I'm in the same situation...
Posted By: hearts on 2008-12-10
In Reply to: Suggestions or comments greatly appreciated..... - Michelle
I recently graduated from Penn Fosters MT program with a 95%. Even though I type about 95 wpm, none of the MT companies seem to be willing to give a newbie a chance. Although no education is "wasted", I'm wondering if there are as many opportunities as the schools imply.
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Same situation...
I graduated from one of the "top 3" schools, and I have applied to 5 companies, with no response from 4 of them. Like you, MQ was the only one to acknowledge my application -- although I was promptly dismissed by the recruiter from the new outside company they are using because I had applied 5 years ago to MQ. It was like she totally ignored the current information and based her decision on a resume from 5 years ago! I am getting frustrated as well. I was wondering what I was doing wrong. So many other people seem to have no problem getting through to the companies. When I don't hear back, I'm left to wonder if I am just not qualified or if they never got the online application.
I don't know your situation or if
you can only work at home. When I first started I took a job outside my home in a medical office for almost next to nothing in pay. I just wanted to get my foot in the door. Eventually I helped out transcriptionist and from then on I never had a problem getting a job. Beware of a company in Iowa that hires newbies. They teach their MTs the incorrect way and you will never pass any test given by another company. Also, alot of hospitals will hire newbies. They start you off inhouse but eventually let you work at home. Good Luck! Please feel free to E-mail me anytime. .
I understand your situation!
I got into the MT career out of desperation!! I was an RN, so I know medical terminology/drugs, etc. I was pregnant and wanted something to do at home so I could be with the baby, so I started looking into MT'ing. I can type relatively fast, and again, was very familiar with physicians, drugs, terminology, procedures, etc. I got in with a small company doing a pretty easy account, moved right on up the chain, and I have been doing this for almost 10 years now. (Our daughter was born 8 weeks premature, so it was such a blessing to be able to be home with her. She had some problems, so no daycare would have accepted her and all of her "equipment" that she had to carry around!) Just because you can type does not mean you will be a great MT without any training, but I don't think it is as difficult as some people make it out to be. If you have some medical knowledge already, a few good reference books and of course Google, I think you would do fine. You just have to be persistent in finding that one company that will work with you. Do you live in a big city or in the country? I would try some the smaller, individually-owned companies first. They are usually more flexible and willing to work with you on the newness issue. If that doesn't turn up anything, I would look on the job board, and just start calling or sending e-mails. Explain how desparate your situation is. Explain your CNA experience, how willing you are to work where they would need someone the most, such as weekends, nights, etc. Sorry this is so long, but I have been in your shoes before, and I don't want you to be discouraged by people telling you that CNA/LPN/RN experience is not enough to be an MT. Good luck to you.
Depends on the situation
Usually they lump clients together regarding the software that will work with stuff on their end. So all the clients that use (as an example) Lanier and Meditech will go on the "L" platform, and people with experience with those systems will get assigned to that platform and trained on it.
Or it could have to do with specialties. Example - I type only radiology, and have never been trained for the "Basic 4". I will only be working radiology accounts, so I work on the "rad" platform and am only concerned if radiology accounts are out of TAT, approved for OT, etc. If I type for company XZY and they are way behind on Acute Care reports, sorry, I don't type that. Some distinct specialties are split off into their own platforms with their own supervisors and would call themselves some sort of team name. My supe might be over all the radiology MTs, and there may be several subteams under her (such as "L" platform above).
Usually new platforms are scary to current employees, because some companies tend to use us as guinea pigs to work all the bugs out as we go. Its easier for companies to assign new employees to the new platforms because they'll have to learn everything new as it is.
Excuse me, Jay, but you know nothing of my situation and
what I did or sacrificed, so there's no need to pull the "weren't you a newbie" ***do not use this language***; especially since you have no idea how long I've been working or what school I attended. It's common sense that more companies would up the scale if they didn't have people jumping at the chance to work for 5-6 cpl. I've met many people who have settled for 5-6 cpl and then griped that they can make more at Wal-Mart and work less hours. Solution: Hold out. Also, I'm not going to start "at the bottom" when I don't have to because someone thinks it's my duty.
***Ms. Amanda, I would suggest that you watch your language. It is fine to express your views, but unnecessary to be rude towards others***
Moderator
I am very happy for your situation
I have about 20 years experience and am at the top of my game...but I now only get VR work and I am paid about 0.5/line (and according to some reports...my VR is paid more than most..some are paid .02 to 04 line. So I will no way make 40,000 a year...and I do about 2300 lines a day VR...working my a$$ off.
Your situation may allow you to test without further education
Contact the employers and see if they will let you test. It can't hurt to try. You have some good experience. I doubt that you need a complete course.
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