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MT Grad w/SUM program eight yrs ago - alwaysbetranscribing

Posted: Aug 11, 2010

Eiight years ago I took a transcription course through a local school that offered the SUM program. It was intensive training for nine months and earned a certificate for completing the program. I went to work for a local hospital and transcribed doctor's dictation; which included ER, radiology, psych, and scope reports. Plus various reports that came accross overnight, I worked the 3-11 pm shift.

I did this for eleven months, until the hurricains hit Florida and found out from the employer I must stay and work, even in the event of a hurricaine because a hospital never closes and evidently neither does the transcription dept. I missed one day's work to evacuate my thee children, we did live 4 blocks from the beach. So at the time I saw this as my time to exit.

I tried looking for another job transcribing and my husband was upset that I was inflating my resume (I put the SUM program training as 9 months of 'experience') and 'word' gets around the medical community about people who do this type of thing. I was in dire straights. Long story short, I left transcription for a lucrative career in finance, which has now plummeted. And I need a job!

I have 9 months of training with a certificate, 11 months of experience eight yrs ago and have tried taking the test at Medquist to get hired a few months back. And now they say I'm eligible to take it again. Any suggestions on how to polish up my skills and get hired? I know my first step should be reference books and practicing. My books are gone and no transcription machine, but it looks like everything is online now. Help!

A 9-month program isn't long enough to cover MT very well - However tell your husband not to worry

[ In Reply To ..]
People put their training down as experience all the time. It probably won't hurt you that you did that. Next time I would put it down as MT experience while in school. Your biggest problem is the 9-month program. That isn't long enough for your skills to develop.

If I were there with you I would suggest that you get all of your materials out and go over them. You said your books are gone, but do you still have printouts of your work? Also, get the Book of Style and learn it. Then start testing.

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