You have to pass the employer's test.
Posted By: sm on 2008-12-14
In Reply to: Career Step ? - bmt
No services hire solely on the basis of what school the MT graduated from.
Most of them do require an applicant to score at least 98% on their employment test. If you can't do that, how will you be able to meet their accuracy requirement when working? Their clients expect about 98% accuracy, so they have to deliver. There is no room for MTs who can't do the work.
This is why big companies require so much experience. It goes hand in hand with accuracy. The more experience you have doing acute care, i.e., hospital, dictation, the more you know and the better you'll do. If you don't have the experience, the companies know you'll flounder. They don't have time to hand-hold you or provide remedial training.
The reason some schools' graduates are granted a waiver for experience is that their training has prepared them well enough to do acceptable work even without the experience. They are trained so thoroughly that they are able to pass the employment tests with 98% accuracy and they understand the employer's expectations regarding accuracy and professionalism.
The most successful schools teach students in an atmosphere that mimics an MT work environment, with the same expectations that employers have, so the students have a firm grasp on the requirements by the time they graduate. They behave much like experienced MTs, perform much like experienced MTs, and go about getting up to speed just as an experienced MT would. That's why it's important to choose a school that tests constantly and provides competent, personalized CMT instruction, not just an answer key and a computer grader.
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
I'm not wondering at all why you can't pass the test! Sheesh...nm
s
Did you pass?
Just wondering if you have been able to pass a test yet?
Your employer will be counting on you
to meet a turnaround time. That will be very difficult to do with "nonspecific hours". This is a job, not a hobby you can pick up whenever you want or ignore when you don't feel like doing it. If you are not reliable, you will not be employable.
You really should discuss this with your employer or
You are setting yourself up for confusion and complete dependence on others by coming here for these kinds of answers.
Your business is between your employer and yourself (if you are an employee) or between you and your client (if you are an IC).
Just trying to help.
Even if you could take it, you probably couldn't pass it.
Anymore than I as an MT could take a nursing exam and pass it. MT is a lot more than just medical terminology, and nurses are not qualified to work as MTs -- just ask anyone who hires MTs.
I have been contacte by an employer *sm*
based on my resume posted at a job site. I am in my last quarter of school. I've not spoken with the representative yet, but I am wondering if I should have disclosed that I am not actually out of school yet on my resume. I did not say either way, just the date being 2008.
My question is, how should I tactfully explain this approach. My hope is to be tested, set up, and ready to go with a company near the end of this quarter. Any ideas? I know it is not unheard of to have a company lined up to work for right out of school; is this the right approach?
Thanks
It all depends on your employer (sm)
and what they require.
I work a flexible 12-hour window in which I can put in my time at any point during that time frame. I asked for 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. which is what I stick to. If there is a time that I need to alter that, it is pretty much always allowable as long as I notify my supervisor. I work employee status for a hospital.
For those that work as an inidependent contractor, they sometimes work on turn-around-time only. They can put in there time here or there as long as the jobs are back within 24 hours' turn around time, for example.
HTH!
If you can't pass the tests. . .
If you can't pass the tests, that is an indication that your knowledge and/or ability isn't what it needs to be to do the job.
If you're getting a chance to test, they ARE giving you a chance. THE TEST is the chance.
You can improve your chances by learning more. Get some materials that Allied didn't use and study with them. Get the BOS and learn it by heart and be able to apply it. Get some HPI training materials and transcribe them. Then try testing again.
The one thing that won't help is begging for "a chance." Employers can't afford to spend money on that chance--they have a job that needs doing at 98% accuracy. If you can't show them you can do that, they're not going to give you a job.
Thanks! will definitely pass these ideas along to my friend -- nm.
nm
No employer ever cared if I had a degree or not. They did
All the employers have ever cared about is whether I could do the job the way they wanted it done. Never once has anyone even asked about a degree. In this industry I don't think it's that helpful, because most of the degree programs teach you everything except how to transcribe. The employers know that. It's not a selling point on your resume. So if you have a degree, that's fine. Degrees are good. You also need to have training on there that shows you can transcribe.
Without good grammar you would not even pass - sm
the test(s) you take in order to get a job. They ask a zillion grammar questions, which word to use (affect/effect; their/there; advise/advice), spelling, etc. Also all MTs, no matter how many years experience, be it 1 month or 15 years, must be able to take criticism (and learn from it). That is the first lesson you must learn. No matter how good a MT course is reputed to be, you will still have plenty to learn at the end of it. Many have the attitude that they all the all-knowing diva of MT and everyone else is full of it. So the OP needs to get rid of the chip on their shoulder, I know people here can be quite harsh and some of those here could be a bit more tactful, but bottom line is that they are right. 
If you pass "if"??? And just where do you teach.
x
If you are an MT employee or MT employer pls EMAIL ME!
I need all the help i can get. I'm submitting my package to get into the MT program by the end of June 2009 and the only thing I haven't completed is the informational interview. I have to ask 3 MT employees and 3 MT employers a few questions about this line of work and I'll be able to get my package processed and hopefully get into the program right away. I am on maternity leave and it's difficulty for me to leave the house and search for people. Please help me out so I can get into this program and finally make something of myself that I can be proud of. Thanks everyone who has taken the time to read this. My email is carpio_cat@hotmail.com
I'm an employer and I say it doesn't matter where you go to school.
I'm impressed by an applicant who shows the ability to follow directions, troubleshoot and stick-to-it-ness. I have seen crap come out of the big three and I have seen crap come out of community colleges and matchbook schools. I have seen superb MT's come out of community colleges and I dare say matchbook schools. As a matter of fact, I didn't even go to school. I was a paramedic and just applied for a job typing x-rays. So I say it matters more what your natural abilities are. If you a linguist and type like the dickens, and know the medical field, you don't even have to go to school. 
LOL, Thanks! ..... when I'm ready to be hired, wouldja pass the word around?? LOL ... nm
zz
the previous post said it only matters what the employers think. I'm an employer and that's wh
think. What exactly do you identify as **balderdash**?
I think people with their eyes wide open are just trying to pass the news along...sm
to some unsuspected starry-eyed matchbook cover readers. A lot of MT's ARE going back to school and the ones that aren't are posting desparate posts saying "what else can I do?" I believe in being prepared...how are you going to go back to school if you don't have a job (or aren't saving some money now?) Believe me, I've been home with my kids too, and make a pretty penny doing this job. But I feel bad for all those people who A) sink thousands of dollars into getting their MT "certificate" from the schools, then B) come and post on this board with everybody else saying "how can we get experienc if no one will hire us, and C) knowing the MT rates are falling, not rising. Just want to give them a heads up on what the rest of us are seeing. Sure, there's a few folks that are still making good money BUT I've been in this field for 25 years now and there's a definite trend afoot here...
I'd also rather hear from a successful employer with a good plan for continued success
Success breeds success. When I look for a leader or mentor or someone to give me advice, I look for someone who has been successful. That person will have to be able to identify his or herself and have verifiable proof to back up their claims. There are ways to do that. Blind posts on message boards don't do it.
Just test, test, test anywhere you can...
Trust me, I know it's discouraging. Don't give up though. I am still going to school but I got lucky enough to find some MTSOs to do overflow work for. Granted I am lucky if I get to work three days a week but it is giving me a little experience and keeping my skills fresh. I am now working for a national that ran an ad wanting 3 yrs experience. I took a chance and now I am working with only a couple of months under my belt.
Good luck.
Test everywhere!
If you look at the posts here, everyone says to test everywhere, and it's true! Anyplace that will let you test, test! Some are harder than others, but don't give up. I graduated from my school last November and didn't find a job until March of this year, and I actually found it through a friend of a friend and I consider myself lucky. The important thing is to NOT GIVE UP. I know you studied hard so now work at your job search just as diligently. It is frustrating, but it can be done. Do a search on the internet for medical transcription agencies and test with each one that lets you. Try Spheris, Medivoxx, and Cobb Medical Transcription for starters. Good luck!
Sure you can test 100's.
you set up a worklist off of email responses, send out the grammar screening, when it comes back, run it through a macro to cross check and give scores, then you have an objective measurement of who has potential. Found it weeds out much more successfully than "I completed a medical transcription course and scored a 94%" drivel.
Test everywhere....
By testing with different companies you will soon learn where your strength and weakness are. Regardless if they require experience, if allowed, take the test. It will not hurt and it will help to build your confidence. Most of all, keep trying. Good luck!
Test, Test, Test
Test with absolutely every company you can. I tested with at least 50 companies before I found a good company. Did you get feedback regarding why you failed from these mentoring companies?
Something will happen, you can't give up. I wanted to give up several times, and I am so glad I didn't! Just keep trying - test with every company that allows you. You'll gain that experience while you're trying to find someone who will give you a shot. Good luck to you.
Test
Can anyone tell me how many test they took to get a job because i have taken like 5 so far and be very confident researched everything and they still turn me down. I am getting very depressed because in school I did excellent on all of my reports and they graded hard. I am starting to think that I will never get a job. What is it? Please can any one explain and help me. I am very sad
test
I took a test for MQ last week. When do you think they will get back to me?
98 on Test
Hi,
Is that true you have to make 98 on test to get a job?
Thanks for your imput.
test
test
written test help
I am testing for a new job. Anyone have any info on where to find practice quizes or something. Any help would be great!
They test them and if they do well, they get hired like anyone else.
nm
It's likely that most companies won't test you without
I'm a small MTSO and won't even consider testing someone if they haven't been trained, preferably at one of the better schools (M-TEC, Andrews, etc.)
Help with taking test
Hi there....I'm hoping somebody can help me. I have to take a test using Windows Media Player (no foot pedal yet), and I can't figure out how to type in Word and still be able to use the keyboard keys. Any tips would be much appreciated.
Some companies won't even let you test unless
.
You'd have to test for companies. How would you do?
What would happen when the truth came out? There is no faking it when it comes to doing hospital work. Did you see the ads for general/religious transcription? If your English skills are top-notch, jump on those. One of the companies says they also have or will be getting some MT work, I believe.
Good luck.
so are you saying your test scores are too low?
you may want to consider buying a book and brushing up on grammar, etc. With all due respect, I noticed you misspelled "receive" in your post (it's I before E except after C or when sounded as A as in Neighbor and Weigh). Now that may just be a typo posting, which is fine, but if you actually don't know grammar and phonics rules, it's the kiss of death in this field.
Test scores
No I am not saying my test scores are too low. I usually denied because of lack of experience. As for misspelling receive that was a typo in my post. I asked for suggestions on how for find a job. I thank you for the tip about the grammar brush up but that isn't the problem. I have never worked for a hospital and I think that the school I went to is holding me back. Unfortunately I had no idea that At-home professions or Us career institute as they call themselves now was considered such a bad school. Again thanks for the tip but I believe that my problem is more a lack of experience problem than a grammar problem. When I did this about 10 years ago the field was so much easier to get into. Any other tips would be appreciated.
Test everywhere you can, you learn a lot that way - sm
also make cold calls. This is how I landed my first job. I had tested with a company and passed and was hired, but was waiting to actually start (took 2 months for that to actually happen). In the meantime I started calling local companies, I got hired over the phone by one willing to take a chance on me. I was on probation for 3 months, doing about $200 a month (she only had little bit of extra work), after I a month or so I knew I was "hired" for good and eventually got a little more work as the MTSO wanted to do less herself. I applied at another place (while working the 2 jobs) and picked up a 3rd. All were PT but different types of work, etc. so I packed in a lot of experience that way. Just keep plugging away, took me 2 months to land the 1st then 2 weeks later got #2, and 3 months later got #3. Just takes a little time, patience, and lots of persistence.
I took their online test on 8/21 and just
heard back from them yesterday. The lady I talked to there told me that she is really behind on contacting people. When did you apply with them?
typing test?
I am testing for jobs, and they want a typing test sent to them. My comment... why? I type what I hear not what I read. The brain is trained in a different way. I can only type 60 wpm without my shortcuts and stedmans smart type. They want 80 wpm. I dont know if I should test or not?
No companies have let me test yet
I haven't received any replies yet from companies to let me test. Is there any way to test other than sending out resumes?
Test answers
I wondered that myself! But then again I am a pretty naive critter
MEDQUIST MT test
I replied to your message once, but never saw the reply here...so if this shows up twice, please forgive me! I took the Medquist test a few days ago, also, and today I got the same letter...FAILED...with no explanation. Like you, I thought I had done pretty well as a newbie. Now I am trying to take the Focus Informatics test. However, the very first test...I cannot understand her at all, and it is supposed to be a test for newbies. Is there someone who can give me some insight into Focus Informatics and their MT tests for newbies? I really want to get started working and thought I had a chance with Focus, but if I can't even transcribe the first couple of lines of the first report, I'm doomed. HELP, PLEASE!
Is this a test question?
x
First Test Experience
Newbie took test at local hospital last night. I had to just post my experience. I was in a small, messy room with no windows. The MT who gave me the test sat me a a workstation, brought up dictation file and said 'now you just type'. The head phones they gave me didn't work. They gave me another set and that set kept cutting out on one side. I wasn't at all nervous, but my experience was less than enjoyable. I was given 11 dicationas to complete that were actual doctors at that hospital. I would say half were ESL. I had to chuckle or I would have cried. There was no terminology test or anything - just dictation. I didn't do very well. Even the English speaking doctors were mostly just mubbles. Had I been able to even understand a little of the terminology they were speaking I could have done better; however, they were horrible. Slowing down the dictation didn't help - in fact - I don't think that was even working. I spoke a little with the MT and she said the courses don't prepare you for what you will really experience. Is this really what I'm in for? I've never run across any dictations, even the ESL, in me courses that were this bad. Although the MT told me it's better to work at a hospital as a newbie, I think I disagree. I think I would feel more comfortable working from home. I guess you get used to the doctors eventually. On the lighter side, I did watch the MT doing dictation and noted her Expander usage and ya know what --- I think I can do this and will not give up!
Medquist Test
I recently took the Medquist test and failed for a second time. I looked everything up before submitting it, and still failed. I have been in the medical field for for almost 20 years, and this really surprised me. Does anyone know how many questions you are allowed to miss?
Medquist test
I don't know how many Qs you can miss. I have taken that test, passed the objective part, then flunked the actual transcription test. Maybe they would go over your test results with you a bit if you called them? In my case, I know I need more transcription practice. You might just be missing something easy to correct like one of their punctuation questions or something. I would ask them.
Passed Test!!!
I frequent this forum alot and see lots of helpful information that is being shared among MTs. It is great!!! I spent the later part of last night trying to finish one transcription test for a company and finally finished this afternoon. About 30 to 45 minutes later the company calls and says I did a great job!!! I am quite nervous because there are alot of companies who sucker you around and I am a newbie so I consider that a double wammy for me!! It also made me nervous that they called me back so quickly!! I am having butterflies now. I have not even returned there call yet. Well wish me luck. This company has been mentioned alot on this forum but I am going to give them a try anyway. After all I am a newbie!! Thanks to everyone for the advice and guidence on the forum.
online test
Don't feel bad - I've done transcription for over 25 years, had a CMT for 15 of those years... took an online test with MRC (Medical Records Corporation). I did the test, waited for two whole weeks... they never got back to me until I asked them what the hel_ was going on and they told me I failed the test - would someone explain that to me? My audit score for the company that I am currently working for, is 97-98........ 
FocusInfomatics test...
I, too, just took the FocusInfomatics test for QA/Editor position and I was told I "failed". I think I did well on the first half, just the transcription part I had difficulty with. I just could not understand one of the docs. I have QA'ed for Medquist before and passed their test. Very discouraging.
typing test
It was a timed typing test.
I was not fast or accurate enough to pass, but I am improving. Have you worked online without taking a typing test?
typing test
I agree, when I first started radiology I had to look up every 30 seconds or so - and I'd been doing this for 10 years. If you want you can take a quick typing test at www.typingtest.com, It would be purely for your own knowledge but it is kind of cool to see your improvement.
I remember seeing a job posting that said (this job is not worthwhile unless you can type 75 WPM) which I thought was very stupid. But they pointed out this website and I was at 73 wpm - when I started 10 years ago I was only at 45 WPM.
WPM doesn't matter as much as your knowledge - this is true - so consider that before you apply for a job that even mentions WPM!!
I go back to test...
later this week. they called me back after the interview!!!!! woohoo!!!!
thank you for the encouraging words! :)
|
