Read my message more carefully so you can comprehend it...
Posted By: Alicia on 2005-12-27
In Reply to: I could care less what school you went to... - MTSO
I'm not aking for anyone's pitty...! I'm saying that if people like you want MT's with experience then they need to be hired by someone in order to get that experience. I'm not asking for "top of the line" pay like experienced MT's and I resent you implying that I do!!!!
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just carefully follow whatever directions are given...sm
and focus on a nice clean report with excellent grammar, punctuation, etc. No one expects you to follow a complicated template and layout for a test but they do expect you to follow whatever directions they give you (and I would recommend to a T). Re: "If I land a job than doing it this way would be time consuming" - you wouldn't be working that way on the job so don't worry about that. But note that you did utilize the incorrect "than" - should be "then" - and things like that are what the MTSO's notice. 
And read on...
Hello there but you have graduated from the wrong course to "pay" for your intelligence/ability/everyday expenses...transcription does not "pay" it is all being sent over sea...and to be precise, "India" as India has a great college program for such and are willing to work fro 1/4 us American workers with a much higher cost of living,so I say who do we Americans look down upon...ahhhhh....would seem thouest government.
Please read
It is fantastic that the student graduated with honors from the MT course.
However, trust me, that does not equip them to receive pay that experienced MTs get for acute care work.
The mere mentioning of it tells me that you have not a clue of what you are in for or where you stand.
The honors MT grad should lower their expectations just a bit. :)
Please read
I think you need to understand that this industry is evolving very quickly and your skills will probably not have much time to develop to stay in the game. Only the most skilled MTs will have a chance at true transcription; it is being sold out to editing for voice recognition and offshoring.
It will take you years to get your experience, even after an MT educational program, to make this a profitable career for yourself. You will more than likely start out making minimum wage (at best) for the first year or two. If you can mentally survive the extreme challenge of working from home while learning MT work, you have a chance.
I would seriously advise against it. Especially with you not knowing anymore than you seem to and stating it seems interesting. One would have to have a true love and passion for this work to start it and survive it in this day and age.
Please, any new MTs, please read
I want to give you a piece of very pertinent advice. It comes with all the care and compassion I could possibly have in my being:
Please do not focus solely on medical terminology in your studies. Poor command of English grammar and punctuation is as devastating as poor medical terminology.
I cannot count the times that I have not been able to hire someone who has fared well in medical terminology but lost out due to English grammar and punctuation errors.
Please know the differences in past, present and future tenses. Please learn the appropriate uses of commas, semi-colons and colons. Please learn the difference between plural and possessive. Learn how to use articles appropriately.
You will do yourself a world of good professionally by nurturing your English grammar and punctuation skills as much as your medical terminology, etc.
The reason I am telling you this and not the experienced MTs is because I have had to argue them into a corner because they simply do not believe they are capable of making mistakes. Please never, ever feel that way. Every single one of us do. We always will. However, a mistake is one thing; complete lack of skills is another.
Do not allow yourself to be closed in the mind or heart to improvement. Some editors do not have good rapport, I know, but that is their shortcoming, not yours. Just glean what you can and keep your spirit strong.
Thank you and I truly wish the best for all of you!
You can read all about both
coding and transcription careers at the Andrews site because they teach both. Coding usually pays better, but most jobs are at a hospital or office. I would only recommend transcription to someone whose talent is strictly on the English language side. Coding still uses the terminology, but it's more of a treasure hunt to recover as much codable information and help the hospital (or MD) collect all it (or he/she) is due.
Read Read Read
I suggest you start here and read as many posts as your eyes can handle. Do a Google search for MT forums, go to them and read some more. I guarantee you will find more information in this forum and the forums all over the web than you ever thought possible. Fellow new MTs and experienced MTs are a wealth of information, not only about the trials and tribulations of going thru school and finding a job, but all the stuff that comes with actually working as an MT. Good luck!
You really have to read some
of the posts and take them with a grain of salt. Not all MT companies are so cut throat with QA and all. Yes, there is a lot of knowledge to learn, and yes, a lot of it you will learn once you actually start transcribing. A good program will help immensely. Some posters tend to be vicious and will start pointing out your spelling and grammatical mistakes just from making a friendly post, and you just have to learn to ignore those posters/posts. There is a lot of helpful information on this board and some really friendly people as well. Don't fear the unknown and keep your head up! Most of us are here to help! 
I have read that
I should wait until I get a client like you said and I see that it makes sense. In your experience, do physicians in smaller offices generally use microcassettes or wav files? Even if I don't purchase ahead, I would like to have an idea what everyone else uses or recommends so I can scope out sources for purchasing. Thank you!
Hmmmm........obviously did not read
her question correctly then. She asked what SCHOOL is the best to choose. Her question was not WHETHER OR NOT to enter this field. By the way, I am over it.
Have a good day!
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!
Maybe you should read before you post.
"I don't remember anyone mentioning Spheris. Maybe they did. I don't have time to go look."
Please read through the posts below (sm)
and be forewarned that there are so-called "companies" and "MTSOs" out there who say they hire newbies but then ask for money upfront in order to work for them. Bottom line: do not pay to work, except for purchasing your own software and equipment. Reputable companies and MTSOs will not ask you for money and will not need you to buy a footpedal from them. Take care and good luck!
Christie - Please read. (sm)
I did clean up this thread. However, I'm not deleting every single post because it is offensive to you.
This IS a public forum. You should probably get a thicker skin to post here. The posters were trying to give you some advice, though not quite in as tolerant of a manner as we would like to see.
If you have any issues, it is best to report them to the Administrator or myself.
Goldbird
Has anyone read this book....?
Hello all-
I had gone to the AAMT site (now AHDI) and found the e-book entitled Getting Your Foot in the Door: Two Years' Experience Not Required. Before I purchase it, I wonder if any one has read it and if it had any good tips for an MT that does not have the 2 yrs that is spoken about so much.
Thanks in advance. 
don't believe all that you read on this board.
I have worked for Medquist for a few years, and I think they are a great company to work for. There have been a few bumps in the road, but they hear the MT's and are trying to correct them. The pay is good, and the platform is excellent.
You need to re-read your post. You did
not say you asked for a back-up account, you said you asked for "another account." You also stated you were tired of begging for what you want.
I never proof and never re-read
Even in school I didn't proof or reread or re-listen. Unless there's a word/phrase I can't understand, my foot is on play the whole time. I tried proofing long ago but that just messed me up and slowed me down. I've had 99% accuracy consistently for over a year and it saves a lot of time.
No disrespect, please read
The problem I have here is that my address and all my info are on my resume on a COMPLETELY unregulated board--do you see my issue? I am so willing to work for someone, but anyone can access this site and get personal info--such as my address and contact information. Is there more a secure way to do this?
Definitely read the thread below..
I am happy that Annette gave such a clear cohesive response..in that one MT course will MAYBE get you clinic work..but you will no way be ready for acute care until you have had a minimum of 1-2 years of training. MT is a difficult and technical and the best training is on the job..no doubt,with a great mentor... and I just do not see all the time needed to get proficient as worth it. If you have time to take the course..I would recommend coding as well...and a terminology class before hand..might help give you a small foundation of understanding. Good luck
Read the website
Read the AHDI website under Under CMT elibibility it states.... "Although any candidate is eligible and granted permission to take the CMT certification exam, two-years of transcription experience in the acute care (or equivalent) setting is strongly suggested for success on the exam."
So apparently they have changed their mandatory 2- years of experience requirement.
Read through previous posts here...SM
This topic comes up frequently, actually. Your school SHOULD be offering you placement assistance - ask who hires their grads. Try local hospital/doc offices, and keep applying. I wouldn't buy equipment because you never know what you'll need for a job. Purchasing some references would be a good idea, though.
I think you should re-read what you're talking about...
There is more to it than you think. Banter on a message board is not going to get you $$, so if you're implying that people are promoting CS for the sole purpose of getting the moolah, you're wrong...
My gosh, a grad from M-Tec/Andrews, obviously trying to discredit CS. Who says it doesn't happen? Oh..that's right. M-Tec and Andrews says it. Right.
I just read a post about Ascend
The same thing that happened with proficient transcription is happening here, so everyone beware
Please read my thoughts on this, Lisa
I think part of the rub from your post, Lisa, is that you seem to think that you seem very self-centered. Honey, unless you have a disabled child that requires you to be in that house 24/7, you do NOT HAVE to work from home. You just want to really bad. Nothing wrong with that!
However, just because we don't tell you what you want to hear does not mean we are being rude. You just simply don't want to hear the truth.
You even said in one of your own replies that you have decided that your children's welfare was more important than hitting the TAT expectations. Great! You've made your decision! At this time in your life, this is probably not for you.
You can have it all, just not all the same time dear. Concentrate on getting your babies into school, then sit down and concentrate on your career while they are safely looked after in school and learning.
I don't see any reply to your thread as rude in the least. Even the newbies who are encouraging you will probably come back shortly to say they have had it with this profession because they cannot make what they want. Most do.
You've taken the really tough road by starting out at home. Learning inhouse is far better, easier on you, and easier on your family, actually.
While they see you typing at the computer all the time right in front of their little faces, they believe that computer is more important than they are. Wait until they are out of the house with school and then work. This way, when they are at their safe, loving home they feel their mommy is really there for them, not the computer.
Trust me, even later as teenagers, they will constantly complain that all you do is work, all you do is sit in front of the computer. You have tough enough times ahead! Don't rush it!
Good luck, dear.
You can read this New MT board and answer
nm
Read thru all the New MT pages and make
s
Read Only Memory Blip...
Well, even though my little retarded but put out the read only memory blip, I still passed the written portion of the examination, so she sent me the transcription portion. I guess I will start work on it tonight. I hope I do okay on it. I have to put in at least 1 week notice with my boss though. I hope the new potential boss doesn't mind. I do have to get away for the first one though. The last one I did, I made 30 bucks, but I put in 5 hours too. Just too much, and I couldn't use my Expander at all.
Sorry, that should read "Do not provide..."
Forgot the drop-off point there.
I am willing to do transcription for free...please read why!
I will be graduating shortly. I understand how hard it is to get a job in this field without experience. I know that 2 years is preferred but I also figure that some is better than none. I have been doing free transcription work for free in return for a letter stating I did work for you. I will only be doing this for a short time so take advantage of this offer! This would be a great opportunity for any ICs that have an abundance of work right now but do not want to hire anybody, or if you just want to lower your workload for a short amount of time. Let me help you...so it can help me! This is a serious offer! Serious inquiries only!
BTW, if you are going to comment just to be rude or insulting, please don't comment at all. We all have to start somewhere.
see message
There is no difference in training. In general, I think it would be easier to start out in house if possible. There will be other people to help you with questions, etc., plus most in house positions are hourly positions. You may still have a quota to meet, but at least you can count on the hourly pay.
Your training would need to be very good to start out at home in the beginning. At home you are pretty much on your own. You will need good reference materials. Most at home positions are paid by production. That is good if you are fast. But if you are just starting out, you may not make much in the beginning.
All of this will depend on your individual needs and wants. I think the best case scenario is to get a job in house for a couple years, then transition to home. Good luck.
no message...........
@
See message
Long story, but the bottom line is after they switch me to something I'm unfamiliar with they tell me they don't have the time to train me on it, so where do I go from there. Then the company instituted some 98% accuracy policy and new QA policy. I would never met their expectations so why bother? If they were accommodating, I would understand, but they don't have the time. I understand that. Just want suggestions to assist me so if I try again will be more prepared.
Thanks for your message
Guys thanks for your messages. It was helpful.
See message.
If you are an IC, they only need your SS number. If you are an employee, then they need two forms of ID, such as driver's license and one other (maybe copy of birth certificate) and your home address.
A lot of companies who hire people for IC positions don't know the law and ask for all kinds of stuff.
They don't need a copy of your SS #, only your number.
See message
First of all, I can't believe the company did not provide you a foot pedal.....hmmmm. Anyway, try going to www.transcriptiongear.com. They have every kind of pedal. If you call their toll-free number and tell them you need a pedal for eScription, I bet they will know what you need. Also, you could try going to www.escription.com and asking questions on their forum. Good luck-!!
Please see message.
First, do an extensive search on the internet for medical transcription companies, then test with the ones that will allow you to. Even though some companies may say they require two or more years of experience, some will waive that if you do well on their test. Try Spheris and Sten-Tel. They are known for sometimes hiring newbies.
Second, don't get discouraged! It can take a while to land your first job, but be persistent. It took me about five months for me to get my first job. Once you are in, then you will be gaining the experience required for applying for other jobs down the road.
Third, NEVER pay to work! This might sound strange, but there really are scammers out there ready to prey on newbies desperate to get their foot in the door. Some will say you need to purchase their software, or a footpedal directly from them, but you don't. You can always purchase those things independently.
Best of luck to you!
see message
Webmedx and Diskriter also provide the computer to the MT!
nm = no message, sm = see message,
M-Tec is the actual name of an excellent on-line school. Google that spelling plus medical transcription and you'll find the website. The other school would be Andrews, do a Google search the same way. Read about those programs and see how yours compares.
These 2 schools are worth every penny because students do get jobs right away.
see message
I've been with Spheris 5 years....the supes are decent, pay on time, platform is fine, insurance not good, some accounts end up in India, some will not, pay is average. I have been on same account 4 years.
See message
You said, "I know that many people who are extremely bright and smart cannot get hired because of lack of a certain certificate from only certain schools, which I think is crazy to limit the hiring process based on that only."
The reason for this is that after testing "x" number of graduates of XYZ school and finding out that 90% or more of them could NOT pass the employment test, companies decided to stop wasting time and just tell those grads that they need 2 years' experience.
On the other hand, after testing "x" number of grads of Andrews and M-Tec and discovering that 90% or more COULD pass the employment test even without experience, companies agreed to waive the experience requirement and allow grads of those schools to test.
Sure, there might be a few people from the not-so-good schools who might be able to pass, but who has that time to waste to weed them out?
See message...
Occasionally, you will see a Veterinary Transcriptionist job advertised on our Job Seeker's Board. If you search "veterinary" in the Google box (MTStars) above, you will see related past posts.
Moderator
See message...
It is fine to post constructive criticism, but let us do it in a polite and thoughtful manner. Many MTs come to this site for enjoyment; therefore, they may write a quick post without editing. Regardless, we all make mistakes...no one is perfect.
Moderator
See message...
We do not grammar police at MTStars. As was stated, MTs come to this site to relax, for enjoyment. If one is searching for employment, the appropriate avenue is to send a resume to a potential employer. Whether there are mistakes in one's resume is not the problem of the posters here. A simple post here will not always be an accurate portrayal of one's skills, and I think it is unfair to assume such.
Moderator
See message...
It is grammar policing. It is not appropriate here. We do not allow employment-seeking posts on the boards; therefore, the posts here are not directed toward potential employers. If you spot a mistake in someone's post and you feel the need to say something, please do it politely via E-mail.
Moderator
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From what I've read from other students who have graduated from those programs, you shouldn't have a hard time finding work once completing the programs. They have a really good reputation and so companies hire right out of the program. Iwork from home, but I also work as an RT 1 day a week at a hospital, so I don't feel isolated. When I did work completely from home, I felt isolated. Personally, I need the social contact. I think as long as you stay active with your friends and family, it shouldn't be an issue. :)
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I have a Toshiba and I love it. It has 4 USB ports and a very good quality sound card. The only drawback is that it is loaded with Windows Vista and not XP. So if you are thinking about going with a company that does not support Vista, you will be out of luck.
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I am sure I will get all kinds of bashing for this one, but I am going to be honest with you and tell you that you should probably just LIE on your job application and you WILL get a job. Most companies never check prior references. Put on your application that you worked 3 years in-house in the hospital in your town and apply for one of the companies that may not be the best, but are always hiring, like Focus or MQ or something along those lines. When you get the job, you can gain experience from there and then move on to a better company in the future. Again, I'm sure I will get bashed, but you have to pay your bills and no it is not fair that you can't get a job without experience and no experience without a job.
Thank you so much for you honesty. The things you said are very true. I only wish I had read some
pls read hipaa link supplied above and.....sm
read the AAMT BOS....but bottom line, that poster Suzanne was right about one thing.....it's the client's wishes that count......you can only inform the MDs of the new changes in HIPAA and BOS but you cannot make them do anything they do not want to do...
It's good to read positive posts...
I can't really say I'm discouraged because I haven't put my self out there yet. Once I start applying then I can determine whether it was worth the money and time or not. I am going to apply to every company I can find and I'm going to send resumes and letters to all the Drs in my area and see if anyone will "bite" and help me get my foot in the door! Thanks LISA
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