Want to start MT course this month
Posted By: becca from mi on 2008-01-03
In Reply to:
Hi -
I'm new and looking for information. I would like to start a MT course as soon as possible. I need a way to make some kind of income for my family. Right now I'm looking at Academy of Medical Transcription & Professions out of Maine and CareerStep. Would there be any recent graduates from either school that would be willing to tell me the pros / cons they found of their school? It's hard to compare and would like some input. There's some difference in money, but I really would like to take a course that is going to prepare me to start working right away after graduation. Any thoughts or advice?
Thank you for your help!
Becca (in MI)
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Two years this month.
I was just telling some gals that I have made the mistake of attaching versus copy and paste more than once. I was applying to many companies and simply not reading directions word-for-word while doing so. With "many" companies actually preferring the attachment method, I just honestly got in a hurry and didn't pay attention. I did this as a new grad, I've done it with a couple years' experience! I also caught it right away too, and resubmitted, but that's not the point. Just like MTSOs "scan" resumes in a few seconds, I scanned ads. Just a fact! I'm busy too, whether I'm working or not. I know better now though!
I think as a newbie, and with so many companies using the "two-year experience clause," I just felt like a submitting machine. I didn't put a lot of thought into what I was actually submitting, because I really didn't expect anyone to pay much attention to me no matter what I did.
I did, however, make sure that I spellchecked any communications and tried to be as professional as possible. You might be surprised at how "unprofessional" some MTSOs are! I am hearing them say that they don't want to hear about personal issues, but I have also had many come back and burden me with their own! They sometimes set the tone for casual-type communications, which I find offensive and unnecessary.
I started out with all my resources in place. I think that MTSOs have to remember that a newbie is just that. We have just spent thousands to be educated, bought a new computer in some cases, bought a library maybe, and had to set up an office in our home as well. I invested thousands before I applied for my first job! An experienced mentor and friend told me not to scrimp where resources were concerned, and I didn't! The generalization of the MTSO about newbies was what ticked me off. We might make mistakes, but who doesn't? That was unfair!
As far as the $400 phone system, that I would have noticed and passed on immediately. Some schools don't even explain what these are. I had to ask! I now own one that I haven't used in over a year since I bought it. You are trained with Wav files, which is the more prevalent of the two forms of obtaining voice files, and no, I don't have one sitting around "just in case." These bad boys cost from $300-$800. Get real. I doubt there are many experienced MTs who have this or would spend that kind of money upfront before ever hearing the dictators and knowing what you are getting into.
I do, however, think it is perfectly fair to expect that applicants have the basics in place, i.e., resource books, Word processing program, updated computer with protection, and at least a USB pedal.
There is no excuse for punctuation, spelling and grammatical errors in any communications related to finding work. I agree with that.
I hired on with Medquist out of school, or soon thereafter. Here was their attitude at my office: Leave a ton of blanks, time is money, you will learn from your feedback (if you are lucky enough to get it).
I was very uncomfortable with that! I wanted to learn and grow. I was perfectly willing to spend ten minutes researching a single word or phrase in order to learn, and I felt good about my results. Fact is, more companies than not could care less. I've been told that we hire editors for that, so move on. Time is money!
I continually st rived for perfection, and that does take time. You have to be willing to spend countless hours in research and then verification through viable resources your first years. I did, and I don't regret it. Let's take into consideration also though that I was in a position to do that! I do this because I'm good at it and I love it. If I had to pay the mortgage and support a couple of kids, I might look at things in a whole different light.
I think that schools and their ads are a big problem when it comes to moms at home. They give the impression that having children, as well as not being able to pay for child-care services is some sort of prerequisite for this work! If you have these needs, this job is for you. Bull!!
Then, you have people replying to questions like, "why did you choose this career" with responses like, "I have kids and can't afford child care," versus, "I love this work, and I am good at it."
I personally strive and always have for perfection. I have done my time in downtime, and that is with an extensive medical background beforehand! You really have to be willing to give your all, work hard and for little to start. That's a fact!
IMO, schools are failing sometimes to provide their students with essential information in important areas. I see new grads out on the moon alone the day after they pass their exam with nothing but a lousy outdated list of companies to apply to.
Yes, I think you addressed this issue appropriately. I hope it turns into a revealing and learning thread for all concerned!
Thanks,
Missy C
I applied about a month ago, but they said they
.
$30 a month is more than you can afford?
That's all I paid per month on my Sallie Mae loan that I used to go to M-TEC.
It's been only a little over a month since the last posts about this (sm)
Tsk, tsk. This woman needs to go away and stop ripping people off.
I reported her to the BBB about one month ago (sm)
I still haven't received anything from her. Good Luck!!!
6-month job assessment
I have been employed as a full-time MT for 6 months now, and I want to give myself a 6-month job review to truly assess my progress and outlook for the future. To be honest, I am a little depressed and frustrated. My story is below. Maybe some of you newbies can relate to what I am saying. Maybe some of you old-timers can help me put things into perspective. I welcome all comments and input.
My Story --
I graduated from one of the top 3 transcription schools last spring (the best of the 3), and I had good grades when I graduated. Even with this training, it took me several months to locate a full-time transcription job. I finally found a job last July with one of the major national MTSOs transcribing acute care dictation. I work from home. The company has a strict policy against allowing newbies to transcribe operative reports, so I don't do that work type. I transcribe everything else -- ER reports, H&P, discharge summaries, admission notes, consultations, and even a few SOAP notes for individual physician offices. I also do some procedure notes like cardiac cath and colonsocopies.
My primary account is a group of 7 inter-related hospitals under one ownership. Each hospital has its own formatting rules for the reports, and it took me a long time to memorize how to format each report type 7 different ways, and which hospital wants which format. It may sound easy, but it is not. The formatting rules are very specific and very picky, and it is easy to get mixed up and make mistakes. Imagine trying to play baseball using 7 different rule books at the same time. Imagine the chaos that would ensue and you have the general picture.
This brings me to my main problem -- speed.
Right now, I'm transcribing 80 to 90 lines per hour on a typical day doing straight transcription (no speech recognition). I seem to be stuck at this speed, and no matter how hard I struggle, I can't seem to raise the production. I use a ShortHand Expander and add to it every day. Still, the problem persists.
Here are the main speed issues:
1. I have 7 hospitals, hundreds of dictators, and almost no repeats. How do you build normals and templates if the doctor you transcribe for today is someone you may never hear again?
2. I have about 50% ESL, and that percentage is apt to grow to 80% in the future as they move more and more of my native English speakers to speech recognition. I feel good if I can transcribe these ESL guys at 60 lines per hour. I can't imagine whizzing along at 150+ How do you gain speed on ESL dictators you may never hear again?
3. Teaching hospitals yield resident dictators who yield lots of page flipping and no dictation. How do you do these guys quickly? Some dictate so slowly that I almost fall asleep waiting for the next word or two.
I really don't have answers to these questions, and that's why I am depressed. I am doing the hardest possible transcription (slowly), and I am earning minimum wage for my effort. I'm beginning to think I need a different job where I can learn the dictators and build speed. Clinic work for a few good doctors is looking better and better to me all the time.
Do you think I should change jobs? Should I stick to this job in acute care a little longer?
Thanks for reading all of this.
"Guaranteed" but will you have the job after 1 month??
Sorry, MT courses are NOT what you make of it. You have to have adequate training with teachers who know what companies want and produce the best possible medicolegal document. You haven't even finished the course?? Talk to us after you've held a job for a month and THEN tell us your experience.
Signed, QA who wishes newbies had enough education and training.
After I graduated, I took about a month off.
When I started applying I was hired, the day after I began sending out my resume.
I found a job after about a month of searching
I have read the threads with so many negative comments about Softscript, but they do hire new grads.
You can get a Sallie Mae loan for M-TEC and pay only $30 a month.
,
You can get a Sallie Mae loan for M-TEC and pay only $30 a month.
.
I'll sign that one...I quit reading her posts about a month ago
because they are so negative and condescending. If she was nearly as smart as she thought she was, she would be kinder. I haven't read one of her posts in at least a month. If I see her name as the poster, I simply skip that particular message. She is a nasty individual, in my opinion anyway.
it will start low
I started with $200 or less every 2 weeks when I started. Currently, I make around $500+ every two weeks. That's good for me considering I am just doing this part time while taking care of my baby. Hopefully, I can bring that figure up.
Start looking now
It won't hurt to start looking now. I'd go ahead and start sending out resumes and test with any company that will allow you to test with them. One of the most important things companies need to know is that you have skills and a good base background. Actual experience in the market will come after you land that first MT job. Good luck to you.
Where did you start?
Where do newbies get their start? I have been applying everywhere, but everyone wants 2 years experience.
HELP!
Possible start...
I took the classes, graduated high in my group, etc. And I was facing the same problem; nobody wants a newbie that they have to babysit. I actually got my foot in the door through a temporary staffing agency, working in the medical clinic at the county jail. After that, I was on a role -- 1 more in-house position and now I'm an independent contractor. There are companies out there that will take a chance with a newbie (the lady that picked me up on contractor status, for example) and be very patient with them until they learn the ropes.
Don't ever give up (I've been fighting for this for 12 years now, and am finally able to say that I have 2 years under my belt)!
Where/how to start?
 Hello,
I am currently looking to find a part-time at home transcription job. I have been endlessly looking at all different websites and just am not sure how to apply myself and what is real or a scam. I've been working as a full-time Certified Ophthalmic Assistant for the past 10 years as well as transcribing consult letters and in office surgical procedure reports. Though my work experience is all Ophthalmology, I do hold an Associates Degree in Office Technology with courses that included machine transcription, medical/legal terminology, business english, etc... I also took a refresher course last year in Medical Transcription. It was a 59 hour course which included medical terminology, typing with daily timed testing and actual transcription from taped dictations. I would really like to expand my experience and skills but am leary on who would consider me with my lack of experience in anything other than Ophthalmology. My speed was estimated to be 65-70 wpm but I have been trying to keep up on it with timed testing and practice. My accuracy was about 95%. Most places seem to want higher speed. I know I can learn and get my typing up to speed and accuracy. I am willing to do what it takes as I could really use the extra income. Any help to go in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. I just don't know where to begin.
Thank you.
This is a good start for you (sm)
In light of the fact that you are new, this is an excellent rate of pay with a reasonable (generous, really) production requirement, even though you may not be able to meet it at first.
Add 20-25% to it for the benefits and you'll be making more on the lines of $13.08. As an on-site employee you will not have to pay self-employment tax or overhead.
When people scoff at this rate of pay, remember that everyone starting out in a new career field starts at the bottom. You have to work your way up. As an MT, your value lies in your ability to produce quantity work while maintaining high quality. Newbies aren't able to produce much while maintaining quality.
The incentive pay makes this better, and if it has good benefits, then you're doing well.
The most important thing about this job is that it will give you experience. You NEED that experience. If you can get it while being paid hourly, so much the better.
Unless someone scoffing at this can produce a job for you which pays better, do not listen to them.
If you do not have a job and you need a job, you are in no position to be turning one down because it doesn't pay top dollar. Take this job and do your best with it.
Is this a good start
I've heard Sten-Tel is a good starting company, is that true? I need to gain experience. I recently finished up an internship, but need 1-2 yr experience to be able to work in clinics or hospitals in my area. So I thought if I could work online at home PT or FT(I need to make around $400/mo to pay all my bills) for a year, then I could start applying again at the hospitals... anyone have any good leads?
start up costs
to start up, you need a medical spellchecker loaded in your PC, electronic version of Quick Look Drug Book, high speed internet and Google. You will probably need to get some version of a .wav player in order to test. And for goodness sake, you don't go buying reference books full price at Barnes & Noble's. You get them used through the classified ads on MT sites and you only buy the ones that relate to your specialty. At this rate, you'll never be out of debt.
I would start with PT. Good way to
get your speed up, familiarize yourself with macros. Easy work - no drugs or labs, usually no ESL, lots of repetition. Start with PT and then go from there.
So it's better to start out in the clinic
area rather than the hospital setting? How do you find clinics who are hiring? I look in the paper and I don't see any.
I start Jan 8.....more inside
I start with the tech call on the 8th, training on the 9th, and begin work on the 10th. Any insight no how to start off great? Any recommended reference books? Are you employed with them?
Jill
Start in-house!
Meryl, I can't believe no one answered your post! If you are new, I highly recommend that you start in-house, as a lot of us did. You can get the help you need starting out. Benefits are usually good working in a hospital or doctor's office.
If you don't see any jobs in the newspaper locally, put out some feelers. I got my best job, one I have been doing for 13 years, at my daughter's oral surgeon's office. I mentioned I do transcription and asked who did theirs. Turned out the bookkeeper did it when she had time.
It is difficult to work at home just starting out due to the lack of the support you need.
Good luck, Meryl. We all wish you the best.
Start applying.
x
start stop
i do
how does a new MT start testing?
How does a new MT take tests to prove to employers she can do the work?
Start testing and see what happens ...
Good luck!!!
great start...
I agree---the program gave me a great start. I have posted many times on Focus. If you search the forum you will see many posts.
Good Luck---Sue
bright start
I've been racking my brain trying to find a good MT program. I looked at Bright Start and it sounds good. They have the BBB logo on their page but I've yet to find them listed with them. That makes me a little leary. I did see though that you can take for an extra fee 2 levels of advanced specialty training.
Just graduated.....where should I start?
Tomorrow night is my last class. The school does not help with finding jobs. Any suggestions as to where I should start looking?
I saw a posting for PT entry-level MT position with Rider & Associates, Inc. Does anyone know who they are and are they reliable?
I was told by a former graduate form my school to look out some companies are not cracked up to be what they seem.
Where to Start MT part Time
 Any ideas on where I start if i want to get into MT part time at home? Do I join one of these places that you pay for them to train you? Take training on my own? HELP.. Or am I totally nuts and really dont want to get into this? I have had Carpal tunnel in the past and work full time also...
5.5 as an employee is good to start! sm
I started my first job at 5cpl as an IC, no benefits. If you are offered 5.5 cpl plus benefits to start take it. You will get more later on but you need the experience. I've been working 7 months now and just took a new job at 7cpl. You have to start somewhere and cannot expect to come into the industry making what experienced people are being paid/offered. Yes, many companies post ads and say they offer 7-9cpl, but you'll also notice most of them are also asking for the MT to have 3-5 years experience. Taking a lower wage when you are new is not belittling, it is reality. You can always work your way up. Also you can continue to job hunt while working and if you find better, great then switch companies. You have to start at the bottom, but you would be surprised how quickly you can move up if you are good at what you do. Good luck!
Even if you so happened to start out with no ESLs,
That can change overnight. The fact is that more likely than not in this business you are going to have to get used to them. :-(
You could start applying first to see if anyone will let you test now and
s
P.S. - I also know that sentences always start with capital
letters. Please check your posts if you are going to scrutinize and criticize and point out typos in posts that other people place on this board. I don't have to proofread when I am posting on this board. I do, however, when I'm working. Do you?
I had to start out in the office of a local hospital sm
for a year, then went home. I didn't want to go home to be honest, too many distractions and my twins were babies at the time, but they were sending everyone home. I really don't know what to tell anyone when I see these posts. There are lots of companies out there needing help and you'd think that if they are willing to send their work overseas to people that don't even speak English as a first language, then they would be willing to hire a new graduate. I would be a little more pushy, offer to do 30 days at a lower cent per line then have a review, something like that. Keep pushing, someone will see potential and take a chance on you. Honestly, these companies that don't hire new graduates I just don't get it. I work for a small local company that is always behind on their work and I always suggest they hire some new graduates from the two local schools, but they never do it, they just sit and wait for people to apply. Good luck! 
Well, until you start the perfect MT organization, they are the only one around ..joke or not.
Wow! This is a sign to beware of her start up costs.
what your MTs will get. By not giving an answer you are causing us to jump to conclusions...
Most jobs only want 2 yrs of experience. Start testing again and
s
Can you start an IV, put in a catheter, change a colostomy
bag, do venipunctures, check a PKU on a newborn? If so, by all means apply for a nursing position. The point is, you don't HAVE to have formal training (i.e. school) to go from nursing to MT. You do need hands-on training, though.
The best advice is to start with the job leads your school gives you.
They will know who is willing to hire and train their graduates.
Can we start an EvaEv banishment petition?
Signature Number One: XanaX
why can't we all just get along?
Check out the Job Seekers board and start applying everywhere.
/
Does anyone even use the start-stop universal transcription system?
if u do i need your help!!!!!!!!!
i totally agree with Patty. In a docs ofc. is where it can all start.
.
Could be poor MT material to start with - my absolute best MT came from community college and
I've had some Andrews, M-Tecs that couldn't even pass the first grammar screening.
the lower you start, the longer it will take you to make good money!
those are just the facts!
maybe take a medical term course and start with physical therapy office
nm
Wait until you start dealing with their Indian techs, in India!, and run out of work. nm
s
Best way to start working immediately after grad is Andrews School or M-TEC online. nm
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