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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Quit telling people they HAVE TO GRADUATE FROM ANDREWS (sm)

Posted By: poppycock on 2008-11-16
In Reply to: Sorry to inform you... - Just Me

to get a freaking job in this field.  I didn't go to any overpriced overrated schools, I have my own accounts and I make well over $40K a year.  I have plenty of work (too much in fact) and I am so sick and tired of you people saying the only schools that are qualified are Andrews or M-Tech.


If you want to work for a slave-wage national, sure, then spend your money and get the "good credentials" and see how long it takes you to get your $ back.


However, if you want to succeed, it's possible without being suckered in if you are willing to pound the pavement, sell yourself and do a good job.  It is possible.  I, for one, am proof of that and frankly I'm sick and tired of all the negativity towards people who didn't go to the coddled 2 schools.


Most smaller MTSOs don't give a flip about where you got your education.  We care that you can do the job.  Period.




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Why are companies telling people they are hired but they need to wait in line for available mentors.
from their company. How long should someone wait? Is it even worth taking the test?
Not telling you, you are a whiner....sm

So sorry, I had posted elsewhere and forgot to remove the name and say YOUR POST IS CORRECT about not capitalizing medical transcriptionist........


sorry, tired - worked all day and still working for private MDs.........


The problem is with what the schools are telling you - sm
I have had some problems with the way the schools have been telling new transcriptionists "when you are done with this course, you are going to get a job making $35,000/year." or "You will be hired right after you complete this course." Or "You can work at home right away - no need to work at a hospital."

These are horrible statements to make to students. I cannot tell you the countless COUNTLESS times I have heard hospitals say that they would hire new students, but they have to work onsite until fully trained (which is usually 6 months to a year), and the new graduates tell the hospital "oh no, I was told I could make $35,000 at home and wouldn't need to work in a hospital. I can work at home."

This job is harder than you think. Try being at home with a computer and a dictation system that you may not be familiar with, doctors in another state dictating 100 miles an hour and you have no one to ask. So you put your report in pending for QA to review. After a month of this, QA gets sick of reviewing the new transcriptionist's work and often starts to take $$ away from them. Is this fair? No, but that is the way it is usually done.

Or think about this - you're a newly graduated Transcriptionist and you get a job with someone like Medquist or OSi or any one of them. You sit at your home computer for 8-9 hours, barely get up from it, only to find out that you made $58.00 at the end of your day because the doctors dictated words you have never heard before and never learned in school, or the doctor dictated 100 miles an hour because this is something he says all the time.

Going onsite will help you tremendously. There are people around to help you and guide you. In the long run, you will be much better off after six months to a year of onsite work.
You know what? Nobody needs to be ashamed for telling the truth
If someone thinks one of the "Big 2 or 3" schools did a good job for them, there's not a reason in the world why they shouldn't say so. This idea that only those schools' supporters should be silenced is inappropriate. At the same time, other schools' graduates should do the same.
Just telling the truth. Many of their graduates
come here and say the same thing.  Their program stinks.  Any company that advertises on matchbooks and TV you really have to wonder how good they are.   You never hear of M-Tec or Andrews advertising. 
Thank you for finally telling the truth about this field!
I have applied to two hospitals that are looking for a radiology transcriptionist.  They are both paid by the hour and offer daycare which means that my son will only have to do daycare for 3 hours a day with my husbands help.  I am just sad though that I won't be able to spend as much time with my son.  I hope that someday I will be able to take home the work.  They are interviewing in two weeks so wish me luck!  Thank you so much for finally telling the truth to what this field of work is really like!!!
Do not quit your old job

I have found the Medical Transcription field is a tough to get into.  There are so many more qualified MT's who are looking at the same postings we are.  I would suggest that you keep you day job until you have permanent employment.  Job seeking is not for the faint of heart.  It takes a great deal of determination and never ending cash flow.


 


Should I quit?

I was hired as an MT Editor two weeks after graduation.  Needless to say, three weeks later I was told that I didn't have the experience and the trainer had quit so I was sent home to type.  The first two weeks I couldn't even type because the software wouldn't work on my computer.  Since then I only type two-three days a week because they never have enough work.  Recently I was told that I have been on hold status too long and have been given a deadline.


Should I just give up?  And should those first five weeks even count?  How are you supposed to come off of QA if you rarely type?  Also all of the QA editors are new (they started when I did even though they have transcription experience) and each one has their own preferences.  So what one editor changes, another one doesn't.  They constantly change the acct. specifics and when I complain they tell me that they are aware of the situation and working to get everyone on the same page.


I need the experience but this seems like an impossible situation.  Any advice?


Should I quit?
Thanks for the reply.  I think so too. I love medical transcription but I dread working every day and I work from home.  I am just concerned about finding another job with so little experience.
That is why I quit doing VR.
I did VR when I started. I liked the work, but I could see the pay was never going to be what I needed. I only make 7.5 cpl for transcription, but because of my templates, macros, and Instant Text, I can get good line counts.

That is why I mentioned the future of this field and my Plan B. I will not do VR again unless the pay rate for VR seriously increases.
you overcome it by doing it..you'll never learn if you quit.
bn
I wasn't being nasty - quit reading between the lines
x - but do not think that you are just going to walk back into this like it's a walk in the park. It's not. Things have changed and it's not what it used to be and it is not where the money used to be.
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.
I'll sign that one...I quit reading her posts about a month ago
because they are so negative and condescending.  If she was nearly as smart as she thought she was, she would be kinder. I haven't read one of her posts in at least a month.  If I see her name as the poster, I simply skip that particular message. She is a nasty individual, in my opinion anyway.
AHP Graduate

Hi!  I graduated from AHP last July.  I found a job before graduating.  In my opnion, I feel getting a job depends 50% on the course and 50% on the individual.  I have been working for 1 year now and at times had 2 jobs at once.  I had a hard time getting people to let me test, and I believe that is where the challenge is if you take the AHP course.  When companies sees an Andrews or M-Tech graduate they won't hesitate to let them test.  Good luck!  If you need any help just let me know!   


New Graduate

Hello All,


 I am a newly graduate from a Technical College in Little Rock, AR. I am seeking part-time employment from an online company that provides the equipment necessary. I am also willing to take a pay decrease or even volunteer work for the experience in exchange. Does anyone know of a company whom I may contact? Serious replies or employers only please.


 


 


New Graduate MT
Hello everyone I am a new graduate from Career Step Medical Transcription and I am looking for an entry-level position, if anyone knows of any companies looking for someone that is eager to get started with their career please feel free to e-mail the information to me. Thank you.
New Graduate
Can anyone tell me where I can find work (any) from home that hire new graduates?
I also am a CAI graduate...

and the course only seems to have a bad rep on these boards.  Everytime I have ever posted about them, it has been pulled. The moderate has denied this, but it's true.  I don't know why it is looked down upon, except that it isn't one of the "big 3".  It is a reasonably-priced, in-depth course and I learned a lot and was contacted the day after I graduated by a national company to test.  I am still working for them. 


New graduate

Hi Everyone.


I just completed a Medical Transcription and Billing course, and I was wondering how to get a job when everyone wants 3+ years experience.  Does anyone have a company they can suggest to me that works with recent graduates???


 


Thanks so much for your help!!


new graduate
I know Northeast Transcription will waive the experience requirement if you pass their test.  They pay on a 70-character line which amounts to making a little less but you could always start with them to gain experience then move on to something else. 
New graduate looking for first job

Hello,


I am a new MT graduate and having a hard time trying to find work because of lack of experience.  Does any one have any tips or suggestions to help me out?


Job for new graduate
No list given by my school. I attended a community college that I thought was a good program and now after reading all these posts I should have enrolled in an online program. It Would have saved me gas and babysitter money! Thanks for the advice on on being persistent, I am at it every day.
New graduate
I have just passed and received my certificate and am still finding it hard to find a job due to everyone wanting experience.  Any helpful hints out there? Kathy
New Graduate

I have just recently graduated from MT school. I am getting discouraged about finding a job in this highly competive field. Does anyone know of any companies hiring new MT's out of school?


graduate
This may be irrelevant, but UW-Madison accepted my Penn Foster High School diploma and transcript. UW-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison, is an accredited nation-wide university. I am currently in my junior year and I am grateful to Penn Foster, to this day, that they have helped paved the way to my receiving a higher education at a nation-wide competitive university.
M-TEC graduate

Yes, there is a syllabus that you follow at your own pace.  There are scheduled online classes, but you do not have to attend them live.  I learned many things that have helped me on the job from these classes by reading the class notes (transcript of the class) at my own convenience.  In fact, I have gone back since I graduated from time to time to review classes that interest me. 


New here and about to graduate next week
Hi..
I'm new here.
My name is Danielle, Dani for short. I'm an almost newly-graduated medical transcriptionist student. i will finish my one year course from GTCC in Jamestown, NC next week. I've already started looking for work.

I have one question though...as a newly graduated MT, where are the best places to look for work? the only major transcription experience i have is through the 10 week internship that was required of the program that I am enrolled in. Any suggestions or advice would be helpful. Dani from Greensboro, NC


Another frustrated graduate
Where did you get hired for at home work for entry-level position?
What MT school did you graduate from?
That will make a difference in what you need to do now.
New graduate looking for employment.

Hi,


I am a new graduate that is having a difficult time finding companies that are hiring new MTs.  I have put in numerous resumes with "not enough experience" replies.  Does anyone have suggestions on companies that are willing to give new MTs a chance.


MTEC graduate
I graduated from MTEC in April of this year. I received an extensive list of companies willing to test me as a new grad. Upon testing with my chosen companies, I received multiple job offers. I was able to go to work for my 1st choice company. I am a bit of a skeptic too, especially when it comes to investing hard-earned money, but you can't go wrong with MTEC. Call and speak with Kathy or Susan. They will be more than happy to answer all of your questions. I wish you well with your decision.
New Graduate Going CRAZY!
Hello,
I am a new MT. I am so frustrated about finding employment that I really do not know what to do anymore? I have tried all local hospitals, offices, and companies. I just feel that this field may not have been the best step in my life? I am proud of myself, yet every test I take seems to kick me down lower than I am right now... are there any companies that do hire new MT graduates without making a 98 on the testing? I made a 87 on a test that required 90!I just do not know where to go from here?
If any MT out there could offer me overflow work or guide me in a new direction, I would be ever so grateful!
New MT graduate still looking for work

Hello,


Im a new graduate still looking for work!! Please if anyone know of a company that is hiring please let me know A.S.A.P. I would really apprecitate it.


Thanks,


Sonnett


M-TEC graduate support

Hi Trina


I sent you a private message, but would be happy to talk with you further about looking for placement. I see that you have been employed since graduation, but I think what I am hearing is that you are not happy with your choice of companies and would like to make some changes? If you would email me, we can talk more about some options. M-Tec graduates have support for a lifetime, so don't forget to check the COC and graduate forums for some additional assistance.


I hope to hear from you soon.


Susan


 


Happy CS graduate
I'm a graduate of Career Step and have to say I'm very happy with the education I received from them.  I didn't get the textbooks, so I can't comment on those.  I studied completely online.  I don't know much about Andrews or M-Tech except that they are very good schools.  If I hadn't gone with Career Step I would have chosen one of them.  Someone mentioned the graded/comparison difference between the schools and I think that would probably be one of the main differences.  I think to like Career Step you have to be a very independent studier.  Someone who just likes to be given the material and left alone to get it done unless you ask for help.  That's me.  I graduated from CS in 2004 and have never had to buy textbooks for additional education.  I've bought resource books but not because of something lacking in my education but because that's one of the things that goes along with being a successful MT, but what I learned from CS is what I took with me into the workforce and it has been all I've needed to successfully find and keep an IC position where my boss was very pleased with my work.  Eventually, I decided to go the employee route and found a job with one of the largest companies.  I've had no problems or worries doing my job.  There are a lot of opinions out there.  You will either love Career Step or hate it.  I've very seldom seen anyone "on the line" or "undecided".  They have a definite opinion one way or the other.  I think that's a compliment in itself.  I'd much rather have someone "like" me or "hate" me.  No in between or lukewarm for me. 
I'm an EvCC Graduate
I graduated in 2006 and had 2 jobs 3 months after graduating.  The instructors are really nice and helpful.  A couple of my "classmates" made a Yahoo! Group for EvCC students and alumni.
Sometimes hire students before they graduate. nm
x
Any one graduate or know about U.S. Career institute
I am almost through the medical transcription course through U.S. Career institute. Does anyone know anything about them?
What transcription school did you graduate from?
x
You do not have to be a graduate from one of the "top three schools" to get a job!! sm
I went to the VLC and had a job BEFORE I graduated. It has been almost three years now and I have never, ever had a problem with my education or landing a great job!! Please, do not listen to all the hype about the so called top three schools. Concentrate on what you did learn at your school. Apply that to what is needed in the MT world. Apply to everything out there whether it is in house or in your home! I applied to every job that stated 2 years experience or under when I was starting out, unless the ad specifically stated No newbies. Once you start testing with the companies you will eventually land something. While you are waiting and testing for employment keep up on your studies. Keep typing and use dictation tapes you have from your school. That way you wont be sitting idle while waiting for a job. It can be done WITHOUT going to the big three schools. Good luck to you and keep your chin up....and fingers typing!!
You have to graduate from one of their partnered schools
nm
USCI graduate support
Have you tried calling the Grad Services Department?
Allied/ Soon-to-be new graduate question

Has anyone had any experience with Allied?  I am completing my training through them and although they have been very helpful, I have regretted my decision to go to school there (after reading numerous message boards, they simply are not the best school but it’s too late now!)  Anyhow, I am looking for anyone who is currently going though OR graduated from Allied's MT program.  I would love some helpful suggestions on how to get a job after graduation (the famous question!)  Allied suggested that I pay 900 bucks to be placed in their "lifetime career assistance program" which assists you with your resume and helps you find a job.  Does anyone think it's worth the $$$?  Has anyone graduated from Allied and found a job?  If so, please respond!!  ANY SUGESTIONS from MT's would be greatly appreciated-I feel like I'm in the dark and don't want to make another bad decision!!!  Thanks a bunch!


also a recent graduate and jobless
I really think we have to take into account the times and hope to see a little economic recovery soon.  I have been told that things typically pick up in January.  It seems a lot of recent grads are in the same boat.
I'm a Penn Foster Graduate sm
I graduated from Penn Foster in December 2008 and found an MT job within two months after graduating. Before you consider your education from there a total waste, my suggestion would be to apply to some of the companies who don't require two years of experience and see how you do on their tests. If you aren't passing them, then you probably should consider additional education.

If you pass them and the only thing stopping you is lack of experience, you might want to give it a bit of time and continue to apply to every company you can find who will take on a newbie.

Good luck to you!


New graduate desperately needing work!!!

Hello everyone.


I will be graduating with my technical certificate on December 17. I have been looking high and low for somewhere that will give me a chance since I have no experience. Does anyone have any clue where I can start. I would really prefer to work from home but if not I will survive. I have 2 children and it would make my life alot easier. Please help!!!!


What equipment would be best for my to have one my own in order to help me get work?


Desperate


Distance learners--how long did it take to graduate?
I am enrolled in a program right now that is supposed to take 9 months, but I am now on my 14th month (I think I am close to graduation now). I was just curious as to how long it has taken others to graduate who took MT distance learning courses. Thank you.
took me 9 months to graduate from Premier Program with M-TEC
Worked at it 5 days a week, just like a job.
I didn't graduate from either of those and have been employed for 3 years.
I did, however, graduate from the Career Step program via Everett Community College and had my first job before I graduated.
We only hire a New Graduate with 8 months experience or more
We no longer hire new graduates right out of an MT program. We recently did away with our Apprenticeship Training Program and only hire new graduates with 8 months or more of MT experience.