The fee (very small) is for their watching all of your work and
Posted By: getting the newbie up to speed. SM on 2008-04-18
In Reply to: Past posts say have to PAY for software to work for - them. Should never have to pay to work. nm
Honestly, the MT education programs are horrible. They should be providing this but they don't.
No one is going to spend their time/effort looking over a newbie's work, giving them constant feedback, etc., without charging some type of fee.
I wouldn't do it.
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I work for a small MTSO. They aren't hiring - sm
I've been with them for years, and they still have the same group of 10-12 MTs. Very steady, but they rarely hire new people.
Work for a small local and do PT for the nationals when I find a good one to stick with...sigh...nm
s
Just do it. I work for a small MTSO and recently asked for myself - and got what I asked for. nm
 xx
I have been watching the "NewbieMT" drama-sm
unfold and I am more than a little miffed. I spent a lot of heard earned money and a lot of time to go to school and get educated to be an MT. I worked and studied my butt of and learned as much as I could so that I would have the best shot at landing a good job with a good skill set. And that is exactly what I did. I have not been an MT for very long. A little less than a month actually. I got a job working from home making a good line rate, and I'm proud of myself.
I will admit that I have had times that I have had difficulty understanding what a doctor is saying. We all know they can be mush-mouths. But I listen, and I slow down the dictation and I listen again...and 99% of the time I get it. I utilize reference materials that I have and I also use the internet quite a lot to help me. I am amazed at what Google and yahoo can do sometimes when you put in a s/l word. I have only asked for help with a word one time on this board and that was because I had exhausted every resource that I had, and I was spent.
So, I am angry that when I may interact with someone on this board and tell them that I am a newbie, they will associate me with someone with the utter lack of couth as NewbieMT. Never in a million years would I dream of posting an ENTIRE report in a public forum, even with the confidential information removed. Never would I in one breath bash my employer and publicly state that I was looking for another job (after naming said employer); and in the next breath recommend them to others as a job possibility.
I am just apalled. I can only hope that those of you with experience will not categorize all of us "newbies" in the same category as Newbie MT.
Thanks, just had to get that off my chest.
All I can tell you is I have been watching this issue very closely for the past 5 years...
and have seen a definite trend afoot. Let me say I have over 20 years experience in health care and MT. I also own a transcription service. I spend a lot of time networking with other people in this field. This is what I see.
1) Nearly all the major transcription services have gone to Voice Recognition platforms.(See Company Board) When they did this, they chopped the wages in half, with the idea that you should be able to produce twice as much edited work as transcribed work. However, this penalizes the fast experienced transcriptionist. It was nothing to be able to make $30-$40 an hour if you were good. As an editor, you make approximately $12. It is very difficult to increase production as an Editor - there are just not many tricks. In addition, they also have gone offshore, nearly 100% of the big companies. We are not talking small change here. We are talking about a major shift.
2) A significant number of medical offices are switching to electronic medical record systems (EMR) which often have a computerized charting component that would replace medical transcription. We definitely are seeing FREQUENT posts about people losing accounts to EMR.
3) Every year, the physicians coming out of medical school are more and more comfortable with technology. They live and breath with their laptops. They pay their bills on-line, they get their music on line, they find houses, cars and dates on line. They can type faster than I can. They will certainly be even less resistant to technology.
4) The AAMT which could have been the unified voice among MT's to deal with these challenges, has sold out for getting more members overseas - an untapped market to buy books, training, and equipment. $Cha-Ching$! And they ditched us.
So, say you have 150,000 jobs in an industry and 1/3 are lost to off shore and 1/3 are lost to voice recognition and EMR. What kind of competition do you think is going to be left among the remaining 1/3?  Do you think you, as a newbie, are going to be able to compete? Do you think wages are going to go UP if there are more than enough transcriptionists, all competing for the same job?
So you can be scared and upset and deny it's happening...or you can adapt...Me? I enrolled in nursing school. When MT collapses, which I believe it is on the verge of, I will be ready.
tsk tsk- small minds
I'm not trying to promote the Big 3 or Little 3. I'm talking about an economic change we are all currently dealing with.
I'm not attacking the Big 3. In fact, Career Step probably better represents the trend in terms of price of tuition. If they add Job Placement full time, they will be tough to beat.
Obviously, all companies are going to be squeezed because the consumer is being squeezed. Thus my prediction- just a prediction- and I'm not attacking the Big 3; I think tuitions will come down. AND I'll go further, I think job guarantees will become much more prevalent because this is what the consumer wants.
I know from dealing with MTs all day that I have to be very accurate as MTs naturally search out the smallest details, have to do that to be any good at the job. I wasn't the best MT. I'm better in management. So I try to be accurate so I don't get knit picked. The important messages can be lost by trivial criticism and small minds.
My prediction is not accurate in every sense. How can a prediction be entirely accurate? It's an educated guess. If I am right, we should start to see tuition prices falling. It will be so slow that we may not notice it. I'm guessing the consumer will demand lower prices as the economy continues to suffer.
I'm not criticizing Andrews or M-Tec. No need to beat on me again. I'm talking about something bigger than the Big 3. Banks failing, dollar dropping, oil going up, food going up, CC debt on the rise, savings down, real estate falling, record foreclosures, etc. This will all snowball over the next 2-3 years. Issues like these are interlinked with one affecting the other. The consumer will seek solutions. Schools will have to adapt to changing economic forces. We all will.
Peggy take a chance and say what you see happening! Offer something that will give us your insight. Students are a part of the cash strapped population and can use any insight they can get. Put a bunch of opinions together and we can better form our own bigger view.
SMALL MT COMPANIES
Hi,
Does anyone know of any small MT companies?
Thanks,
Newbie MT
Small claims court (sm)
You should be able to take her to small claims court. If you have proof that she owes you, it's a fairly straightforward process.
You shouldn't need a lawyer.
MT Moms w/small kids
Hi!
Yes, I just read through a lengthy thread that touched on MY question in a round about way, but... I was just curious what hours MT moms with small children work and (just as importantly) when do you sleep!?!?
I have no problem with daycare and I have family that would glady watch my 5 y/o but I choose to keep him home to save everyone trouble and myself money! He actually entertains himself quite well, better in fact than my husband when he's home during my work hours! 
I had considered working during the hours that my son is sleeping, but I don't see how that would work well, at least not for me. Even if I were to begin work at 8 PM and work until 3 or 4 AM, I would barely get to sleep before he wakes up, which is normally around 7:30. Three or four hours of sleep each night would get old QUICK, not to mention that by the time I begin work I would be tired and ready for bed and unable to think clearly, be productive, and would likely have trouble staying awake.
Right now, I'm working 32 hours per week with 2 half days and 3 split shifts and it seems to be working somewhat well... but can be rather hard to concentrate and be productive with the bustle of spring and summer daytime activities around the house with a 5 y/o.
Although a lengthy post, my question was simple: what work hours and sleep hours have you MT moms of small children come up with that works for you? And sure, any advice or tips would be appreciated as well. 
maybe a small local company
might be worth a try. My first job was with a company like that. I did not have an MT course or experience. It was relatively boring transcription (mostly insurance exams, worker's comp exams - tons of neck and back sprains) but it was a start. I trained in their office for a week or so and then they let me do it at home. After a year or so I worked for another small company and started doing clinic and hospital work. So if there are any small companies like that still around... check it out.
Small Service transcriptionists in Birmingham, Al
Does anyone knows of a small service transcription service in Birmingham, Al? I'm about to graduate and will hopefully be able to get on with a transcription service?
Yeah, I know what you mean. I tried to do it all for years with small kids,
schooling, learning a new job, handling the household and finances. Something's going to suffer, and most likely, EVERYTHING will suffer. We can't do it all by ourselves and we shouldn't be expected to. Unfortunately, smacking someone upside the head with a 2x4 is considered assault, but smacking them upside the head with a legal document outlining child support amounts and visitation requirements is quite effective.
There are small-sized medical dictionaries, too, instead of the huge
s
Have you tried local clinics or small MTSO's in your area?
That's how I got my first break. Good luck.
Have you tried local hospitals, doctors, small MTSO's
That's how I started out working for a very small local MTSO, then I went on to become an employee of a small local nephrology group where I still am today with great pay and benefits. I had no experience when I stated but the small MTSO decided to give me a chance. Don't give up.
Just highlight and hit that combo of keys again to make it all small letters. nm
m
I've seen awful work from "experienced MTs and good work from new graduates
I've seen awful work from "experienced MTs and good work from new graduates.
Training and education really does make a difference. Some people just have 15 or 20 years of very bad experience. They may be fortunate that one employer was willing to hire and keep them, but if that one closed, they would be in trouble. It all depends on the person. some new graduates are a better bet then some experienced MTs. I would prefer to find an experienced MT with great skills and a teachable attitude, but many experienced MTs know everything and are only willing to do things the way they've always done them.
most psych work is included in multispecialty hospital work..sm
contracted to a medical transcription service that requires multispecialty experience because of the hospital work. Unfortunately, very rarely can a medical Transcriptionist these days be given only one specialty when working for a service or hospital. We have to be well versed in multi specialties. The Turn Around Time on demands have increased, and thus the service or hospital gives the MT many different types of work. Learn as many specialties and gain as much experience in different specialties, which in turn will make you a more valuable MT and more apt to gain employment.
Just be sure not to pay for work. There is an MTSO below who apparently charges to work for them (sm
It might be tempting when you're getting desperate for work to pay someone so you can work for them, but don't do it. You can buy software and a foot pedal on your own, so don't let them fool you. If you are approached via e-mail from this site by an MTSO saying they have work for you, please read the posts below before making any decisions.
Can you share where you work that the work is plentiful? nm
s
Work for MTs
I was hired before I even graduated or had begun job hunting by a large transcription company. It was the easiest job I have ever gotten. I was hired because I attended a top-notch school (M-TEC) and did well in the program. There are plenty of jobs for well trained MTs, even new ones.
Work through it
Type the report thorugh the first time. Look up any you are not sure of to gain understanding of the report. Listen again full through and fill in blanks. Then listen again to problem areas to pick out works. Never guess. Leave blanks where you are not sure. Any hard dictator takes time to learn and multiple listens to the voice file to complete it to the best of your ability.
FT work and PT Mt work...
can this be done or am I getting in over my head. FT in-house, not MT and PT MT at home.
Anyone else doing this?
looking for work
Hi,
I would suggest NOT going to companies.....try docs you know personally or that have their own practice. That is how i started, just walked in, gave them a business card and flyer and made a deal, that if they gave me a chance, i would reduce the cost for the first 30 days. i got my first doc that way five years ago and he has referred me to many and i am still with him in addition to two others he referred to me! It is wonderful.....set your own hours, no rush on anything. good luck!
Cindi
Not enough work
I am actually an employee and they do have set hours kind of. Technically they say set hours but I have 2 split days and was told at the beginning as long as you get hour 40 hours in. But also at the same time, the first 2 hours of my work day I have been getting mabye 10 dictations, but they still ask you to tell them if you are not going to be around at any of those times, and when you will make up those hours. It is just frustrating because everything was starting to click into place. Finally getting up to 1300 lines a day and making some good money!
Not enough work.
I have been working for about 1-1/2 years now in med trans, almost a year for this one company. Still pretty new at the lingo and how the business side of things run. But lately, there has not been enough work with the company and I am sitting around for hours getting only a few dictations downloading. Your are assigned an account and also a backup but I was just wondering if this slow time thing is normal? This has been going on now for 3 weeks, also kind of has been occurring every now and then since this summer. I am just wondering how long what the usual is and how long should I wait until starting to look for another job?
Thanks
maybe her son will go to work for her too. nm
:)
Here's what seems to work for me
I have a very active 16-month-old and there's no WAY I can work when she is awake. She needs my attention every minute at this age. She stays home with me fulltime. I get up at 7 am and spend the mornings with her till naptime (around noon till 2 or 3pm) and work when she is napping. I then work after she goes to bed at night, usually from 8ish to 11 or midnight. I still get about 6-7 hours of sleep a night and although I could use a little more, it's so worth it to have my sweetie home with me :) I'm lucky enough to have a 24-hr TAT with no set hours and this helps immensely too. I tried part-time set hours and that was a bust at this point in our lives.
I also have a mother's helper (a 14-yr-old neighborhood girl) who comes 3 afternoons a week for 2 hours to watch and play with my daughter so I can get a little extra work/catch up on housework time. I pay her $4/hr and she is thrilled to get it.
Where there's a will, there's a way! :)
work!!
I work for a local dermatology clinic. I applied like crazy to more than a few nationals and no one would hire me even though I was passing their tests. But I like the fact that I can still work at home the majority of my work day, I have to go into the office to pick up my tapes and print what I typed the previous day. I live close to the office so it's not like I'm breaking the bank driving into an office 15 to 20 miles away everyday, and my children don't have to spend 9 hours a day, 5 days a week in day care like they did when I had my office accounting job.
want to work...
I am looking to work from home as an MT. I just finished school and have no experience. I am willing to do an apprenticeship is necessary. Anybody got any ideas?
I did some work for them.
They are a pretty good place to work, as far as I know, I am new too. Good luck!
Need work!!
Hello,
Im a new MT graduate looking for work. Please if anyone knows of any companies that will hire new MT graduates, please let me know. Or if you are company willing to give a chance let me know.
Thanks,
Sonnett
Seriously, looking for work!
I recently completed my at-home education and am also having a tough time getting work. I am a mom, both of my children are in school. I am extremely hardworking and eager to start work. Does anyone have advice for me on what to do next? I have joined AAMT and have posted my resume in a number of places. I have applied with many of the large companies via internet. I am so frustrated with the testing process, not knowing how I am doing. Maybe these companies just don't want newbies? I also made several attempts to solicit work through local Doctors. With all of my effort, the only lead I received resulted in a $600 loss with TA Assoc. I am sure you have all heard of them! Help?
No work yet.
Here it is Tuesday morning 10:00 and no work yet. Yesterday it was about 2:00 before anything arrived. Does every company have this problem?
No work yet.
I have an even better one: How would you like to get backup accounts with "no work" too. What a joke.
Would MT work for me?
Hi!
I am a 53 year old nurse with over 25 years nursing experience. In 2005 I moved to a Caribbean island with my husband who was itching to retire.
I have done some writing since moving here, but I miss my medical career. Unfortunately, the island I live on does not want to give me a nursing license, so I am looking for replacement career! I am not ready for retirement.
Although I could certainly do the course work, I wonder if being located "off shore" would decrease my employment possibilities. I do, however, maintain a U.S. address for business purposes. I would like the imput from MT's out there.
I heard from a company called TRS Institute who says they hire off shore workers after completing their course. Anyone know about them?
Thanks,
Jen
Help, no work...
I just started with a new company and there has been no work for over a week. I have emailed and IM'd, and all they will tell me is that there should be work soon, that is, when they respond. What do I do now? Wait, or start looking again? Why do they hire when there is no work to do?
Work
Hi Karen,
If you would like some work until the other comes in, please let me know. If you have WP and a wave player, I would be willing to discuss overflow work for you.
Thank you,
Debbie, WRU Transcription in Illinois
work
I guess it all depends what wage you are making. There are some companies that pay newbies better than others. So may be that is what you have to look at.
Is this the one where you pay them $100 and then get to work for 2 cpl?
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Anyone work for MQ?
I have used the search function on this site to try to find out what really is the problem with working at Medquist. Basically, all I get is that they restructured which affected people's accounts and line counts at the time, got rid of bonuses and 401K matching and don't answer emails. As far as QA feedback goes, on one hand I read that you never hear from them and on the other that they pester you all the time.
Surely, a lot of people do actually work for them. I was thinking of applying. I don't really find the above all that horrible. Am I missing something?
Enlightenment would be appreciated. Thanks.
Work there Now!
This place has really changed since being bought out by Nightingale (formerly Scribes) There were a lot of cuts which in turn, made a lot of MTs and employees leave. However, all the good ones stayed and are growing with the company. There's also been a lot of turnover in the office, but again, it seems like it's for the better. The air of the company seems to be getting lighter and talking with the girls in production is a lot of fun these days! "more fun than..."
I really like it and don't plan on leaving any time soon! Plus, where else can you get paid training with a QA standard like none-other! That's why they get the good accounts! And moving towards EMR, this looks fantastic!
Nope, not going anywhere!
OMG!!! Why would anyone work for that?
New grad or not, no one needs to work for such low wages. Sha, I really hope this is not what they offered you. If it is, you need to run from this company. They obviously don't value their MTs. Even if you do 400 lph editing, which new grads can rarely, if ever, do, you would only be making $5 an hour! I thought 5.25 for straight transcription was low, but 1.25 for editing? That is ridiculous! 
looking for work.
I am looking to do psychiatric report transcription mostly but have some experience in the hospital medical fields also. I have about 2 years psych experience and 6-8 months medical experience. Can anybody help.
Amber
MT work available
Is the only work available from nationals VR/ASR rejects?
I need work!!! Please help!!!!
 PLEASE HELP!!!! Desperately in need of work.I do not have exprience, but I do have a CNA certifcate, and I am familiar with medical terms. I have a dictation pedal, and software. Please help, my husband is sick and unable to work at this time. We have 2 small children, so I have to be working from home. Sincerely... Amber Holt
Regarding MT work....
I was in your situation and took a course through PCDI. I think they are now Ashworth University or something like that. Also, if you have your CNA, check with some local doctors or your local hospital. Our local hospitals started sending employees home to work. You may have to work at the hospital for a short while, but then you could work at home. Another benefit to this, is that you would get appropriate training while at the hospital. If you have any questions, just email me. Most places will not hire without an education or experience.
I used to, but where I work currently (sm)
the spellchecker is so good and so updated that I have not been updating my drug books. Then again I've been doing this a long time. The company also provided a Quick Look Drug Book CD, but it's so slow that I find using on-line sites faster, or creative googling.
When you watch TV and an ad for a drug comes on, pay attention because it's usually new and patients will be asking for it. I'm not saying that's the best place for patients to get their drug information, but it helps me learn the correct pronounciation and spelling of some popular new ones.
I work for them...
the company was bought by Proveros, but yes apply. The pay is ok. Not the best you will see, but I am almost always busy. The accounts are pretty good. Give it a shot.
MT work
This is only my opinion on if work will be there...
It will. My current docs office has voice recognition and they go in after every patient and talk and type to fix the errors along the way, but I have noticed that I am waiting longer and longer in the waiting room to see the doctor. This is just a clinic. No big emergency stuff done here and I waited an hour in the waiting room to see a doc. This happens one more time and I will find another office. See my point. The doctors that want to do too much on their own are going to see their practice go down hill for lack of patients.
2nd before going on to this office my docs were all through University of Michigan Hospital. There I expect to have to wait if an emergency has come in and they had to go from the IM Clinic into the main hospital. The funny things is that I never had to wait an hour in the waiting room even with this set up. Also I know for a fact these docs do NOT have the time to sit at a computer and type every patient they saw for the day. Also the OR cannot do this as they have to dictate the minute they end one surgery and many times they only have about 3-5 minutes between surgeries.
I know this is a lot of information but one last thing.
VR has to be able to recognize that distinct voice everytime to work. Teaching hospitals probably will never use this since they get new residents every year. There is just not that kind of time for any place that has large amounts of residents on site.
I could go on and on, but I won't. Hope this gives you enough info.
Jenn
I used to work for 5.15
and had a lot of the same expenses as you, commuting, wardrobe, lunch, etc. My mother kept my children for free when they weren't in school so I didn't have to pay for childcare. One summer my mom had to go take care of her sick mother for 2 weeks and I had my SIL (who babsat for a living) keep my children). She charged my exactly what she charged everyone else, 2.00 and hour per child. I have 2 children. So for those 2 weeks I was working for 1.15 and hour and of course you know it doesn't actucally equal out to that. While I don't make a tremendous amount as a transcriptionst, I am able to work from home and have the time I need for myself, family, etc. At the time my children were 6 and 8. Now are 15 and 17 and minimum wage is still the same, that is pathetic.
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