typing programs
Posted By: Karen on 2005-10-08
In Reply to: looking into a typing CD to increase speed before school... - Anne
I used this website www.typingtutor.com and it was very helpful. You said you were using a MAC? I don't believe you will be able to use that once you are working, and I think that is a problem with training with M-Tec because of the software they use.You can check with them, but I'm pretty sure I saw that on their website.
LINK/URL: mtec
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MT Programs
I'm currently a Transcriptionist and a friend of mine wanted to get into the profession, however she had a question that I could not answer. Is anyone familiar with if you are able to use Pell grants towards an MT school? I figured I'd ask everyone here!
TIA
Shareware programs
She said this is a set up fee that is the responsiblility of the MT. She use to pay the fee, but some MTs will leave after they get better. There are some shareware programs that the client requries and she is charged a fee when she add a new user the system. Does this mean I am paying for work?
Shareware programs
Thank you for your help. :-)
These programs are not required...
These extra programs are not necessary. CS grads can get decent jobs without them. Some prefer to have the extra training. The STT program prepares the students to start work with Spheris at an acute care level.
I cannot compare my education to the other schools and I do agree that the other schools may be better for some. For me, I had a medical background which included transcription. I felt that I would be fine without the one-on-one interaction. If I did have problems with the something, I did pick up the phone and called CS. The staff was very friendly and helped anytime I needed it. I am now a grad and am currently trying to decide between four different job offers one week after graduation.
No it isn't. Their programs are written so you
only have to have an 8th grade education to be able to take them. My teen took a class through them and he knew more than what they were trying to teach and there was lots of misinformation in them.
The saying that you get what you pay for is true here. You'd just be wasting your money because your chances of getting a job without further education or finding a menitoring program are very slim.
Mentoring Programs
Has anyone heard of the AIM Mentoring Program thru Allstate Transcription? They are asking for $99.00 for the entire 12 week program with possible employment at the end. I am wondering if this is a route I should go since I am having trouble getting a job.
Mentoring Programs
For those of you who have tested for the mentoring programs through AIM and Meditec, about how long did it take for them to get back to you?
Thanks in advance. :)
mentoring programs
Does somebody know which MT employment companies have mentoring or internship programs? Thanks in advance.
Mentoring programs
I applied to a company called Accustat (www.accustat-mt.com) and they responded that they don't hire new graduates, but they do have a mentoring program. There is no fee to join the program and it does pay a little, but I would have to purchase some equipment that I don't currently have. They also require you to produce at a certain level or they will drop you, but they haven't told me how much they expect yet. I guess that is what makes me nervous about it. I just can't afford to make financial mistakes right now. Has any one been through Accustat's mentoring program?
OSI, Heartland Mentoring Programs
Just wondering if anyone has heard of these mentoring programs. I, too, am finding it hard to get a job with no experience. Are these programs worth it? Has anyone out there gone through these? Please give some friendly advice!
There are line count programs
available. If you use Word, you can go up to Tools, Word Count and take the characters w/spaces and divide by 65. That, of course, is assuming that you are paid for spaces - which some places do not do.
word expander programs
I am getting close to birthday time as well as graduation and want to ask for a word Expander program as a b-day present from my husband  Is there a decent priced one out there that still is easy to use and works well. I have heard of Smarttype but that is pretty expensive (though I hear well worth it) Are there any others
Intern/mentor programs
I am a recent graduate having difficulty finding employment. Would you recommend Allstate Transcription (AIM) or Meditec - both require a fee to join their programs but guarantee experience and if you reach the 98% accuracy rate, very high rate of employment opportunities.
I am not saying all apprenticeship programs are scams.
I am saying that in the not-so-distant past, the companies that wanted you to pay up front for training or wanted you to pay to work for them were scams. Now, I think that companies have found more effective way to defray the cost of, or in some cases profit from, hiring and training new grads. Yes, it is costly and time consuming to get a new grad up to speed as far as quality and productivity, but in the past, having a mentor train and provide feedback and guidance to a new grad was SOP. It was seen as an investment for the future in a way. Now some companies want you to pay them or to work for free during your "apprenticeship" which has made it even more difficult for the uniformed or the desperate to discern which companies are scams.
I have previously been advised not to post names of companies that do hire newbies because they get inundated with applicants that either do not have the requisite training or have no training at all. Also, most companies,especially the small to mid-size services, only hire grads intermittently because of the resources required to train them.
The very best resource for who hires graduates of your education program is the school itself. Often companies or MTSOs that have an opening or two for a trainee will contact the schools they know provide quality graduates ready to enter the job market. www.transcriptionresource.com has a rather comprehensive list of companies with links to many of their websites.
new mt mentoring programs or internships?
are there any good newbie MT mentoring programs out there? or internships?
thanks
Honestly, there are a number of MT programs that do
provide an education adequate enough to pass entry-level exams. If you went to one of these programs then you may need to take an honest look at your options.
There are a number of posts further down this page and in the archives regarding how to improve your chances during the application and testing process.
Typing on a lap top
I too type on a lap top. I use a wireless keyboard. I prefer it to a desk top.
Don't do it! Do a search on the New MT board for recommended programs. nm
n
Very few provide. Most programs get loaded to your machine from CDs or
s
Not all foot pedals work with all programs - sm
so unless you are buying a digital player like Bytescribe or ExpressScribe, etc. there is really no point to just buying a foot pedal. You may buy a serial port one and land a job where only a USB port pedal will work (it happens). So far I have been lucky and my serial port pedal that I bought with Bytescribe has worked for all but 2 jobs I have had. The one job loaned me a footpedal, which I returned when I quit, and the other I had to purchase a USB pedal for Start/Stop, unfornately that one was probably a waste of money as I did not like their platform or the work so will probably end up selling it here or on ebay someday. --but if you need one so you can take tests then download the free version of Express Scribe and get the kind they recommend to work that (I use a 9-pin serial port pedal)-- though it would probably be smarter to get a USB pedal if it works with that as I think more companies use the USB pedal, though sometimes it is all in the set up of the program/foot pedal. Good luck.
...top 3 programs from this board or attend an actual
b
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
Any mentor programs that requir Vista
I have Vista and cant' find a Mentor program that is compatable with Vista. Can anyone help?
BT
Current and former students from all schools and programs -
I would prefer to discuss via email as I don't want input from those who have not attended any of the MT educational programs and I don't want to incite arguments, etc.
I just need some answers and insight on your experience, etc. I have some questions I can send to you and would truly appreciate your input.
Thx
typing speed
So, what is the required typing speed for someone who is looking hired? Or should I say the minimum.
typing lab values
Can someone please help with ponters on how to type lab values in H&Ps. Which ones are commonly dictated one way but meant to be typed using decimal point values? thx in advance for your help.
The typing program I have is .......
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, which I have had for years. It doesn't cost much and allows you to practice your typing and improve typing speed.
Also, used to get a lot of headaches sitting in front of the computer but since I bought a radiation shield/screen to hang in front of my monitor, that has relieved a lot of my eye strain and headaches. It tones down the brightness of the monitor, which I didn't realize was so bright and how it affected by eyes until I put the filter screen in front of it. But I also wear glasses now for nearsightedness as a result of sitting in front of computers for years in previous jobs.
Anyway, hope this helps.
$5....but what the heck are you typing about? :) nm
s
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?
typing tests
Don't understand the reason either.....I just take the test...
First you aren't typing 150 lph, you are
transcribing 150 lph - big difference. That lph isn't bad for being a newbie and you can't compare yourself to an MT with 10 years of experience.
You can make more macros, use more expansions. If you are trying to work around kids you probably aren't working as much as you think you are. There is a free program you can download called Time Stamp (I think) and you use it to clock in and out to show the time you are actually transcribing. You'll be surprised how much time you think you are working and how much you are actually working.
Try to get up early before kids and work 2 hours. If they are young enough to still take naps, work when they are napping, or give them at least an hour of quiet time in their rooms so you can work. Work after dinner when your husband can look after them.
Don't get on the internet unless you are researching and do your research and don't visit other websites or check your e-mail. If possible make a note about what you need to look up and save it for when you take a break and you can look up several at one time.
I've been doing this for 20 years. I'm not a fast typist, I can't transcribe with the speed ramped up. I know people who can turn out the lines, but I have also seen some of their work and it isn't a quality product - not saying that it isn't possible to do both, just that fast isn't always good.
typing speed
I am starting school the end of this month and only type about 25 wpm just concerned and wondering if anyone else started out typing this slow and how it went for them and if school really help to pick-up their speed...or should
i just forget it and move on to something else.
You aren't going to be typing 60 wpm. You are going to have to
look up words, format, spellcheck, etc. so just because you can type 60 wpm doesn't mean a thing. You also have to figure it the difficulty of the account, how lines are counted .........
typing error
Who are you, the typing police? Do you get pleasure out of insulting people? Or are you the perfect typist who never makes any errors? Don't think so!!!!!!!!!
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 tests
I've never seen a typing test, timed or untimed, as part of any medical transcription application process. Transcription tests, yes, but not TYPING tests.
If I had ever been asked to take one, I'm afraid I would have gotten up and walked out. I would have assumed that the employer didn't understand the nature of the work they were calling "medical transcription." If they didn't understand that, they wouldn't be likely to understand much else about it, either, and that would be unfortunate for everyone.
If you're applying to legitimate MT employers, I don't think they will ask you to take a typing test. I do not believe our students have reported having to take a typing test, either.
You might want to check what MT services actually require.
That being said, you should . . . of course . . . improve your keyboard speed. That isn't achieved by going faster, but by keying slowly enough that you don't make any typos, but just keep going on and on. Eventually, you'll speed up. Try keying medical reports and books. There are lots of them on the internet.
In order for you to work comfortably as an MT, you'll need to be able to keyboard a whole shift, or about 7 hours with a 10 minute break every hour and a half-hour to an hour break in the middle.
You can do this if you start now and work at it gradually and without causing yourself stress. :)
Typing Tests
I have applied to several online companies and I haven't found any that don't require a typing test. Do you know of any? Also, as a newbie with no working experience, it's extremely to get my foot in the door anywhere. Thanks.
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!!
If you need extra practice typing itself...
goodtyping.com
COOL!
I was typing 150lph my first week. sm
It certainly isn't impossible. No, it isn't great pay for someone who has a skill that is needed and is good at it, but you do need to start somewhere. I don't think companies are willing to start newbies out at 7-9cpl because they can and do hire experienced MTs at that rate. Why should they take a chance on someone unproven when they can get someone who has been in the industry 5+ years at the same rate? That doesn't happen in any profession that I know of.
I've been a working MT now for just under a year and can type 300 lph doing acute care and more if I am doing podiatry. Even at 6-7 cpl I can make a decent amount of money. I'd love to be getting more money, but that just isn't happening. Look at the job boards, most companies are advertising for 3-5 years experience starting at 7-9cpl, any higher than that is not the norm. Is it fair? Probably not, but it is the reality of this industry. Those who don't love their work, are not good at it, or are only in it for the money will be getting out and finding another profession. That will leave less competition and eventually the wages will begin to go up again.
I think there has just been a huge surge in new people entering MT in the last few years because of all the 'get rich quick' ads out there, but people are starting to realize this isn't an easy job.
Who knows, maybe I'm just too optomistic. 
From my typing school days
I recall learning that a word consists of five characters, spaces, symbols, etc., so it seems to me that they are asking for a 65-character line rate.
How do you increase typing speed?
I am a fairly new MT who can type approx 150-170 lines per hour. I work p/t approx 500-1200 lines per day but it seems like I work f/t hours because of my typing speed. I have kids at home so when I get an hour long report I tend to try to hurry and that means I make more errors and slows down my typing speed.
My problem is I am constantly working so I can't find the time to work on my typing. I have only been working for about 3 months and am at 150-170 lph. How long should I give myself to get up to 200-300 lph like many can type?
what type of reports are you typing?
I do alot of psyche and some of my reports range from 150-450 lines per report. So when you look at it like that it is not bad. On the other had if you are doing radiology that would be totally different. Again some of mines average from 15-30 lines. That is with a 65 character line.
Try asking the school directly. Both Andrews & M-TEC have some sort of assistance programs, not sure
x
Typing speed is no guarantee of success
as an MT. If you haven't had any MT training, you will fail rather spectacularly. Get some training. Get GOOD training, not some matchbook-cover school. Andrews, M-Tec, Career Step--those schools will provide the training that will get you a job. Don't try to cut corners with a cheap school. If you get the right training, and if you have the talent for the job, you will not lack for work.
looking into a typing CD to increase speed before school...
I'm planning on learning online with either M-Tec or CS, but need to wait until January to do so. Meanwhile, I thought it would be wise to do two things: 1. learn my Mac computer inside and out (I only know enough to get around plus alittle extra. This includes Word) 2. increase my typing speed
I recently bought Mavis Beacon typing 16 deluxe (I think that's what it's called) to help w/ typing speed... should arrive soon. Did anyone else do something similar to "ramp up" for MT school? Was there a need? Did it help you? Anything else I could be doing between now and January to get ready to go back to school?! (I'm 44 w/ four teens at home. Been a full time mom, and am alittle "rusty" when it comes to studying! But I'm up to the challenge, and family is very supportive.)
Your grammer seems good, and with your typing speed.....
you should have no problem. Wish you were in California.
There are several free typing sites online.
goodtyping.com is one of them I know. It uses a series of typing tests to improve on quality and speed. It helped me.
Does speech recognition really give you less typing?
TTS, LLC says that you really only have to proofread. Does anyone know if this is true?
You typing on downloaded templates or something? Sounds like someone
s
More important than typing speed I hope
you chose a good school. Doesn't matter how fast you type if you can't get a job because she chose a more "affordable" school that didn't give you the education you need to get a job.
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