Just graduated.....where should I start?
Posted By: Chelle on 2009-05-05
In Reply to:
Tomorrow night is my last class. The school does not help with finding jobs. Any suggestions as to where I should start looking?
I saw a posting for PT entry-level MT position with Rider & Associates, Inc. Does anyone know who they are and are they reliable?
I was told by a former graduate form my school to look out some companies are not cracked up to be what they seem.
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I graduated from USCI and had a job before I graduated, but....
I already had a BS and MA in education and five years of teaching experience, not to mention my own tutoring business before I went to MT. That's what got me my job, I know that for a fact. (All three of my employers have commented on my "great resume".)
If you can't afford to start over with another school like Andrews or M-Tec (I forget the other Big Three school), I suggest you go to ebay and buy some extra tapes to use for practice and include those in your resume. For example, I realized about 3/4 of the way into my studies that I had not done enough research on my school. I bought HPI/SUM tapes from Ebay, AAMT tapes from Ebay, and I forget what else. I did a TON of extra work. My resume looked great, and I did get a job with no problem.
It's not impossible. USCI or AHP does not mean a death sentence, it just means that you have to work harder to impress.
If you want a copy of my resume, just email me. I did have all three employers comment on it, and I have been in my current position for almost a year now.
Good luck!
Just graduated.........
I am now looking for work. Most employers want
you to have actual experience, which I do, but
the training does not count. So now I have to find
someone who will hire me. Are there any companies
that recent grads?
I just graduated
J--I just graduated, so now I am on the hunt!
I had a job 3 mos before I graduated from AHP, but...
I would still recommend one of the Big Three if I had it to do over again. I had no problems getting a job as an AHP grad, however.
I graduated from CS...sm
and I had 3 job offers within one week, all for work-at-home positions. I had the same concerns at first, since CS was so much cheaper, but I read about how many of their grads were getting work-at-home jobs right away, so I went with it. I felt totally prepared to work, and my employer has been very happy with my work.
Soon to be Graduated !!!
Well I am waiting for my final exam to come back and I will be graduated and looking for a job !!!! Woohoo....
I went through a long grooling course with M-Tech but I loved it !!!
Wish me luck
I graduated AHP and...
I have 2 jobs I love, one for a local doctor and a long-distance account for a hospital. I have received no complaints so far about my work.
If you graduated from one of the MT schools
that are recognized by employers as turning out job-ready MTs, you will have no difficulty at all finding a job. If you graduated from one of the schools advertised by the likes of has-been TV personalities, you will likely have difficulty finding work. That is because employers have had bad experiences with graduates of those schools (even the ones with As). If employers are not familiar with the school that trained you, they will likely not be willing to take a chance either, so you will need to look locally. Try small clinics, one-doctor offices, places that may not have such stringent requirements for training. That way, you can get that all-important experience in a lower-stress environment. Good luck to you.
Almost graduated and have questions
Hi everyone! I am new on this board and will soon receive my certification. I have one more semester to go with an internship and everything. I have a few questions though.
1. Is it wise to start posting your resume before you graduate , and if so, how much time before you graduate do you recommend starting this?
2. For a new MT, what is a reasonable rate of pay either per line or per hour?
3. Do the grades you make in school really make a difference? I have a 4.0, but some people tell me that they don't even look at how well you did in your classes.
4. How do you know a real online transcription company from a scam? I'm sorry, but I didn't even know that transcription scams existed before seeing some threads about it here.
5. (last one I promise) I am doing an internship for someone local this last semester, does this really count as experience or do you always have to do internships with the company you get a job with before actually becoming an employee?
Thanks to anyone who responds in advance!
Graduated from M-TEC in 2001 -
Been working at home doing acute care as an IC ever since! 
I graduated M-Tec Today
Woo Hoo !!!!!
I graduated in July...(sm)
...and had a job within a week of graduating. I completed the M-Tec program and didn't have any problem whatsoever. If you're an M-Tec or Andrews grad, make sure you put that in the subject line of your email!
Yes, I graduated from Allied
I graduated on Aug. 3, 2006, and it only took me a week to find a job. I just found a list of MT companies, applied, and tested at every one that would allow me to. You know, a year later, I don't work from home anymore, but I work at an Air Force base hospital making a lot of money. Just stick in there and apply everywhere you can.
I also graduated from Allied... sm
I found a full-time per diem position fairly quickly at my local hospital. However, they downsized a few weeks later and the four of us in per diem positions were let go. So I can TOTALLY relate to your frustration, as I am now also again looking. Hang in there, the jobs are out there.
Honestly, if you just graduated, you
would be doing your self a great disservice by working so little. There is still a lot to learn once you start working, and it will be very difficult to get up to speed working just a few hours a day or 1 day a week.
Also, a lot of companies will not hire a new grad at less than full time, and what you are asking to do amounts to less than 10 hours of work per week even at newbie speed.
After I graduated, I took about a month off.
When I started applying I was hired, the day after I began sending out my resume.
If you graduated from CareerStep, M-TEC, or Andrews,
But there are other good schools too. Those are just the well-known online ones. Just keep applying and applying--and ACE those tests. Make sure your resume is EXCELLENT. You'll find something. Good luck!
I have been working from home since the day I graduated!
I had numerous companies wanting me to test with them. The ladies I know who graduated at the same time I did echo similar experiences. I have also made excellent money. With the right training, the ability to be a good MT, and the drive, it can be done!
Can someone that graduated from Allied please respond...
Can someone that graduated from Allied please respond... I really want to here from current or graduated students.
Thank you.
I graduated from Penn Foster sm
I recently started my first MT job after graduating in December 2008. Because of this course, I felt right at home with transcribing hospital reports, which seemed to surprise my new employer. Penn Foster taught me the basics, and I've been able to apply what I've learned to looking up unfamiliar words, etc.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
I graduated the beginning of Nov. Email me if you like. nm
xx
I graduated from CAI years ago, always had work since
nm
I agree with the variable factor...I graduated
5 years ago from a community college program and was hired immediately at a national company. Started out making maybe 26,000; after 5 years with same company and many, many macros I finally made 36.5 for the year and that is with health benefits for entire family taken out plus extra taxes so we won't ever owe money.
Just make a whole lot of expansions, and if you get QA feedback be sure to note your blanks as they do pop up again.
Hope this helps.
graduated almost a year ago from a "Big 3" and nada
I graduated almost a year ago from a "Big 3" school and have had no luck. I am thinking I have to go for my CMT to get a second look. Ridiculous!
Until every American MT is working who wants to, and is qualified, for a living wage and affordable, quality health care benefits, NO MT work should be going outside the US. Get on it, Obama!
6 or 7 cents? :::snorting::: I made 7.5 at the job I landed even BEFORE I graduated from (lm)
The School That Dare Not Speak Its Name. I then left that job for another one making 8 cents. I am now making 8 cents a line from home, and my one-year anniversary of graduating from MT training is not until May.
Six or seven cents? Not in THIS life. And I have had NO trouble finding jobs. I still get people calling me based on the resumes I sent out back when I first started looking, and I have to tell them I am no longer looking for work.
Nice try, MTSO. But trying to convince people to work for 6 or 7 cents a line shouldn't play as long as some of us are here to bring a little reality into the situation.
I have finally graduated and accepted a position! I'm so excited!
For all of you still in school, don't give up! Get stubborn, work hard, and it will happen! Good Luck to all!! 
I agree! I had 5 job offers before I even graduated! Just make sure you test well... nm
nm
it will start low
I started with $200 or less every 2 weeks when I started. Currently, I make around $500+ every two weeks. That's good for me considering I am just doing this part time while taking care of my baby. Hopefully, I can bring that figure up.
Start looking now
It won't hurt to start looking now. I'd go ahead and start sending out resumes and test with any company that will allow you to test with them. One of the most important things companies need to know is that you have skills and a good base background. Actual experience in the market will come after you land that first MT job. Good luck to you.
Where did you start?
Where do newbies get their start? I have been applying everywhere, but everyone wants 2 years experience.
HELP!
Possible start...
I took the classes, graduated high in my group, etc. And I was facing the same problem; nobody wants a newbie that they have to babysit. I actually got my foot in the door through a temporary staffing agency, working in the medical clinic at the county jail. After that, I was on a role -- 1 more in-house position and now I'm an independent contractor. There are companies out there that will take a chance with a newbie (the lady that picked me up on contractor status, for example) and be very patient with them until they learn the ropes.
Don't ever give up (I've been fighting for this for 12 years now, and am finally able to say that I have 2 years under my belt)!
Where/how to start?
Hello,
I am currently looking to find a part-time at home transcription job. I have been endlessly looking at all different websites and just am not sure how to apply myself and what is real or a scam. I've been working as a full-time Certified Ophthalmic Assistant for the past 10 years as well as transcribing consult letters and in office surgical procedure reports. Though my work experience is all Ophthalmology, I do hold an Associates Degree in Office Technology with courses that included machine transcription, medical/legal terminology, business english, etc... I also took a refresher course last year in Medical Transcription. It was a 59 hour course which included medical terminology, typing with daily timed testing and actual transcription from taped dictations. I would really like to expand my experience and skills but am leary on who would consider me with my lack of experience in anything other than Ophthalmology. My speed was estimated to be 65-70 wpm but I have been trying to keep up on it with timed testing and practice. My accuracy was about 95%. Most places seem to want higher speed. I know I can learn and get my typing up to speed and accuracy. I am willing to do what it takes as I could really use the extra income. Any help to go in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. I just don't know where to begin.
Thank you.
Newly graduated MT - is it possible to find part-time acute work?
I was wondering if anyone has had any success finding part-time, IC, acute work as a new MT? 
This is a good start for you (sm)
In light of the fact that you are new, this is an excellent rate of pay with a reasonable (generous, really) production requirement, even though you may not be able to meet it at first.
Add 20-25% to it for the benefits and you'll be making more on the lines of $13.08. As an on-site employee you will not have to pay self-employment tax or overhead.
When people scoff at this rate of pay, remember that everyone starting out in a new career field starts at the bottom. You have to work your way up. As an MT, your value lies in your ability to produce quantity work while maintaining high quality. Newbies aren't able to produce much while maintaining quality.
The incentive pay makes this better, and if it has good benefits, then you're doing well.
The most important thing about this job is that it will give you experience. You NEED that experience. If you can get it while being paid hourly, so much the better.
Unless someone scoffing at this can produce a job for you which pays better, do not listen to them.
If you do not have a job and you need a job, you are in no position to be turning one down because it doesn't pay top dollar. Take this job and do your best with it.
Is this a good start
I've heard Sten-Tel is a good starting company, is that true? I need to gain experience. I recently finished up an internship, but need 1-2 yr experience to be able to work in clinics or hospitals in my area. So I thought if I could work online at home PT or FT(I need to make around $400/mo to pay all my bills) for a year, then I could start applying again at the hospitals... anyone have any good leads?
start up costs
to start up, you need a medical spellchecker loaded in your PC, electronic version of Quick Look Drug Book, high speed internet and Google. You will probably need to get some version of a .wav player in order to test. And for goodness sake, you don't go buying reference books full price at Barnes & Noble's. You get them used through the classified ads on MT sites and you only buy the ones that relate to your specialty. At this rate, you'll never be out of debt.
I would start with PT. Good way to
get your speed up, familiarize yourself with macros. Easy work - no drugs or labs, usually no ESL, lots of repetition. Start with PT and then go from there.
So it's better to start out in the clinic
area rather than the hospital setting? How do you find clinics who are hiring? I look in the paper and I don't see any.
I start Jan 8.....more inside
I start with the tech call on the 8th, training on the 9th, and begin work on the 10th. Any insight no how to start off great? Any recommended reference books? Are you employed with them?
Jill
Start in-house!
Meryl, I can't believe no one answered your post! If you are new, I highly recommend that you start in-house, as a lot of us did. You can get the help you need starting out. Benefits are usually good working in a hospital or doctor's office.
If you don't see any jobs in the newspaper locally, put out some feelers. I got my best job, one I have been doing for 13 years, at my daughter's oral surgeon's office. I mentioned I do transcription and asked who did theirs. Turned out the bookkeeper did it when she had time.
It is difficult to work at home just starting out due to the lack of the support you need.
Good luck, Meryl. We all wish you the best.
Start applying.
x
start stop
i do
how does a new MT start testing?
How does a new MT take tests to prove to employers she can do the work?
Start testing and see what happens ...
Good luck!!!
Want to start MT course this month
Hi -
I'm new and looking for information. I would like to start a MT course as soon as possible. I need a way to make some kind of income for my family. Right now I'm looking at Academy of Medical Transcription & Professions out of Maine and CareerStep. Would there be any recent graduates from either school that would be willing to tell me the pros / cons they found of their school? It's hard to compare and would like some input. There's some difference in money, but I really would like to take a course that is going to prepare me to start working right away after graduation. Any thoughts or advice?
Thank you for your help!
Becca (in MI)
great start...
I agree---the program gave me a great start. I have posted many times on Focus. If you search the forum you will see many posts.
Good Luck---Sue
bright start
I've been racking my brain trying to find a good MT program. I looked at Bright Start and it sounds good. They have the BBB logo on their page but I've yet to find them listed with them. That makes me a little leary. I did see though that you can take for an extra fee 2 levels of advanced specialty training.
If you graduated from Andrews, M-TEC, or Career Step, many companies will waive experience requireme
nm
Where to Start MT part Time
Any ideas on where I start if i want to get into MT part time at home? Do I join one of these places that you pay for them to train you? Take training on my own? HELP.. Or am I totally nuts and really dont want to get into this? I have had Carpal tunnel in the past and work full time also...
5.5 as an employee is good to start! sm
I started my first job at 5cpl as an IC, no benefits. If you are offered 5.5 cpl plus benefits to start take it. You will get more later on but you need the experience. I've been working 7 months now and just took a new job at 7cpl. You have to start somewhere and cannot expect to come into the industry making what experienced people are being paid/offered. Yes, many companies post ads and say they offer 7-9cpl, but you'll also notice most of them are also asking for the MT to have 3-5 years experience. Taking a lower wage when you are new is not belittling, it is reality. You can always work your way up. Also you can continue to job hunt while working and if you find better, great then switch companies. You have to start at the bottom, but you would be surprised how quickly you can move up if you are good at what you do. Good luck!
Even if you so happened to start out with no ESLs,
That can change overnight. The fact is that more likely than not in this business you are going to have to get used to them. :-(
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