Finding Entry Level Medical Transcription Jobs

MTATHOME,

I was only voicing my opinion about Allied based on my experience as a student there. I do see where they are NOT listed as an approved school on AHDI's website. I saw this the other day. However, I do see where there is further info regarding this on Allied's website. I will contact Allied for further clarification so I will know for sure. Thank you for your comments.

Hi Angie. The info on Allied's website is regarding membership in AHDI, not about being an approved AHDI school. This is a quote from Allied's website about AHDI membership: "Allied's Medical Transcription Specialist Program has been approved to satisfy Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) membership requirements. All Medical Transcription students will receive a one-year membership at no extra cost."

That statement can be misleading and might give the impression that Allied has been given AHDI approval as an MT school, which they haven't.

Anyone can be an AHDI member, just by paying for it.

I just didn't want anyone to get the impression that Allied is an approved MT school when reading the archives here and seeing this thread.

MTATHOME,

Thanks for your follow-up. I will be speaking with Allied this week, so I'll ask them about membership versus approval on their end with AHDI. Anyone can pay to be a member of any association or organization. I understand what you are saying and I value your comments. They have been a good school for me with no disappointments and I'm almost finished, thankfully.

There are many schools out there.. Many of them are "fly-by-night" schools and many are scams, unfortunately. It's important for people who are looking for a school to do their homework first before signing on. If I may ask, what school did you go to and how long have you been in the field?

Thanks again for your comments!

- Angie

Yes, there are many fly-by-night MT schools, and I hate to see anyone pay good money and not get the training they need. That happens a lot, unfortunately. That's why I always refer people to the approved schools - at least you know they aren't scams. I'm glad you're happy with your training.

I've been an MT for 11 years and transcribe at home for local hospitals, doing op notes, some discharge summaries, some ERs.

I am very interested in the MT field. I have been with Federal Govt now for 21 years...any suggestions how to get started and where to get my training in/around Rome, GA? Thanks!

Hi, I also live in Rome, Ga. I am a Medical Transcriptionist. I attended Coosa Valley Technical College. I took all of my classes online and HOPE covered everything. I actually made money after I recieved my PELL grant each quarter. It took me about 11 months. I hope this is helpful to you. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Amanda

Brooke in Battle Creek, Michigan said: I might be willing to hire a newby at home......E-mail me. figelo@yahoo.com I am a legitimate recruiter inside the US. I need Radiology and Neurology transcriptionist, home-based on an independent contract status.

I am currently looking for MT work from home. Recently graduated from Career Step. Also have an AA in Science in the Medical Secretary field.

Hey Amanda! That is where I am looking also to go. Any suggestions for when I am finished and here to look in Rome to get a job? I am already employed with the Federal Govt. here in Rome but would love to work part-time and after I retire. Who knows, if I make really good money at this, I may retire early. Talk to you later. My AOL email is marydebr@aol.com if you want to talk to me that way as well. Thanks!

I just wanted to thank all of you for your advice & suggestions. I will be checking into all of the suggestions that you have made.
Thanks again!
Miranda

Hi,
I have been a legal secretary for over 8yrs and was laid off 2 weeks ago. Needless to say I no longer want to work for another attorney again. I have 2yr old and one due in May '08 and my goal is to complete the Career Step program and work from home.
On the CS website they list all the companies that have hired their grads and my main concern was that ALL of them wanted 2yrs exp. I was hopeful that once you complete the CS course they would overlook the experience requirement. Has anyone had any experience (with CS) and how difficult is it to get your foot in the door?
Thanks,
Jessica

Hi Jessica,

I went to Career Step. I'm finished I studying for my final exam right now. I have been talking with some of the girls that have graduated, and they have been getting hired. One that I talk with a couple times a week has just got hired with Spheris. To answer your question about the 2 years experience; the companies that you see listed on school website are the ones that will waive the 2 years of experience.

Hope that helps,
Ebony Taylor

Ebony,

Thanks for putting my mind at ease! I have never been able to figure out how these companies expect experience when they never hire anyone or give anyone just out of school a chance.
I'm looking forward to starting classes after the holidays. Did you find that Career Step prepared you with all the education that was needed to take the final exam? GOOD LUCK on your test, I'm sure you will do great!

Jessica

Jessica:

Thank you! Yes, I think they get you very prepared! Everything was step by step just like they tell you. One lesson building on another. I found it very interesting, and it made me more eager to learn. You will enjoy the course. Are you doing it online? That is what I did and I also brought the text version of the course too. That helped me for when I didn't want to be online I could read from the text. If you need to know anything I will be more than happy to tell you what I know. You can also email me at taylormsb1@yahoo.com

Ebony Taylor

Ebony,

I do plan on taking the course on-line. I'm glad that you had a great experience with them. I didn't know that you could pruchase a printed format of the text. I hope you don't mind be bugging you when the time comes for your input! Did the course take you 4 months like they say or longer?

Thanks again!
Jessica

Jessica:

It took me 3 months to do the first part, now when it came to the transcription part it took another; that is because I was still working and only did it in the evening for a couple of hours. So yes, it can be done in 3-4 months. That was my question to when I was getting started. Your not bugging me either. I had a lot of questions too. So ask away.

I had another question...How long does it take to complete these schools (the AHDI approved schools)& how many hours are involved? Some of the programs I was looking into said they could be completed in three months. I didn't know if the ADHI schools were longer, I checked on a few of their websites but couldn't find how many credit hours or about how long it took to complete the training. Also does anyone know if any of these are FAFSA approved schools? I was hoping to get a Stafford loan if possible.
Miranda

Hi Miranda:

I'm not sure about all of the schools, but I do know that Career Step does not take student loans. You can get a alternative loan from Sallie Mae. They do take that. As far as how long it takes to complete the course. Most of the online classes are self paced.

Ebony

Hello,

I have worked as a radiology transcriptionist for the past six years at home, but have been without a contract since 03/07. Looking for radiology at home again. Any suggestions? My problem now is that most companies are looking for all around transcriptionists. I do have some experience in other areas, and I am completely a transcription course. I would love to continue working radiology until my course is finished since I'm so familar with it (12 years)
Thanks,
Sylvia

Brooke in Battle Creek, Michigan said: I might be willing to hire a newby at home......E-mail me. figelo@yahoo.com I am a legitimate recruiter inside the US. I need Radiology and Neurology transcriptionist, home-based on an independent contract status.

I AM ALSO A NEWBIE!! COMPLETED ONLINE COURSE LESS THAN A MONTH AGO. I WILL E-MAIL YOU!!

I am also a new graduate and i have been looking for a Medical Transcription Job to do at home. I worked for 6 months at a physical therapy office transcribing and admission specialist. But now I need to work from home and do not know how to get started. Another question is what type of equipment should I purchase or should I wait until I have an in home job? Not sure which way to get started. Can someone please help?
Thank you
Becky

Hello Becky:

Congratulations on becoming a newly graduated MT! I understand your need to work from home.

Firstly, do you have any contacts who could help you with connections to MTs for whom you could do subcontract work? This would be your best bet.

It is difficult to know how to advise you on what equipment you will need because that varies from position to position. Do you plan on working for someone locally? Are you going to do work which requires downloading digital files?

In order to find a local medical transcriptionist, access your local chapter of the AAMT (American Association for Medical Transcription).

The website for the national organization is www.ahdionline.org. Each state has its specific organization, and then sections of the states have their specific local organizations. For example, I'm from California, so the state level organization is referred to as CAMT. Then the Orange County Chapter in California is referred to as OCC-AAMT.

Networking is the most important thing to do when first starting out. I know from experience (I'm a 14-year veteran MT), and I keep hammering this point home to all newbies. I sound like a broken record to those who have read my previous posts, but it is so true in this profession.

I hope this has helped you out somewhat; let me know if there are any other questions you have.

Regards,

Mary Ruff-King
www.mtmasterycenter.com
www.medicaltranscriptionmasterycenter.com

There are many, many MT jobs listed at www.mtjobs.com/

Dear Becky:

I've included a link to an MTJOBS listing; it's a job offering by MedQuist. They are hiring recent MT grads with no experience.

Here is the link:
www.mtjobs.com/job_detail.cfm?RowID=14207

I just want to mention that I am very conservative when offering advice and opinions to those first starting out in medical transcription. It can be overwhelming and frustrating. I do not know your MT educational background, how quickly you pick up dictator's voices, etc. That is why I always recommend having local contacts or at least Internet contacts on the message boards/forums (MTDaily is great for help, by the way). Besides, we are social animals and need the contact and camaraderie outside of doing our work.

Medical transcriptionists hear voices all day long, but that does not mean we are delusional! :)

Regards,

Mary Ruff-King

Speaking of MQ, here's an interesting news story about MedQuist and their legal troubles, with their directors quitting and MQ being under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. I'm wondering how long that company will be in business.

www.philly.com/philly/business/breaking/20071109_Three_MedQuist_directors_quit_in_dispute_with_company.html

Due dilligence is something everyone needs to conduct when seeking employment. I guess that is why I prefer to network locally and build solid contacts that way. I can then ask my contacts about potential employers, and most likely they know specific info about the company or at least know of someone who has worked for the company in question.

I love the digital age and technology that gives us autonomy that I only dreamed of when I was younger; however, it is still our responsibility to check out job opportunities. Unfortunately, caveat emptor is something we need to be mindful of, especially on the Internet.

Becky, other people have posted on this site about good experiences they have had with online MT companies. I hope you have read some of the previous posts that can point you in the right direction.

I myself do not work for any online transcription companies and was merely trying to point you in the direction of a company that was willing to hire MTs with no previous experience. This was not a recommendation or endorsement.

There are many online message boards that can help you sort things out...MTDaily, MTStars, MTGab, etc. Check these out, ask questions, and you are sure to get the help you need in finding a good online MT company if that is what you seek.

Regards,

Mary Ruff-King

Mary,

I always love to read your postings. You have wonderful words of wisdom and guidance as a veteran MT. I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for your positive attitude and sincerity. I'm sure many other fellow MT's or soon-to-be MT's appreciate your postings as much as I do.

Thank you!

Angie

Dear Angie:

Thank you so much! I have so many people to thank for helping me out. I am merely paying it forward as I am indebted to so many before me.

Regards,

Mary R-K

Angie N in Indianapolis, Indiana said: Mary,

I always love to read your postings. You have wonderful words of wisdom and guidance as a veteran MT. I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for your positive attitude and sincerity. I'm sure many other fellow MT's or soon-to-be MT's appreciate your postings as much as I do.

Thank you!

Angie

Thank you for all your help. I have been looking and looking and did not know where to get started. But eveyone who has posted has been a big help. Just keep praying I find something soon. Thank you Becky

Hi Becky:

I just wanted to add one more resource for you: It's the online chapter of the AAMT. Here's the URL: www.aamtonline.org/newoc/index.htm

Per this site, "Membership in the Online Chapter is open to members in good standing of the national AAMT organization. For more information on how to join AAMT, including fees for each category of membership, please visit the AAMT website." www.ahdionline.org/scriptcontent/index.cfm (AAMT website)

This may not be of immediate help, but perhaps down the line it will. It's good to know what resources are available to us, so just keep this in mind down the line.

Wishing you the best in your MT endeavors,

Mary Ruff-King

Hello Everyone:

I don't know if this MT resource has been listed on this site, but I have seen it before, ran across it again today, and then thought I should share it.

Here is the URL: www.mtbot.com/

Once you access this site, click on MT Jobs, and you will have access to 72 different websites related to our field. Some of the sites reflect that they are "known to hire MT graduates." This is great information for you, Becky, and those who are seeking employment after completing classes.

For those of you still in the process of completing MT classes, start looking at this now so you can get a feel for what is out there.

Check out the links in each category. There is also a category called "Dictation Sound Files."

Let me know what you think....

Regards,

Mary Ruff-King

I found this site through a search on Google. I'm halfway thru my MT training course and was looking for future employment options. I can not find the words to express my gratitude to the "Good Lord" for allowing this forum to be at the start of my quest for employment.

I started reading one post and then another. I took a 30 minute break to feed my sons dinner and came back to some of the best information on the web (in my opinion) for any body looking to get into MT.

Mary, I want to say "thank you" but those words just don't seem to say enough. You are so wise and knowledgeable. I really don't think you have a clue just how much help you are to the viewers of this forum.

To Amanda, Becky, Ebony and all those who posted before me, thank you. Your feedback has both encouraged and inspired me.

This forum reads like a best selling, interactive, non-fiction novel that you just can't put down. It took me 3 hours to read ALL 190 posts and the best part about it was, I was sad when I got to the end.

I came looking for a job, but what I found was a wealth of knowledge and such a feeling of purpose that no amount of money can buy.

Thank you all for taking the time to share your thoughts and ideas. You never know when your words will help others.

Sincerely,
Kellygirl

Hi Kellygirl:

Welcome! So glad you found this site. What a great post. That's what this forum is all about: Not just MTs helping MTs, but people helping people. All forums should be that way, and hopefully they are.

If there is anything specific you want to ask, I'll sure try my best to answer it. I'm here to help in any way that I can. Others will as well.

I love the synergy of forums. We are all on different levels of the learning continuum, and ALL of us, no matter how much we know (or think we know) benefit from interacting and learning from others.

Thank you so much for your inspiring words. This is the kind of post that absolutely makes my day!

Regards,

Mary Ruff-King

Kellygirl,

I couldn't agree with you more! I couldn't have stumbled upon a better site that is packed full of the knowledge that this one is. As I've told Mary already, she's been a true blessing to this forum with all the wisdom, resources, compassion she brings to MT. She genuinely cares and it shows through her postings.

I, too, feel blessed to have found this site. I read the site daily and absorb the information like a sponge. Best of luck to you in your quest for employment. You are already headed in the right direction.

- Angie

You are VERY welcome Mary! You come highly respected on this forum. Many, many people respect your knowledge and love to read your postings. I'll be finished with my course in the next few weeks. I'm sure I'll be turning to you for more advice.

Kellygirl's posting was awesome. It should warm your heart even more than it already is. :)

Thanks again,

Angie

Hi Everyone:

Gosh, I am so touched by your posts, I want you to know. I am thankful and feel so blessed. You all have touched my heart, and I can't thank you enough for your love and support. It means so much to me, especially at this time of the year when we pause to give thanks and count our blessings.

Hugs to you all!

Mary R-K :)

Hello Kellygirl:

Welcome aboard! Glad that you found the site. It is filled with so much information. I love that you can ask questions, know that some one will try and answer them for you, or tell you where to find the answer.

Ebony

Mary Ruff-King,

I have a question for you please....I am getting ready to pursue MT field. I have been in the government now for 21 LONG years as an officer support specialist and need your advice. There is a local tech school that offers MT Certificate for about $2,000 and offers 38 hours credit hours as well. However, do you think it's best to take an online MT course? The courses offered at this college is: MT for Allied Health Sciences, Anatomy and Physiology, Beg. Document Processing, Word Processing, Intermediate Document Processing, Medical Document Processing/Transcription, Medical Transcription II, and Business English.

Please let me know, thank you....marydebr@aol.com

Hi Mary:

Welcome to this forum! You have asked a great question; however, it is something only you can answer because you know yourself best of all. I can, however, ask you some questions which can lead you in the right direction. These are rhetorical questions; only you need to answer them.

First of all, what are your strengths and weaknesses? How familiar are you with computers (software/hardware)? As an office support specialist, it sounds as though you would be very familiar with computers, typing, and correspondence. How good are your English composition and grammar skills? Have you ever done any type of non-medical transcription to see if you would like to do this type of work?

What is it about medical transcription that draws you to this field?

What are your short- and long-term goals? Do you ultimately want to work from home? (I can relate to your "LONG" years working for the government since I was in the Navy when I was young and then worked as a civil servant for a period of time after that. So are you escaping from that career due to burn-out, frustration, etc.?)

Does your personal/professional schedule allow enough flexibility for you to attend classes at a local school? If not, then perhaps an online MT school is the right thing for you. But then you MUST be motivated to stay on track, on course, and set up a schedule to which you will commit.

With regard to online MT classes, there are some good ones that have been mentioned in this forum; Andrews, M-Tec, and Career Step, I think are ones that have been mentioned by others more qualified to speak to this issue.

Mary R-K (Part I of II)

Hi Mary (and everyone else, too!):

Mary, my posts get so long that sometimes I have to break them into two or more parts; this is one of those times. You asked about online versus offline schools, so here's my take:

I have been searching for MT schools which pass muster with me, and I have found one that I really like. It is: Virtual Learning Center: www.thevlc.com/ Others on this forum who have more knowledge about online schools have also recommended Andrews, M-Tec, and Career Step, I believe.

Now I myself went to a local community college and took courses. The courses you mention are well and good. I would also hope that a separate course in Human Diseases would be covered as well as medical typing, which is different from business typing.

I enjoyed going to the local community college because I could connect with people who would eventually be working in the same field. I am gregarious by nature and enjoy social contact. Also, when I first started out as an MT, I was nervous and scared, and felt the need for a safety net (aka network of MTs). That is why I feel strongly about building local contacts and a support system to help you through the real learning curve--after the training is completed and you are in the real world making a real buck working as a real MT.

So you see, going to an offline MT school was good for me; but is it for you? Only you can answer that.

I didn't mean to go on a rant, but there you go. Did that help you in any way (I hope)?

Regards,

Mary Ruff-King (Part II of II)

Hi Mary, thank you for responding so quickly! I took a MT course in high school and LOVED it. I currently transcribe off a dictaphone in the probation/parole field, mostly case notes about parolees and probationers...very interesting work. I know both WP and MS very proficiently and went to DeVry for computers back in the early 90s'; so yes, I would say I am very proficient. My English is good, I would not say excellent, but I made A's and B's in school and college.

What draws me to the field is the flexibility to be able to work online and at home in the evenings and on weekends as well as I enjoyed it in high school.

I am interested short-term in part-time work after I complete the necessary schooling needed for MT. Long-term goal is to completely retire from the federal government and go full-time with MT after retirement.

I've been checking with Career Step online and will probably make payments and go that route so that I can work at my own pace to finish the online schooling instead of going to school locally and being away from my family. I have a husband (Pastor) and two school aged children, ages 8 and 12.

The money is also a plus and why not put my skills (typing, WP, computers, etc...) to making more money for myself and my family. I love working and being at home, however, I am not a TV person, I prefer to be online playing word games that make you think and where I am challenged. Therefore, I think I truly would be excellent at this field.

I am looking forward to what you think of the above Mary.

With my appreciation and Blessings,
Mary

Hi Mary!

I think you are absolutely doing the right thing, pursuing a career that is right up your alley. Spot on! You've analyzed things very well. Sounds to me like you will become an amazingly good medical transcriptionist.

Excellent post, Mary...thanks for sharing with all of us!

Regards,

Mary R-K

MarydeBr in Rome, Georgia said: Hi Mary, thank you for responding so quickly! I took a MT course in high school and LOVED it. I currently transcribe off a dictaphone in the probation/parole field, mostly case notes about parolees and probationers...very interesting work. I know both WP and MS very proficiently and went to DeVry for computers back in the early 90s'; so yes, I would say I am very proficient. My English is good, I would not say excellent, but I made A's and B's in school and college.

What draws me to the field is the flexibility to be able to work online and at home in the evenings and on weekends as well as I enjoyed it in high school.

I am interested short-term in part-time work after I complete the necessary schooling needed for MT. Long-term goal is to completely retire from the federal government and go full-time with MT after retirement.

I've been checking with Career Step online and will probably make payments and go that route so that I can work at my own pace to finish the online schooling instead of going to school locally and being away from my family. I have a husband (Pastor) and two school aged children, ages 8 and 12.

The money is also a plus and why not put my skills (typing, WP, computers, etc...) to making more money for myself and my family. I love working and being at home, however, I am not a TV person, I prefer to be online playing word games that make you think and where I am challenged. Therefore, I think I truly would be excellent at this field.

I am looking forward to what you think of the above Mary.

With my appreciation and Blessings,
Mary

Thank you Mary Ruff-King,
I really appreciate your insight and taking the time to respond twice to me, I appreciate it very much!
I will let you know my progress!
Mary

Hi Mary:

You are welcome.

One thing I want to point out to all. As we get older and know ourselves better, we can really zero in on what career we like and what type of work we want to pursue. This is the gift of age; the wisdom of knowing who we are and the chutzpah to pursue what really makes us passionate and happy.

Regards,

Mary R-K

Amanda in Rome, Georgia said: Hey, I also work for Mrecord. Maybe we could keep in touch. It would be nice to know someone else that was working for the same company. What shift are you working? I m working 3rd.

I am a newbie as well, have a friend that worked with MTrecord for abit, but she found other work about a month later making a ittle more. I am still searching and for now do have a 'on call, as needed' basis acct. with a local chiropractor. So for now I have some experience, but not 2 years like most companies are requesting. Glad I found these pages. Please IM me anyone using yahoo. cameronsmomnc@yahoo.com (Lisa in Belmont, NC)

Kellygirl in Valdosta, Georgia said: I found this site through a search on Google. I'm halfway thru my MT training course and was looking for future employment options. I can not find the words to express my gratitude to the "Good Lord" for allowing this forum to be at the start of my quest for employment.

I started reading one post and then another. I took a 30 minute break to feed my sons dinner and came back to some of the best information on the web (in my opinion) for any body looking to get into MT.

Mary, I want to say "thank you" but those words just don't seem to say enough. You are so wise and knowledgeable. I really don't think you have a clue just how much help you are to the viewers of this forum.

To Amanda, Becky, Ebony and all those who posted before me, thank you. Your feedback has both encouraged and inspired me.

This forum reads like a best selling, interactive, non-fiction novel that you just can't put down. It took me 3 hours to read ALL 190 posts and the best part about it was, I was sad when I got to the end.

I came looking for a job, but what I found was a wealth of knowledge and such a feeling of purpose that no amount of money can buy.

Thank you all for taking the time to share your thoughts and ideas. You never know when your words will help others.

Sincerely,
Kellygirl

I stumbled upon this site tonite, and boy am I glad I found it. I am a newbie as well. Will keep coming here daily. I do also read mtdaily, mtchat, and mtstars. I also have 2 yahoo MT forums I belong to and have made many friends there, and as mentioned here, that is a great option in finding job info and other areas of interest in this field. Lisa in NC

hi, i'm looking to do medical transcribing and interested to know what kind of salary i can expect.

Ebony in Cedar Hill, Texas said: Hi Miranda:

I'm not sure about all of the schools, but I do know that Career Step does not take student loans. You can get a alternative loan from Sallie Mae. They do take that. As far as how long it takes to complete the course. Most of the online classes are self paced.

Ebony

I've been checking into the schools listed on the ADHI website & Career Step does not offer Federal Student Loans but they have a partnership through Everett Community College which does offer the Federal student loans. I'm going to be contacting them to find out more. I just thought I would share this info for anyone out there that might have been searching for a school that offers Federal student loans
Miranda

Hello Luci:

Here is a link which you can further explore for salaries:

www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Medical_Transcriptionist/Salary/by_Employer_Type

Regards,

Mary R-K

luci in Los Angeles, California said: hi, i'm looking to do medical transcribing and interested to know what kind of salary i can expect.

Hi, I am a NEWBIE!! I recently graduated from Allied school (10-07). I am having a heck of a time finding work!! They said they helped with job placement....They sent me some leads to MT companies and so far all I get is need experience!! With allied you can spend $900 extra and they post your resume!! I also noticed that since i started the class in feb-07 the price has gone up considerably. I am going to try sending my resume and business cards to all the local clinics and hospitals and see if I can get a response. I guess its true "nothing comes easy!"

Hi gmalori: Welcome.

Have you tried to start testing with different companies? A lot of companies will hire you without the 2 years of experience if you can pass the test. Just start testing! I'm still testing with any company that I can find. You will find something.

Ebony