can you switch off one foot to the other?

• Got trained, got a job, and now I've got... - starstruck
  • pedal - anon
  • can you switch off one foot to the other? - Linda F
    • Thanks to both of you - starstruck

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 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!

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......

I had that problem with the Infinity foot pedal, mine was IN-USB-0 and when I switched to IN-USB-1 foot pedal, it worked and I didn't have to pay for a wav player.  They look the same exactly except for this one little difference on the back of the pedals.  Look on the back of your pedal and see what it says--might need IN-USB-1 if you have an infinity pedal.

Does anyone know the best place to buy equipment such as a foot pedal?  I have a dictaphone with a foot pedal is that the same as this other foot pedal?

Thanks for your reply!

Barb

I like to think that I'm keeping my expectations realistic.  As far as money goes, I'm actually more interested in getting my foot in the door than how much I make.  To be honest, no I didn't look into several schools before taking the course I did.  Which I do hope does not come back to bite me.  I did the At-Home Professions course which, by reading the posts on this site, isn't one of the best schools.  But it did teach me a lot of what you said.  I do know that even the most experienced Transcriptionist learns new things every day, has to research terms, etc.  I also did a lot of work with foreign dialect, and I'll be honest its not my favorite.  But it taught me to listen.

I will post my resume on this site.  I'll also contact local doctors in my area.  I am hoping that because my expectations are low, that I'll find what I'm seeking.  I guess what I'm worried about most is that people won't be willing to give me a try.  They'd be surprised to find how well I can do.  I just need to be given the chance.

Oh and as for my grade, that's just what they refered to my grade as, a GPA.  But whether its a GPA or whatnot, it still reflects that I have a good grasp on the material.  At least that's what I get out of it!

Thanks again. 

Jenn

Hi

Dur to spina bifida I can't operate any foot pedal devices. I have been interested in doing the MT course for awhile but was told I could not beacuse of the foot device.  I would like to know if ther is a way around this and if so does  anyone know of a good online school to take the course. Thanks Lindie

Everyone starting on this new account I was hired for need a Boomerang foot pedal so my recruiter sent them out.  I told her that since I work on my laptop I needed a USB but she never responded.  When I opened the package it has a 15-pin port.  I did a search and it seems that is what is available.  Is there an adapter so I may fix this problem.  Otherwise, I'm not sure what can be done except letting them know I won't be able to take the position.

Thanks for the help in advance.