A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

NEWBIE HIRE - Kimbelina

Posted: Nov 12, 2009

Dear Fellow MT's,

Please advice me with some reputable information on how to get started with a company or job transcribing. I've worked in the Medical Field for 10 years now as a Unit Clerk, Telemetry Tech and then doing CNA work since I am a Medical Assistant. I've worked in the ICU, DOU, and Emergency Room for 4 years and then worked on a Cardiology Unit in Telemetry with heart rhythms for another 3 years. Before all this I've worked as a CSS for 3 doctors on the Internal Medicine ward and a Registrar for 2 years, so I've had much Medical Experience and now very close to graduating with my AS in Medical Transcription with Kaplan University and I'm a student member with AHDI or also known as AAMT. So please give me some advice on how to get started with a job so I can gain some experience. Thank you so much, I really appreciate any help you all can provide me.

Kimberly Rosario

One thing to do right off - Answers

[ In Reply To ..]
Is to make sure your English is correct. Double check resumes if you send those out. In the first sentence you said please advice me. That should be please advise me. Many have failed taking tests in order to get on with a company because of things like that. As far as where you have worked before, that is nice but transcribing is a completely different place and even newbie graduates are having a tough time now finding a job as places are asking for 2 years experience in transcription, not in other medical fields.

Impressive experience, but the only thing - kiki

[ In Reply To ..]
that will help you get an MT job is your schooling at Kaplan, and even then it will be hard but not impossible. But the poster below who mentioned making sure there are no mistakes (typos?) of any kind on your resume or the test you will have to take is definitely true.

I have to say, with all that other experience why are you trying to get into MT? If I had that kind of experience I certainly wouldn't.

Good luck to you.

Reply to Newbie - Kimbelina

[ In Reply To ..]
Why, I did all this to get to MT. The other work isn't all it's cracked up to be either. Come on people give me some encouragement.

Kimberly

this post in the right spot? - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

Next, get a BOS and study it - Fingers

[ In Reply To ..]
I am not trying to police your post, but just reading it screams that you do not know the BOS. They are expensive but you could try to find a used one. The typing style in them is pretty much standard with all companies, unless clients request otherwise.

Next, you need to do a lot of testing and become familiar with that process. Also become familiar with company auditing policies and KNOW what they mean.

Will not lie to you, this is going to be extremely tough and you may change your mind. I don't know how old you are, but you might be wise to consider more stable employment, stable income, and better working conditions than what you will find with these MTSOs lately. I am sure your income has been better. Are you willing to give that up?

Good luck to you. The MT profession has gotten crazy!

The field of MT is gradually fading away. I know after 28 years. You have other options. nm - choctaw

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

Reply to Newbie - misdal

[ In Reply To ..]
I went to school and got my MT certificate and have been doing MT for 5 years. I am going back to school to get a degree to do something else. I enjoyed working at home for a while but jobs are getting scarce and when you do find one, the pay is pretty much crap. When I lost my major account, I went from making $1400 every 2 weeks to $800 and it is really hard. I would strongly advise you to do something else. I am 31 with 4 children and a husband, mortgage, and a new truck payment. Go do something with more pay for all the experience you have..Also, most employers will not look at your resume when they see that you went to Kaplan. It is not a recommended MT school. Career Step is the most highly recommended and you can go through their program at Everett Community College in Everett, WA. That is where I got mine. Sorry if I sounded discouraging, but just my honest opinion.

She said these answers coming from bitter folks who had done this for long time and you - L

[ In Reply To ..]
have done it for a very few years and using your head for something more than a hat rack. She posted about getting degree, I believe, she said from Kaplan, so not knowing about schools, transcription or not, maybe she has a higher degree maybe? Good luck with what you decide to do, nursing would be an excellent choice especially if you like the medical field.

Misdal - most recommended school - Nick

[ In Reply To ..]
Actually, the top-rated school is Andrews, followed by M-TEC. CareerStep comes in at a distant third. And no, I am not nor have I ever been a student at or otherwise affiliated with any of them.

Hi Kimbelina... - elaine

[ In Reply To ..]
I have always worked in private practice, and I heartily recommend this option to you, too.

Check the classifieds. I started with two part-time MT jobs and ended up with offers from both practices, full time, with benefits.

So many of these MT companies sound unreliable and cut-throat, offering low pay and dubious security.

I have really enjoyed working in private practice, and recommend it.

If I were you, I would visit all the cardiology practices in my area and offer my services. You have worked on a cardiology unit, you can assist, and you can transcribe.

Good luck to you!

Kimbelina - In response to your e mail to me - Fingers

[ In Reply To ..]
In the world of MT you will see BOS alot. It is the AHDI Book of Style for transcriptionists nationwide. All companies will want you to know it; however, some clients have their own preferences in transcription style. If not, you are to revert back to the BOS. The company QA will review your work and enforce it. The 3rd edition is out now, but not much different from the 2nd. I bought one new for $90 but there are sites where people sell them used cheaper. There are not many jobs you can do without it.

BOS - Kimbelina

[ In Reply To ..]
Fingers,

I have the Book of Style already from the AHDI, but I didn't know it was called the BOS. I am a student member of AHDI. Thank you.

Kimberly

BOS - 7DayMT

[ In Reply To ..]
Have you got 2nd or 3rd edition? 3rd has only a few changes (so I have heard). I wish they would keep it at one version. I have accounts that use BOS and ones that don't, but it's important to know the BOS as many companies go by it. You would never capitalize things such as (as in your e-mail) medical field... just "I have worked in the medical field."
Good luck - it's a tough field these days. I'd go for nursing if I were you, but if you really like this, give it a try.

Kimbelina - Long-time MT

[ In Reply To ..]
You will find that AHDI does nothing to support you and everything to take your money. I have been an MT since 1969, have never been without a job, and have never needed the services of AHDI. They are useless. Worse than useless, actually, as they are partly responsible for the offshoring mess we have today.

Hold up. How do you pay $ for training and not get a BOS - imanmt2

[ In Reply To ..]
That is what is wrong right now. The "schools" are playing grab the money and not train the student sufficiently to get a job and nobody is demanding it. This so aggravates me. Anybody who knows me knows this is an old song I sing.

A school should OFFER a serious internship and if it doesn't it shouldn't be considered. Unles you just LIKE to give your money away.

Social security can be garnished by the government up to 40% for repayment of student loans. And they will do it. That really needs to be on the loan application somewhere in real plain English.

You do know what BOS means, right? - Depends on the client. :)

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

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