Some companies won't even let you test unless
Posted By: you're from one of the top 3. NM on 2006-05-09
In Reply to: waive experience so you can test. woohoo. - Mimi
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It's likely that most companies won't test you without
I'm a small MTSO and won't even consider testing someone if they haven't been trained, preferably at one of the better schools (M-TEC, Andrews, etc.)
You'd have to test for companies. How would you do?
What would happen when the truth came out? There is no faking it when it comes to doing hospital work. Did you see the ads for general/religious transcription? If your English skills are top-notch, jump on those. One of the companies says they also have or will be getting some MT work, I believe.
Good luck.
No companies have let me test yet
I haven't received any replies yet from companies to let me test. Is there any way to test other than sending out resumes?
It depends on whether companies will let you test ...
and whether or not you can pass the tests. M-Tec has an abbreviated course that would probably be better for you, since you have some experience, than Career Step.
You have to test on the companies website.
For some reason, it seems like they don't even bother to take a look at resumes anymore. Even with 5 years of experience, they don't even look at you until you have passed their test. It gets very tiresome to constantly test for different companies, but it seems like the only way to get in the door.
Have you tried Diskriter? I don't know what they require for experience, but I would say that is a good place to get started. I didn't mind it there, but pay was a little lower than what I thought I should be getting.
Good luck.
Have you looked into a transcription service? I saw one advertised last year on mtjobs.com, and they seemed legit, but I can't guarentee that. They offered to set me up with interviews and I only had to take their test, which would be used in place of all the individual company testing. Might be worth a shot. Good luck. Don't give up just yet.
It took me 250 resumes/applications and 87 interviews before I was hired for my first job out of school (granted it was for a different position still within the medical field).
When taking the online test with companies...
...that offer it, is it acceptable to use reference materials. I didn't see anywhere on the page that I couldn't. Just askin'.
Just test, test, test anywhere you can...
Trust me, I know it's discouraging. Don't give up though. I am still going to school but I got lucky enough to find some MTSOs to do overflow work for. Granted I am lucky if I get to work three days a week but it is giving me a little experience and keeping my skills fresh. I am now working for a national that ran an ad wanting 3 yrs experience. I took a chance and now I am working with only a couple of months under my belt.
Good luck.
Test everywhere!
If you look at the posts here, everyone says to test everywhere, and it's true! Anyplace that will let you test, test! Some are harder than others, but don't give up. I graduated from my school last November and didn't find a job until March of this year, and I actually found it through a friend of a friend and I consider myself lucky. The important thing is to NOT GIVE UP. I know you studied hard so now work at your job search just as diligently. It is frustrating, but it can be done. Do a search on the internet for medical transcription agencies and test with each one that lets you. Try Spheris, Medivoxx, and Cobb Medical Transcription for starters. Good luck!
Sure you can test 100's.
you set up a worklist off of email responses, send out the grammar screening, when it comes back, run it through a macro to cross check and give scores, then you have an objective measurement of who has potential. Found it weeds out much more successfully than "I completed a medical transcription course and scored a 94%" drivel.
Test everywhere....
By testing with different companies you will soon learn where your strength and weakness are. Regardless if they require experience, if allowed, take the test. It will not hurt and it will help to build your confidence. Most of all, keep trying. Good luck!
Test, Test, Test
Test with absolutely every company you can. I tested with at least 50 companies before I found a good company. Did you get feedback regarding why you failed from these mentoring companies?
Something will happen, you can't give up. I wanted to give up several times, and I am so glad I didn't! Just keep trying - test with every company that allows you. You'll gain that experience while you're trying to find someone who will give you a shot. Good luck to you.
Test
Can anyone tell me how many test they took to get a job because i have taken like 5 so far and be very confident researched everything and they still turn me down. I am getting very depressed because in school I did excellent on all of my reports and they graded hard. I am starting to think that I will never get a job. What is it? Please can any one explain and help me. I am very sad
test
I took a test for MQ last week. When do you think they will get back to me?
98 on Test
Hi,
Is that true you have to make 98 on test to get a job?
Thanks for your imput.
test
test
written test help
I am testing for a new job. Anyone have any info on where to find practice quizes or something. Any help would be great!
They test them and if they do well, they get hired like anyone else.
nm
Help with taking test
Hi there....I'm hoping somebody can help me. I have to take a test using Windows Media Player (no foot pedal yet), and I can't figure out how to type in Word and still be able to use the keyboard keys. Any tips would be much appreciated.
so are you saying your test scores are too low?
you may want to consider buying a book and brushing up on grammar, etc. With all due respect, I noticed you misspelled "receive" in your post (it's I before E except after C or when sounded as A as in Neighbor and Weigh). Now that may just be a typo posting, which is fine, but if you actually don't know grammar and phonics rules, it's the kiss of death in this field.
Test scores
No I am not saying my test scores are too low. I usually denied because of lack of experience. As for misspelling receive that was a typo in my post. I asked for suggestions on how for find a job. I thank you for the tip about the grammar brush up but that isn't the problem. I have never worked for a hospital and I think that the school I went to is holding me back. Unfortunately I had no idea that At-home professions or Us career institute as they call themselves now was considered such a bad school. Again thanks for the tip but I believe that my problem is more a lack of experience problem than a grammar problem. When I did this about 10 years ago the field was so much easier to get into. Any other tips would be appreciated.
Test everywhere you can, you learn a lot that way - sm
also make cold calls. This is how I landed my first job. I had tested with a company and passed and was hired, but was waiting to actually start (took 2 months for that to actually happen). In the meantime I started calling local companies, I got hired over the phone by one willing to take a chance on me. I was on probation for 3 months, doing about $200 a month (she only had little bit of extra work), after I a month or so I knew I was "hired" for good and eventually got a little more work as the MTSO wanted to do less herself. I applied at another place (while working the 2 jobs) and picked up a 3rd. All were PT but different types of work, etc. so I packed in a lot of experience that way. Just keep plugging away, took me 2 months to land the 1st then 2 weeks later got #2, and 3 months later got #3. Just takes a little time, patience, and lots of persistence.
I took their online test on 8/21 and just
heard back from them yesterday. The lady I talked to there told me that she is really behind on contacting people. When did you apply with them?
typing test?
I am testing for jobs, and they want a typing test sent to them. My comment... why? I type what I hear not what I read. The brain is trained in a different way. I can only type 60 wpm without my shortcuts and stedmans smart type. They want 80 wpm. I dont know if I should test or not?
Test answers
I wondered that myself! But then again I am a pretty naive critter
MEDQUIST MT test
I replied to your message once, but never saw the reply here...so if this shows up twice, please forgive me! I took the Medquist test a few days ago, also, and today I got the same letter...FAILED...with no explanation. Like you, I thought I had done pretty well as a newbie. Now I am trying to take the Focus Informatics test. However, the very first test...I cannot understand her at all, and it is supposed to be a test for newbies. Is there someone who can give me some insight into Focus Informatics and their MT tests for newbies? I really want to get started working and thought I had a chance with Focus, but if I can't even transcribe the first couple of lines of the first report, I'm doomed. HELP, PLEASE!
Is this a test question?
x
First Test Experience
Newbie took test at local hospital last night. I had to just post my experience. I was in a small, messy room with no windows. The MT who gave me the test sat me a a workstation, brought up dictation file and said 'now you just type'. The head phones they gave me didn't work. They gave me another set and that set kept cutting out on one side. I wasn't at all nervous, but my experience was less than enjoyable. I was given 11 dicationas to complete that were actual doctors at that hospital. I would say half were ESL. I had to chuckle or I would have cried. There was no terminology test or anything - just dictation. I didn't do very well. Even the English speaking doctors were mostly just mubbles. Had I been able to even understand a little of the terminology they were speaking I could have done better; however, they were horrible. Slowing down the dictation didn't help - in fact - I don't think that was even working. I spoke a little with the MT and she said the courses don't prepare you for what you will really experience. Is this really what I'm in for? I've never run across any dictations, even the ESL, in me courses that were this bad. Although the MT told me it's better to work at a hospital as a newbie, I think I disagree. I think I would feel more comfortable working from home. I guess you get used to the doctors eventually. On the lighter side, I did watch the MT doing dictation and noted her Expander usage and ya know what --- I think I can do this and will not give up!
Medquist Test
I recently took the Medquist test and failed for a second time. I looked everything up before submitting it, and still failed. I have been in the medical field for for almost 20 years, and this really surprised me. Does anyone know how many questions you are allowed to miss?
Medquist test
I don't know how many Qs you can miss. I have taken that test, passed the objective part, then flunked the actual transcription test. Maybe they would go over your test results with you a bit if you called them? In my case, I know I need more transcription practice. You might just be missing something easy to correct like one of their punctuation questions or something. I would ask them.
Passed Test!!!
I frequent this forum alot and see lots of helpful information that is being shared among MTs. It is great!!! I spent the later part of last night trying to finish one transcription test for a company and finally finished this afternoon. About 30 to 45 minutes later the company calls and says I did a great job!!! I am quite nervous because there are alot of companies who sucker you around and I am a newbie so I consider that a double wammy for me!! It also made me nervous that they called me back so quickly!! I am having butterflies now. I have not even returned there call yet. Well wish me luck. This company has been mentioned alot on this forum but I am going to give them a try anyway. After all I am a newbie!! Thanks to everyone for the advice and guidence on the forum.
online test
Don't feel bad - I've done transcription for over 25 years, had a CMT for 15 of those years... took an online test with MRC (Medical Records Corporation). I did the test, waited for two whole weeks... they never got back to me until I asked them what the hel_ was going on and they told me I failed the test - would someone explain that to me? My audit score for the company that I am currently working for, is 97-98........ 
FocusInfomatics test...
I, too, just took the FocusInfomatics test for QA/Editor position and I was told I "failed". I think I did well on the first half, just the transcription part I had difficulty with. I just could not understand one of the docs. I have QA'ed for Medquist before and passed their test. Very discouraging.
typing test
It was a timed typing test.
I was not fast or accurate enough to pass, but I am improving. Have you worked online without taking a typing test?
typing test
I agree, when I first started radiology I had to look up every 30 seconds or so - and I'd been doing this for 10 years. If you want you can take a quick typing test at www.typingtest.com, It would be purely for your own knowledge but it is kind of cool to see your improvement.
I remember seeing a job posting that said (this job is not worthwhile unless you can type 75 WPM) which I thought was very stupid. But they pointed out this website and I was at 73 wpm - when I started 10 years ago I was only at 45 WPM.
WPM doesn't matter as much as your knowledge - this is true - so consider that before you apply for a job that even mentions WPM!!
I go back to test...
later this week. they called me back after the interview!!!!! woohoo!!!!
thank you for the encouraging words! :)
Test sound files
Check out CNC Transcription. No cost, and good practice.
Advice for taking the test!!
Just nervous.
Have you even taken the admission test? You may be worrying
and studying and checking for naught. Andrews only takes the cream because they can. You may not pass the test or be admitted. For your information, none of the schools are accredited in the way you are referring to. One of the colleges in Oregon has an accredited program, and they produce good graduate MTs even though they use CS (which I feel is a very inferior program and not approved by AAMT) and cost much more than Andrews.
Hi Emtee! Yes, it is a very hard test (IMO)sm
I'm the kind of person who usually passes tests with flying colors, yet I just barely passed that test by the skin of my teeth.
They go by the BOS II book...so, if you have the book, make sure everything conforms to the rules in that book. I don't own the book (yet) and just checked the style board to learn of differences between the two books. Off the top of my head, q.4 h. (note the space between 4 and h), cancer classifications (some differences), using Arabic numbers for 1 through 9 instead of spelling them out, etc.
Don't give up! If you are able, buy that book. If not, use all the internet resources (reliable ones) that you can think of.
Good luck to you!
Regards,
Chickadee
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.
Send in resumes and test everywhere that will allow it.
I applied to several places while I was a student, and some places will allow you to test even though they say they require 2 years experience. Some will waive the 2 year experience requirement if you have graduated from a medical transcription training program. I found a job at home while in school, so it's not impossible but it does take some time. Good luck!
Newbie failing test HELP!!
I have taken 2 test and failed both. Could not hear the Doc's mumbling and talking fast !!!! Also, the multiple choice was 7 pages in 10 min. that I had to answer did not get it done. Do I need more school. I graduated from At-home professions. Thanks for your reply.
Barbara Tucker
The timed tests are a test of how well you know
your stuff. Some of comes from education, most comes from experience. If you are unable complete the test without it timing out then you know you still have lots to learn. No 2 tests are the same so you can't take it enough times to get all the answers, but it gives you an idea on what kinds of things they are looking for and shows you your areas of weakness, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I have nearly 20 years of experience and I have some across questions on testing that I had to look up. Not all tests are timed, but I did take one test that was timed and it timed out on me too; more probably because I was rereading everything and didn't realize it was a timed test, but I was still offered a position. You just might get started on clinic notes rather than acute care and your pay rate will most definitely be lower than if you had scored better.
I'd stay away as they charge you to test, a big
red flag that they are probably not legit.
You could start applying first to see if anyone will let you test now and
s
You have to pass the employer's test.
No services hire solely on the basis of what school the MT graduated from.
Most of them do require an applicant to score at least 98% on their employment test. If you can't do that, how will you be able to meet their accuracy requirement when working? Their clients expect about 98% accuracy, so they have to deliver. There is no room for MTs who can't do the work.
This is why big companies require so much experience. It goes hand in hand with accuracy. The more experience you have doing acute care, i.e., hospital, dictation, the more you know and the better you'll do. If you don't have the experience, the companies know you'll flounder. They don't have time to hand-hold you or provide remedial training.
The reason some schools' graduates are granted a waiver for experience is that their training has prepared them well enough to do acceptable work even without the experience. They are trained so thoroughly that they are able to pass the employment tests with 98% accuracy and they understand the employer's expectations regarding accuracy and professionalism.
The most successful schools teach students in an atmosphere that mimics an MT work environment, with the same expectations that employers have, so the students have a firm grasp on the requirements by the time they graduate. They behave much like experienced MTs, perform much like experienced MTs, and go about getting up to speed just as an experienced MT would. That's why it's important to choose a school that tests constantly and provides competent, personalized CMT instruction, not just an answer key and a computer grader.
...Spellcheck before you turn in your test! :) ..nm
s
First: Don't panic. I did not take the Focus test, but
I took plenty of others as a newbie. Listen through the dictation once and get used to the dictator's voice and speech pattern and glean as much context as you can on that initial listen. Then try again to transcribe, leaving blanks wherever necessary. After that, get up and walk away for a little bit. On your third pass check for accuracy of what you already have and fill in as many blanks as possible. Remember: They are not looking for speed from a newbie, just accuracy. Good luck.
specific test question
Libby, thanks for your response. It was encouraging, although I must admit I'm somewhat discouraged. I'm worked hard trying to learn, and I've been working equally as hard now trying to get a job as a medical transcriptionist. Can you tell me, on all of the MT tests, do they want you to transcribe exactly as dictated? For instance, if he says as one heading - COURSE IN THE HOSPITAL - Should I transcribe it exactly that way, or should I transcribe HOSPITAL COURSE? There are several other instances, can't remember exactly now...but one of the dictations had DISCHARGE MEDICATIONS dictated some longer way, but I transcribed it DISCHARGED MEDICATIONS: And that brings me to another point, when you list diagnoses or medications or whatever, does it matter which format you use....i.e. DIAGNOSES: 1) -------, 2) -----, 3) ----- etc, or DIAGNOSES and list them under the heading as 1.
2. etc??????
Any help you or anyone can give to me will be greatly appreciated. I really need and want to get to work asap. Thanks!
i did their transcription test last week
and i had some blanks, but i heard back from them today. they offered me a spot in the training program.
In school if U cheated on test, did you consider that
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