Some suggestions
Posted By: sm on 2006-08-08
In Reply to: PLEASE HELP - FRUSTRATED
Yes, it is frustrating trying to find that first job. My suggestion is to do an extensive search for transcription companies on the internet and test with every one that allows you to. Even if you don't pass the tests, it is good practice. It took me five months for me to land my first job and I was testing and searching practically every day. And for some it can take longer, but don't get discouraged. If you read through the threads on this forum you'll find that a lot of newbies went through the same thing, and eventually found a job. All it takes is that first job, no matter how low-paying, to get your foot in the door and get you the experience you need.
Also, I wouldn't make it a priority to try to find a mentor. It is my understanding that, even though they may be out there, it seems that they are harder to find because it takes a lot of time and dedication to work with a newbie and they are trying to get their job done too.
Lastly, please read through the threads below regarding paying for work. There are so-called MTSO's out there who will seek you out and offer you a job, and then ask for money upfront before you can start working for them. You should never have to pay for work. You can buy a foot pedal and software on your own, and if there is specific software that the company needs you to use, a reputable company will either have you purchase it yourself or take the cost out of your first paycheck(s). Please be leary if you are e-mailed directly from this board with a job offer.
DON'T GIVE UP because it can be done, even though it is frustrating at times. Best of luck to you!
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thanks for suggestions
Thanks so much,
I will look into them all. I appreciate your taking the time to let me know which ones will give me a good start, so I don't waste my time, effort and money on another one that isn't highly thought of.
My sincere thanks!
Suggestions
Can you suggest a company in which hires new grads and provides full QA at no cost?
Suggestions
Are you a student or have you graduated from Career Step? If you are, I believe you should have access to a list of companies that work closely with Career Step. I would then apply with one of these companies first. There is a list of companies that hire newbies on here somewhere that somebody compiled a while back.
Whenever you do apply, make absolutely sure that you have a professional e-mail address and that your cover letter and resume have no typos, no errors at all.
Some companies do not respond right away, and some might never respond. You can always send out a followup e-mail, though.
A lot does depend on how testing goes, and you will see that each company does everything differently. Never guess on any test. It is always better to leave a blank, and do follow instructions. Some companies only respond if you pass a test. Some do phone interviews before you test, etc. The more you test, the better you will get.
Getting that first job can be a hurdle, but if you truly want to work as an MT, you will find a job.
Suggestions
Read the archived posts here for suggestions. You're not the first person who has asked this question, so there is a lot of advice on it.
Good suggestions--thanks
These are all good suggestions and I will keep in them in mind. It helps to know that this is something that lots of newbie MTs have encountered---but learned to deal with because you're still doing it! I'm so glad I found this board.
Need suggestions on how to improve quality.
Is there something that I could buy that could help improve my quality? I have been taking tests here and there and everyone keeps saying that their QAs don't have the extra time that is needed to spend with my work. I know I don't have the 98% accuracy that is needed. Whenever I do a test I look whatever I don't know up and then relisten to the file. I do all my transcribing when everyone is asleep so I don't have the distractions. Thank in advance for the help.
Kathy, any keyboard suggestions?
Kathy, do you have any suggestions as far as finger/hand positioning/keyboard kinetics for editing. Obviously, it is quite different from transcribing a dictation that has not gone through a voice recognition system. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
You didn't tell us much to allow us to make specific suggestions.
Where do you live? Are you in or near a city with lots of medical jobs? You might want to take a secretary/transcriptionist job in an office to get a start. Working in a larger office could mean there would be more experienced MTs to help you complete your education and get you some experience.
Suggestions or comments greatly appreciated.....
 I have recently completed a Medical Transcription Certificate Course at a local community college (made A's in every single class including Anatomy and Physiology prior to) and even have a letter of recommendation from the Head of Centralized Transcription, which was my instructor, also. Anyway, I was really hoping to secure an at home/online job and, even with over 1 year of legal transcription/dictation and the 5 months of transcription classes, I'm wondering if I just wasted all that time, effort, energy, money, and memory for nothing. Does anybody have any suggestions? I'm tired of looking at ads, only to find out afterwards, that most at home work offers are scams and most employers on here require many years of experience and won't even give a "newbie" the time of day.
I'm getting really discouraged. I understand the importance of experience, but there are some people who actually can catch on pretty quick without a ton of experience.
Help! Need to find part-time employmen- suggestions?
I finished Meditec's MT course in March and have been looking all over the net and in my local area for a job and no luck! My local hospital and the local doctor's offices all sent their dictation out to one co. and when I interviewed there, they were actually getting ready to lay off most MT's because the hospital and dr.'s were going to a paper form and would no longer be using a service and they employ no in-house MT's. The next nearest city that would have jobs is over 50 miles away and I am unable to travel that far being a single mother with a child who is home schooled. (with gas prices the way they are right now, I'd be working just to get the gas to go to work!)
I am looking for part-time MT work that I can do from home. I have a good computer system, there is no broadband or DSL in my town at this time so that could make it harder to get a job. I am flexable on my hours and days that I can work. I have a bytescribe wav pedal, numerous reference books both from my course and from having taken college courses at Davenport University for Medical Transcription.
Any suggestions? any other ideas on where to apply?
Thanks!
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