Newbie/Student reply
Posted By: Saras on 2005-12-05
In Reply to: could we all try this again - Snow Bunny
1. When a job post indicates that a resume is to be pasted directly in the body of the message, why would you attach it? Do you have a specific reason for doing that?
I, personally, wouldn't attach if requested not to do so (as has happened in other responses from me to non-MT companies). However, I can see the OCCASIONAL error of doing so, but not as a 'norm.'
2. If the job post states that you must have your own equipment specific to the job (i.e. foot pedal for *wav files, C-phone) or provide your own high-speed ISP), why would you apply for the position if you cannot afford to buy the equipment?
The only possible explanation for this is ...... frankly, I can't think of an explanation. Personally speaking, I wouldn't apply for an IC position if I didn't have the correct equipment (or I might ask if I'm considered can I have 'x' time to acquire that equipment, if not, its the MTSO's prerogative to say no).
3. Is there a reason you submit an application with spelling errors, poor punctuation, etc.?
Hmmmm, I check mine, unless we have a conversation going (i.e., exchanging letters, IM's, etc) and I'm not horribly serious about the job (at least in the beginning of the conversation, that might change dependant on the information I've received).
And, now, a statement/question from me ...
4. ... Do you feel that I have the right to ask you, the newbie, to re-listen to the original dictation and read the “new report” with all the blanks filled in, but not pay you for this time? Would you be willing to do that?
I think this is a perfectly reasonable request, and any newbie (like me) who wouldn't choose this option is short-changing her/himself in learning and expanding their knowledge base and allowing him/herself to grow and become more valuable to the current MTSO (or a future one).
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Newbie/Student response
I am not yet a professional MT, as I am still in school and have been unable to find employment, but from what I have learned so far in school I understand that paying attention to details is one of the most important aspects of being an MT. If this is actually the case, why would anyone take a possible employment opportunity so lightly as to skip directions or misspell words on an application? For those of us who are trying very hard to find work, this is rather insulting. An MT is supposed to be proficient in grammatical skills (!!!!!), so anyone applying for a position should have enough respect for himself and the company that he is applying to that he would at least read the instructions on the application. I am not trying to be rude or cruel in any way, but I just feel that so many errors on an application would most likely discourage an employer from hiring the applicant.
Another thing, when looking for employment last night I accidentally stumbled across an Indian transcription company. On it were many testimonials from employees and hopeful employees of the company. There were so many misspelled and out of context words in these statements! I know that my grammar has a long way to go; that’s why I keep and handbook by my side when I am trying to perform professionally. Why is it that so many companies prefer these people that can’t even use English well over Americans that are studying to perfect the use of our native language? I am having a hard time finding any company that is willing to hire a new-grad, so all of the bad grammar coming from the Transcriptionist on that site hit my mean bone. Please don’t think I am a bitter, sarcastic person because I am not. I just find myself a little erked at offshore companies. I know that I will find I great opportunity soon enough.
AHP student also
I'm a student with AHP and speak via email/forums with another AHP student. We're both in the 'early' stages (I'm on course II, she's on course I, I think). We're excited about the possibility of work, and pay little attention to negative comments.
We're both adding to our education with books/resources mentioned by other schools ... and frequent several forums. I've heard of several other AHP students that started working immediately and are still working (I'd have to research to find them tho, I read too many posts LOL). Take heart!!! Feel free to contact me if you want ...
New MT student
I just recently enrolled in a MT course through at home professions. I am currently working as Registered Nurse at the hospital. I am planning to have a family in the next year or so. I thought being an MT would be perfect for me to stay home with the kids. I have been looking at all the job openings, I am worried that is going to be difficult to find a home based job without experience. Is that the case or am I just paranoid? Thanks
MT Student
If you are an MT student, my question would be why wouldn't you just ask your teacher that question?
MT Student
Usually, when someone refers to "resources" they do not mean other MTs. Part of your schooling is to learn how to figure out things and search for things yourself; at that point ask your teacher; that's what your paying her for!
Student MT
Hello,
I am in the process of completing my education, 4 more chapters to go, in medical transcription and would like to know if anyone knows of a company that is willing to hire student transcriptionists. I desperately need to find employment and can not wait until I finish my course. I have already completed my education in medical terminology and received my certificate.
I have asked the school, Allied Business Schools, and they told me that they could assist me but I should wait until I complete my education and receive my certificate. I do not think I can wait any longer for employment of some sort... bill collectors are starting to hound me.
Any suggestions would be very much appreciate.
Glenn
MT student
Hi,
I am a fairly new MT student and I attend Mtec. For any of you who believe that getting an MT job is like pulling teeth then I would like to suggest that you go to the Mtec boards and read the posts there. So many of the graduates from Mtec seem to find jobs and plenty of them upon graduating. Of course, you get what you give too. Meaning you have to put your time and effort into learning this stuff and NO IT"S NOT EASY! It is an 18 month course or less if you can do it in less time and they prepare their graduates. These short-cut courses or colleges who tell you that after 3-6 months you will be working as an MT are full of bull. I am sure you have all even read that you have to work 2 years in the field to be able to work from home. Not true for Mtec students, they are working from home right after graduating. Anyway.... just thought you might like to check them out for those who are seriously interested.
Cindy
New Student Help
I am just now beginning to actually type transcripts, my study materials don't tell me what font or size to use, I have chosen Times New Roman 12 and my transcripts don't look the same as those in my lessons. And here comes the lamest question. I am typing an H&P and on the heading it looks like the underscore is bold but I can't get mine bold? Already frustrated 
Reply
Trust me I know that I am not going to get rich of the first job that comes along. I am looking for a job that will help me gain experience so that I will be able to compete with experienced MTs later on for a better job. I do somewhat expect something out of my time even though I am working from home. The instructors do tell the MT students that they should ask for at least 7 cents a line. It does work asking for that amounts in some cases. I have a friend that was hired in a training program that started at $10 an hour for training and after 90 days, she went to 7 cents a line. I guess it just depends on the company and the programs they have available at the time.
Reply to your reply
I'm sorry....How do I find this "concerned"? Thanks for your suggestion...:)
Reply
I don't agree with the tone of the message I replied to.
Reply
Being a well-educated "newbie" myself, I completely agree!
reply
Thanks for all the great ideas. I worked really hard on my resume, but maybe I should try a different format. Yes, I am keeping track of the places I've applied. Some of them won't even talk to me again for 6 months after I already applied. No, I haven't sent thank you notes. That's a good idea. Thanks.
reply
"Wait until the old-time MTs retire" was meant as an illogical sarcasm, not an insult. As a disabled person, I cannot travel an hour to and an hour from a job every day. I went into this profession because I was mislead that I could work from home upon graduation. I did do in-house training as part of my education, and in a perfect world, which it is not, a hospital would be built next door to me, but I won't be holding my breath waiting for that to happen. I believe even new MTs have value, everybody does, so I think we all deserve a chance to develop rather we are at home or in-house. In-house jobs are being outsourced rapidly and the hospital where I did my externship at is not hiring new placements as each MT moves on or retires. I'm sure that hospital is not the only one doing this. For that reason, it seems that more MTs may be needed and I think that mentoring from existing companies would benefit both the company as well as new MTs. It would take longer but I think it would pay off for both in the long run. Rather a person has been doing this for 25 years or for 2, everyone had to be given a chance and mentored somewhere along the way. We all just need a chance.
reply to new MT help
Thank you so much for the insight 'kimismom'. I greatly appreciate it.
Thank you so much for your reply...
Marie for understanding what I was talking about. I am not saying that the school I have decided to go with is the greatest or anything, but I just can't believe that it is the worst. If I turn out to be wrong, then I will just have to get into a program that is a good one. You know what I mean. Well, again thank you for your support on this issue. Hope everyone out there that has gotten into a program of this sort has good luck with it all.
Thanks for your reply!
Thanks very much for your response. You really lifted my spirits. I think working all alone at home causes me to loose perspective and to forget the bigger picture. In some ways, I miss being in an office each day where I can talk to my coworkers and feel connected through the work that we do. Being an MT at home can get pretty lonely.
I immediately related to all that you shared. Yes, I do look up a lot of stuff, and I probably spend more time than I should. I'm afraid of typing something senseless into the report, so I look up the stuff I have never heard of just to make sure it fits with the context of the sentence. I ask myself, "Did he really say femoral hernia? Yes, I think he did say that because I looked it up and it fits with the dictation." Over time, I suppose I will stop doing that so often. It will really speed me up when I can confidently type what I am hearing.
I still have trouble with drug names, but I am little better than I was when I started 6 months ago. I am slowly learning the more common drugs. Yesterday, I had a doctor rattle off about 20 drugs for his patient, and I was able to spell and type them without looking them up. For me, that was a milestone, and it made me feel good to accomplish it.
Thanks also for your thoughts about speech recogntition editing. My employer has not offered to train me, and I have not volunteered. I feel like I have enough to learn without adding even more. Maybe I can start editing someday in the future, but for now, I hope they just forget about me and let me learn to transcribe the old way. I will remember what you said about Clinic work. I had not thought about the very short dictations consuming just as much time with ADT and lookups. I see that really would be slower, now that you mentioned it.
In school, all of the talk about jobs and income was rosey, and they had me believing that I could be earning a decent wage in a few short months. Brother, was that overly optimistic! Hearing that you struggled so long to get some speed and worked very long hours each day makes me feel a little less alone.
I really like what I am doing, and I really don't want to quit my job. I was just depressed last night. I am going to keep plugging along at minimum wage, and hope that things look better a year from now.
You've added some sanity to my thinking. Your response was just what I needed.
Reply
Only hyphenate if it is used as a verb.
New MT Student - Arizona
Hi,
I just started a MT program this week. I will be graduating (in 2007)from Gateway Community College in Phoenix Arizona. Just wondering if any on this board has attended Gateway and what your experience finding work was after graduation.
It seems like an excellent program and I'm excited to be starting something new!
Also, in the future I'd like to go on to Radiology or Ultrasound (not as an MT) ; has/does anyone here transcribe and work in another health field? I'm asking this because both the Radiology and Ultrasound programs are two year programs - that require you to attend full time; not something I can do working outside of the home.
Thanks in advance for any responses. I'm happy I found this board, it's going to be of great help to me during my schooling.
Student and working
Well I can say this, I am a MT student at Career Step now. I am also taking their coding program. I have been subcontracting for a few months now for a couple of different places and I was just hired by another place yesterday so it can be done. 
New MT Student and need to know if I should continue?
I just started the Career Step course thru Canscribe at a cost of about $4500 CDN and I'm starting to wonder if this is worth doing or not? I don't need a huge income from this, I'd like to work at home, and still make upwards of $15k/year. Does that seem reasonable? Or should I pull out now while I can still recoup some of my course costs? What would you do? I tried to research as well as I could beforehand but I'd hate to put in all the time and money only to be no further ahead.
nervous student
Hi, I've never posted here before but sometimes come here looking for unadulterated opinions on being an MT. It seems like the perfect job for me. I've always done very well in English class. I have a very easy time remembering things, and I think the medical field is very interesting. I'm currently taking an online course (CS) and am wondering if I should simultaneously enroll in local classes. I'm really nervous about becoming an MT because it seems there are so many horror stories posted here. My training is going very well and I'm enjoying it, but it is all pointless if I don't find gainful employment. The most money I have ever made in one year is $16,000 so I'm hoping to do quite a bit better than that. I am not a stay-at-home mom looking for a second household income; I need to support myself and get out of debt. There are so many negative posts here though that I can't help but worry. Is it just that this is a gathering place for people who want to complain while there are many happily employed MTs that just aren't interested in visiting this forum?
I am a student at Andrews.
I will be graduating shortly. My experience so far has been AWESOME. I can't tell you how well prepared you will be at the end of the course. I too am a CNA and was thinking about furthering my career in healthcare. BUT now I have two beautiful children and wanted to do something that would keep me closer to home. The only warning that I would give you is about the daycare thing. Even just studying, I can see how mentally demanding this job is going to be. I am going to enroll my youngest in a local pre-k (just down the street) for a few hours a day just because. I know there are many people that do wonderful jobs all while taking care of their children who are with them during the day, but I sincerely believe that just starting out you need to have a few hours of uninterrupted work time. I love the ads that have children sitting quietly beside their mother and the mother is smiling and "transcibing." Yeah, right! That being said, I love Andrews. We have a wonderful, supportive, private board and many grads hang out there and share all of their experiences. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong with either school. Hope this helps.
MT Student Has Question
Hi,
I am a medical transcription student at Sinclair Community College in Ohio, and I am taking a business communications class that requires me to interview a medical transcriptionist. I don't know any MTs personally, so I was wondering if anyone here could possibly answer 10 questions for me. I would really appreciate it!
Thanks in advance!! Here are the questions:
1. How long have you worked as a medical transcriptionist?
2. What certification have you received?
3. What attracted you to pursuing a career in medical transcription?
4. What type of environment do you work in (i.e. from home, physician’s office, hospital, other).
5. What do you think are the most important skills a medical Transcriptionist should have?
6. Did some skills come naturally to you, while others required more practice?
7. In addition to transcribing medical reports, do you engage in other forms of business writing while on the job (such as memos, proposals, or progress reports, etc.) to clients, coworkers, or supervisors? Please explain.
8. What do you think is the most difficult aspect of medical transcription?
9. What do you find to be the easiest aspect of medical transcription?
10. As a medical transcriptionist, do you often need to collaborate with others to ensure that all the information in your reports is correct?
THANK YOU!
I'm a current student
And now I'm worried after reading some of these responses. I only chose this program because it had a better price then some other ones out there (about $400 for a certificate program versus $2300 for another one that came with a "free" laptop). Unfortunately, money is tight for me so I had to factor that into my decision. Now I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to find work with my "education" from them...
its as good as the student who ...
does the work. If you don't do the work, you can't blame the school. Unless it was like TRSI, which is a horrible school. They ignore student emails like mine, they have teachers come and go every month (I had FIVE in 1 year!). If CS will answer your questions as you do the work required, then to me, that is a good school, or at least one sign of a good school.
reply to this post
I understand what you are saying and can see the reasoning. One of the problems is that the employer does not know how well you can do the job because they won't even let you test with them being a newbie. They aren't willing to see if you can make the grade. Many of us who are new have done very well in out course. Meditec may not be one of the top ones, but Davenport University specializes in business courses and I felt that they did not do an adequate job in teaching MT, that is why I went with an on-line course. Not all of us are able to AFFORD the top three school's to go to. There is no way I could have afforded it with what my daughter and I have been living on for the last two years while I was trying to better our life by going back to school. Better, ha! all I have so far is loans that I am paying for because like I said in my first posting, locally, there are no transcription jobs and the closest city is around 50 miles away and financially it is not possible to travel there daily for part-time work. Maybe, if someone would give us newbies a chance, they may just be surprised!
Reply to your post.
DMK -
I am interested in working with you. I have a wave player and am willing to obtain Word Perfect. Please contact me.
Thank you,
wrc
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Thank you,
Moderator
Reply to Amanda
I understand that EvCC students get access to the CS forums, as every one can. However, as an EvCC student, you are not able to take part in the Spheris Training Track and the new partnership with Focus Infomatics that is being put into place. That is true.
I recommend CS because I am a graduate from there and also an affiliate member. I think it is a great opportunity for some where as EvCC might be a better opportunity for others for certain reasons.
I am all for quality MT training, whereever one can get it. My personal experience is with CS and I like to help others know that the same can be true for them.
Sorry it took me some time to reply (sm)
It is totally normal to be nervous when you first begin a job. I have been an MT for a long time and I still get nervous when I first begin a new account. You will make mistakes, and that is to be expected. My best advice for you: Always be polite to QA. Do not take their advice personally. Thank them for the advice that they offer and let them know that you will always be open to that advice. Do not be afraid to ask for samples. Many times they are available. Make notes of all QA feedback and keep those notes on file. That is the best way to prevent repeat mistakes. It also shows that you value your job and are serious about learning the account. Good luck!
question to your reply
Which schools are considered the "better schools"? I've been researching but keep getting conflicting info.
Thank you soooo much for this reply
I started this course and had no idea how much was involved -- I am currently working (not MT) and have 4 children ranging from 12 - 16 years old -- second marriage--they are all very involved in sports and school so I wanted something I could do at home that was flexible enough to allow me to care for their needs--I have been frustrated at times because by the time I get home form work and taxi cabbing, dinner and homework I am too exhausted to spend the two hours a night that is needed on this course -- I am not giving up though -- no matter how long this takes I am determined to graduate!!!!
Reply to post.
Thank you so much for the post. It has helped. I am planning on calling around tomorrow to a couple area hospitals to find out if they take students for clinicals. My instructor said she would take whatever help we could give her in finding a site for clinicals.
MT student seeking advice
I am currently enrolled in a Community College MT certificate program and will finish in December of this year. The MT program is fairly new at this college and they don't yet have any internship or trainee arrangements with MT companies. I am completing Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Medical Transcription courses next week (summer session) with A's. This fall, I will be finishing with my last 2 required courses, Pharmacology and Medical Transcription II.
I am ready to work and would like to start gaining experience as soon as possible (part-time or full-time). I am a 42-year-old professional with 20+ years of business experience, including corporate management, and I also hold a BS degree. I would like some advice on finding companies that will employ me now -- before I have completely finished the college certificate program. I am extremely committed to producing quality work and I am ready to start proving myself. I welcome any suggestions, Thank you.
Why would you ask this question on the New MT/Student Board? nm
??
New Careerstep Student, Need Advice
Hi everyone,
I recently started the CareerStep program and I need advice on any good websites that have additonal study info? or reference books? or memberships? What is the average starting pay? etc.
Current MTEC Student
Robyn,
I'm a current MTEC student hopefully getting ready to graduate in 2 months and I would 100% recommend the school. You made a great choice. It is intense, but by the end you will be a wonderful transcriptionist. They do train well. Good luck in your studies.
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Reply to state question
NC.....
honest question reply......
 Maybe they don't read all the posts b/c some of them can get pretty long. They are just trying to help, thats all. They don't mean any harm as far as I can tell. I don't think its anything to get anxious about though.
Sorry that was meant as a reply to OP, not Jenn. nm
.
Never heard of them, probably wouldn't hire a student from them.
Best advice I can give: Invest in an education that gives a recruiter warm fuzzies, and be on top/near the top of that class.
Would you want your surgeon to graduate from a cheap university on a remote island?
MTinTX gets kickback for every student she recruits
X
New student, are ergonomic supplies worth it?
I'm looking into ergonomic keyboards, chairs, etc. Are they worth it? Are there any items out there that you think are trash, worth the money, or "must haves"? Any other advice to a new student of M-Tec is welcome!
Thanks in advance!
Requesting student info about MT programs, please.
I want to hear from recent students completing the MT programs - how did your MT program work? Was it all just work at your own pace? Did you have any classroom time or any time that you had to join an online class? Did you have good communication with your instructor(s)? Did they answer you timely? nything you would have like to have seen done differently in the program you chose? How long did it take you to complete it? Did they help you find a job?
I know I need the education to fill in the big holes on the little experience I have. I will be getting info from schools like Career Step and Andrews and MTEC but I would like to hear from anyone in or graduating from those programs, too.
Please feel free to e-mail me.
Thanks,
Roz
AHDI Student Alliance has a mentor
program set up. If you can, visit the AHDISA website. Just post that you are interseted in the postgraduate mentor program, and they will give you more info.
Website is ahdisa.org
Good luck!
Reply deleted -- Do not post against policy. (NM)
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Reply to message about the previous posting
Yes, I have sent an email to the person that had that posted. I am still waiting on some more information. Thanks for the suggestions.
Reply to Microsoft Word Questions
How much info goes on second page depends on the document itself. It is highly unprofessional to have only two lines only or two lines and then a signature. If that's the case, change your margins and put it on one page or push more of it over to the second page. Only two lines in a paragraph or on a page is considered orphan or widow lines; there is not enough information to know for sure that the information on the other page really does go with those two lines--it leaves room for the possibility of confusion or switching of documents--which is way bad.
Left justify should be on your toolbar across the top of Word and looks like several lines which are even at the left side and uneven along the right side. The center key will be the next one and the left justify will be next, then--if it is on your toolbar with be left and right justify. This key looks like several lines, which are perfectly even along the right and left sides (like the newspaper).
Hope this helps.
I am a student noob--throw me some work, I won't say "no"
I am a MT student and almost done with training. I am also a registered nurse with my BSN AND I was a Navy journalist (so I can type and copyedit like mad). I am willing to take some work from someone if they can walk me through the set-up (equipment-wise, all I have used is a foot pedal) and everything I need, etc. Maybe a little instruction on templates..
Not so picky about the pay as I would like some experience first..I will NOT post my resume on a public forum such as this, but I will be more than happy to send it to you if requested. Please email me ******. Thanks!
****Edited by Moderator: Please do not post email addresses. *****
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