I feel bad for the newbies, I remember how it was too
Posted By: sm on 2005-12-05
In Reply to: Maybe not disrespect but rather ill-informed. - lilworried
I started about 12 years ago, I was lucky because my school helped me find a job (all tapes, talk about bad quality) and the MT office was a little nook in the corner of an ER. The docs were always stressed out and I could not understand much but did the best I could. I remember fearing being fired just about everyday because it was so hard. I didn't get the hang of this job until over a year into it, and when I went home, it started all over again, because I didn't have a second ear. When I first went home for MQ a year and a half out of school, my then fiance was so happy to have me home he came up to give me a loving hug, and I actually shoved him I was so frustrated with work. I later apologized, but the stress level is crazy when you are new, you don't have a grasp on the medical terminology, no one to ask questions in person, on top of the crazy accents.
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Remember,
she asked if she can do it on the side, not change careers. She also asked if she could take the RMT. I checked, and I believe it said that you have to either have experience or have taken a course in MT. I agree with the person aboving stating she could not pass it. As I said before, these days you will not even be able to test most places unless you have experience or if you have passed an MT course.
As far as someone wanting it bad enough, that will help but if that was all you needed, that's all people would need to put on a resume. From listening to many people over the last 2 years who hire for these companies, they certainly do not find nursing to be adequate experience for MT nor do they hire people just because they will try
hard.
It is true that some people just don't realize all they don't know and you just shake your head. You have to go to school for any specialized field. Why do people think that MT is any different? Maybe it is because it WAS different years ago.
I would challenge anyone who is a nurse and wants to do MT on the side try to get hired by a national. Not going to happen. As stated before, in a local office maybe, sure. You aren't going to be as good as a trained MT, though. That's just a fact.
remember, you get what you pay for...
I am in my 5th month with M-Tec and it is so thorough, challenging and wonderful. Be careful not to rush your training and waste money whle doing it. The final goal is a really good job and MTec is proven positive.
I remember my first day as an MT -
I could not believe how worn out I was. I could not have been more tired I had run a marathon. It was pretty tough for a few weeks, but I made it and so will you! Get a good night's sleep. Best wishes for a good day tomorrow. 
How to remember
I don't use it but there is a system called ABCZ by John Knowles. It makes it easy to remember how to form expanders. The basic rule of the ABCZ method is to use the first three letters of a word (hence ABC) and its last letter (hence Z). So for example, you use hosn for the word hospitalization. Then I believe there is an ABCZ Glossary which you can buy and use with Instant Text but if you read more about how ABCZ works, maybe you can adapt it and not buy the premade Glossary. That's it in a nutshell but Google ABCZ. There is a lot of info out there. Also there is a great site called Productivity Talk if you can wade through it.
Please remember this when you are applying
Send yourself an e-mail first ... make sure you have your email account info updated so that it actually shows your name.
You really will score points if the recruiter or HR person can find you by seeing your name in the email list rather than "dogsRpeople2@whoknows.com"!
Thank you.
One thing to remember..
A lot of companies won't hire newbies who took just any course..it has to be an approved course (AAMT-approved or at the very least a course that is approved by that particular company.) If you take an unapproved course and try to go to work for one of the big companies, you might find that they won't accept you without more experience first.
One thing to remember
Maybe 7 years ago they would hire (or even test) someone in your situation, but these days there are so many who have taken the MT courses that they choose to test those first. Hands-on learning positions are around but usually only locally. Just want people reading this to know that. As you can see a few posts down I believe, there is someone who went to school and cannot even test because she did not go to a well-known school and/or she does not have enough experience even to test. So to say that it is possible is technically right, but people out there need to know that these situations are rare.
for spirit328: How do you remember all
the abbreviations? What stands for what? I still use AutoCorrect.
Remember, that stapler was the only thing that
made it through the fire! You kind of need that kind of durability on this board!
but of course remember if you DO go to a Comm Coll, at least
you will have college credits, and a two year degree under your belt when you go back to school for your next REAL JOB. But if you go to the BIG THREE, and it's time to go back to school, you can start with all the other freshman in English 101 and Speech.
but of course remember if you DO go to a Comm Coll, at least
you will have college credits, and a two year degree under your belt when you go back to school for your next REAL JOB. But if you go to the BIG THREE, and it's time to go back to school, you can start with all the other freshmen in English 101 and Speech.
Remember a couple of years ago
We heard the same thing. Big articles in newspapers about the radiology group that loved speech recognition so much. It turned out that administration forced it on the doctors. They rebelled and hired transcriptionists for themselves and walked in with transcription machines. They told administration they had wasted enough of the doctors' time and they were having no more of it.
I'm sure we'll hear of some successes, but it sure isn't getting rave reviews from the majority of users. Someday, maybe.
Remember Nipper, the RCA dog with its head tilted?
Well, sometimes I feel like poor old Nipper as I try to listen oh-so-carefully to dictations. Can anyone offer some suggestions/opinions as to what headphones are really good for transcription? Currently I am using the headphones from an old portable cd player, and now I'm wondering if there are some headphones that are especially good for transcription. I've checked out a few websites, but there are so many to choose from. Does anyone have a favorite?
I remember my first job quite a few years ago and making about $2 an hour until I learned...sm
the account, got used to the doctors, learned how to efficiently research etc. I also needed to create my own expansion program as the system I worked in back then would not allow an outside expander. Keep at it and good luck, it will get better.
Sorry if that's the way you feel.
I am a very polite person.
I feel the need..sm
to once again bring up some important information. To work as an MT you should have a medical spellcheck, books, wave player, foot pedal....the basics. If someone is hiring, they do not want to wait while you obtain these things, you should have the basics. If they require special equipment, they will state this and also if it is provided or if you need to provide it.
Testing...SPELLCHECK, LOOK UP TERMS...sooooo important. The number of made-up terms and misspelled English terms is running high these days. If you are testing for a position, you want to have looked up every single word in that report if that is what is needed for you to understand what the report is about. Never guess on a test. Leave a blank and a sounds like spelling to show you do not guess but were unable to document an answer. However, there should not be more than one or two in any test...odds are you were meant to demonstrate the ability to verify and find terms and comprehend the context of the report enough to be able to locate the correct terms.
It is hard getting started, do yourself a favor and be sure you have put your best foot forward. Spellcheck your resume. Take extra care on tests. Triple check everything that you submit as representing you as an MT.
know how you feel
Hi I went to that school to and there course does not prepare you for the tests that well. When you do take some tests you will see! I am thinking about going back to school to learn more...There course was to easy....and transcription is not. I hope you have some luck! try any company even if they require experience, look at the web site MTDaily it might help if you have not looked there yet.
I know how you feel
Don't give up. Read, listen and type - you'll get it. Like my husband's friend would say, you can't learn to fish by reading alone, you have to go out and fish. Just keep on.
Why do you feel that way?
Why do you feel that you should have chosen M-Tec over career step?
Well, thanks everyone. I feel much better
I need to have more patience. I won't be afraid to call when (if) the time comes. Thanks also to the poster who described more indepth what overhiring is. That's a good thing for me to keep in mind, regardless of where or when I apply for jobs.
Thanks again everyone! You are all great!
I know exactly how you feel!
Guess what we attend the same school and I'm just two lessons away from graduating, and i been trying to get my feet in the door but ain't nobody opening the door for me.But I have faith and my grades are good and I know all that grammer and punctuation stuff. I believe in the Lord and with him all things are possible. However, there is some negativity floating around here, but hey that is with any job and any where you go you gonna have to deal with it whether you at home or outside. I have been testing for about a month now. I have people turn me down and tell me to try again and some just don't respond, but I don't let that stop me because the shape that the world is in today in the end everybody gonna need a transcriptionist. So keep your head up and best of luck to you
I understand how you feel.
I have asked questions and have received responses that made me feel like I was annoying someone. It can be very discouraging when someone makes you feel imcompetent for asking questions. Good luck!
Feel so dumb - HELP!
If you're transcribing a report about someone with sinusitis, and the doctor says the ___ are red and swollen (and it doesn't sound like nostrils or nares or membranes) what could it be? And in the PLAN if he says ___ fluids, rest, and follow up within 7 to 10 days....what could he be saying. It almost sounds like "Push fluids." Can anyone help? Thanks!
I've been there and know how you feel...sm
First of all, do you have a text expander? This really helps out a lot. Also, if you are able to, keep a sample of all of the different reports by all the docs that you have typed handy. I'm allowed to print off reports (crossing out the name and other personal information with a black marker of course) and keep them in a 3-ring binder for easy reference. It really helps to look back at a sample of an H&P or discharge summary, especially for docs that dicatate the same thing all the time. Your text Expander will also come in handy for things like that too - physical exams and op notes that are always dictated the same. I know it can be frustrating, but practice makes perfect. The more you type, the better you will become! Hang in there!
If this makes you feel any better......
On my first day, regardless of college course I had passed, it all sounded Greek to me. Learning in class and actually sitting there real time is a lot different. It helped to know that the medical records director, who was a RRT as well, hated transcription and ran as far from it as she could. Made me feel better to know that at least I was hanging in there doing it.
Now I feel badly...
I apologize for my previous little tirade. I think maybe I was out of line in my response to the person who thought we might be doing work out of India. We really are not. I do think that a lot of people on medical transcription boards are a little too negative, and I don't want to become one of them. For all you newbies, transcription really is a great job. I have been at it for 16 years now and absolutely love the freedom it allows me to raise my family and make a decent living. The only problem is that it is hard to get started, which is where the idea of the internships began. Obviously, we would be getting something out of it, but I feel like we are offering probably more than we would be getting. My suggestion for all the newbies is to work extremely hard at it for about a year and then the rewards will be great. Have a good day. Blessings to all, especially the person I trashed. Jen
I understand how you feel susan
I am also a RN in Montana and I starting school though MTec. I a very excited about this career change. Hospital nursing was why to stressful for me. It seemed like when I finally felt comfortable caring for the amount of patient I had they would increase the patient load and increase the paper work. I never felt finished everyday with I returned home from work I would think about things I forgot to do or didn't have time to do them. I was very frustrating from me. I just just recently took an office job at little non profit company. I love the job and the patients, I took a $7.00 per hour pay cut to work there, it was totaly worth it. Althought I would really like to work from home and leave the politics at the office. I plan on working part time to gain enough experience, to make enough money to be able to leave my current position.
I'm working, why would I need to make myself feel better?
I'm sure if they wanted them to know, they would have told them. I think you know we don't give out names here!!
Facts are facts! Good job cheering them on though!
well, tell that the MT that just lost her job. I'm sure she'll feel better.
x
No, I did not feel as prepared as I could have been. See message.
I have been working as an MT for a little over 4 years. I am a CS graduate, and if I had it to do over, I'd choose Andrews School or M-TEC.
Almost all of the books you receive from CS are written by the lady who started the school. The other 2 schools use real reference books that contain a LOT more. That's one reason the other 2 cost more. Since graduating, I have purchased quite a few of the textbooks used by Andrews and M-TEC, and have improved my education significantly.
Also, the other 2 schools have real instructors who go over your work and point out errors, and help you along. At CS, your work is "automatically compared" against the same report done at some unknown time and place by some unknown MT, who may or may not have done it correctly. All you get is a comparison between the two, it only shows the differences, like holding two pieces of paper up to the light to see if everything matches. Whenever there are differences, it's up to YOU to figure out which one is correct. The only time a real person actually looks over your work is when you take your final exam (which over 50% of students fail the first time they take it, and that statement comes directly from CS itself, not from me).
Yes, I did get a work-at-home job after graduating from CS. But I feel my first year of work was a lot harder, I spent a lot more time looking things up, there were a lot of things I would have learned at Andrews or M-Tec that I didn't learn at CS.
Why do people feel they can scam their way into this field?
With inferior educations for cheap and now wanting to lie to get jobs? Whatever happened to working for what you earn and telling the truth? :-(
I also feel the money is slowly slipping away -
I started off being paid on a gross line and making 60K a year. Those accounts dried up. I now struggle to make 25K and I am a fast, accurate MT. I do enjoy the work, but enjoyment does not pay the bills.
I honestly do feel for any new MT entering this profession. SM
Pay has gone down considerably in this industry. I believe this is a combination of large transcription companies who focus on large quantities because they have to in order to keep their client base and stay in business. A huge factor, in my opinion, is the ever increasing number of overseas transcriptionists who work at a much lower wage than we do (of course, their cost of living is lower), and the alliance they have with many of the Indian owned transcription services who operate out of this country (well, at least they have an 800 toll free number and use a U.S. adress, when in fact, they are operating out of India and not paying taxes like American businesses). I have 26 years experience in this profession and make probably 15% less money than I did over ten years ago. There are many highly experienced MTs who are having a hard time with a company fit during the past few years, because everyone seems to be sacrificing quality for quantity.
Keep searching and some company will let you get your foot in the door. One of the largest U.S. transcription companies (I won't mention the name, but most know who I am referring to) are likely losing veteran MTs by the dozens as we speak due to the recent negative changes. I believe this will make the job market even tougher for the new MT. There are many experienced in the profession who will be and probably are "shooting out" resumes as we speak.
My advice to you, as we were all new once, is to get your foot in the door of a local clinic or hospital, put your time in (at least 2-5 years) and learn as many specialties as possible. The hands on training and staff that you will have at your disposal in the medical records department will be invaluable and crucial to your future in this profession. Working from home as a new MT has many, many disadvantages, mainly the low pay and high rate of competition out there. With production pay, you will find yourself making less than minimum wage quite often. It is sad that many schools don't bother to inform you. Good luck and stay persistent. Something will come your way.
You're quite welcome. Feel free to e-mail me in the future :o)
Oops--- meant to add...explain your concerns & go with the one you feel most comfortable with.
x
Unless you can work in-house somewhere, I feel the at-home MT who can make good money is a
s
Newbies
Hi Sarah,
It can be very discouraging and frustrating. Not to burst your bubble, but it may be very difficult to start off working at home if A) you did not go to one of the "big" schools and B)you have no experience. A lot of the schools will have partnerships with MT companies so they can plug you right in to work; I know Andrews school, MTEC, Career Step, VLC...those schools can offer assistance with employment. Unfortunately, it's a little tougher through community college! I know it's not what you want to hear, but working at a small office or even in a hospital setting would be key to starting to work at home. You will have to put in some time outside of home to get some practice before a company might allow you to test and work for them at home. Not saying it's not possible to work at home right out of school...just difficult.
newbies
I absolutely agree with CMT. I also graduated from a local school and was blessed to be hired by a local company (2 weeks after graduation) who hires newbies on occasion. Although, many companies did allow me to test for them. I would suggest going the office route for now and try to work something out with your employer maybe after a few months' time. Send your resume to everybody. There are new jobs everyday. It is time consuming and frustrating but you will get something. Stay positive.
Newbies, etc.
If there are any newbies or wanna be's out there who would really like help getting going and are willing to put in the time and effort, I can help. The pay will be minimal to start, but with LOTS of hard work, you can raise that fast. There are two must-haves before I will take you on. If you answer yes to both questions, you will be on your way to learning. Please e-mail me to see if we can work together. I am in Illinois.
MT Newbies
I just wanted to say something on a positive note.
There has been a lot of talk about being a MT newbie, following directions and resumes, etc... I am a newbie myself. I am still in school; however, I sent out some resumes and I received several job offers. I am employed now and I can tell you that one of the reasons that my MTSO was interested in me was because I followed their directions. My resume was short, but I tested well and I got the job. My advice to all newbies is to take your time while submitting your resumes and follow their requests. You could get a call too.
So, to all the newbies (including myself), keep your heads up and keep on plugging away. There are companies out there that are good.
Keep Smiling!
MT newbies
newbies
contact transcriptionmatchmaker.com and maybe they can place a newbie - I've sent a lot of students to that website and they have been placed.
Newbies
I worked at a hospital and had no help. I was the only trancriptionist for 12 doctors. I applied for the job having no idea what it consisted of, was given two weeks--and a the end of the two weeks, the hospital administrator would tell me if he thought I could do this type work -- and also, I would tell him if I felt I could or could not do the job. I fell in love with the challenge and worked there (between three maternity leaves) approximately 7-8 years. I kept the medical dictionary close by. I must have done all right since all of the doctors seemed to like my work. But, there was no one to help with the terminology, etc.
NEWBIES
Does anyone know of any companies who hire newbies? Thanks!!
newbies
I have been at this for a over a year now and still consider myself a newbie. best bet is to find a local account and get some experience and hopefully, you may find someone that is impressed with you and want to help you. as far as just getting an account on line, it would be pretty hard, first of all to find a job, but most of all, it would be hard on you when you are home alone. take the time to learn, school teaches you some stuff, but you really learn through experience.
newbies
Hi,
I replied to you via email, subject "pay for newbies".
Cindi
I wish the newbies would come here and ask or
otherwise investigate schools to get the real scoop before wasting their money and then coming here complaining they can't get a job.
newbies
Unfortunately this is usually the rule of thumb, no experience, no job. Especially in this field, it is usually not open to training newbies straight out of school from home. I would highly recommend you finding a hospital/clinic to get at least 6 months training in ahead of applying for any job to be worked at home. Been there, and sure was happy to go home to work, lots less stressful than working with a bunch of nagging women, although I have to say, I do have plenty of nagging women with All Type Inc., the company I currently work for. They love to send IM's and E-mails to harrass the employees, and I have learned to just laugh to myself about it!
who hires newbies?
I am a recent graduate from our community college and I have been looking for at-home work for a few months now. I am determined to make this work for me, but finances are running low and I am a bit discouraged. What companies hire new graduates?
Newbies are getting hired.
I didn't have to pay big bucks for my education and did just fine. I also got hired with a national right out of school and have never had trouble getting offers and the best pay.
If you haven't been to one of the other schools, you should keep your opinions to yourself! What's right for you may not be for someone else and vice versa. I get so tired of hearing crap like yours.
I could create what you call a top-notch school in no time. It wouldn't take a rocket scientist to do it either.
Newbies getting workq
I too had a job before my MT course was completed.
I scored well on the preliminary testing with a couple of job prospects. I had to work hard on the account specifics part of the transcription but the effort has been well worth it.
I started working part time, with the lowest pay I had seen since my yournger days and felt I asked way too many questions. A year has gone by and now my hard work is rewarding me. It can be done.
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