Newbie finding it hard to get first job.
Posted By: Florida Girl on 2007-03-12
In Reply to:
I recently finished an online course in medical transcripts. Now, I am finishing an internship. I am finding it very difficult to find an at home job. Most companies require at least one year of full time experience. If anyone has any suggestions, I would really be appreciative.
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Newbie finding it hard to get first job.
Yes. I should be done the first week in April. Will this count on my resume for experience? Maybe I am just impatient. I have tried some online tests, but I do find them very difficult, although I am doing quite well with the internship. Thanks for your advice.
Newbie finding it hard to get first job.
Thanks for telling me that. I think I will stick with the internship and take as many tests as possible. I am getting better at them. I do believe persistence will pay off eventually.
Finding work for newbie
I was lucky in that my chiropractor who has been my dr for 9 years was looking for an MT during the time I was wrapping up with my schooling. He offered me his account the week after I got my certificate. Local work will probably be your best bet, word of mouth through friends of contacts in the medical community. I also made business cards out and pass them out wherever I can. For now I am getting experience doing his transcriptions, even though its 'low volume' I am working. In time I am sure I will pick up more work along the way. I have also seen that working directly for a local dr/clinic you will make more money per line versus going with a national company. I am working as an IC and love it. Good Luck. :o)
You are trying to do it the hard way.
Contact one of the best schools, work at your own pace with all the tools and help you'll need to learn this craft efficiently. Your way is trying to build a house using toothpicks and cotton balls just because you have part of the framing up. ;oD
Really hard to say - sm
Graduated from MTEC 11 years ago and working at home as an MT ever since. Very burned out right now and actually considering coding, but MTEC does not do coding training. From what I understand anyway, most coders work in house. You need to research both career fields extensively and decide what might suit you best. 
finding a job
I am feeling a little overwhelmed with all of this. I have been doing overflow work for a company but I don't feel that they have a proper work ethic and am trying to find work elsewhere. I used to work for several doctors and am thinking about going into business for myself and finding my own doctors to transcribe for, any suggestions on fair line rates or any other advise would be GREATLY appreciated.
Finding a Job
I just recently finished my MT course and I am finding it hard to find a job. Could someone please give me info that might help me in my search. No one wants to hire a newbie.
Finding a Job
Tanya-I too am a newbie and I am so frustrated about not finding a job yet. It is hard to find a job anywhere, especially when everyone wants an MT with 2+ years of experience...how do we get this experience if no one will hire us?
Me too, and I am finding out...
that some companies use a VPN (virtual privacy network) to encrypt their data and that it is not very compatible with satellite. The acceleration process that satellite uses won't work with it. I had Transcription Relief Services tell me they couldn't hire me because of this, and I scored 98.2 on their test. However, the recruiter at Alltype told me that she thinks they have people using Hughesnet working for them. She is going to let me know. I am trying see if there is any way to find out what they use before I test.
Need help finding a job
Need help finding a position. Went to school and have at least 1 year experience. However no one seems to want to hire me. Any suggestions for me?
Finding a job
Hi. My name is Jennifer. I recently graduated from Allied Business School. I graduated from my MT class in December. For the past 4 months I have done hours of job searching and applied for at least 100 jobs. No one will hire a new graduate. Does anyone know a company that will give me a chance to show my skills?
Hard Decision
I am trying to decide between Andrews and M-Tec for my MT education. I realize this is beating a dead horse, but I would like to share some of the things I've noticed about the two and hope someone might have some insight for me.
Andrews: Has had an excellent reputation for a long time. You can take as long as you need to finish the program. Students have same instructors, i.e. everyone gets to experience REDPEN.
M-TEC: Very good reputation also. New website is very professional. Long list of well-known CMTs and AAMT members on staff. You are assigned an individual instructor. You need to finish in 18 months.
I've been weighing these things in my mind trying to decide. I had a bad experience with MT training before. I was completely dependent on one person for feedback, etc. This was great while it worked, but all of a sudden this person stopped responding to my messages, phone calls, etc. I never want to get in that situation again. I am attracted to M-TEC because I know I could track down some of the people on staff there in other contexts if need be. I realize this is probably paranoia on my part because neither program is likely to disappear like mine did, but... The no time limit that Andrews has might be good if an illness or emergency arose. On the other hand, a deadline could be good because I tend to be perfectionistic and overwork things before handing them in. I'm a little nervous about being assigned one instructor at M-TEC because this puts me in somewhat of the same position I was in before of being dependent on one person. However, I would be able to contact Susan Francis or Kathy Kropko if there was a problem I suppose. Still, I kind of like what seems to be more of a traditional classroom experience with a lot of students under one instructor at Andrews.
Thanks for any comments or suggestions.
Hard decision
First of all, let me say that you will get a good solid education with either school. That said, here are some further points to consider:
Redpen is no longer teaching trancription; she teaches coding now.
Andrews has been around longer, their teachers are more experienced, both in teaching methods and transcription. For instance, a recently hired teacher for M-Tec has only been a Transcriptionist for less than 5 years.
M-TEC only requires you to have an 86% score on your final exam to graduate; Andrews hold you until you get a score in the high 90s. Of course, you could compensate for this by just not allowing YOURSELF to graduate until you can achieve a high score.
HTH.
It's hard to find...
someone to even give me a chance. I've been really lucky so far.
Thanks for the advice though.
It is hard enough now for newbies to get a job, but if she
is going to take a program like this she will have a tougher time to find a job with a reputable company. There are 3 good schools M-TEC, Andrews, and Career-Step and there are companies willing to hire newbies provided they have graduated in good standing from one of these schools. Another option would be a local community college who might help with job placement. I worked for a company that used to let the MT student some into the office and do a short rotation to get real hands-on experience.
Some people are just determined they are going to do something and you can't do much about that, but I feel she is throwing away money if she goes this route. I don't have any personal experience with any of the above schools, but they all come highly recommended.
I had a hard time
I had a hard time getting through this course too, I found that I was marked off for things that were not wrong on the previous chapters. So I would argue every grade I got and although most of the time they fixed what they counted wrong they still never gave me a higher grade. I finally got finished with the course and the only job I got was one that has a severe history of not paying their employees. I trusted the school to provide me the jobs for life like I paid for and being new at this I didn't know any better, so I took that job and never got my money and when I contacted the school they said that they had looked up and researched that employer and was very sorry for all my troubles. I have not gotten another job yet and it has been since September. They do not provide doctors to work for like they say, they provide assessment tests and I have tested with hundreds and still had to take a part time job that has nothing to do with transcription work. I strongly urge you to research any job you get from them. I think the grade all depends on the mood of the grader that day, I did great the first half, above the expected grade and then about chapter 10 they were confusing on the grading and it took sometimes 2-3 weeks before they posted a grade and by then I was ready to submit my next test and was again waiting, Very rarely did anyone return my calls and so I e-mailed everyone that I had an e-mail address for with my questions, I figured somebody would answer. haha. It worked. Well good luck to you, but one thing I did find when I was working is that you learn so much more on the job than the school ever teaches you, Good luck to you.
maybe your reports are too hard
I am new too, but I know the answer as well. And I just type office notes right now at my first job going on 4 months. Hmmm.
Finding mentors
Where can you find mentors? I would thinks that those people that have gone through this would understand and want to become mentors for the newbies.
Finding Mentors
Can't be reached at that e-mail.
New MT needs help finding work
I have recently graduated from a medical transcription school (PCDI) and am on the computer or phone everyday looking for a job. Everyone wants experience and as soon as you say you are new, their mood changes and they aren't interested. Would anyone please give me any ideas where to look that I may not have looked yet? I am anxious to get started in the business.
Re: NEW MT needs help finding work
Unfortunately, your choice of school was not a good one. PCDI is considered one of the poorest MT training programs. That might be part of your problem. You would be instantly employable had you attended Andrews or M-Tec. In fact, you would have employers lined up waiting to hire you. You might want to consider acquiring further training with one of the premier schools that turn out job-ready MTs employers are eager to hire. Many people who have attended Career Step have also met with success in their search for employment.
finding a transcription job.
I read what you said about sending a flyer out to speech and language pathologist in your area. I graduated this summer from school and this actually sounds like something I could do. Thank for the idea. Just need to figure out the flyer part.
You might try finding a per diem or
part-time position at a local hospital just to get started. If you have some actual hospital experience on your resume you become a lot more attractive to an employer. If you have a husband or SO that can keep the kids in the evening you could try working then. That's what I did to get started 10 years ago.
finding jobs
Alicia,
I completely understand what you are saying. You said NOTHING about pay and just want a job. Just ignore the nasty attitudes. People like that obviously have nothing better to do than to get their BP pumped over petty things. As for your question, I found out through my own experience when looking that sometimes even if they say 1-2 years experience, some will still allow you to test. Quite a few companies were willing to test me even though they stated they wanted experience. I say apply to everybody that requires 2 years or less. Worst that can happen is they say no.
Here's a tidbit on the ladies who have a hard time keeping the peace, next time you go "off" on somebody, you may want to stop and think about it. She could be the neighbor that made sure you had a few hot meals after the loss of a loved one. You can easily say what needs to be said without being catty, leave that to the tweens!
God bless and Happy Holidays!
Finding a job after hiatus
I graduated from Career Step in Dec 2004 and worked part-time for Medquist from February to November 2005. I haven’t worked in MT since then but would like to find a part-time job for weekends and/or evenings. Do you think any companies would consider hiring someone who isn’t presently working in MT? If you know of companies that hire based on passing their test I’d appreciate it if you could tell me the names or websites. Thanks.
Finding a mentor
Before I started school I had a friend in the field. I really knew nothing about what she did and she gave me no promises of helping me when I was done with school. However, when I was just about done she suggested I come to her home and do a few of her reports for practice. I was really nervous. I did a few, she said I did well and I didn't hear much from there. Well, a month or two later when I told her I was actively looking for work now (I had had an interview somewhere else) she suggested I talk to her boss. Her boss had no one to train me so she offered. I really could not believe my good luck! It has been a wonderful experience. She helped me with all my software etc. Talking to everyone is the only way to get ahead. Besides her I had 3 interviews just with people in our area that I talked with. I am a very outgoing chatty person and I think this helped. I so appreciate the time and effort my friend gave me (she made money too). I has been really hard at times, but definitely worth it!
help for finding right online course
I have tried to get info on online courses and it is very hard, since i have no other MT friend to talk to. I was told to take courses from Ashworth(formerly PCDI) Does anyone know about this one? Seems like everywhere i turn, Career Step is always the most talked about. I realise they all have pros and cons but someone please help!!! Want to do at home training online. Had a year experience of part-time transcribing and did fine. Barely told what to do, but completed it anyway. I've had EXPERIENCE THE HARD WAY by doing this. Thanks
Finding Employment
H. Just keep trying. You will eventually find something. Are you only willing to work from home, or is outside the home an option?
As far as from the home, there are several companies who may give you a chance if you pass their test. Some of the criteria for some of them may say "3 years + acute experience" or something like that, and that may be so. However, some at-home jobs may say that on their criteria but may still give you a chance. Just keep sending in your resumes and testing with reputable sites. It may take a while -- maybe even a few months -- but you will eventually find something. Good luck!! :)
Hard to fiind MT job for newbies
Why is it so hard for newbies to get employed? You go to school and pay all this money and don't know one want to hire a newby. If someone knows please let me know why.
Its hard to even ask a simple question here...
Roxie, I have to respond to you. I feel as though you are being attacked here and it is just wrong. I look at this board and I have been transcribing about two years. I feel that many transcriptionists here are just rude. I know what you were asking and I can say that I worked with an internship program for three months and that got my foot in the door to work for another national company. The pay was terrible but that was okay. I just wanted to work and learn about the real world of transcription outside of the schooling environment. I am sorry you felt attacked. I hardly ever post because I see how new MT professionals get treated here. It is just a disgrace to our profession. Seasoned Transcriptionist must not remember what it was like to just start out. Give her a break. Please.
Hi Emtee! Yes, it is a very hard test (IMO)sm
I'm the kind of person who usually passes tests with flying colors, yet I just barely passed that test by the skin of my teeth.
They go by the BOS II book...so, if you have the book, make sure everything conforms to the rules in that book. I don't own the book (yet) and just checked the style board to learn of differences between the two books. Off the top of my head, q.4 h. (note the space between 4 and h), cancer classifications (some differences), using Arabic numbers for 1 through 9 instead of spelling them out, etc.
Don't give up! If you are able, buy that book. If not, use all the internet resources (reliable ones) that you can think of.
Good luck to you!
Regards,
Chickadee
HARD GETTING FIRST JOB, NO WONDER INDIA IS AHEAD OF US!!!!!
I finally got my first job for 6 cents a line. I found the job myself. Keep looking around and do not give up. I encountered a lot of road blocks. Everyone basically cares out themselves. Sad to say, but the majority of Americans do not care about teamwork, and helping others. That is why India and other countries are ahead of us MTs and many other professions. TEAMWORK
Hard work and determination will
to find you a job or help you every minute. No one is promised anything in life. In my day of beginning MT'ing, there were no computers, and there were no boards. So before jumping to conclusions and screaming about India, you need to look at yourself and what tools you have used to become an MT. No one is handed anything in life no matter what profession you are in, but I personally like hearing your input and wish you the best of luck! 
I guess I'm just not willing to work THAT hard
But you are right, if you are IC you have no health care benefits, 401k, etc, so you'd get paid more. Also working for 3 different companies helps. Good luck to you.
I think most of the new grads are having a hard time.
I still haven't found a job myself, and I graduated this May. I would go through your local phone book and start calling all of the transcription companies if you haven't already. Call the hospitals, too. Start applying everywhere. MTdaily has a list of companies and most of the companies have a carreer or job opportunity link on how to apply. I know how frustrating it can be. I am actually considering switching to legal transcription.
Dont' be so hard on youself
I never heard of the top three MT schools until I was well into Meditec. When I graduated I did not even make minimum wage with my first job (but I got a job right away). My first two week paycheck was less than $75 and I put in full time work. I spent a lot of time looking things up and double checking myself. Also, my research techniques and proofreading skills were stumbling blocks for me back then. Improving those two things sped me up tremendously.
I'm doing okay now. So, if I can do it, so can you! You will get much better over time. The more experience you get, the better you will be. You might consider ShortHand or some other expander. That is a help. However, my best friend is the Stedman Plus Medical Dictionary. I love that.
Good luck to you. Hang in there. We all struggle in the beginning.
God Bless.
I went to the school of hard knocks...
... working strictly for doctors' offices for 36 years, when my last boss of nearly 28 years decided to close down his practice. I was hired at one of the nationals, starting on clinical work with the promise to up-train me to acute care (and the promise has been kept). The same day I was hired, a brand-new graduate of Andrews was hired, to work the same accounts, with the same promise. As far as I know, my co-worker (the Andrews graduate) had no trouble finding a job.
For what it's worth.
hard work pays off
I am a stay-at-home mom, and I just finished the Allied program a week ago. I think the job market is bad for all areas. I got into this not only to be able to stay home with the kids, but because I love what I do. I think we have to work hard no matter what it is. It is not looking good anywhere right now. Best of luck. :)
finding parttime work
What companies offer parttime work for newbies in the evenings or late nights?
I didn't ask about finding work.
I asked if anyone knew anything about Gatlin Education Services.
Finding a Medical Transcription job
I should be working! I recently graduated with my diploma in medical transcription and am now sitting on my thumbs. How am I susposed to get the 2 - 3+ years experience everyone seems to want? I'm really discouraged. Have I wasted my time, money and energy?
Advice for finding employment?
I'm fairly new to this board, so I hope that I have posted this in the right place. I have recently finished a MT course and am looking for PT employment from home. I am completely overwhelmed by the number of companies when doing job searches. I was hoping perhaps somebody could offer some personal words of wisdom based on their experiences? I want to get in the door with a reputable company who is willing to take on a recent grad. Any advice? Thanks!
New grad finding employment
I am currently applying for transcription jobs as I just finished school. Some companies ask questions as part of their application process. I have trouble with these types of questions: How many lines per day can you reliably type? What do you charge per 65-character line? Being a new grad I have no idea what to answer for these.
ditto trouble finding a job
Hi everyone, my name is Angela and I received my certificate for MT about 2 years ago and still have not had any luck. If anyone has suggestions on good companys that hire entry level candidates I would greatly appreciate it. I am open to any suggestions.
Thanks,
Angela Rowland
Finding MT work with no experience
Hi,
I am a stay at home mom ready to re-enter the workforce. I am taking classes at a local college, Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, Medical Terminology, Medical Transcription, etc. I have previous secretarial experience, lots of data entry, transcription, etc. My question is, am I going to be able to find any work as a medical Transcriptionist without experience, and how do I get experience if no one will hire me?
Thanks in advance.
Hard to find MT jobs for newbies
I attended TechSkills. The course was 32 weeks. I have a desire of being a transcriptionist. By me being a firm believer that I can make a career of being a transcriptionist, my positive attend has brought me a long way.
Hard to find MT jobs for newbies
Lisa, unfortunately I expect that you are going to have a hard time getting a job with your current English-language skills. Even from these brief messages that you have posted, it is patently obvious that English is not your first language. In any type of transcribing or editing position fluency in English is one of the first requirements; if you don't have that, you are not likely to succeed.
Hard to find MT jobs for newbies
Ian, Please consider a career in MT. I have been truly rewarded as my career has changed from working outside the home as a surgical technologist to a full time mom. The field is growing by leaps and bounds especially with all of the outsourcing that is going on. this would allow you to work at home if you wish and work at your own pace. You would not regret it. Now as for the school, VLC is an excellent choice, but remember that you get out of it what you put in it. I am a graduate and have been working steady for the past 2 years and am now preparing to take the AAMT certification.
Good luck on your choice.
It's hard to tell because you are leaving out one important item
it says "can work from home after training period."
Is this a place that is local to you? Why don't you try googling the email address and see what comes up.
There are some hospitals that are willing to train people for this job, but I have found that happens in very very tiny hospitals where they may have something like 40 beds or less.
Per your own words, you're having a hard time.
Obviously you weren't trained correctly if you can't understand what the doctor is saying. Regardless, a lousy 36 reports and a piece of paper doesn't mean much. You're going to have to handle the truth one day.
Okay, but most people have a hard time living
in a different state from their family, let alone another country.
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