It is tough being a newbie
Posted By: believe me on 2006-04-04
In Reply to: just want to know what is the best way to be productive - Productivity Babe
Being a newbie in transcription is tough, specially working at home. You won't be able to concentrate, and also you have to do a lot of research, which is time consuming. You are going to get stressed out. Is there sombody else who can watch your kids while you work? Maybe a friend? Really, day care isn't that bad if you do your homework and find a good place. There are some really good day care centers out there. I think kids rather spend some time at day care and interact with other children than having a mom at home who spends hours in front of a comouter. Transcription is tough when you are a newbie. Do you have a job already?
Good luck to you
Another newbie with three teenager
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Tough to say, but (sm)
you are typing a legal document, a person's medical record and it absolutely must be correct! I look at it this way - if it was my record or a record of a family member I would be upset if it was inaccurate. Not to mention the potential patient care problems associated with erros in a medical record. Your best bet is to leave a blank where you are not 100% sure.
It is a tough decision, but
it is one that you will not regret for either of you. Your work will get better and your line count will increase and your child will learn social skills and how to interact with other children. It can be a good thing, to a certain extent, for children to be in that type of setting before they enter Kindergarten. It teaches them social skills and structure and how to interact with others throughout their day. Not that we as parents can't teach them that, but they get it on a much broader scale when they are in a daycare setting. I have talked to teachers who have said they always can tell a huge difference in the children who went to daycare and were introduced to those things from those who stayed at home and weren't.
Too tough-Lighten up
Everyone is being so tough on Miss Jill here. Are you all really so disgruntled and bitter that you can't find a moment to encourage a new MT. By the way, its great that you have hired and fired, but you yourself made typos in your own post, and while you may have found her attitude to be "prissy" I just find yours to be mean and ignorant.
Sorry they put you in a tough spot
That sounds like an uncomfortable situation for you. I hope it gets better. Wow, fines. I had never heard of that. I did not think MD's were hospital staff, but contractors. Well, I guess it could be part of the contract to get the dictation done in a timely manner so the hospital could stay in compliance. hm.
when I had a very tough ESL doctor
my manager said to just do your best with it, so I try my best but don't lose sleep over blanks. It will come in time. Something you might want to do at first is go back through and listen again to those blanks. Sometimes something you type later might tip you off to what a blank should be, or you just hear it clearer.
It's really tough to get a break
which one of the reasons why I quit teaching MT after 10- years. It was impossible for me to find an on-site internship program (no one wanted students on-site asking questions and slowing the productivity of regular MT's). I found a couple of IC's that would let my students transcribe the reports after they had already been transcribed and would verify work experience for them for doing that. I just hated seeing so many students putting all the effort into a class and then being unable to find a job with no experience. My advice was always to go to work on-site vs. trying to go it alone at home with no support. Keep applying until you have no other option. Good Luck
Yeah, it's a tough call (SM)
 Like you said, it depends on the person. Regardless, there's a big learning curve for getting it right in this career. I hope for the best for the OP!
This is a tough field to be in - I have been transcribing for 12 yrs (sm)
I understand your frustration - the best advice I can offer is to try to find a small MTSO to work for - an individual who has maybe 20 or less employees, so that you can develop a good relationship with that person (you have to look around, they are not all great!) That has worked the best for me. I work close to full time now, but when I was part-time (also because of my children) I once worked for a company who gave me a terrible account...no one wanted to type this guy...after a while I had learned that he repeated many phrases again and again and I worked hard to make hundreds of abbreviations for him. I got to the point that I could do his work very quickly and he was very happy with me doing his work so the MTSO kept giving his dictation to me. One day, I did a 30 minute tape from him in an hour and a half....I sent my work in...my boss called and told me that I could not have possibly done that tape that fast. I told her that I had made tons of abbreviations for the doc and that I had actually done the whole thing in an hour and a half. I told her that I liked doing his work now because I had gotten very used to him, being given him every day. Guess what? She never gave me his work again. I guess she kept it for herself? But she wouldn't let me have it back? Why? I don't know but I know that if you try to pick and choose they will almost never let you because someone else might want the same account. I guess what I am saying is you have to play it smart...don't directly ask for an account. There are a lot of small-time supervisors in this world who are power hungry and want to flex what little muscles they have over anyone they get the chance to do so with. I hate having to play the game and wish everyone could just be open and direct and honest, but they aren't. And in this field it really can be very dog eat dog.
First thing you want to do is get a tough hide! This board is brutal!
I would like to say we are all civil and well-mannered, but you can take a quick look down the first page and see that we are not, so first of all, don't take offense at some of the replies you will get. There are many more of us out here who are willing to help out, but you will see the "nasties" are the majority on this board. I quit coming here for a long, long time...still not sure why I came back....anyway. Things are quite different than they were when you were an MT (I know, I've been an MT for 30+ years). You have a great background and it wouldn't take you long to get back into the game. The first thing I would do is talk to one of the MT schools. The 3 best are the Andrews School, M-Tec and Career Step. You can speak to one of the counselors, you may be able to bypass some of the class work because of your previous background. There a LOT of new procedures, equipment, drugs, tests findings, etc. in the past 25 years and you need to get reacquainted with things. Good luck to you - you can do it! Let us know how you make out. (And don't forget to ignore the trolls  )
How extremely childish. You are in for a BIG surprise. This is a tough business. nm
"
NEWBIE HELP!!
Hello,
My name is Diana and I am a new MT, I just graduated from Texas Womens University and PIE with Gatlin Education and I have to find work soon. I have applied to many places but I do not have enough experience, but how can I gain experience when no one will give me a chance? I need any advice I can get. Please help me find work and ANY advice would be beneficial to me. Thank you so much.
Diana Strand
Newbie
Hi mommawolf23. Don't be frustrated. Keep going through those job boards and eventually you will find a place. Good luck.
renauda from Canada
Newbie Help
I have been out of school for about 8 months and I have worked for two different companies. The first job I had, while it gave me experience they had no benefits and they paid me very poorly. But, it gave me the experience I needed to pass a test at for a very good company that has benefits galore. My whole point is that even if you have to take a crappy job at first, do it. It will be worth it. I know that OSi hires newbies. They put you through a program that I have heard good things about.
Newbie pay...
starting at $10.90/hr, 800 lines per day, incentive pay and good benefits. Is this a good offer for in-house transcription job.
Thanks in advance.
RE: Newbie pay
Yes, very good pay in my opinion wherever you are located.
Newbie pay
If it gets your foot in the door and you can swing it, I'd say take it. You didn't say if this is clinic work or hospital, of course.
Newbie
Please let me know of the company that is hiring!
just another newbie
I am so new and I am getting ready to get done with my course and I am even wondering if I will even get hired or looked at. I know I am new. I dont have 2 year experience, but I wouldnt mind getting 2 years experience. Do you know who even hires someone without experience?? I just have what I learned through Allied Business School. Now I dont have the experience but I know if some company would give me a chance I would make then a good employee. Anyone could give me advice I would surely appreciate it.
I am newbie as well, but......
n/m
newbie
Well believe it or not if you go to superpages and pull up a list of physicians in your area, take the time to send a brief letter to them that you are a new transcriber in their area. Even though you may send out 100. You will probably get 10 or 20 responses. That is more than enough work.
A NEWBIE
I am a newbie to MT, not the medical field. I have been in this field for 17yrs. I am taking a course from A-Z Transcription, and I really feel like I am getting a quaility education. You will find there are rude people in every line of work, and like the previous person said, most are perfectionist. I am not, nor do i plan to be and I think the seasoned MT's need to pipe down and help the newbies out and not be so critical, becuase everyone of them were "newbies" at one time.
Just take a lot of what people say with a grain of salt, and do some research on your own, because frankly you will find better info,then getting it from someone else, and avoide being critisized for asking questions, and don't forget why you choose this field. For me, it is to be home with my children. I want to make this job a fun and rewarding one, otherwise I would stay in the rat-race of working in the hospital. Good luck, and if you ever need someone to talk to email me, as I am learning as I'm going too. 
Another Newbie
I know you've all heard this same story over and over but I am a graduate of At-Home Professions and have been looking for work from home for over two months. I've exhausted all possibilities locally and emailed countless resumes. I realize now that I should have done more research before choosing my school. I'm getting very discouraged; it seems like I'll never find that first job. Any suggestions or possibly an experienced Transcriptionist out there who would be willing to mentor me?
newbie
Yes, I've taken many tests and sent out more resumes than I can count with the same results. Many companies did't even respond. Congrats to you for getting two jobs, that's quite an accomplishment for a newbie. Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. I'll keep trying.
newbie
Is At-Home Professions not a good idea? I am looking into to thier course as we speak, and it seems o.k. I checked them out with the BBB. The payment plan I guess is what has me very interested in them, the other training courses do not have that. Please let me know if there is something I need to know before I enroll.
Thanks
newbie
after reading about uscarreer institute graduates not being hired anywhere I am totally depresses and don't know what to do as I have only 2months left until I am finished with the course.
newbie
I think the best way is to find a mentor in your area. That's what I did, and it worked out great.
Newbie that got a job!
I got a job! I wanted to let everyone know to not give up and keep moving forward in your search for a job. I just bombarded them with resumes. Most of the companies that I sent resumes sent me back a link that allowed me to test.
Here is a great word of advice (from an experienced MT on the boards) - start with the companies that are at the bottom of your list. You need to save the ones that are at the top of your list and that you would really like to be hired by. This way you will gain some experience at the testing process and be more comfortable by the time that you get to the ones that you like. I am a nurse and actually didn't do well on the first few tests that I took. I did okay, but I think I was so nervous and wanted to pass so bad that I messed up. After the first couple of ones, I settled down and passed! The person who hired me said I aced the test.
It does take time to hear back from each of the national companies. Also, check your local paper. I actually found a few positions available in my hometown that allows you to work from home. Networking is also important. As I was out and talking to people, I would mention what I was doing. I had several leads to doctor’s offices that way.
Also, I know that there are constantly questions about what schools are the best, etc. I signed up with the VLC. Most of the things that I have faced in the testing process were areas that the VLC provided training. Be sure to review your materials while you are waiting and as you are sending resumes, etc. Also, have your entire collection of reference materials close by and the internet available in case you need to look something up quickly. A lot of the tests are open book.
I wish you much success in your future endeavors. Good luck and remember to breathe! Michele
Also a newbie.
I recently graduated from an MT program as well, TechSkills. I guess part of the reason I didn't anticipate an employment problem is because an admissions rep. told me that they had problems with students staying and completing their program before they got jobs!!! I am certainly frustrated, but I haven't given up yet. I had heard Accuscribe was hiring, but I don't know if they are anymore.
for the newbie
When I first started about 6 years ago, I also had the same problem with hearing every 3-4 words the doc was saying. I had to swallow my pride and tell the doc I just could not transcribe for him because I could not understand his dictation. Please do not give up as it sounds like you truly want this. Remember, where 1 door closes another opens...just keep trying and best of luck to you!
Newbie
I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to get started doing medical transcription. I went to a local business school and completed their program for medical transcription. The problem I keep running into is I get told I don't have enough experience. But how can I get the experience if nobody will give me a chance at a job so I can get the expericence that everyone wants. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appericated.
newbie's
I am finishing up my training course for medical Transcriptionist to work at home but I don't have a clue on where to get started, what equipment to use, how to hook up, can anyone lend me some advise. I would really be thankful. I am very determined to do this and be successful. Thanks
Can anyone help a newbie?
I worked with a friend with over 15 years experience for about 3 years learning and learning some more. I fell for the myth that if you learn the job you could get a job, but found out much different. I then went to school for 2 years majoring in transcription and earned an Associates Degree just graduating this month. Does anyone know any companies or MTSO that will give me a chance. Have been testing and testing and getting call backs, but when they hear my experience they say no keep trying. If you do well enough on the tests for a call back why no job???? Any advice or companies to try would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!
not low pay in this era, especially for a newbie
since I can get MT's with 2 years + for 7-9 cpl EASY, I wouldn't hire a newbie for more than 6. Probably you can get 6.5 and get up to 7 or 8 by the time you have 2 years. At least you have worked for a year on the same accounts and you have some speed up...
Newbie needs some help
Hi, I'm a newbie and was just wondering if anyone has ever heard of/worked for AccuStat Carolinas? I think I just got hired...they didn't have me test, I just sent a resume. Can anyone help?
newbie, too
Hi
I will be in your same boat in about one more month. In reading these posts, I find that I am wondering how hard it will be to get started, since all the companies require experience. I would love to just get an apprenticeship somewhere, but then again, they don't seem to be plentiful, either. If you get something, I would be interested in some tips my way.
newbie
I am a new MT. I would love to do an internship for you, just where are you located?
Newbie
I also had a hard time looking for a job when I graduated. There are some companies that will hire. Try transcription resource which has many company lists.
Newbie needs help!
I am graduating from a college with a certificate in Medical Trascribtion in May. Any advice for me? I would like to work out of the home. Am I going to have trouble getting a job since I went through a college to get my certificate?
Also, I need all the advice on what is the best books to have. I bought Stedman's Medical Dictionary 28th Edition for the class dictation...but it didn't cover nearly as much as I hope it would. Also, what is a good Drug Dictionary to have on hand? Thank you for any help you can give me!
Susan
Newbie
Hi, I am a newbie to the field of medical transcription and I was wanting to know if anyone could direct me to some companies that hire "newbies".
newbie
Hi All, I've posted a couple of times but I can't find them, so, please excuse this post if it shows up several times I am so new at all this I feel downright foolish. Now, I need some honest opinions/ advice. I'm currently enrolled in a MT course online. I haven't seen anything posted about my 'school' but would like to know if anyone has heard anything about Ashworth University (PCDI)? Have I wasted $$ by enrolling here? Also, where does one go to find out all the abbreviations used on this board? I'd also like information on getting a foot pedal that works with Express Scribe. I've got some practice dictations to work on, trying to get a head start, as I've not gotten the transcriber stuff from the school yet. Thanks in advance. I hope I can find this after I hit send 
pat
newbie MT
I wouldn't trade my job for the world. I began work in May and have been in love with it since. I do a lot of editing VR files and a little transcription. I got a raise after 3 months. This is the perfect job for me because I have 2 kids at home that I do not want to put in daycare. I work when the smallest one is sleeping and I get a good line count. Anyone who says you can't work with kids at home obviously has not done so. I am up at 4:30-5 a.m. and usually have my work done for the day around 7:30 or 8. I do plan to work more often as the kids get older and start going to school. I will actually get kinda irritable if I can't work as much as I'd like because I love my job. It is perfect for me. I realize I might get some snide remarks from other MTs, as I have seen quite a few before in other threads, but I really do love my job.
newbie
I have been looking on the MT stars for jobs I have applied for many no one ever emails me back. I took on test and didn't know that it was timed (my mistake) is there somewhere you can go online for free and practice more. I have lost all confidence in this. Thank you
newbie
I just graduated from At-Home too have you found a job yet? Hope we didn't get ripped off. Where have you started to look for jobs? I have been everywhere I don't want to quit my other job till I am making some money doing this.
Newbie looking for help
Hello to all (I'm sorry if this gets posted twice)
I am a recent graduate from At-Home Professions (which I now know I should of went to a different school) who is currently looking for employment and finding it very hard. I have taken assessments with some national companies and get told you don't meet our criteria or don't get any feedback (how can I fix it if I don't know it's broke) I would like to find employment with a company that is willing to give me a chance. If there is anyone that can help me, this would be greatly appreciated. I am looking for employee status (benefits would be nice but are not needed at this time) Thank you in advance.
Newbie
I would also suggest that you try a local MTSO if possible or individual doctors or clinics. When I started four years ago I had just graduated from a local Community College program. I won't say it was easy to find a job right away, becuase it wasn't. Luckily I had a full-time job elsewhere. I finally got a job with a local MTSO doing cardiology work for a local doctor's office, then I also worked in endocrinology and nephrology. Now I'm an employee at a local Nephrology office have great benefits, no working weekends or holidays and four weeks of PTO even though I've only been there a year. Good luck. It does take persistence, but it will pay off in the long run. Don't get discouraged.
Newbie looking for help
Hi Nikki. I too took the At-Home Professions Course - 13 years ago!! I found it very helpful then, and I have developed into a very successful independent contractor.
Please contact me if you are still looking for work. Good luck!
Newbie
Is it really that difficult to think that I can work from home? I would like to hear some encouraging news! How do you know if some of these companies online are a scam? Does anyone know anything about certain companies? They wanted me to buy their software for 450.00 so they could set me up with a trainer and I explained that I have already been trained....
Newbie
I also just graduated from at-home professions and am having a difficult time finding work. I also want to work from home and have my own business but it is really difficult! And the negative feedback I am reading for at-home is very frustrating! I have applied online to every job just to get the experience but nobody wants to hire you if you are new!! I hear what you are saying and I guess we just need to keep on keepin on. I kind of feel like at-home just abandoned me after I graduated!!! Us newbies need to stick together, I have nobody to ask advice from....
Newbie
I am trained as an MT. I just graduated from the at-home professions which I am finding out does not have good reviews that I have seen so far! I told them I thought it was a scam and that I have already been trained and received my diploma. Thanks Michele
Newbie
So does at-home Professions have a bad rep? I mean they were not cheap that is for sure! Are they not teaching the required curriculum? I thought all the med transcription courses have to follow the same guidelines. I can tell you that at-home was not an easy course! I will post my resume elsewhere and see what happens....thanks
Newbie
Okay so you are saying they are one of the worst schools out there. Where did you go? I did a lot of dictation with foreign accents and every kind of format possible and every specialty out there. I had to learn terminology and anatomy and physiology. I thought they had to follow the same guidelines as the rest of the schools? I am getting more frustrated as each day passes. I did this so I could stay at home and work from home. I passed one of the tests out there but they wanted me to buy software for 450.00 that is crazy...I took my time with the course and now I am ready to work!!!
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