I agree. Take it for the experience. It will take you 2 years of experience but you will easily
Posted By: make 30+ per year then NM on 2006-01-03
In Reply to: take it - if nothing else for the - experience - sm
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I absolutely agree. I have 4 years' experience, but wouldn't try to enter the field now. nm
nm
Experience: 2, 5, 10 years
How are newbies supposed to get experience?
Does anyone know of companies who hire newbies?
as an MT with 17 years experience....
your offer is more than fair. with all the new MT's on this forum saying they can't get a job, this is a fabulous offer.
my hat is off to you for taking the time to train, and pay 7 cents a line. I started out at minimum wage 17 years ago...just grateful for the opportunity.
with my 15+ years experience, I could never be as arrogant......
as you sound. Why would you lump all the new MT's in one category and assume they all expect $60,000 per year. When I first got in this field, I found most MT's were burnt out nurses who felt they were the only ones who could perform this job. They were wrong. Anyone with dedication and the desire to learn can be good at this job and YES make $60,000 with your kids at home. I should know, I have four kids, and have done all the little league, gymnastics, school volunteering, etc., that a mom wants to do. I find your assumptions an embarrassment and I would like the new MT's to know that you and your opinions do not represent me. Good luck to all newbies. Stick with it, and you can make your $60,000. It just takes time and hard work.
People have been saying that for years. Some have a different experience
I think that the industry is screening out people who don't really enjoy medical transcription and some who weren't prepared to do it well enough to make money. The jobs and money are pretty good for the people who like to do this work, are motivated, and know what they are doing. No complaints here! Also no put down of those who are not doing well. Medical transcription is not for everyone. That's not an insult. Find something you love and do it well!
I would rather hire someone with years of experience
and could care less what school they went to, than someone with no experience who came from the Big Three. Experience is valuable!
I'm making that after 19 years of experience
It would depend on what you're doing in three years as far as a job or having your own clients. I wouldn't expect to make $40,000.00 after three years. I think it will take a lot longer than that to build up to that kind of money; however, if you work 2 or 3 jobs, you could probably come close. You'll just always be transcribing and you'll have no time for anything else especially if you plan to work for a national.
You need 2 years of experience to take the CMT test. NM
x
Four years' transcription experience, but new to MT
Hi, all.
I've been reading the forums with great interest for a few weeks now, and I realize the job market is pretty dire these days, but I thought I might ask for some advice all the same. I'm a stenographer, so I can write up to 225 words per minute in realtime, which comes in handy when producing accurate transcripts very quickly. During the school year I transcribe for Deaf and hard of hearing college students, but summers are slow for me, and I thought I might be able to find some seasonal overflow work to supplement my savings until August. I've been a general Transcriptionist since 2005, and have produced media editing scripts, scripts for closed captioning, transcripts of seminars and business meetings, among many others. Just this year I've been getting a lot of experience with medical terminology, transcribing interviews for an ophthalmology journal and classes for a Deaf student in Pharmacy school. The fact remains that I've never done any actual medical transcription work, per se. I'm not sure whether to market myself as an entry-level transcriptionist or as one with some experience. I've got a robust medical steno dictionary and considerable research skills, but I'm unfamiliar with formatting conventions. Where should I look to either supplement my training or to find an employer who would be willing to fill me in on what I need to know and then set me loose at 225 wpm?
wanted to share something from my 15+ years experience....
When I first started out, I graduated from a business college. Nine months, five days a week, four hours a day of schooling. When I finished top of my class I thought I was ready. I struggled to find a job; not too much outsourcing back then. I begged a medical records director to hire me on, and he did. I literally was not ready for what was to come. Luckily I was mentored by a lady who knew it all. She was great. After six years at the hospital, I broke away and started with my own accounts. I have raised four children (youngest in kindergarden). I have been a team mom for baseball, board of director member for local little league, and never missed a school function. This has been an awesome profession for me. Some days are better than others as far as pay is concerned, but on average I am pulling $200 a day....not bad.
There is a book out there that might be of help to you new graduates. It is called The Medical Phrase Book. That book helped me very much. The other thing that really works is using a telephone book A-Z to jot down new meds and words you learn.
Good luck to all of you.
How can you sit for the CMT exam without the 2 years' experience required?
.
Unfortunately, you need 2 years' work experience to take the CMT exam. NM
x
Agree with an outside school, but I went to a business & tech school. Great experience, better
s
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.
Take it for the experience
I hate to admit this, but that is what I am making on an account right now. I graduated two years ago and went through an intern program too. I have another account that pays 4/8 and is a major PIA with all the demographics you have to check that is time consuming and isn't paid for. If you are new, it may be a good opportunity for you to get some experience until you find a better place to work. I'm still looking for that great place myself, but am working in the meantime.
New MT needs Experience
Just about every listing I have found for a Transcriptionist has a minimum of 2 years experience. Well how the heck am I suppose to get experience if nobody in my area needs a transcriptionist and nobody online will give me a chance?! I'm starting to become very frustrated by the situation as well as discouraged. I know I shouldn't give up, but everyone has a breaking point, right? Any advice would be welcome because I'm at a loss.
Thanks.
No experience
I was hired right out of school by MedQuist. I have read good and bad about them (as well as a lot of other companies), but I have no complaints! They were flexible, helpful, and my account was great. Just another thought... Good luck!
My experience ...
Stephanie,
Hi! I graduated from Career Step online which is only about $1600 to $1800. They do have some community colleges that they partner with to accept the Pell Grant like Everett Community College. Right, the online course is more self paced and you can start anytime you like.
I have been working for almost 3 years now and love my career. It has been fun, easy, and rewarding because I was prepared. I even tested for my CMT right at 2 years and passed!
Hope this helps!
My CS experience
I also graduated CS 2 yrs ago. I have been more than prepared for this career and I am doing quite well. I also am getting ready to sit for the CMT and feel very comfortable with it. I have no complaints on them. I think the bad rap on them comes from the fact that it is self-paced and you are responsible for yourself. When there are people out there who do not apply themselves to it, skim by and then try to enter the workforce and fail...it looks bad on CS. I do think they should have pretesting like the other two and it would helpe the credibility some.
Anyway, no problems here as a grad. I started with large MTSO and now work for my local hospital from home. Good pay and great benefits! If you are prepared to work for it then go for it!
experience
The bigger MT companies would not consider what you have done experience. You might want to try a smaller company that does only a few specialties. It really doesn't matter how fast you can go since with no schooling in medical transcription, you are going to be completely slowed down by the fact that you would have to look up so many things. After going through a year of a very in-depth school, I still had to look up quite a bit. After 3-1/2 years of working on an acute account, I am still looking things up. Maybe you could try a general transcription job since you are just looking for extra money.
My experience with an at-home course
Hello, I took MTatHome course. You have to learn everything on your own.. which I did. It has helped me alot. I have been testing with MANY companies.. and they tell me that I score around 92 when they prefer 98%. I really dont think 92 for a newbie who had to TRAIN herself and has absolutely ZERO experience is too bad! I will keep training myself by reading sample reports, etc. Oh, I got offered a job at Spheris which I accepted. I hope I can pull it off! Thanks all!
everyone wants experience but no one wants to give
us that experience. Anyone else frustrated at this? There are no local MT jobs in my area and the closest city is 45-50 miles away which I can't do. Any suggestions on someone who is willing to give experience????
my experience in online MT course
Hello everyone,
Just thought the information on my website will be helpful and/or interesting to anyone who is thinking of trying medical transcription cource.
it's here
http://www.volkovs.com/family/julia/default.aspx?p=mt
newbie, no experience
I have taken a MT course at a local Tech college. That was 5 yrs. ago. I have been unable to get a job, either locally or on the internet. Would love to work at home for anybody but no one hires those w/no experience. I have kept up with my typing and the medical knowledge that I can. ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE HELPFUL!!!!
My experience compared to yours
Last year I went to work for an MTSO where the transcription was put into documents by VR. I had to edit all the reports and the ones that were totally messed up had to be deleted and retyped. I was paid $8/hr although the benefits were outstanding (company paid for continued education without a waiting period so from day #1 you could go to college and they would pay for it, so most of the MTs were people in nursing college).
They had a daily minimum of 1600 lines a day. After 4 months I only hit it twice and quit to work from home again to make more money. I'm averaging $20/hr with good benefits. When I worked as an IC and paid by the page, my hourly average was $40 and I only had to work 6 hours a day. Those days are gone!
My point here is that you should probably stay where you are a full year and take advantage of the opportunity to learn how to increase your productivity. You will be much more marketable with 1 year's experience and can get a better line rate. Many MTSOs do pay based on productivity with benefits so try to work towards doing what you need to do to increase your productivity and overall skill and knowledge.
Good luck.
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