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Spheris employment question

Posted By: Chris on 2007-08-16
In Reply to:

I've been interested in Spheris for a while and just did a search here.  What interests me most is that they seem to be favorable to hiring newbies, of which I still am at one year.  The only negative thing I saw was about offshoring.  Was there anything else really bad?  I'd like to know if they habitually run out of work for MTs, if they keep shuffling around around accounts or give you stable accounts, QA and I guess the general working atmosphere.  I know they consistently advertise, do they over hire or do they really have all that work?   Is there anybody here working for them that can tell me those things?  The nice things about this company really do seem to be nice and encouraging.  Thanks to anyone who answers.


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I am a recent grad and looking for work. Every place I apply wants at least 1 year experience (catch-22. Can anyone tell me who hires recent grads--I'm very flexible.
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Employment Help

This is my first post.  I not only am a recent graduate, but also live where I do not have cable or DSL available.  Does anyone have any suggestions of companies that I could contact that do not require this?  I have satellite available.  Thanks for any suggestions.


Employment for New Grads

I am a recent grad. I graduated with a GPA of an A.


Is there any company that hires new grads?


So far, I have not found any.


Thank you.


employment for new grads
AMEN! While I am not a recruiter, I have run into that 2-year thing. I also agree with you about what CS consider 'experience'. Thanks for stating it!
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.


Outlook for MT employment
Curious what the Board of Labor Statistics has to say about MT outlook and employment projection? According to their website:

"Contracting out transcription work overseas and advancements in speech recognition technology are not expected to significantly reduce the need for well-trained medical transcriptionists. Outsourcing transcription work abroad—to countries such as India, Pakistan, Philippines, and the Caribbean—has grown more popular as transmitting confidential health information over the Internet has become more secure; however, the demand for overseas transcription services is expected only to supplement the demand for well-trained domestic medical transcriptionists. In addition, reports transcribed by overseas medical transcription services usually require editing for accuracy by domestic medical transcriptionists before they meet domestic quality standards. Speech-recognition technology allows physicians and other health professionals to dictate medical reports to a computer that immediately creates an electronic document. In spite of the advances in this technology, the software has been slow to grasp and analyze the human voice and the English language, and the medical vernacular with all its diversity. As a result, there will continue to be a need for skilled medical transcriptionists to identify and appropriately edit the inevitable errors created by speech recognition systems, and to create a final document."
Seeking employment
Hi.  I am a new MT graduate, but not new to the medical field as I am a nurse and have worked at the hospital for 3 years now.  I have been applying, but do not yet have a job.  I went to a community college program and I am hoping that will help me.  If anyone has any suggestions or if anyone has a name of a company that may be willing to hire a new MT grad with previous med experience please let me know.   Thanks so much
Self-employment taxes...sm
If you are self-employed, you must pay your taxes quarterly, regardless of other income in the family. You are responsible for the federal income tax as well as state tax. You can go online and pull off a state estimated tax form(voucher) and same for federal taxes (1040-ES/V) form. Both are due quarterly. Once you get going, it won't seem so foreign to you.
Maybe the OP should consider another field of employment. NM
x
testing for employment

Previous post said, if you test for a national and fail they make you wait 6 months before testing again.


Which national companies offer employment based on pre-employment testing results? ???


One reason I wanted to get into MT is that you get paid for exactly what and how much you DO and I hoped that my skills would speak for themselves when I tested for a position. But if every company wants to know what school you graduated from and how many years of experience you have, then I might as well have a liberal arts degree.


For those of us new, all this "3 years", "5 years" experience stuff is going to leave us dead in the water if we don't get an in somewhere.


Thanks for any reply.


Internship or possible employment
I have completed a transcription course recently with a school that did not offer internship. I have tested with VARIOUS companies even though I do not have the required experience. I was a CPC certified coder but let my certification lapse because employers informed me without experience, I would be too great of a risk to their company. I know I can perform the duties of a Transcriptionist but have not been given the opportunity to prove myself. If ANYONE could PLEASE PLEASE help me with this delima, I would be ever greatful.
Employment tests
Most services want to see 98%, or at the least 97%, on an employment test. Anything less than that is "failing" in their eyes.

Think about it from their perspective. If their clients expect 98% accuracy, you need to be able to produce 98% accuracy. If you can't do that while being tested, which they assume is your best effort, you're not likely to do it on the job later.

Not saying this is a great thing or not, just that it's what they may think.
Finding Employment

H.  Just keep trying.  You will eventually find something.  Are you only willing to work from home, or is outside the home an option?


As far as from the home, there are several companies who may give you a chance if you pass their test.  Some of the criteria for some of them may say "3 years + acute experience" or something like that, and that may be so.  However, some at-home jobs may say that on their criteria but may still give you a chance.  Just keep sending in your resumes and testing with reputable sites.  It may take a while -- maybe even a few months -- but you will eventually find something.  Good luck!!  :)


Home employment
I was wondering if anyoen might have some tips. I realize that looking to work from  home soon after completeting an MT course will either take a very long time opr not at all. Just thought some of you seasoned MT's would have some advice. If not, I understand. Thank you.
Employment after home study
I was wondering about the same thing.  Who would hire you after home study, and who will hire with only one year experience; or no experience outside the home.  I have a little hospital experience, but years ago.
Employment dilemma!!! Experienced MTs,

Hello everyone.  I am a newbie.  Not long ago I posted about having three job opportunities and how happy and fortunate I felt.  I turned one down because the pay was excrutiatingly low--even for a newbie!  The other was occasional part-time work for a day or two every month or so.  I accepted that.  Then I accepted a part-time IC position, which is what I really wanted.


Everything seemed fine--I was so happy.  I took three different tests with this company (which I passed with high marks), an online interview, and a telephone interview.  I went through two training sessions on the company software.  And I signed all my contracts.  Now....I have heard NOTHING from them.  No letter.  No introduction to my editor.  No acknowledgement whatsoever.  I've emailed them assuring my eagerness to work with them.  But I've gotten silence.  It has only been a few days, but still, doesn't it seem strange?  In any other job I've had (all non-MT related), when I was hired, it was definite.


What should I do?  Should I email them again?  Should I send a letter via snail mail?  Should I call?  I hesitate to do that because it's a fairly large company and I don't even know if the receptionist will know who I am, since I never actually started working for the company!


I can't tell you how excited I was about this.  I felt like I really "hit it off" with the company, if you know what I mean.  I've begun testing for other companies again, just in case.  I feel badly about it.  If I get another offer before I hear from them (IF I hear from them), I'll most likely take it.


From reading this board, I've heard about "overhiring."  Do you think I'm a victim of that?  Folks, what would you do in my position?  Thanks ever so much for any help anyone can give me!


flunked my 1st employment exam
I just took my first employment exam ever with Transolutions. I really wanted that job because it seemed like the best company that still takes dialup. I live near the edge of nowhere and we don't get DSL. You have to have a 96 to pass the test, and I got a 93.9%. I am so bummed. Anybody else ever flunk one of these? Any tips on how to improve? Any job leads?
Where can I gain PT employment from home?

Hi all,


My name is Jenn.  I'm new to this message board.  I just completed an MT course (awaiting the results of my final which I'm confident I did well on).  I have a 97% GPA.  I'm looking to get my foot in the door in a PT position.  I have a two-year-old daughter, so I chose this profession to stay home with her and to have flexibility when she gets into school.  Although working for a service and an individual doctor both have their ups and downs, I'm leaning toward working for a service for the flexibility aspect of it.  I know I will likely make less money this way.  I am not coming into this with the mindset that I'm going to make $25/hr or anything, just want to make a decent wage while staying home with my daughter.  Thanks in advance for your response!


Jenn


Advice for finding employment?
I'm fairly new to this board, so I hope that I have posted this in the right place.  I have recently finished a MT course and am looking for PT employment from home.  I am completely overwhelmed by the number of companies when doing job searches.  I was hoping perhaps somebody could offer some personal words of wisdom based on their experiences?  I want to get in the door with a reputable company who is willing to take on a recent grad.  Any advice?  Thanks!
New grad finding employment
I am currently applying for transcription jobs as I just finished school.  Some companies ask questions as part of their application process.  I have trouble with these types of questions:  How many lines per day can you reliably type?  What do you charge per 65-character line?  Being a new grad I have no idea what to answer for these.
Employment with Focus Infomatics.
Dear Desi:

I worked with Focus Infomatics a few years back when I got laid off from the hospital because of voice recognition. However, they do not pay worth a you know what. Apply with a better at home company, such as Spheris or All-Type. There is a free magazine that you can get for being a transcriptionist. It is called Advance. Call them up, and get a year's subscription for free, and you will see all the at home companies that are hiring.

I hope this helped you out.

Good luck!


Erin
Sorry, meant pre-employment MT tests.
nm
I find it fishy that someone would contact you for employment instead of the other way around.
nm
Unfortunately they have a very poor record of grads finding employment.
Many companies will waive their 2-years' experience requirement for Andrews or M-Tec grads, but they know the education at Penn Foster, AHP, and many others is just not good enough and they will not let grads of those schools even take their employment tests. I'm not saying you CAN'T get a job, just that it will unfortunately be much harder, as evidenced by the many, many people who have taken these courses and posted online that they can't get a job.
Employment tests are not easy, even for entry level.
They need to know what you know. Sometimes the things you blank are just as important as the things you get right.
Spheris
Hello, I was offered a position with them too, and I gladly accepted. We're new MTs. Its difficult finding a company that will hire you with no or very little experience. Much less, a very well known company. The pay is not that great.. but I have been testing with other companies and am not hearing a word back from them. Go for it! :)
Spheris
Does anyone know how much Spheris starts out at?  One year experience.
Spheris

Has anyone had any experience working for Spheris, and if so, how would you rate your experience with them?  I have been working for Focus Infomatics since October and I enjoy it, but I am looking for something a little more steady work wise.  I was offered a position with Spheris, but I am used to being an independant contractor and using my own equipment.  Any info would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!!!  Nervous in IA


Try Spheris.
www.spheris.com

Have you tried Spheris?
I know they only require one year of experience, and I believe they are known for hiring newbies. I always see postings from them for jobs.

I've also heard about MediVoxx, which I believe is voice recognition editing. I heard they hire newbies, but I also heard it is difficult to hear back from them sometimes.

It took me about five months to land my first job. Don't give up! Do extensive searches on the internet for companies and test with all who will allow you to. I know it is frustrating, but it can be done.

Best of luck to you!
Spheris

Does anyone know if they provide a computer for their employee? 


Also does anyone know which companies, besides MedQuist, provide a computer? 


Thanks.....


not spheris
No way would I work for Spheris, nor would I recommend them to anyone else.
Ex-Spheris
I used to work there.  I had no problems with them.  They gave me a chance with very little experience at that time.  I only left to find to find better insurance.
spheris
thank you , that is very good to know.
Spheris

Has anyone worked for Spheris before? They are ALWAYS advertising for work and I'm wondering what they are like.


Thanks :P


 


Spheris
My cousin got a job with Spheris right after graduating from CS. She likes them but said the pay is a bit low - though she also contributes some of that to her being a newbie.
You might want to try Spheris.
Also, check out MTDaily. They have a lot of companies on there that may be looking for part time help. Good luck.
Spheris does (nm)
x
Spheris does.
nm
Did they buy Spheris?
bn
Question about Spheris
I was wondering if anyone has worked for this company, and what are they like?  I have been offered a position there and was curious to know if this is a good company?
And Spheris is definitely hiring because they sent me
a postcard in the mail. I've never worked there before, but they want me to apply there. I haven't heard good things about their software in the past, so I doubt I've ever applied with them.
Yes, Spheris will hire you...
You don't have to go to CS to get hired on at Spheris. You will have to pass their employment test (unless they have some kind of deal with TRS). The reason that Spheris started their program with Career Step is that the majority of CS grad new hires were unable to perform adequately in acute care positions with the education they received with the regular course materials.
Spheris questions




I watched the recent discussion on Spheris and searched.  I do still have a few questions if anyone has the time.  I had posted this on the company board, but I did not get any response there.  I'm seriously thinking about applying to this company.  I am still new enough that I don't have a lot of options (that I am aware of anyway).  So, the below questions are important to me in trying to decided if Spheris would be a viable choice or not.



1.  What is their required line count and how do they count it?  Is it a daily line count or a certain amount by the end of the week or pay period?  How long do they give you to reach the required line count or certain speed?



2.  How often do they run out of work and what do they expect you to do while waiting for jobs to come in?  Are there times when it is absolutely impossible to get in you lines?  Do they do what it seems MQ seems to do and open the floodgates and give you new specs with each new report when your assigned accounts are out?



3.  I see this company both recommended to work for and not to work for.  I guess it must be a personal preference.  So, what's it like on a day to day basis?  How is QA, are they resaonable and fair or do they make up their own rules as they go?  ASR or VR or primarily standard transcription.


4.  Is there any chance that anyone could tell me their starting rates?



From the board discussions, I hear they are better than at least two major MT companies sometimes discussed here. 



Thanks to anyone who answers this.  You may feel free to PM if you like.



I wouldn't say Spheris is better.

Spheris vs. mRecord

I am in a bind. I just graduated and got a position with mRecord. I went through the STT (Spheris training track) through the school I graduated. I was hoping that they could work something out with a schedule that would work for me and my family. Since I had been waiting for their offer (sometime next week), I did except a position with mRecord, but getting set up with them has been horrible. They gave me the wrong manuals to print off. I had reviewed these wrong ones for about a week and a half before they caught their mistake and sent me the right ones! Now I have to review new ones and forget the old ones that I had been reviewing (wasted time and ink)! I still don't have a working logon ID (they finally figured out that was their fault too), but it is still not resolved! I am about fed up with them even though everyone there has been nice. I haven't actually done any transcription for them, and I'm not sure after all this if I want to, or if I want to persue the offer Spheris will be giving me! My head hurts thinking about all of this!


My question is, if anyone has worked for these companies, I would love to hear your input (good or bad)!


Thanks for any input!


Sha


Does Medquist and Spheris pay you when you

first start and are in full QA?  I know Focus Infomatics does not and they expect you to work for 2-3 weeks in training before you get what they call DSP (direct submission priveleges), plus they expect you to spend approximataely 600 minutes long distance (don't know where to) during that training.  So, I was thinking about taking the MQ or Spheris plunge because of the NAZI QA where I currently work.  I've been doing fine for a year, no complaints or problems, then they put me on a new account with a ton of specs with little explanation and no examples.  I kind of feel like I've been hung out to dry.  But, I can't really afford to work for free, which is why I did not take the Focus job even for a couple of weeks.


I've read negatives for MQ and Spheris, but realize lots of people still work there anyway, which makes me wonder just how bad bad really is..  Is Spheris a better option if I don't really need health insurance?  What's the pay like and QA like for both.  Which would be considered better and why?  The "cesspool" madness sounds like a real turnoff.  Thanks in advance for any shared information or opinions.


I had the same problem with Spheris.
My account was pretty much all ESLs. I could work a full 8-hour shift and get nothing but ESLs, mostly all new residents on top of that. I could not make any money, especially at the low rate they pay for acute care. It was just too stressful of a job to only be making minimum wage.

I now work for 2 different companies. One account has no ESLs at all and the other one has 2, which are both very easy to understand compared to the ones on my account at Spheris. I now have a much better pay rate and am able to get in a lot more lines (my lines have doubled since starting my new jobs).

But I would not have gotten either of my accounts if I had not worked for Spheris first. I did a full 6 months before quitting. Neither of the accounts I have now hire new MTs and one required multispecialty experience. So I am thankful for the opportunity they gave me as a new grad, but it was not the type of company I wanted to build my career with.
Spheris will hire grads
from Career Step without even making them take an employment test. There are many other large nationals who allow grads from CS, M-Tec and especially Andrews to take their employment test, and if they pass, they are hired WITHOUT 2 years experience.

Don't call it BS if you don't know what you are talking about.
Who said anything about Spheris? The message was about accidentally getting into MT
I wouldn't want to encourage people to do it that way. I don't remember anyone mentioning Spheris. Maybe they did. I don't have time to go look. I am with those who think it's not smart to "bumble" into MT.