Student and working
Posted By: studentandworking on 2005-12-30
In Reply to: MT schools - sage
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. 
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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 
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.
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.
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!
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!
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. *****
working
I finished my course and now I am trying to work from home, but everyone wants experience. What can I do?
Working for them and....
it seems to be going well. I am a newbie and they are giving me a chance, which is more than others would do. All I can say is give it a try.
But if you are working as an IC, YOU
should purchase the software, pedal, etc. needed to do the job. Otherwise you are trying to be an employee. But at any rate, no I would not pay an 11.95 admin fee to get a job. Why don't you get a job somewhere else for free if you want a job?
If you are already working, why do you (sm)
need to change jobs? You said you have references from the doctors you are working for. So by working for do you mean transcribing for, or other work?
I'm confused.
? working as IC
I have a lot of questions. When you work as an IC do you need to set up as a business and file your taxes in a business name or -- just add the income thru a 1099. We file a joint return.
if not working, i would still take it.
knowledge has no price. if she is not working right now, than gaining the experience is well worth it.
If she is earning a living transcribing, than no don't quit your job to earn $0 and learn.
I, on the other hand, think the offer is generous. It takes me just as long to proof a report than it does to transcribe it myself. Why would I want to pay someone to transcribe it, if I am going to have to proof it. It just does not make sense.
Yes, I am working now but
not for A Scripts
Keep working
I plan to keep working FT at the university where I currently work. I have talked to a few people who did Career Step for their training and were pleased I am trying to weigh the $1600 price tag with what realistic options that I would have upon completion.
Working at home
Just because you work at home does not automatically mean you get to pick your own hours. MT companies all have different needs, and coverage is needed, in many cases, 24 hours a day. Many companies will allow you to pick your own hours, but they will expect you stick to that schedule. Other companies will let you work anytime in a 12-hour window. It all just depends on the needs of the company.
working for peanuts
I am new to this board, but I will be glad to work for peanuts if I can just get my foot in the door!! Please feel free to contact me about any lesser paying jobs that are available. I'm articulate, but I still know I have to pay my dues.
working at home
I was just wondering what insurance company you worked for at home and what the name of the place was in New England. I would settle for something like this until I could get into a hospital.
Thank you!
Just Started working PT
I just graduated from Career Step and got a PT job within 2 weeks. Mind you it was the only company that was interested in doing the PT thing, plus I have dail-up, so I was really limited on my options. But, so you know, PT jobs are out there. Good luck.
They are probably all busy working! LOL
x
Wow! I could be working for the same company!
I felt the exact same as you do!! After six months I am finally on paid status, but the pay is not much. Good luck! Let me know if you find anything better!
working in a hospital
I work for a hospital and have for 20 years. I am an at-home MT.. I am a full-time employee just like anyone who has to physical go there everday. The pay is much better and benefits too.. There are some still out there.
working from home
I agree with the last post. It's so hard to get hired with a company. I was in the same situation you are....just finished school, had a baby, wanted to stay at home and do transcription. So, during one of my office visits, I got the nerve up and asked my OB doc if I could do their transcription and they said yes!!!! Their office manager was doing it and she hated it. It was great!!! I then got another account on recommendation from that office manager. I think this is more doable for you than working with a baby, meeting quotas, not being able to pass tests, etc. And, you may like "having" to get out of the house to pick up tapes! I know I did! It was a reason to get out every other day or so. Also, you may have some flexibiltiy with having your husband or friend pick up and drop off your work. I did that also. One time, the office manager dropped it off to me because she lived nearby!!!!! Good luck!!
working from home
 That is encouraging because if someone has been a Transcriptionist for twenty years and still has to leave blanks then there is hope for us newbies! 
working from home
Have you tried testing with Medi-Voxx? They gave me a shot right out of school. I'm 53 and my kids are grown but I only wanted to work from home. I'm still with them after a little over a year and they are a great company that took a chance on me as a newbie.
I have been working now for 4 weeks (sm)
I am supposed to be typing 1200 lines a day, but I am now at 800 lines a day and can't seem to reach 1200. It is an acute care account with many dictators. I hope this week to get to 1000. I feel like I will never get to 1200!
Working from home
In case I wasn't more clear earlier, I am interested in hearing from people that have experience in working from home. I'd love to get advice on where to send my resume that doesn't necessarily require prior experience to be able to work from home immediately.
working in a hospital
If you have the opportunity to work alongside another MT in a hospital, TAKE that opportunity. It will be much easier to learn with someone available to help you right when you need it instead of waiting on e-mails with corrections or using IM.
traveling and working
One last question today. Are many people able to travel on the job. For example, my parents are 4 hours away, and I like to visit for extended time. How many people use laptops and transcribe where they are? I just would like to know the freedom you have on being able to leave town and still continue working.
working from laptop
You can either tether from your cell phone or get a wireless card that goes into your computer. This is secure. If you use the hotel wireless it might not be. The teathering is about 60 dollars a month and it is monthly. The lap top card is the same price but it requires a 2 year contract, at least that was the last time I checked. Tethering actually works the best for me. You can actually use it riding in a car at 80 miles per hour if you are in range of cell coverage whereas the laptop card drops the signal.
Also, you better hope you like working for them, because (sm)
that's all they're training you for. Most companies have never heard of this training program, and unless you have 2 years' of experience, they won't hire you. This place trains you to work for THEM only. You have no way of knowing how qualified you would be to work elsewhere.
Working for a "national"
I've only worked for a local hospital, but from all the negative comments I've seen about MTSOs, you'd be better off applying for one of those work-at-home jobs stuffing envelopes. The biggest complaint seems to be overhiring, with people waiting around for work to trickle in. It makes for excellent turnaround time, no doubt, but what MTSOs are doing should be against the law. National MTSOs should be outlawed altogether in my view, at least in the hospital setting. Any hospital that can't afford to do its own healthcare documentation isn't fit to serve the public. Another complaint with national MTSOs is way too many accounts, e.g., you rarely get the same doctor more than once and each account has its own profile/format that you have to familiarize yourself with on your own time. Add to that "clocking in" (for which you don't get paid) and unrealistic production requirements (taking everything above into consideration), and what you have is basically a minimum wage job. Good luck if you want to start your own business, but you will be competing with those nationals that can produce desired turnaround times (again, for the reasons stated above) and are offering lower and lower rates to compete with other nationals. I have nothing against local MTSOs, who do a good job for private practices and clinics, but national MTSOs are the root of all evil in this business. Greed does not begin or end on Wall Street.
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