Is your internship paid? Can you stay with it and get experienced and apply for an at-home job
Posted By: later? U need the experience! nm on 2007-03-12
In Reply to: Newbie finding it hard to get first job. - Florida Girl
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Need help from experienced MTs
Hi everyone,
I do not wish to intrude here as I am not an MT or even a student at this point, and I hope you will not hold it against me. However I need advice and after reading over the posts on this forum I felt this would be the best place to get it.
I was recently diagnosed with some health problems that are going to force me to make some serious lifestyle changes and I will have to quit my current job. My doctor suggested doing some kind of desk work and mentioned medical transcription. I have tried to find some information on medical transcription work but when looking on the Internet I am and unable to determine if the information I am finding is credible. For instance when I type in 'medical transcription information' in a search engine I am directed to MT schools and home courses and I am not certain if these are reliable sources.
I would like to ask the experienced folks on this board for information. What kind of training do I need? What are the best and most reputable sources of this training? What is the probability that I will be able to find work upon completion of my training? Also would it be possible for me to work from my home as my illness progresses?
I am so sorry to ask so many questions but I really do not know where else to turn. I want to approach this very carefully and not make any rash decisions. I appreciate everyone's patience with me as I know that newbies can be annoying. All advice will be carefully considered.
Kind regards to all,
Doug
Thanks experienced MTs
Thanks a lot guys. I am old fashioned and believe in coming up through the ranks, I just want to be paid what I am worth. I just do not know what I am worth. Thanks for all yalls help. (Yes I am from Texas!) I am sure that I will have tons more questions for all you old hands! Tks again- Kit
experienced MTs for 7 cpl? cheapcheapcheap! nm
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I am an experienced MT and I had the same conclusion...
with the Dragon system, it just isn't set up to do the kind of production an MT needs. It's fine for the lawyer doing some letters or even the doc doing his own dictation but for an MT to use it all day long doing 6-7 hours worth of transcription, the editing and correcting-- well, it's just as fast to type it right in the first place. So unless you're really slow or handicapped, I wouldn't recommend it.
Experienced MTs- Rescue me pls!
Hello All,
I am a new MT. I was certified with Career Step in Apr. I began working for Spheris in May. My line count is 100 lines per hour. I get paid 5 cents per line. Is this pay good for new MTs? Is Spheris a good company? 
Stay away!
I graduated from their program in October of 2008. The program was ok, but with limited availablity of instrutors. They rarely answered e-mails, and they take too long to score your quizes. Some of their rules were inconsistent as well. They also do not cover any modern transcription equipment, programs or techniques. I wouldn't go as far as to say that the eduction I received was insufficient, but it is nerely impossible to find a job after their program. I passed test after test, only to be told that my educational experience wasn't enough. I know that many people would tell you it is because the employers know that you can't do the job, but I feel it's because they are not familiar with the program. I finally got a job in the end of February, but that was after months of full-time searching. Honestly, this job was a miracle, and I love it. I won't go into it, but I didn't get this job by normal means. The truth is that unless you plan on working in an office for several years to get your foot in the door, USCI is a HUGE waste of your time and money. I ended up with an at-home job, but this is NOT the norm for their graduates.
Employment dilemma!!! Experienced MTs,
Hello everyone. I am a newbie. Not long ago I posted about having three job opportunities and how happy and fortunate I felt. I turned one down because the pay was excrutiatingly low--even for a newbie! The other was occasional part-time work for a day or two every month or so. I accepted that. Then I accepted a part-time IC position, which is what I really wanted.
Everything seemed fine--I was so happy. I took three different tests with this company (which I passed with high marks), an online interview, and a telephone interview. I went through two training sessions on the company software. And I signed all my contracts. Now....I have heard NOTHING from them. No letter. No introduction to my editor. No acknowledgement whatsoever. I've emailed them assuring my eagerness to work with them. But I've gotten silence. It has only been a few days, but still, doesn't it seem strange? In any other job I've had (all non-MT related), when I was hired, it was definite.
What should I do? Should I email them again? Should I send a letter via snail mail? Should I call? I hesitate to do that because it's a fairly large company and I don't even know if the receptionist will know who I am, since I never actually started working for the company!
I can't tell you how excited I was about this. I felt like I really "hit it off" with the company, if you know what I mean. I've begun testing for other companies again, just in case. I feel badly about it. If I get another offer before I hear from them (IF I hear from them), I'll most likely take it.
From reading this board, I've heard about "overhiring." Do you think I'm a victim of that? Folks, what would you do in my position? Thanks ever so much for any help anyone can give me!
I think Axlotl does but they hire more experienced MTs
I think Axlotl does but they hire more experienced MTs only (something to shoot for in 3 years).
Most of those experienced MTs got their jobs YEARS ago
without any training. With offshoring and voice recognition, only grads from the best schools can be sure of getting an MT job nowadays.
Stay away from Accutran
If you are looking for a job, stay far away from Accutran. They do not pay on time EVER!!!!
How long to stay with first MT job?
I have a question that I have not really been able to get some sound advice on and was hoping the posters of this board could give me their opions. I would appreciate any views.
The question is how long would you stay with your first (low paying) MT job? I am starting to make some fair money now, but am spending 12+ hours per day to do it, which actually comes out pretty low per hour. While I do appreciate the opportunity to be working right after training, I also feel limited by not having two year's worth of experience yet to try to move on. Most places seem to prefer MTs with at least the two years experience. On the other hand, I am getting very good work experience where I am and do not run out of work. I can't keep up this particular pace forever for what I am earning overall. Would you wait out two years for the experience?
Stay away from wireless...
...they're more trouble than they're worth. The ones I've tried have all had a slight delay before the sound reaches the headphones, which you can imagine is quite frustrating in this line of work.
Get one with a longer cord instead and you won't feel as tethered (though be careful not to roll over it with your chair!)
I recommend finding something with lots of cushioning around the ears for more comfort and better noise cancellation. A good one will cost a lot, but it's well worth it IMO.
stay away from Toth
Stay away from Toth transcription, this husband and wife team don't pay, Read the other posts. Good luck
stay away from Toth
Read all the posts about this company. Stay away from them, they are a scam, you work and work and will never be paid.
Looking and trying to stay hopeful??
Okay,..... so I am within a week of graduating from my Allied Medical Transcription course.. and have already started sending out a couple of resumes to a few different places.. but I'm finding it very discouraging that almost ALL the jobs require 'experience' .... anyone have a couple places that do paid internships? or will possibly give a NEWBIE a chance?? I live in Oklahoma... and to my dismay there are only like two transcription companies in the state.. that email addresses are valid.. I was considering going to the local hospital.. but not only does it pay honestly like 6.00 hr... I would have to pay for childcare... Yikes!? Any help out there?
Looking and trying to stay hopeful??
I am in the same boat. I graduated Dec 2007, no one will hire me due to lack of experience. How am I supposed to get the experience I need if no one will give me a chance. I am close to giving up now.
it's interesting to me that newbies want to make the same as experienced...sm
what I did was beg my way into a job for next to nothing ($5 an hour - this was 20 years ago and it was an 80 mile round trip hike). But then I got experience and moved on from there. It never fails to boggle my mind when I post a job opening and get 700 responses, including newbies who believe their MT teachers who told them that is what they should ask. Remember you are competing against 699 other people who want that job, including people who have years under their belt. So what makes newbies think they are worth that? Bottom line is, they aren't, and proof is: What does the market bear? If newbies were worth 6 cents a line, they would be hired at 6 cents a line. You cannot believe all the work that I have to do to take on a newbie. The last one I hired offered to do it for 3. She was smart. Rather than get 0 lines at 6 cents she is getting 2000 lines at 3 cents - and "buying" her 2 years experience. In two years, she will be in the job market while the other newbies are sitting at home, pouting that they can't get their 6 cents a line job. JMHO. I know there are some who will flame me for this but like I said, bottom line is newbies can't get hired for 6 cents - therefore proves not worth it. It's sure not worth it to me.
6 or 7 cents a line for EXPERIENCED transcriptionists? SM
I don't think any self-respecting experienced MT will work for you for that kind of money. I know for sure I wouldn't. Do you think we're all that hard up for work? It's an insult to our intelligence, knowledge, job skills, etc. You are a joke.
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.
&that rate is experienced MT. Figure you making
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From some of the posts I've seen on here I'd stay away....
apparently the pay sucks....and you don't even get paid for at least the first month that you work there. It can be hard finding a job as a newbie, but it can be done. You just have to apply/submit your resume everywhere, even if they say they want experience and if they will let you test for them, take the test. That's how I got my job and I'm making 8 cpl. And I got hired by a national before I was even finised with school by a company that said they wanted two years of experience. Don't sell yourself short by just taking anything that comes along.
I'd stay away as they charge you to test, a big
red flag that they are probably not legit.
stay away from focus infomatics (sm)
there are many many posts about focus infomatics on this board. it is not a positive experience.
You don't renew your agreement. You just stay with them until
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Total scam, stay away - sm
unless you have money to burn. Lots and lots of people have been taken by them unfortunately. I hope you have not paid them any money because if so you will never see it again.
That would be a clue to stay away if you can't find anything publically on them. nm
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If you are hired as an IC, is it harder to stay with that company?
Do you have to worry about renewing your contract every so often?
Indian company with base here in USA..stay away..I worked for them once.
I would rather work a lemonade stand before I would work for them again. When you first get the job, you might possibly speak to an American voice. After that you will be dealing with Indian Team Leaders, Indian QA..Indian everything. Not to mention the fact that the Indian QA will tell you that you are wrong on something when you are right. Also, once I had a team leader (Indian, of course)who questioned me on whether or not I knew what headings when into a physical examination...I was transcribing surgery notes. Nonsense like this happened all the time because I would point out the error that QA would make (usually Stedman's to back me).
There are great companies out there who are strictly USA workers, and they are posting on here all the time on the job seeker's board..you just have to keep looking.
Hope that helps! Have a wonderful day!
SOAP Transcription takes on experienced newbies for ER and rehab medicine. They use
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should I apply anyway?
When companies say they are looking for experienced MTs only, should I apply with no experience but a grad of one of the top MT schools?
Apply and see what happens (sm)
If you've done the SUM tapes, you've done them. Either you picked up what you were supposed to pick up, or you didn't. Try getting one of the self-assessment tapes from the AAMT testing program (they're retired tests), if they still have them. If you can do it and it looks pretty much like the transcript key when you are done, you've probably learned what you needed to learn. Try to get a service to test you.
If you cannot pass a national service test, and you cannot find a job with a local employer, then you would want to take a course.
Apply, apply, apply to everything...sm
unless the ad specifically says no new grads. I applied to everyting advertising for two years or less. You will be surprised at how many companies will offer you to test with them. I did not go to one of the big three schools and was still able to get a lot of decent offers. You have to have the confidence in your skills to go after the job! While you are applying and waiting, keep practicing so you are always on top of your skills. Read the ads carefully--if they only specify two years of experience and nothing about being new then apply to them! You should get offers to test with them and then let them see your skills! Good luck to you!!!
APPLY EVERYWHERE!
The work is out there. Go to the Job Seeker's Board and apply for everything that you qualify for. I even applied for some that said 1 year exerience and on my application how much I wanted the job in a one liner. I got hired by one of them because they let me due 2 live files. Just keep your eyes open; it only took me 2 weeks to get a job because I applied to lots of places.
GOOD LUCK!
Apply to everything! sm
I applied to everything wanting two years or under, unless the ad specifically stated "no newbies". The more you apply to the more companies will give you a chance. Once they send you a test that is where you can shine and get hired. A newbie can get hired..you just have to have the skills and persistence. Good luck!!!
must have 2 yrs to apply with MQ
nm
Don't apply if you don't want it.
x
yes, you can still apply
Spheris and Career Step have a partnership where you can start out at a higher than entry level position; however, you can still apply for a full-time job regardless of where you received your training. GOOD LUCK!!!
Apply anyway.
I am a new MT and I recently applied at my local hospital. I had an interview/test this past week. Even though they stated experience required, they are willing to consider new MTs if they don't get enough qualified candidates.
Apply, apply , apply everywhere and anywhere - sm,
you can that is my advice. It took me about 2 months to land a job 6 years ago, I applied my butt off too. I also made cold calls to local companies and landed a very small PT job that way (my first job), then 2 others on-line shortly followed, all were PT so I worked all 3, gave me very valuable experience in a very short amount of time. Just keep plugging away, determination is a big part of landing that first job. Do not take any job that you have to pay for either (other than leasing a computer), lots of scams out there. Good luck.
I wish I could apply
I am looking for pretty much the same thing. I just completed my course work for my degree and now am looking for work, but with no experience other than school and my externship it almost seems hopeless. I have visited over 60 sites and either applied, submitted resume, or been kicked out because I do not have the desired amount of experience. I am trying to be patient but I really need to start working. My ideal is to work from home, because my husband works a lot of weird hours and my son is on 18-months-old, but I have even started applying in my local area. If you know of anywhere I could look, or any tips that I could try I would appreciate it.
---Christina
Read - think i can tell you where to apply.SM
Hi - Go and apply at RIUnlimited - they hire new people - they do pay for spaces - they will pay you 6 cents a line which is low but it is a good place to start - i started there when i got out of school - they will hire you - Good Luck to you!
There's another one where you DO get paid... says
see link
I wish I could get paid this way again
When I first started out all I had to do was type the document, open up the information and get my line count, so much easier, even a return was a line. I had been able to keep it that way up until now where it is a 65 character line, with spaces at least though. I think I would definitely make more money with just plain old straight lines.
You must have already paid, huh?
AHP is a huge rip-off and the complaints outweigh the praises.
You paid for this?
David, I hope you're not saying that you PAID for a course wherein the teachers or moderators do not reply to your questions by email.
It might be time to go further up the food chain at that school.
Not getting paid well at first?
If you choose the right school, you won't have to be in the position of "probably not gettin paid well at first." You won't have to "work your way up," either.
Doesn't it make more sense to choose a reputable school with a history of placing students directly into decent jobs at regular pay rates?
Going with a crummy school because it's cheaper . . . or being blinded because it's more expensive . . . makes no sense. If you can't work at all, or you have to take a job at low pay just to get your foot in the door, you've wasted your time in the program and you are continuing to waste it.
I don't know what to think about people who encourage others to do the same.
For the life of me, I cannot figure out why students continue to ask about and enroll in these horrible "schools." Isn't the massive amount of negative information about them enough to steer you away?
her point was if you don't like the offer, don't apply...nm
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Look at the job seeker's board..apply everywhere
Regardless of what it says for experience, request to test for them. If you are good and pass the test, you may be given an opportunity. This is what I did 4 years ago. I got the job as an IC, and then not too longer after added another, and then another. I just kept replying to job ads and requesting to test. I passed the tests and was offered the jobs. Most of the time, I wasn't even asked about my experience. The proof is in the pudding. If you can do good work, are reliable, and are flexible in when you're willing to work, you can find something. You just need to get out there and start replying to ads.
Apply everywhere. All they can do is say "yes" or "no".
!
Apply for clinic positions & then ask if any GE/GI is available. Otherwise, you get hit with a
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...now. Might want to apply and get name on a future list
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