I didn't have the trouble you described after school.
Posted By: Learned more than the "head of a pin" at sch on 2006-06-13
In Reply to: I agree with the poster sm - Just Me
The school itself was very hard and the work was similar to most of what I did on the job. There were some differences, of course, and I was very slow at first. My experience was different from yours though and the school was the biggest reason for the difference.
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She didn't say she didn't have the skills. She said she didn't have the experience.
x
I didn't find it rude that you didn't agree with me. That doesn't
matter. We don't have to agree. What I found rude and condescending was the way you hammered away at how you had to have training, saying that anybody with common sense would know that you had to go to school to be an MT; things like that are what I found rude. Some of us did just what you said couldn't be done. Like I said, it doesn't matter if we agree or not. We all have our opinions and are entitled to them. Just don't try to tell me that what I, and others, have already done is not possible. 
Years ago you didn't need a certificate, didn't even
need experience, but things have changed. Unless your mentor is going to sit by your side 24/7 I would recommend finishing the class, because you need to have a knowledge base in place. I have seen recent posts though where companies willing to hire newbies will not hire those who has taken from the program that you are taking.
Trouble
Understanding the foreign doctor's. Any suggestions?
I am having trouble
with finding places that have psych transcription. My plan was to start with psych and transition back into medical as you stated, but my goodness I just cannot find psych work.
Thanks guys for the encouragement. I will keep trying, as I love transcription, if it is psych or medical.
Trouble getting a job
Hi all! This is my first post. I graduated from CareerStep in late August and have now applied to probably 20 national companies. Some have contacted me immediately to say that they do not hire entry levels, some I have heard nothing. I am in the midst of a divorce and REALLY need to be income producing! (I have two little girls at home and home school them, as well).
Any suggestions for companies or other resources that will give a new girl a shot?
Thanks!!
trouble
Get an alchol wipe and clean the little roller things in your transcriber - just be careful and don't use cotton because it will jam up. They have swabs that are rubbery stuff that do this really well at the office stores. You probably need to have your transcriber serviced. When they get dirty that is what happens, the off and on effect with the muffling stuff. Go digital. I only have one account left with tapes and it drives me crazy.
but why do they have so much trouble getting jobs?
I know half a dozen community colleges that don't teach medical transcription anymore because none of their graduates could get jobs. Why is that?
Newbie trouble
I have been at this for 2+ years. So far I would say no this is not the norm; however, my part-time gig where I type ER notes I am still on hold. It has been more than 3 months. I give clean reports -- they come back with no errors or just the occasional blank which we are allowed -- they encourage them rather than guessing and getting it wrong. Several QA stick up for me and say I should be off hold, but the head of QA has other ideas. What bothers me most of all is that sometimes I am faulted for things that are not incorrect as per the Book of Style. They want us to follow this book, yet most of QA where I am apparently has not even bothered to read it. I am searching for another company too. Good luck to you!!!
I'm sorry you're having so much trouble
I know it is hard. It took me a while to find work after I graduated. The only thing that saved me is I had a great paying job as a legal secretary so I could afford to wait. Have you tried applying to Spheris. I know I've said this in numerous posts, but have you tried local MTSO or local doctors' offices. I started out with small local MTSO as an IC and now work for a local doctor's office regularly transcribing for 4 doctors and 1 NP. If you want to work for the big Nationals, this may help get experience.
You're the one who's causing the trouble here. sm
At this point in time, your behavior is extremely childish and unprofessional, not to mention flat out lying and misleading. You should knock it off. I hope that people have the common sense to ignore you and your posts.
ditto trouble finding a job
Hi everyone, my name is Angela and I received my certificate for MT about 2 years ago and still have not had any luck. If anyone has suggestions on good companys that hire entry level candidates I would greatly appreciate it. I am open to any suggestions.
Thanks,
Angela Rowland
trouble with online tests?
Anyone else applied to Medquist or FocusInfomatics and have trouble passing the test?? I cannot figure out why I did not pass the transcription test and they can't tell me...just hoping I'm not alone...thanks
I agree. Policing QA is not your job, and will only lead to trouble. nm
x
Trouble understanding test is part of work
We intentionally put a hard to understand file in our transcription portion of the test to see how a potential employee will do with hard to understand dictation. All your dictation files are not going to be easy to understand when you get into a position.
Trouble finding Entry Level work
I just recently completed all of my course work for my AAS in Medical Transcription, graduation isn't until May, and I am having a really hard time finding entry level work. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips that they found to be successful. I have posted my resume on a few sites, I have been submitting resumes to every company I can, I have even been able to apply to quite a few, but still I keep being told that I do not have the experience required and to keep looking for a company with an internship/mentoring program, and I can not find any that I do not have to pay for myself.
I do understand that patience is needed, especially when first starting out, I was just hoping for a little direction and a little venting.
Thanks--Christina
Trouble finding Entry Level work
I, too, am having a hard time finding any work. We (all MTs) all started out somewhere, but I am having a hard time finding that somewhere. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.
I didn't go to any of the BIG 3
And I did not have a problem either. I worked hard, got extra practice dictation and did a lot of extra work on my own. I got my first job, stayed there until I moved. They gave me such a good reference letter that I have had no problems landing clients since. Every single one has their own style and requirements, so the learning curve is always going to be there anyway. I interviewed a person who went to one of the top 3, and she didn't have a clue, by the way. It is all in how seriously you take the work, just like anything else.
didn't think of that!
Thanks! I just did it, and I think for the most part that did do it. I looked at EVERYTHING else! LOL
I didn't think so.
Can't hurt to ask.
I didn't about that.
Thank you Deb. That IS a very valid point. I appreciate your quick reply.
I didn't know....sm
I didn't know there was paid internships where you get paid for the work. I didn't have an AHDI approved school I don't believe so I didn't have that luxury. Wish I had though.
Didn't like my answer?
Didn't like my tone? That's just too damn bad. Get over it. I told you the truth. If you don't want to heed the truth, that's your problem, not mine.
Didn't mean to insult you . . .
I didn't mean to insult you. When I make suggestions like that, it's as much, or even more, for others who would read the posts later. Few people have that much money on hand--this is a topic that will be google-able for years. Maybe someone can use the ideas to finance their child's tuba lessons some day.
Look at it this way . . . you may have the money in the bank, but if you can get some cash by selling stuff you don't need, you'll have a roomier habitat and "free" schooling, too. Well, sort of free. You might not have to dip into savings that way.
It IS a lot of money. If it were me, knowing what I know, I'd feel a lot insecure about forking over that kind of cash.
but they didn't respond to me
They responded to a new MT, who responded to me. Therefore, they *did* read what I wrote correctly.
Kind of like W.C. Fields, a well-known atheist. He was found to be reading the bible and when asked why he said, "I'm looking for loopholes."
The MTSO found a loophole.
I didn't see it but for some reason
most of my posts and responses don't get deleted even when things get thick! I don't take it personally or think much about it when it does happen. I've seen things that seemed very benign get deleted, not just here but other places. Seems like it is just the way things work.
No, they didn't mind at all that I was new.
In fact, I think they preferred it. That way, they can train me to do things their way. And no, I won't be the only one transcribing. They have one Transcriptionist that has worked there for 6 years and I will be helping her out. I will only have to work in the office for approx. 1 hour per day and the rest at home. They said I could work as many or as few hours as I need to. I've thanked them very kindly every day this week for giving me this opportunity.
I hope you can find something soon as well. It is so frustrating trying to get the required experience.
The OP didn't say anything about any thing other than TV
As I stated before, I work when my little one watches certain programs; however, there are bigger issues here just as you brought up. What I got from the original poster was exactly what those fly-by-night get-rich-quick while you stay at home with your kids try to sell newbies and don't prepare a new MT for the REALITY of working from home, especially with small children. Had the original poster said "in addition to having puzzle time, block building time, playing in the sand time, what good programs will help?" I would have felt differently but that is NOT how the original post was worded.
I'm lucky because I have learning centers set up. I don't rely on extensive TV to get my work done. Plus I'm not a newbie with unrealistic expectations and a huge learning curve to face while there are 2 little ones vying for my attention. It is certainly possible to have kids stay home and work, but to rely heavily on TV IMHO is wrong thinking for the future of our children. I take advantage of mother's day out as I am single with a child who was dropped on my door by a mom who didn't want to play mommy anymore. I have a child with no social skills, who doesn't know what home cooked food is, who never before had a regular schedule, didn't know another child her own age...I could go on and on.
My point is that having a variety of activities, interactions, settings is much better for a child than relying on hours of TV (the OP mentioned morning shows plus wanted more suggestions for other times, which indicates wanting to have the TV babysitting them). If you don't see it that way, read the OP again.
My child can go outside and play on my patio and I can watch and talk to her from my desk. How could a newbie who needs no distraction do something like that. TV. My child can ride around the house, collecting pretend mail while singing and I'll join in while waiting for the doctor to flip through the chart. How will a newbie handle that? TV.
I think you and I are arriving at the same endpoint, but interpreting the OP with different POVs. You never addressed the OP's obvious lack of insight about ENTERING the MT at home world with stay-at-home children. I did.
Didn't mean to jump on you
I'm sorry if I was overly defensive - I'm just so very frustrated. I'm glad things worked out for you, and I feel that if things had been handled differently, I would have been perfectly happy finishing the course. My problem has not been with the content of the course, but with their lack of help when I begged for someone to actually check on why the materials never arrived. I asked nicely about 8 or 9 times before I finally lost it. And then, when I lost it, they punished me for speaking out. These are not the actions of a reputable business, and their lack of response now makes them look even worse. But again, I'm glad for you and good luck.
I didn't say I was just going to wake up and be an MT
I didn't just say I want to be an MT. I said I was starting school with Career Step. They train you to become a MT.
You didn't say what was difficult about it to be
able to help you.
I didn't indicate that anyone can do it. I simply
stated my experience. I thought that was the reason for this forum, sharing experiences and opinions.
Would you not be upset if someone that you didn't know,
had never met, knew nothing about you or your work ethics questioned everything that you are supposed to know to be able to accomplish you job? The whole tone of your post was condescending whether you meant it to be or not. Almost every sentence said *do you* know this or that and I could only assume that the *you* that was being referred to was me. Just because I didn't go for formal MT training doesn't mean that I have forgotten the basics of grammar. Believe it or not, nurses have to know where to put commas, too. We have to know all the basics of grammar. That's why we're required to take college-level English in our nursing programs. Having CMT behind one's name doesn't make one a good Transcriptionist either; it only means that person is a good test taker. Sure, they have to know the basics, but that doesn't mean they're perfect. Neither am I. I'm quite sure I make mistakes even though I strive to produce a quality report without mistakes. CMTs, just like the rest of us, are constantly learning, too, I hope. So, please think twice about how a post is going to sound before you jump on the bandwagon and beat someone down. Maybe you didn't mean to, but you did anyway. Have a wonderful evening.
Agree. Didn't go to either, but SM
those 2 are the only 2 schools I recommend to anyone who asks me about going into MT (if they insist on going into it even after I've told them the income is going down and not up).
You didn't offend me
Lynn, you wrote a lovely post. And if this board was for MTs only, I'd chime in with you about how I like working from home too. You did not offend me and I certainly do not think you are insensitive. I offer you and anyone else my apologies if what I wrote came off sounding that way. That was not the intent. You have nothing to apologize for.
I am mad at the way the companies play tricks on us and I was just trying to get people to see the other side of this coin if they haven't seen it yet and often newbies don't to the delight of the MTSOs. They love posts like yours. They think that is all we want, so that is what they emphasize when interviewing, and some people think they have found the perfect job only to realize later on that if they're not experienced and can't produce like the wind, all these goodies aren't worth much at bill paying time. If you've got a great job, good for you! I'm happy for you!!
Working from home IS great but let's do all we can to make it even better. We need to learn the other side's tactics and not fall for them to our detriment. I've bought into lies and suffered the consequences. If I can help prevent others from doing so, I want to.
I wish you and everyone nothing but success and the most this job can give you.
Mine didn't, but I am IC
so maybe if you are employed with this company they should be paying you to train.
I didn't think that was sarcastic.
Just stating the truth, which you know since you've been in it for so long. I've been doing this over 20 years too and it hasn't changed now, has it? Every Transcriptionist comes into this business with the bright idea "Why doesn't someone tell the docs to talk slower/faster/clearer/enunciate/speak English". Hasn't worked so far but I guess we can keep trying. 
Well, why ask if you didn't want the answer.
You asked why anyone would get into the industry now. Why ask the question if you didn't want to hear the answer. We weren't necessarily defending our jobs, but explaining why we do it. We make more than working at Wal-Mart and are much happier at home doing MT. If you were just trying to make a point, then just spit it out instead of asking questions you really don't want the answers too.
I agree about the post above, but many of us come to this field with our eyes wide open. I knew what to expect. I knew I would have to work hard to get where I needed to be financially and I have far exceeded my expectations. For some of us, MT does pay and pays well, better than any of the other jobs available in my small town.
You didn't say if you are an MTSO or IC or employee or what. (nm)
nm
I didn't use a dating website...
but I met my husband online in an AOL chat room. We now have 2 kids and have been together almost 7 years.
sorry, that should be Department-knew something didn't look right
nm
I didn't see YOUR name on this message, MTSO!
nm
I didn't ask about finding work.
I asked if anyone knew anything about Gatlin Education Services.
I didn't go to their website, but I knew they
probably weren't legit because they used 2 different names on 2 different boards to post about their "internship."
Just checked email, didn't see it
Thanks for the email. I just checked my email and did not see anything. I will keep looking, maybe there is a server delay or something. I really do want to know the real deal before taking the leap.
Thanks.
If you didn't go to one of the better schools your chances of
getting a job are slim. There are probably 100 schools out there, the majority of them fly by night places that say you can make $40,000/year, etc.....The training that you receive at most of this places is so poor that you (not you specifically) can't even pass the tests to get hired.
If you read past posts there have been lots of people who have been through some of these programs and after they start testing they realize they don't have enough education to get a job and they go back and take one of the better programs, who have a good reputation, and who usually offer job assistance, or they try to find a menitoring program.
I'm not saying there is no way you can get a job if you didn't go to one of the better schools, just that if someone went to Andrews or M-Tec they would have a much better chance than someone who took the At-Home Professions or similar course.
I didn't go to Andrews or M-tech
So no, you do NOT need experience in order to get a job.
I'm assuming you didn't take courses from one of the better
schools as they help with job placement. Have you looked into companies offering menitoring programs. I would love to mentor a newbie, but I get paid to produce lines.
I didn't know Allstate went out of business...sm
Do you know why? I did the AIM program and worked for Allstate too.
ShortHand is another good one. I didn't like IT; not simple enough for me! nm
s
My, my, but didn't we change our tune in a hurry?
Now it's roll with it and don't put all your eggs in one basket and moving on to another skill. Exactly what the other posters are saying which you call negative.
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