/4 through the MT course and am now getting a little worried.  Please share your stories and job searches to give the rest of us some hope.  If all you have is negative comments, please keep them to yourself.  This is meant to be a support group.  Thanks!
Employers will hire new graduates of
well-regarded MT schools, schools such as Andrews, M-Tec, and Career Step. Unfortunately, PCDI has a very poor reputation among MT employers, so it might be that that is causing the problem rather than lack of experience since many well-known MT employers will waive the two-year experience requirement for graduates of schools that are known to turn out job-ready MTs (Andrews, M-Tec, and Career Step). You might have better luck with a local doctor's office or clinic that does only one specialty. If you continue to have difficulty finding work, you might want to consider supplementing whatever training you got throught PCDI with a course from one of the "Big Three". Their graduates generally have several job offers upon graduation, plus those schools provide placement advice and assistance to their graduates.
WHAT??? to say that if a newbie graduates from a top three, it makes
her as qualified as someone with two years experience. Puhleeze. That is simply wrong.
Just telling the truth. Many of their graduates
come here and say the same thing.  Their program stinks.  Any company that advertises on matchbooks and TV you really have to wonder how good they are.   You never hear of M-Tec or Andrews advertising. 
Spheris hires new graduates
Good luck!
Are there any companies hiring graduates?

I graduated from Career Step program and looking for a second shift position.  Does anybody work for a company that is currently hiring graduates?  Thanks for any responses! 


The better schools are not having problems placing graduates
I'm asking why the community colleges can't do the same thing. Why can't they go take the approval test with AAMT and prove that they are just as good as the so-called best schools, the ones that are approved because they were able to pass that test. Maybe that would help them be able to get employers to hire their students. Can they not pass that test?
any new graduates live in Orange County California.
From what I gather, and remember as I was in your shoes 15 years ago, to get a job is tough.  Are new graduates interested in working in externship program and a more experienced transcriptionist's residence for maybe 6-7 cents per line???  I have been pondering this and would appreciate any feedback. 
Are there companies offering 7 cents a line to new graduates? sm
This person has been offered 6 cents a line but I know the company and getting a raise will be like pulling teeth even if you do excellent work. This graduate will be doing acute care and feel like 6 cents is okay for clinic but 7 cents is more in line for acute care. This student graduated with honors from MT course.
Spheris hires entry level graduates from
at 5.5 cpl, they pay direct deposit on time, insurance not that great (large deductible) and all the usual FT benefits. Only PT benefit is 401K. My supervisor, QA people, and accounts have all been decent, 4-1/2 years into it.
CAI School - Any Current Students/Recent Graduates?
Hi Everyone:
Have any of you ever heard of the CAI School of Medical Transcription? Any current students or graduates out there? 

I've been checking out their website and they seem to have a terrific program.  I've searched the archives and the last posting on this school was from 2006.  It got rave reviews then, just checking on the school now.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

FYI, the website address is http://www.caihometype.com

The courses worth taking are M-Tec and Andrews. Their graduates

are usually able to get jobs without 2 years of experience that is normally required.  Is if worth it?  Do you have small children, a husband, do you want a social life - then no it isn't worth it.  If you just want to do this PT, in addition to a FT job, it might be okay for a short time, but it gets harder and harder to make a living as an MT.  A lot of companies use offshore MTs, they get the good work and the crap gets left for us, or it all goes and we get stuck editing it for pennies and you end up working for minimum wage.  You'll also burn out in a short time trying to do both. 


if there is just you and you don't care to have a life then it would be okay and if you have a knack for it you can make some decent money.  If you are a respiratory tech in a hospital talk to people in your department.  Maybe you can start out doing work-related transcription without having to go to school and you can get a small taste of what it is like to see if you really want to pursue it. 


Found a company that is willing to give new MT graduates a chance

Hello,


A company called World Direct Transcription Services, called me yesterday. And she asked me a couple of questions, and then asked me if i would take 2 tests. I said yes of course! One test is a terms test, other is a typing test, also she wanted me to go to a certain website and take a speed typing test too. I will let everyone know today if i get hired.


Sonnett


Andrews, MTEC, and CareerStep produce graduates that are regularly hired. NM
x
Spheris hires graduates only from MTEC, Career Step, Andrews
nm
most psych work is included in multispecialty hospital work..sm
contracted to a medical transcription service that requires multispecialty experience because of the hospital work. Unfortunately, very rarely can a medical Transcriptionist these days be given only one specialty when working for a service or hospital. We have to be well versed in multi specialties. The Turn Around Time on demands have increased, and thus the service or hospital gives the MT many different types of work. Learn as many specialties and gain as much experience in different specialties, which in turn will make you a more valuable MT and more apt to gain employment.
Just be sure not to pay for work. There is an MTSO below who apparently charges to work for them (sm
It might be tempting when you're getting desperate for work to pay someone so you can work for them, but don't do it. You can buy software and a foot pedal on your own, so don't let them fool you. If you are approached via e-mail from this site by an MTSO saying they have work for you, please read the posts below before making any decisions.
I've also done both
As an LPN of 16 years years and an MT of two years, I can attest to the fact that the pay is better in nursing, but the stress is FAR greater. Yes, there is a huge demand for nurses alright. You will be doing much more than your own share of work. Support and back up is often not available (though not admitted to by administration), you often will not be able to care for patients as you were taught and know they should be cared for, your body will ache everyday (provided you don't get an actual physical injury that will always be your fault for "lack of technique") and your feet will scream in agony from being on them day after day all day frequently for 12 and 16 hour shifts. You may find yourself forced to work over a second shift because your relief person simply doesn't show up, don't expect your daycare or babysitter to be understanding of that - it won't be "their problem" but you can't leave your patients without coverage, which means you will be stuck.

Most patients are decent, just ill, in pain, therapy or basically maintenance. Other patients are going to spit on you, kick, hit, pinch, scratch, gouge their nails into you, bite, scream, yell, curse, throw things at you (food, medications, equipment, feces, whatever they can get their hands on). Then there's the unintentonal things too, such as sneezing or coughing in your face, vomiting on you or passing gas.

Administration always talks about how nursing is a 24/7 job, that what one nurse can't get done in her/his shift, the next one can pick up. That's bull! If you miss something or don't miraculously get it done, they are all over you like white on rice and writing you up one wall and down the other! It is not legal to have to work through your lunch and breaks, but you will eventually. Don't think you won't! You will also find yourself clocking out and going back to finish whatever you need to for your shift. You can't even report staff or administrative abuses to authorities because of HIPAA and confidentiality clauses, there is no protective whistle-blower clause in nursing. That's a good way to get yourself fired and blackballed, then you can't work anywhere in the same area.

Most doctors are okay, others are pure asses. If you want to be a nurse, do yourself a favor and only be an RN. That way you will get paid much better and have at least two levels below you to delegate to - the LPN and CNA.

When I went into nursing, I considered it an honor, the most noble thing I could do for God and my fellow man. I have since found it to be the most brutal profession of my life. Short of professional boxing, I don't really know what would be worse. You will be thrown around as a nurse some time or another and jerked around by DONs and others in supervisory or administrative roles even more frequently. When I got my last beating, all I did was start walking down a hall in response to a staff member calling my name. I went to assist her, didn't know what I was walking into till I was up against a wall getting my head punched by a 6' schizophrenic man. And, of course since he was a patient, he couldn't be blamed or "responsible" for his actions" and I couldn't do anything aobut it but feel the pain.

And as if that isn't enough, there are many people with dangerous, negative attitudes that won't life a finger to help anyone that they are not forced to do (as if that wasn't what they are paid to do in the first place!). Some people are just mean and nasty to work with. You probably get that anywhere, but you WILL get it in nursing - especially nursing homes.

Speaking only for myself, I find taking the pay cut and working behind the scenes from my own home to be safer and much more satisfying. I would never have thought that 16 years ago. No one could have convinced me that anything I've just said here was true, now I've lived it. Maybe MTSOs are not the most caring souls out there for MTs, but healthcare administratrators and DONs are not either. Nurses are in huge demand because the support and working conditions are horrifying. The older the nurse gets, the less resilient. There may be some great nurse positions out there, but I never found any that lasted. That usually changed with the next DON that came along.

Good luck to you in whatever you choose. If you choose nursing, I hope you have a better life experience than I have had. As far as MT goes, it is an evolving field. VR cannot do the job alone, someone needs to go over each one. I wish you peace and happiness.
You've never taken
a class on making friends and influencing people, have you? Ha! Usually it works best not to insult the natives and then ask for the favor of information. Fortunately I have a sense of humor.

Since you have never made a lot of money anyway, the pay isn't going to bother you, right? If you are motivated you can certainly make more than $16,000. I would not have recommended CS as the best place to take off from, but it may be enough for you since you are good at English.

However, are certainly careers in the medical field that pay much higher if you could go to school for 2+ years. Most of them have a more certain future than this one.

But if you want to try this one, have a go. Nobody will stop you, and I'm sure you'll be able to find decent work, at least for a while.
Yes you do, around $400. It's a little less if you've already been
s
I've got a JOB!

I don't know how much the start out pay is, when we get paid, or any of the details, but I am so excited I can't hardly see straight.  I passed a test.  All of my effort has paid off.  All I can say to all of my other fellow newbies, is that it takes a while, but don't give up.  Someone, somewhere, will give you a chance.  I'm so happy, and life seems a little less bleak.  Thanks for everyone's advice, and support.  Without you guys, I would have given up, and went back to flipping burgers.


I've done a little GT... *sm*

 


It's not easy. I have found that medical transcription is straightforward and somewhat predictable, GT is usually not. It is particularly difficult if you have multiple speakers. I would take MT any day of the week. BUT if it is something you are interested in, then you should try it. There are a lot of forums where you can pick up overflow or you can test with some GT companies.


 


I've
run out of small companies to apply for.
Can you share where you work that the work is plentiful? nm
s
1look.com is the best I've seen. nm
xxxsxxx
I've never heard of them, but you should really
ask on the company board. 
I've had that problem before, too.
I'd sit there all day waiting for work that didn't come in until I was ready to quit for the day, then the MTSO got mad at me for not sticking to 24-hour turnaround time. I never agreed to work all night for her. I told her the schedule I was available. I'm sorry, but I don't work at home to sit on my backside doing nothing all day while the kids are at school and ignore them all evening to work.

Then working for the nationals is a whole 'nother ball of wax. You have to hit certain line counts per day, they don't pay as much as the small MTSO's, you have to stick to your schedule with little flexibility. Many of them make you rent their computer from them.

I wish I could find something in the middle, but it would probably be a combination of the worst of both! LOL
I've already gotten applications at several DCs
she is 10 times more stubborn than I am and I think we are trying to see who will blink first. I've had more rest today so I feel better...she ended staying home because she was exhausted. She knows I am her best support network and the feature I'm hinting at now is the child's lack of ability to connect to other children of the same age, which is what happens when there are no peers around.

Daycare would have to come out of my pocket and I would have to work an extra day a week to afford that, which I would do if I could get her to agree to it, even if just for a morning program. I have to tread lightly and steer things in a subtle manner to achieve small successes.

She has the other GM scared that if a mistake is made, the child won't get to keep visiting, but who is she kidding when she wants her weekends free...she just hasn't grown up yet.

I was seriously considering seeking legal counsel to try to get custody this weekend as she had a hissy fit worthy of a 4 yo in front of the child. Still could be an option. Please parents! It's never to young to talk to your kids about birth control!! :)
I've also done quite a few reports
But haven't stopped to count them (at least until now LOL). I know in my last lesson there were 7-8 I did, plus partial reports to reinforce terminology, etc. The current lesson I think has that same amount, I preparing for the mail-in test now (yes, it can be e-mailed, I just prefer mail for some archaic reason). I'm just now in lesson 3 of course 3, so I'm right about halfway through I think.
I've put in what he says both ways
I would start again from the original and unless he was saying EXACTLY what he said before, which usually isn't the case, I start the paragraph afresh with the new stuff and mark for QA. I leave it up to the doctor to decide which version he wants.
I've gotta ask...
How could you not know you were typing with the caps on? Were you looking at your fingers instead of the screen? Do you always do that?
I've done lots of looking
and have never seen a work from home opportunity that doesn't require a few years' experience.
I've been at this for 6 months...
I'm an IC getting paid per MB of dictation, but it averages around 6 cpl. I've been trying to decide if I should stick it out until I can put 1 year of experience on my resume or get out of there. The problem I've seen is that none of the companies are paying newbies worth a toot. Right now, I have a dream of a dictator. I'm the sole MT on this account through a national. Is your work easy at least, to counter the lower pay? That's what I keep telling myself when I'm tempted to run for the hills. You never know what you'll get with another company. The work may be awful.
I've done both and all I can say is to think long and
hard before you choose either one. Neither job is all it's cracked up to be once you get to the "real world" of work.
Seems a bit late to ask if you've already
plunked your money down. And it sounds like you will only accept the answer you are looking for, so good luck.
I've had that happen
I've tried a few accounts and currently (unfortunately) am pretty much stuck entirely on voice recognition on escription (equates to low pay). As a newbie, you've got to get work and cut your teeth somewhere. With each account I've had, even on platforms other than escription, work tends to run low and out at times and there is a learning curve when starting new accounts between the MTSO, account specs and dictators. Often, the new account won't even start up when it is schedule to.

Just persevere and keep the faith. As long as you are working and getting your "newbie time" in, you are doing well. Many grads and new MTs don't even find work.
I can sympathize, however, after you've
been doing this for 25 years, then you can TRULY state you are tired.