You can switch Vista to XP, but then you can't switch it back to Vista is what
Posted By: me on 2008-06-07
In Reply to: Change Vista To XP - Barb
I understand. I've known several MTs dump Vista and they didn't have any issues.
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- Change Vista To XP - Barb
- You can switch Vista to XP, but then you can't switch it back to Vista is what - me
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career switch
The on-line school, M-Tec, offers basic courses for those who already work in the medical field. It would be less expensive for you as opposed to someone, like me, who has no medical background. FYI.
can you switch off one foot to the other?
Prop up one foot while using the other. Not everybody can do this. may not help that much anyway
Potential career switch?
 Hi, everyone. Need some advice here. I'm a post-college graduate who is currently working for a family business part-time(trying to float them along) and working in Medical Records for a busy, multiple-doctor family practice about 25 hours a week (trying to float myself, lol). I have the option of going full-time w/ the office in September, which at this point, i'm going to keep, because I enjoy working there and it's a good backup. However, I don't see much opportunity for pay-raise/advancement, though the benefits are good. I live in a small town, but we are right smack dab between two large hospital networks (and two metropolitan areas). I am a very fast and accurate typer, and I have excellent communication and writing skills. I am a bit weak on the medical terminology, but learning more everyday (with minimal effort, as in I haven't sat down and studied--if i did, i'm sure it would pick up exponentially).
I am interested in the flexibility of transcription, but also in the potential to actually be able to increase your wages as your experience increases. Would my college degree (plus some graduate work) and a few basic MT courses be enough to get me started somewhere?? Anywhere? I already have a home office and updated equipment; the only thing I don't have is a transcriber machine. I figure that if I start out very slowly, with maybe one client or just a few hours a week, my learning curve will improve and I can gradually add hours and clients.
If i do any schooling, I would do it locally at a Community college, a course or two to help fill in the holes....but I really don't see the need to spend thousands on some online program based on my work experiences and existing education. In addition to the position i have now, I have also done billing for veterinarians.
I guess I am just at a crossroads---I live on a farm and local job opportunities at a higher pay range are only those that require extensive travel and sales, which I don't care for. (been there, done that, husband doing it now and hates it). I am a ridiculous hard worker, articulate, and smart. Any advice would be appreciated---thanks in advance!
re:potential career switch
True, I probably am trying to do it the hard way. But, I don't have $$$ to shell out close to $2k for an online cert program with the potential to repeat things that I already do know. Presently, I'm trying to get a course for the fall through a local community college which I hope will go through---need to get the instructors permission though....... What medical terminology spell-checkers and such do you guys recommend?? Do you use regular MS word, or one of those other systems that i've seen advertised? (wondering if it's legit or just a marketing ploy...!) Thanks for the advice......
Vista
Hi Tera, I know what you mean. I have been looking on and off for 2 1/2 years. One thing then another. It's the computer or not passing employment test. I haven't tried Focus yet.
I wish you good luck with everything.
Take care,
Barbara
Vista vs. XP
I am starting a new job, and I need to have XP for it to be compatible with the transcription platform. I am wondering, is this the case most of the time for transcription work, or are there a lot of MTs using Vista? My options at this point are either pay to have my Vista wiped off my brand new laptop and pay to have someone install XP (which may or may not function with all the bells and whistles on this thing), buy an older XP computer, use my old outdated dinosaur computer that has XP on it already, or trade my new laptop for a business class one that has preinstalled XP with the option to upgrade to vista. I don't want to do any of these, and no matter which one I choose, it will be expensive (with the exception of using my dinosaur). So, what I am wondering is this: Do most MTs have to use XP? Are there many platforms/companies which run fine on Vista? Am I wasting my time an money downgrading, or will this be something that I will need anyways? Any information on this subject is appreciated. 
getting rid of vista
Unfortunately, I already tried this (took it to a place to have Vista removed and replaced with XP), and they screwed up my computer, long story...Anyways, I have been researching it for 2 days now, and this model of computer has issues with XP, because they do not make the drivers for it. I appreciate your input anyways. I guess you sort of answered my question anyways, that in general, Vista is often unacceptable for the MT world.
Vista vs. XP
InfraWare works on VISTA. An ASP will continue to develop as Microsoft does if it is cutting edge technology.
Vista so far so good
I just got a new computer with Vista last night. My Inscribe platform works fine with it.
Change Vista To XP
Has anyone bought a Vista and then had the operating system changed to XP because you found out that Vista was not compatible with the MT world. Was it O.K. ? I am such an idit LOL !
Thanks for your help!
Barb
computer without vista
I purchased a new dell laptop about 6 months ago and was able to get it with Windows XP. I would also recommend if you go that route that you elect to have Word 2003 rather than the newer Word 2007 installed on it as it is getting very difficult to find Word 2003 anymore and it is very expensive.
Shelley
vista and word
Bring the computer back if you can and have them install windows XP....I have found that 99.9% of companies are non-vista compatible. Also, try to get Word 2003...most companies want that are not once again not compatible with Word 2007.
First step is get rid of Vista -
NM
Vista versus XP
I recently started working for another company and the computer tech is EXTREMELY knowledgeable when it comes to platforms and such. I was informed that Vista is basically another version of Windows ME which, most people know, was a HORRID version of Windows and Microsoft is planning on coming out with yet another operating system early next year.
I have also done internet research and there are posts regarding the fact that you can partition your hard drive to where you can have both XP and Vista running on the computer, however, in my opinion, that is best handled by an expert and not something that anyone should attempt on their own without extensive computer knowledge.
Right now, I would say your best bet would be to try to find a computer with XP on it as far as a laptop, or if you can hold out, stick with the dinosaur for a bit longer. Also, it may help to get registry fix programs etc, many of which are free and extremely good programs and might help to optimize the older computer in terms of speed, etc.
I have both Vista and XP pro on my desktop. sm
The people I got my new computer from said that the big thing with Vista vs XP is that with Vista you need LOTS more RAM or something like that.
Our computer came with Vista pre-installed but because we got more speed and a major amount of memory and a video card with its own RAM, he was able to put XP pro on with Vista. I am not tech-savvy at all, so I was more than happy to have them do it.
Another place you might want to try is www.komando.com She ROCKS!!! She is my major source for questions etc.
If you can, use your old computer. It might be slow, but as long as it gets your job done, that's what counts. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
who hires new grads with vista?
I am a new grad looking for an at home position. I was accepted with a company, but they are not compatible with Vista. Does anyone know of another ? Thanks!
I don't have Vista, but usualy you need to unzip the
program first. I use winzip, don't know if Vista has something built in, but go to the help section and type in unzip files and see if that helps.
Vista/XP word 07/2000?
Hello,
Can anyone tell me which operation system is best for MTs and also which word 2000 - 2007 which one is best. I would appreciate anyone to settle my confusion! I have Vista and ready to take it back to the store to have XP put on it. What do you think.
Thanks,
TT
You can still get a VISTA-free computer
from Tiger Direct if you ask. At least I got one not too long ago.
I use Vista just fine with Bayscribe..nm
xx
Need help opening a compressed file with Vista
I received a test from a company and it is a compressed file. I have Vista and have been unable to uncompress(unzip) the files. It says the folder is empty. I emailed the HR department and they said that they have received several test back already so they know the folder is not empty. Does anyone know how to uncompress a file with Vista?
Any mentor programs that requir Vista
I have Vista and cant' find a Mentor program that is compatable with Vista. Can anyone help?
BT
I may have one that I bought a while back. Will check tonight and get back to you.
nm
You need to go back
I've been doing this for 22+ years, that includes in-house, on a QA level, managing, and being an MT. I have never reached 50K and do not anticipate that I ever will. I have reached that 40K mark on good years like the other post stated, but 50K is unrealistic without years of experience and great pay...which we do not get anymore. You really have to love this job, not like it, and give hours and hours to it. It consumed me for a number of years, then I realized I needed a life. Gratefully, I went back to just being an MT working at home and actually make more money then when I was a manager. If you are simply in this for the money, you will get burned out very fast. This profession can burn you out like no other. Good luck on your choices, but be realistic.
Getting back in
What would a refresher course do for you? The purpose of a course isn't to teach you a bunch of words, instruments, and drugs. It's to teach you how to transcribe--the process, the expectations, what references to use and how to use them, etc.
If you worked for 4 years, you should already know how to transcribe. The fact that you were away from it for 5 months doesn't mean you lost all that knowledge. You should still be able to get going with it.
No training course is going to update you to TODAY, because there are no training materials that close. When you trained before, you might have felt that you learned words and terms that were "current," but they were only as current as the teaching materials.
You should be able to dive right into a job. If you want some review, consider getting some of the SUM program tapes . . . maybe the ESLs. That's a good set and you'll benefit from it. They also have practice tests and other materials at reasonable cost.
If you do that, you can get your speed back up enough to feel comfortable applying for a job. After that, you should be able to work just fine.
Redpen
Andrews School
Going back to school
I have been taking an at home MT course. I have lost all ambition to continue with it due to the things I have read on this site. I don't want to waste anymore of my time and money on something where I will not even be able to find a job when I am finished. It appears there are hardly any jobs out there for "newbies", and the money doesn't seem to be much. So, I have decided to go back to college and go into radiology. It will only take two years and I will make more money than doing MT work. Good Luck to all of you.
Get back what you can, and enroll with...
M-TEC, Inc. The cost is substantially less, and they offer placement assistance. Their current rate of placement is about 97%. Most companies waive the 2-year experience requirement for M-Tec grads.
So what if someone is getting a kick-back
If someone is helping others, and they want the help, why should kick-backs matter? I did not take an online course or any course for that matter, but why should it matter if someone is getting a kick-back? I think that is just a nasty way to be when we should be helping one another. Sounds like a little jealousy to me. JMO.
They responded back to me...
10 hours (600 minutes) of transcription is all they do in "training." Gees - that's absolutely nothing!
Go back to school?
They came to town, advertised in the local newspaper, held a seminar in which they promised lots of work and no worries about technology taking over. I enrolled, worked my pootootie off, paid a lot of money and discovered a newfound respect for medical transcriptionists. I just finished the MT course after about a year almost 1/2 with a GPA of 91, yet I never once thought to investigate what companies were hiring and whom they wanted. I did call the local hospital and an owner of a transcription service who advised me to enroll in school. Now...I find companies want 2+ years of experience and the local hospital is not hiring at this time. I did not attend Andrews or M-TEC; however, I am wondering if I should enroll in one or the other. Any advice for someone fresh out of school looking for a job?
ME too, I wish they would open it back up to us, with
strict rules and if you break them, you are out, that probably is too time-consuming, oh well. Great supportive board there.
I'm the slow kid in the back.....
...and I need to get faster! My transcription is okay but my line counts are low. After transcribing, I re-listen to the entire file to make sure I got everything. My mentor says that's slowing me down too much. Can any of you established MTs share some advice on how to edit more efficiently? I know it's supposed to be something that comes with time, but is there any way to hurry the process along a bit??
Getting back in the field
I have a certificate in medical transcription with four years experience working from home; however, I have not worked in five years since quitting to be a full-time mom. Can anyone recommend a great way to back into the field or a refresher course from a reputable company? I would love to do transcription again but don't want to spend a lot of money to do it since I already completed a course a few years back. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Getting back in the field
Thank you for the advice. I do need to update my reference materials. The school I attended no longer offers the program and unfortunately the company I worked for is no longer around after my supervisor retired, so I am at somewhat of a disadvantage. Has anyone ever heard of FutureMT? They have one of the least expensive programs on the internet. I'm looking at that one and MedTrans Inc. I hate to repeat a lot of what I know, but may not have a choice at this point.
Getting back in the field
I'll look into this. Thank you!
I am going back to college
I went to school back in 06 for this. I know MT is going down. I know I cannot give my kids the kind of life I want to doing MT. I absolutely want to stay in the medical field, so I chose to go back to college for nursing. I am getting a loan for it, and at least I know that when I am done with schools and testing I CAN get a job in the hospital without a problem and be able to pay off my loan. Its just right for me and my family.
If I were you, I'd want my money back from whatever MT course you took.
If you've had any decent MT training at all, this shouldn't have been any problem for you.
I go back to test...
later this week. they called me back after the interview!!!!! woohoo!!!!
thank you for the encouraging words! :)
Go back to the school that trained you
and demand that they finish the job. They did not make you job-ready. Your English-language skills are too weak to make you employable in any position other than a dead-end, minimum-wage job. Bluntly speaking, if you do not improve your English communications skills, you will face disappointment in your job search.
Got that right, mom! Can't just put the little ones on the back burner while you try and earn a
s
I'm like you, type, then go back and relisten. I used to just
read but kept falling asleep. I just turn the speed up several notches and relisten and it isn't so bad. I actually am sometimes able to get a blank with the speed up that I couldn't when I played it several times at regular speed.
Disagree. MT is dying. Get out and don't loook back.
x
I send my wav. files back and Encrypt them
x
Funny how you keep coming back and posting this - sm
Makes me think YOU are the "owner" of Proficient Transcription. Hmmmmmm...
What I want to know is why the VLC owner lives in Canada and is not allowed back in the U.S.?
nm
Sorry you didn't check it out before signing up. Can you get your money back?
It definitely is not a very good school, and you definitely will have a difficult time finding a job after finishing that course, because the people doing the hiring know that that course is not extensive enough to teach you what you need to know.
Read back thru the Word Help and Style boards, too, to see answers to ?? others have. You'll lear
s
Quick Look Drug Book great for this as it has conditions/diagnoses in back with meds
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