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

Overwhelmed Newbie - sandibug

Posted: Jan 23, 2011

I am a recent graduate from a good school, did extremely well and find myself feeling very overwhelmed in taking the first steps in applying for jobs. I am older, this is a second career, I had to move home to a small town to take care of my elderly mother, so that is why I chose MT so I can work from home. The only thing about my school was that they didn't seem to help a lot with job placement.... especially since it was an online scool and they are on the other side of the country. It seems that Inscribe is the only company that hires new graduates. I am trying to move forward in their application process but it seems very complicated. I need to get new software and I just want to make sure it is a good company and worth it before I spend the money. Also, I know that there is a test that I take after graduation. (Not the test companies require) Is that very important to do?? I don't mind working outside the home for a while, but in this little town I am not finding any MT offices or companies. PLEASE ...... I can really use some advice..... I wish I was still in school.... that was so fun!!!

have you tried - cindy

[ In Reply To ..]
contacting doctor offices or clinics in the area that you might be able to work for from home? This is how I got started. I am not sure about the company you asked about, as I have never worked for anyone but two different doctor offices directly. Good luck!

Overwhelmed - karl

[ In Reply To ..]
First off take a breath and breathe. You are overwhelmed going into anything new, coupled with the fact that you have issues at home already. Being an MT is a lifelong career. It is fraught with challenges, some real and some contrived in our own minds byt bad dictators, company policy and alike, but Inscribe happens to be one of the only companies that will take on newbies and for good reason. I don't care where you go to school, not until you listen to the first real gum chewing, lip smacking, burping in your ear doctors who has to little sleep, to much caffeine and an accent than you really have not trained for my profession other than learning formalities. So pull up your boot straps and slap yourself in the face and say this three times "I can do it" than get up off your posterior and do the job.

overwhelmed - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
As the other posters said, it is not an easy job and takes time to learn. You have to be patient. Most of all, in my opinion, I would never accept a job where I have to pay for anything. If you are an independent contractor, that is different. But as far as a "job", never pay for anything. If they want you to pay, I wouldn't do it. Just keep looking and go out on your own and find some work. That, too, is how I got started. I made pamphlets, went door-to-door and sold myself. I got 2 jobs after about 100 tries. It just takes time.

Disagree, some things you do have to pay for - sm - ECMT

[ In Reply To ..]
maybe she is talking about a certain version of Word, or a medical dictionary. Some things you just have to buy for yourself such as the program you work in, Word or Wordperfect, an expander program (huge help), and a medical spellcheck program like Stedman's , all these are pretty much a mandatory MT expense. A digital player too, but can get that one for free with Express Scribe. How about a FTP program, you might be able to find something free but usually they are just trials. If your job wants to buy propriotory software from them, then no, don't do that, big red flag there. Any platform, player, etc, that they want you to specifically have then yes they should supply it no charge. Yes as above says, persistance is the key.

dear newbie - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I don't think I had a natural talent for MT, but out of necessity, I persevered through all the concern of my capabilities, difficulty and tears. I've been at it for decades now and in many capacities. Starting off at home is going to be much more difficult. I'm sure you can but you must persist and keep trying to learn as you go. Only a fraction of what you need is learned in school. As far as the test after graduation, that may look better on a resume, but that's your call. I'm not familiar with your company. I would ask their recruiter or management about help for the complicated application process. I sure wouldn't think you'd have to buy special software for a good company; if something out of the ordinary is needed, they ought to provide it. But be sure to keep track of your expenses, as that can be helpful for taxes later. Email me if I can be of further help.

p.s. - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Don't forget to talk to your mom's doctor and/or hospital, ask your friends to mention you to their doctor. Until you have a longer resume, word of mouth may be your best bet.

Thank you from Overwhelmed - Sandibug

[ In Reply To ..]
This is the first time I have ever posted anything on a chat board and I have to say that the responses everyone made was so touching.... and so very helpful. Thank you all so much. I am a tenacious person and will use that to my advantage.

Many companies hire newbies... - HappyIC

[ In Reply To ..]
...InScribe is only one of them. If your school didn't provide placement services after graduation, then use all the available resources on the internet (including this board) to search out companies that you can apply to and then followup with all of them religiously. You don't have to pass any tests other than whatever the employer may require, so just roll up your sleeves and dive into applying everywhere. Just remember, this is also the slow season for hiring right now (through about March), so don't fret if the job offers don't come flying in right away.

Best of luck with everything!

I know how you feel - DJ

[ In Reply To ..]
This is the first time I have posted and I just wanted to say I know how it feels to be out there and new and looking. I graduated in December and I have been plugging away on applying for jobs ever since. It is overwhelming but I have dedicated myself to pushing along, it has to pay off at some point right? It has been a great effort to find companies that hire newbies. If anyone has any suggestions on websites or companies please let me know. So far I have just been googling and researching. One thing that has really helped is I created a spreadsheet of every company I have looked into with columns about their level of experience required, whether or not I applied and misc. notes on them that I find along the way through message boards etc...Anyway, that's my two cents and thanks to everyone for your support! I am talked off the ledge every morning just by reading encouragement from others!

paying for programs - sandibug

[ In Reply To ..]
The programs I am talking about are just word 2003 and change from vista to xp... nothing too crazy. Other programs that were mentioned I never heard of, my gosh..... lots to learn. I'm still working on my resume and cover letter which I find really hard to do with no exprience to put down. If anyone has any advice for that, it would be wonderful to hear. I can see how this web site is going to be invaluable! Thank you all!

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