Requesting student info about MT programs, please.
Posted By: Please answer if you can on 2007-12-08
In Reply to:
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
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MT Programs
I'm currently a Transcriptionist and a friend of mine wanted to get into the profession, however she had a question that I could not answer. Is anyone familiar with if you are able to use Pell grants towards an MT school? I figured I'd ask everyone here!
TIA
typing programs
I used this website www.typingtutor.com and it was very helpful. You said you were using a MAC? I don't believe you will be able to use that once you are working, and I think that is a problem with training with M-Tec because of the software they use.You can check with them, but I'm pretty sure I saw that on their website.
Shareware programs
She said this is a set up fee that is the responsiblility of the MT. She use to pay the fee, but some MTs will leave after they get better. There are some shareware programs that the client requries and she is charged a fee when she add a new user the system. Does this mean I am paying for work?
Shareware programs
Thank you for your help. :-)
These programs are not required...
These extra programs are not necessary. CS grads can get decent jobs without them. Some prefer to have the extra training. The STT program prepares the students to start work with Spheris at an acute care level.
I cannot compare my education to the other schools and I do agree that the other schools may be better for some. For me, I had a medical background which included transcription. I felt that I would be fine without the one-on-one interaction. If I did have problems with the something, I did pick up the phone and called CS. The staff was very friendly and helped anytime I needed it. I am now a grad and am currently trying to decide between four different job offers one week after graduation.
No it isn't. Their programs are written so you
only have to have an 8th grade education to be able to take them. My teen took a class through them and he knew more than what they were trying to teach and there was lots of misinformation in them.
The saying that you get what you pay for is true here. You'd just be wasting your money because your chances of getting a job without further education or finding a menitoring program are very slim.
Mentoring Programs
Has anyone heard of the AIM Mentoring Program thru Allstate Transcription? They are asking for $99.00 for the entire 12 week program with possible employment at the end. I am wondering if this is a route I should go since I am having trouble getting a job.
Mentoring Programs
For those of you who have tested for the mentoring programs through AIM and Meditec, about how long did it take for them to get back to you?
Thanks in advance. :)
mentoring programs
Does somebody know which MT employment companies have mentoring or internship programs? Thanks in advance.
Mentoring programs
I applied to a company called Accustat (www.accustat-mt.com) and they responded that they don't hire new graduates, but they do have a mentoring program. There is no fee to join the program and it does pay a little, but I would have to purchase some equipment that I don't currently have. They also require you to produce at a certain level or they will drop you, but they haven't told me how much they expect yet. I guess that is what makes me nervous about it. I just can't afford to make financial mistakes right now. Has any one been through Accustat's mentoring program?
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 
OSI, Heartland Mentoring Programs
Just wondering if anyone has heard of these mentoring programs. I, too, am finding it hard to get a job with no experience. Are these programs worth it? Has anyone out there gone through these? Please give some friendly advice!
There are line count programs
available. If you use Word, you can go up to Tools, Word Count and take the characters w/spaces and divide by 65. That, of course, is assuming that you are paid for spaces - which some places do not do.
word expander programs
I am getting close to birthday time as well as graduation and want to ask for a word Expander program as a b-day present from my husband  Is there a decent priced one out there that still is easy to use and works well. I have heard of Smarttype but that is pretty expensive (though I hear well worth it) Are there any others
Intern/mentor programs
I am a recent graduate having difficulty finding employment. Would you recommend Allstate Transcription (AIM) or Meditec - both require a fee to join their programs but guarantee experience and if you reach the 98% accuracy rate, very high rate of employment opportunities.
I am not saying all apprenticeship programs are scams.
I am saying that in the not-so-distant past, the companies that wanted you to pay up front for training or wanted you to pay to work for them were scams. Now, I think that companies have found more effective way to defray the cost of, or in some cases profit from, hiring and training new grads. Yes, it is costly and time consuming to get a new grad up to speed as far as quality and productivity, but in the past, having a mentor train and provide feedback and guidance to a new grad was SOP. It was seen as an investment for the future in a way. Now some companies want you to pay them or to work for free during your "apprenticeship" which has made it even more difficult for the uniformed or the desperate to discern which companies are scams.
I have previously been advised not to post names of companies that do hire newbies because they get inundated with applicants that either do not have the requisite training or have no training at all. Also, most companies,especially the small to mid-size services, only hire grads intermittently because of the resources required to train them.
The very best resource for who hires graduates of your education program is the school itself. Often companies or MTSOs that have an opening or two for a trainee will contact the schools they know provide quality graduates ready to enter the job market. www.transcriptionresource.com has a rather comprehensive list of companies with links to many of their websites.
new mt mentoring programs or internships?
are there any good newbie MT mentoring programs out there? or internships?
thanks
Honestly, there are a number of MT programs that do
provide an education adequate enough to pass entry-level exams. If you went to one of these programs then you may need to take an honest look at your options.
There are a number of posts further down this page and in the archives regarding how to improve your chances during the application and testing process.
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.
Don't do it! Do a search on the New MT board for recommended programs. nm
n
Very few provide. Most programs get loaded to your machine from CDs or
s
Not all foot pedals work with all programs - sm
so unless you are buying a digital player like Bytescribe or ExpressScribe, etc. there is really no point to just buying a foot pedal. You may buy a serial port one and land a job where only a USB port pedal will work (it happens). So far I have been lucky and my serial port pedal that I bought with Bytescribe has worked for all but 2 jobs I have had. The one job loaned me a footpedal, which I returned when I quit, and the other I had to purchase a USB pedal for Start/Stop, unfornately that one was probably a waste of money as I did not like their platform or the work so will probably end up selling it here or on ebay someday. --but if you need one so you can take tests then download the free version of Express Scribe and get the kind they recommend to work that (I use a 9-pin serial port pedal)-- though it would probably be smarter to get a USB pedal if it works with that as I think more companies use the USB pedal, though sometimes it is all in the set up of the program/foot pedal. Good luck.
...top 3 programs from this board or attend an actual
b
Any mentor programs that requir Vista
I have Vista and cant' find a Mentor program that is compatable with Vista. Can anyone help?
BT
Current and former students from all schools and programs -
I would prefer to discuss via email as I don't want input from those who have not attended any of the MT educational programs and I don't want to incite arguments, etc.
I just need some answers and insight on your experience, etc. I have some questions I can send to you and would truly appreciate your input.
Thx
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.
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.
Newbie/Student reply
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).
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.
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!
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!
Try asking the school directly. Both Andrews & M-TEC have some sort of assistance programs, not sure
x
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. *****
My info
I am currently enrolled in Andrews MT course (started last week) and I'm almost 29 years old. I do think that probably most people in their early 20's don't necessarily consider MT as a career. For me, the thought had been in my mind for several years, but it wasn't until I started thinking more seriously about starting a family relatively soon that I finally enrolled. When you're very young and don't have kids, and aren't thinking about kids, you tend to have different priorities. For me, I've been working for more than 10 years, have a long commute (an hour one-way) and want to start a family, and it's important to me to be involved with my kids, be able to see them off in the morning, be here when they get home... MT becomes more and more attractive.
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