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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Never heard of them, probably wouldn't hire a student from them.

Posted By: Candew on 2006-12-09
In Reply to: Gatlin Education Services - MT Hopeful

Best advice I can give: Invest in an education that gives a recruiter warm fuzzies, and be on top/near the top of that class.

Would you want your surgeon to graduate from a cheap university on a remote island?


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Why wouldn't one
do anything they could to get the upper hand??? Everyone is complaining about finding jobs.

In this economy, with all the competition, it is necessary to set yourself apart from the others.

Nobody is saying that you need to take a test to prove anything to yourself.

"Most don't care as long as you do the job and do it well"....how will they know if they haven't hired you yet?

My point is that if you don't have a job at the moment, and you obtain the CMT, it may set you apart and get YOU the job before someone else.

I'm not saying that getting a CMT is necessary. Only that it can only be more beneficial, especially in this job market if you are looking for a job.
you wouldn't consider it an insult if...sm
you saw the number of resumes I get when I post a job. You are missing the point. If you are looking for work for 6 months and no job, then better some lines at 3 cents than no lines at 6 cents. You can be insulted if you like but you still have bills to pay.
I wouldn't panic (sm)
Especially since it's only been a few days.  I was hired by a company as an IC, signed the contract, and didn't hear anything about work for 2 weeks, maybe more.  This was a few years ago.  Finally, I did hear back and I'm still with this company today.  I know you're anxious to get started, and probably worried about whether they changed their mind or something, but I think it's pretty common for these delays in getting started.  Don't let it discourage you.  If it drags on for quite a few more days, you might try to find how to contact them by telephone, but at this point, I really wouldn't worry too much.
I had an interview where they wouldn't
tell me what they would pay me until they offered me the job.  They did at least know the hours...........
I wouldn't say Spheris is better.

I wouldn't recommend going FT with MT currently.

If you can do both for a while do that and then it will give you a chance to see if you like MT without having to give up the other job.  You can get an idea of what your income would be as an MT and see if you could leave on that income alone.   By working the 2 jobs you could also save some money or pay off bills so that if you did go MT full-time you would be in better shape when the lean times came around. 


 


They should supply something so specific to the VR job. I wouldn't buy it. 6 cpl is about the ex
s
I'm thinking if I was selling something I wouldn't

point out the bad things about it. 


I wouldn't let it rest til I got my money!
That is what the scammers want you to do, so they can get away with it and keep cheating other people.  She is asking an honest question that pertains to her problem, while at the same time keeping it in people's minds to look out for people like this. 
I wouldn't recommend MT for you based on your
situation, but if you have no previous MT experience/training you would need to take a course, either by correspondance or at a local community college.   Training can take 9 to 18 months, or less depending on how much time you have to put into it, but if you are working FT you're probably looking at a year.  Then you need to either get hired by a company that will hire newbies and pay them next to nothing, or do an internship, which you may or may not get paid for and may have to pay to do. 
Everyone has their preference. I wouldn't spend
much for your first pair.   USB earphones are better than the others usually. 
No, dear. I wouldn't dream of commenting
on your "typo". It's more fun just to let it sit there and speak for itself.

Besides, you're just not worth the effort.
You should use them. You'd be using them in your work day, wouldn't ya? Good luck. nm
s
I wouldn't buy a laptop for ergonomic reasons...sm
the keyboard is very small and it's almost impossible to get it set up at the correct height. Note their keyboards seem to be set forward into the laptop also and there's no wrist rest. If you are going to be putting in 6 hours a day, you better make darn sure you have all the ergonomics in place, including a really good chair. Otherwise, your body will pay. Also don't forget, you will have to either a C-phone hooked up where-ever you are working or more likely you will be using a .wav player. So are you planning to have the footpedal and headset plugged into your laptop too along with every thing else? That ought to drain your battery in no time. If you have the picture of typing poolside on a sunny day, forget it.
I make good money at it, wouldn't quit for anything.
This particular board has a lot of "the sky is falling" mentality but in reality, there are many, many MT jobs.

I make about $30.00 per hour, well worth my time.
Paying money to take the test wouldn't be bettering myself.
I am an excellent MT and everyone I've ever worked for knows that. I don't need to line someone else's pockets and take their test to prove I know my stuff, I prove it every day. It all depends on where you work, some places want a CMT, but most don't care as long as you do the job and do it well.
I wouldn't work for a company that outsourcing offshore and then lies about it.
absolute definitive proof of this.  Be wary.
AHP student also
I'm a student with AHP and speak via email/forums with another AHP student. We're both in the 'early' stages (I'm on course II, she's on course I, I think). We're excited about the possibility of work, and pay little attention to negative comments.

We're both adding to our education with books/resources mentioned by other schools ... and frequent several forums. I've heard of several other AHP students that started working immediately and are still working (I'd have to research to find them tho, I read too many posts LOL). Take heart!!! Feel free to contact me if you want ...
New MT student

I just recently enrolled in a MT course through at home professions.  I am currently working as Registered Nurse at the hospital. I am planning to have a family in the next year or so. I thought being an MT would be perfect for me to stay home with the kids. I have been looking at all the job openings, I am worried that is going to be difficult to find a home based job without experience.  Is that the case or am I just paranoid?   Thanks


MT Student
If you are an MT student, my question would be why wouldn't you just ask your teacher that question?
MT Student
Usually, when someone refers to "resources" they do not mean other MTs. Part of your schooling is to learn how to figure out things and search for things yourself; at that point ask your teacher; that's what your paying her for!
Student MT

Hello,


  I am in the process of completing my education, 4 more chapters to go, in medical transcription and would like to know if anyone knows of a company that is willing to hire student transcriptionists. I desperately need to find employment and can not wait until I finish my course. I have already completed my education in medical terminology and received my certificate.


  I have asked the school, Allied Business Schools, and they told me that they could assist me but I should wait until I complete my education and receive my certificate. I do not think I can wait any longer for employment of some sort... bill collectors are starting to hound me.


Any suggestions would be very much appreciate.


Glenn


 


MT student

Hi,


I am a fairly new MT student and I attend Mtec.  For any of you who believe that getting an MT job is like pulling teeth then I would like to suggest that you go to the Mtec boards and read the posts there.  So many of the graduates from Mtec seem to find jobs and plenty of them upon graduating.  Of course, you get what you give too.  Meaning you have to put your time and effort into learning this stuff and NO IT"S NOT EASY!  It is an 18 month course or less if you can do it in less time and they prepare their graduates.  These short-cut courses or colleges who tell you that after 3-6 months you will be working as an MT are full of bull.  I am sure you have all even read that you have to work 2 years in the field to be able to work from home.  Not true for Mtec students, they are working from home right after graduating.  Anyway.... just thought you might like to check them out for those who are seriously interested.


Cindy


New Student Help
I am just now beginning to actually type transcripts, my study materials don't tell me what font or size to use, I have chosen Times New Roman 12 and my transcripts don't look the same as those in my lessons.  And here comes the lamest question.  I am typing an H&P and on the heading it looks like the underscore is bold but I can't get mine bold?  Already frustrated
I absolutely agree. I have 4 years' experience, but wouldn't try to enter the field now. nm
nm
New MT Student - Arizona

Hi,


I just started a MT program this week.  I will be graduating (in 2007)from Gateway Community College in Phoenix Arizona.  Just wondering if any on this board has attended Gateway and what your experience finding work was after graduation.


It seems like an excellent  program and I'm excited to be starting something new!


Also, in the future I'd like to go on to Radiology or Ultrasound (not as an MT) ; has/does anyone here transcribe and work in another health field?  I'm asking this because both the Radiology and Ultrasound programs are two year programs - that require you to attend full time; not something I can do working outside of the home.


Thanks in advance for any responses.  I'm happy I found this board, it's going to be of great help to me during my schooling.


Student and working
Well I can say this, I am a MT student at Career Step now.  I am also taking their coding program.  I have been subcontracting for a few months now for a couple of different places and I was just hired by another place yesterday so it can be done.  
New MT Student and need to know if I should continue?
I just started the Career Step course thru Canscribe at a cost of about $4500 CDN and I'm starting to wonder if this is worth doing or not? I don't need a huge income from this, I'd like to work at home, and still make upwards of $15k/year. Does that seem reasonable? Or should I pull out now while I can still recoup some of my course costs? What would you do? I tried to research as well as I could beforehand but I'd hate to put in all the time and money only to be no further ahead.
nervous student

Hi, I've never posted here before but sometimes come here looking for unadulterated opinions on being an MT. It seems like the perfect job for me. I've always done very well in English class. I have a very easy time remembering things, and I think the medical field is very interesting. I'm currently taking an online course (CS) and am wondering if I should simultaneously enroll in local classes. I'm really nervous about becoming an MT because it seems there are so many horror stories posted here. My training is going very well and I'm enjoying it, but it is all pointless if I don't find gainful employment. The most money I have ever made in one year is $16,000 so I'm hoping to do quite a bit better than that. I am not a stay-at-home mom looking for a second household income; I need to support myself and get out of debt. There are so many negative posts here though that I can't help but worry. Is it just that this is a gathering place for people who want to complain while there are many happily employed MTs that just aren't interested in visiting this forum?


I am a student at Andrews.
I will be graduating shortly.  My experience so far has been AWESOME.  I can't tell you how well prepared you will be at the end of the course.  I too am a CNA and was thinking about furthering my career in healthcare.  BUT now I have two beautiful children and wanted to do something that would keep me closer to home.  The only warning that I would give you is about the daycare thing.  Even just studying, I can see how mentally demanding this job is going to be.  I am going to enroll my youngest in a local pre-k (just down the street) for a few hours a day just because.  I know there are many people that do wonderful jobs all while taking care of their children who are with them during the day, but I sincerely believe that just starting out you need to have a few hours of uninterrupted work time. I love the ads that have children sitting quietly beside their mother and the mother is smiling and "transcibing."  Yeah, right! That being said, I love Andrews.  We have a wonderful, supportive, private board and many grads hang out there and share all of their experiences.  Either way, I don't think you can go wrong with either school.  Hope this helps.   
MT Student Has Question
Hi,
I am a medical transcription student at Sinclair Community College in Ohio, and I am taking a business communications class that requires me to interview a medical transcriptionist. I don't know any MTs personally, so I was wondering if anyone here could possibly answer 10 questions for me. I would really appreciate it!
Thanks in advance!! Here are the questions:

1. How long have you worked as a medical transcriptionist?
2. What certification have you received?
3. What attracted you to pursuing a career in medical transcription?
4. What type of environment do you work in (i.e. from home, physician’s office, hospital, other).
5. What do you think are the most important skills a medical Transcriptionist should have?
6. Did some skills come naturally to you, while others required more practice?
7. In addition to transcribing medical reports, do you engage in other forms of business writing while on the job (such as memos, proposals, or progress reports, etc.) to clients, coworkers, or supervisors? Please explain.
8. What do you think is the most difficult aspect of medical transcription?
9. What do you find to be the easiest aspect of medical transcription?
10. As a medical transcriptionist, do you often need to collaborate with others to ensure that all the information in your reports is correct?
THANK YOU!


I'm a current student
And now I'm worried after reading some of these responses. I only chose this program because it had a better price then some other ones out there (about $400 for a certificate program versus $2300 for another one that came with a "free" laptop). Unfortunately, money is tight for me so I had to factor that into my decision. Now I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to find work with my "education" from them...
its as good as the student who ...
does the work. If you don't do the work, you can't blame the school. Unless it was like TRSI, which is a horrible school. They ignore student emails like mine, they have teachers come and go every month (I had FIVE in 1 year!). If CS will answer your questions as you do the work required, then to me, that is a good school, or at least one sign of a good school.
MT student seeking advice

I am currently enrolled in a Community College MT certificate program and will finish in December of this year.  The MT program is fairly new at this college and they don't yet have any internship or trainee arrangements with MT companies.  I am completing Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Medical Transcription courses next week (summer session) with A's.  This fall, I will be finishing with my last 2 required courses, Pharmacology and Medical Transcription II.


I am ready to work and would like to start gaining experience as soon as possible (part-time or full-time).  I am a 42-year-old professional with 20+ years of business experience, including corporate management, and I also hold a BS degree.  I would like some advice on finding companies that will employ me now -- before I have completely finished the college certificate program.  I am extremely committed to producing quality work and I am ready to start proving myself.  I welcome any suggestions,  Thank you.


Newbie/Student response
I am not yet a professional MT, as I am still in school and have been unable to find employment, but from what I have learned so far in school I understand that paying attention to details is one of the most important aspects of being an MT. If this is actually the case, why would anyone take a possible employment opportunity so lightly as to skip directions or misspell words on an application? For those of us who are trying very hard to find work, this is rather insulting. An MT is supposed to be proficient in grammatical skills (!!!!!), so anyone applying for a position should have enough respect for himself and the company that he is applying to that he would at least read the instructions on the application. I am not trying to be rude or cruel in any way, but I just feel that so many errors on an application would most likely discourage an employer from hiring the applicant.

Another thing, when looking for employment last night I accidentally stumbled across an Indian transcription company. On it were many testimonials from employees and hopeful employees of the company. There were so many misspelled and out of context words in these statements! I know that my grammar has a long way to go; that’s why I keep and handbook by my side when I am trying to perform professionally. Why is it that so many companies prefer these people that can’t even use English well over Americans that are studying to perfect the use of our native language? I am having a hard time finding any company that is willing to hire a new-grad, so all of the bad grammar coming from the Transcriptionist on that site hit my mean bone. Please don’t think I am a bitter, sarcastic person because I am not. I just find myself a little erked at offshore companies. I know that I will find I great opportunity soon enough.
Newbie/Student reply

1.  When a job post indicates that a resume is to be pasted directly in the body of the message, why would you attach it? Do you have a specific reason for doing that?


I, personally, wouldn't attach if requested not to do so (as has happened in other responses from me to non-MT companies).  However, I can see the OCCASIONAL error of doing so, but not as a 'norm.'


2.  If the job post states that you must have your own equipment specific to the job (i.e. foot pedal for *wav files, C-phone) or provide your own high-speed ISP), why would you apply for the position if you cannot afford to buy the equipment?


The only possible explanation for this is ...... frankly, I can't think of an explanation.  Personally speaking, I wouldn't apply for an IC position if I didn't have the correct equipment (or I might ask if I'm considered can I have 'x' time to acquire that equipment, if not, its the MTSO's prerogative to say no).


3.  Is there a reason you submit an application with spelling errors, poor punctuation, etc.?


Hmmmm, I check mine, unless we have a conversation going (i.e., exchanging letters, IM's, etc) and I'm not horribly serious about the job (at least in the beginning of the conversation, that might change dependant on the information I've received).


And, now, a statement/question from me ...


4.  ... Do you feel that I have the right to ask you, the newbie, to re-listen to the original dictation and read the “new report” with all the blanks filled in, but not pay you for this time? Would you be willing to do that?


I think this is a perfectly reasonable request, and any newbie (like me) who wouldn't choose this option is short-changing her/himself in learning and expanding their knowledge base and allowing him/herself to grow and become more valuable to the current MTSO (or a future one).


Why would you ask this question on the New MT/Student Board? nm
??
New Careerstep Student, Need Advice

 Hi everyone,


 I recently started the CareerStep program and I need advice on any good websites that have additonal study info? or reference books? or memberships? What is the average starting pay? etc.


Current MTEC Student

Robyn,


I'm a current MTEC student hopefully getting ready to graduate in 2 months and I would 100% recommend the school.  You made a great choice.  It is intense, but by the end you will be a wonderful transcriptionist.  They do train well.  Good luck in your studies.


MTinTX gets kickback for every student she recruits
X
New student, are ergonomic supplies worth it?

I'm looking into ergonomic keyboards, chairs, etc. Are they worth it? Are there any items out there that you think are trash, worth the money, or "must haves"? Any other advice to a new student of M-Tec is welcome!


Thanks in advance!


Requesting student info about MT programs, please.

I want to hear from recent students completing the MT programs - how did your MT program work?  Was it all just work at your own pace?  Did you have any classroom time or any time that you had to join an online class?  Did you have good communication with your instructor(s)?  Did they answer you timely?  nything you would have like to have seen done differently in the program you chose?  How long did it take you to complete it?  Did they help you find a job?


I know I need the education to fill in the big holes on the little experience I have.  I will be getting info from schools like Career Step and Andrews and MTEC but I would like to hear from anyone in or graduating from those programs, too.


Please feel free to e-mail me.


Thanks,


Roz 


AHDI Student Alliance has a mentor

program set up. If you can, visit the AHDISA website. Just post that you are interseted in the postgraduate mentor program, and they will give you more info.


Website is ahdisa.org


Good luck!


I am a student noob--throw me some work, I won't say "no"

I am a MT student and almost done with training.  I am also a registered nurse with my BSN AND I was a Navy journalist (so I can type and copyedit like mad).  I am willing to take some work from someone if they can walk me through the set-up (equipment-wise, all I have used is a foot pedal) and everything I need, etc.  Maybe a little instruction on templates..


Not so picky about the pay as I would like some experience first..I will NOT post my resume on a public forum such as this, but I will be more than happy to send it to you if requested.  Please email me ******.  Thanks!


 


****Edited by Moderator:  Please do not post email addresses. *****


The only one I have heard of

is the one that Jay Vance is running.  I cannot remember what it is called but maybe if you check over on the AAMT forums you can find a link to the information on it.


HTH


Well, at least you can see who not to hire, huh?! lol
lol
Never heard of them.
They may be fine, but that's a new one to me.
Never heard of it.....(sm)
Where did you hear about this program? Do they have a website?
have you heard anything?
Hey Angela,

I also took the tests and was told they were reviewing my assessments and would get back to me by the end of the next day. I still haven't heard anything. Have you?
That's what I heard the
whole time I was in school. I took online courses through my local community college. By the middle of my courses, I was so discouraged and thought I was going to have such a hard time finding a job and thought I was just wasting my time, but I am so glad that I stuck it out. I had a job before I even graduated and have never been turned down for a job since. Within the first 3 months of finishing, I was working for 3 different companies at the same time. Everybody says it is easier to get jobs going to those 2 schools, and maybe it is. My point, however, is it can be done without going to them. I think it has a lot to do with how you do on their tests as well.
Yes...I have heard of
Trans am....but it was referred to as Trans Scam...Stay away from that. Have you tested for any companies yet? This is probably a difficult time of year for newbies because of the end of the year and the holidays effecting the amount of dictation and the ability for companies to adequately train during this period. I wish you luck...It is hard, but we all started out as new grads...I really hope you find a fit soon. I can't imagine trying to begin this career at this time with the ASR and all the other issues with outsourcing, etc. Keep your chin up... BUT NEVER PAY ANYONE to work...NO WAY!