Finding Entry Level Medical Transcription Jobs

Hi. Thanks so much, that was very helpful. I will probably go thru with it. I will check medquist!

Thanks again
Tricia

Thank you for your help. I really mean it.

Hi Ebony:

You are welcome! If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know...and I really mean that. I am here to help those who want to get into the medical transcription business and do well by the profession. Medical transcription is very rewarding. I've been in the business long enough to know how exciting and rewarding it is.

You have the right attitude, so I applaud you for that! God bless you and the best of luck in your endeavors.

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

I will continue to log into the forum on a daily basis. I'm going to practice some of these sample reports and see if I can get my error rate together! I want to do this so bad that I have to keep on pushing. I like to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about and I found you.

Thanks, Ebony...that means a lot to me.

Regards, Mary Ruff-King :)

sarah p in chappell, Nebraska said: Hi Cassandra-I'm a recent Medical Transcription Graduate and am having no luck in obtaining a job, also. I've been on the search for about 3 months now, and have only had a few replies to all of the many applications I've filled out. I'm getting very impatient and discouraged. It seems everyone wants someone with 2 or more years experience to do the job, well if we don't have experience are we ever going to get a job?

I was making around $25.00 a day for about 5 hours of work at home. Our money situation was so bad, that I started looking for another job. I am now working at Wal-Mart as a people-greeter and looking for a part-time MT job. I would look for something part-time at first as a MT.

Hi Sarah,
I'm going to look for part-time work myself because money is very tight for me too. I'm going to keep on going over my practice report and applying for jobs. Hopefully, something will come up for the both of us.

Good luck in finding something. My school is supposed to help me in finding possible opportunities. They have a graduate counselor, I have been calling them everyday to get a little help, their phone runs off of a voicemail system, so you have to leave a message and they are supposed to get back to you. I've left at least 5-6 messages in the last week and they have yet to contact me back...how discouraging for the school to do that! I'm still chugging along though trying to find something...I would love to have an MT career.

Me too. So I understand what you are going through. I would just fit perfect in my life situation right now. I'm not going to give up and neither should you. Something will come along.

Let's hope! It would fit perfect in my life right now as well...I'm a young mom of a 3-year-old and a 6-week-old and refuse to take them to daycare. I run an in-home child care and am getting very burnt out with that, finished schooling for mt a few months back and love it, just not lucky in finding a job, I guess.

Right. I have a daughter that is 9 and daycare is not an option for me either. I lost my job two months ago while I was still taking my classes. I have now finished and don't want to go back to the collections field, it was too stressful for me.

Sarah, you say your school is suppose to help you find something? IF you dont mind I ask. Where did you receive your training? The school I'm looking into is one I can do from home online, and they tell me as part of the program you receive life time assistance with job search. So, I was just wondering. I'd hate to finish the program and not have the help they say they will offer. On another note for all the other MT's. How hard on the arms/hands is it. Strange question I know. Reason I ask, I have MS and sometimes my arms/hands cramp or ache up. So, I'm just trying to find out as much about it as I can before I committ to anything. Sometime later in future I may become disabled, so having some training behind me would still help me find work. For example, are you usually paid by how many lines are entered and is there usually a time frame on which to complete the work that is sent to you? Thanks to everyone who will offer to info. Also, I work full time now, have 2 small children; so my time is limited. Would you all still rec I persue an MT course?
Thanks, Tricia

Hi,

You know anything is possible. I have worked as a transcriptionist for 15 years total and I have not found it to be hard on the hands and arms. Sometimes my shoulders get stiff and my wirst get a little irritated but a wrist band for a few days and stretches for the shoulders remedies that problem. With your already busy schedule you would have to be determined but you would find time to study. Wish you the best.

Thanks for you comments. Appreicate it.

:)Tricia

Can anyone tell me where I can go online to get free typing test to check my wpm? I've been approached with a job opportunity locally and they want a price per 30 minute tape. How do I go about figuring out how to charge?

Dear Sue:

Here's a link to a free typing test; I did a Google search on "medical transcription typing test" and came up with it:

<a href="www.caihometype.com/typetest.html">free medical transcription typing test</a>

Sorry; half asleep here.

Correct link to free typing site: www.caihometype.com/typetest.html

Mary Ruff-King in Los Angeles, California said: Dear Sue:

Here's a link to a free typing test; I did a Google search on "medical transcription typing test" and came up with it:

www.caihometype.com/typetest.html

Your a lifesaver Mary, thanks

Hey Sue:

Thanks for your kind response.

I'd like to ask all newbie MTs what is your greatest challenge? What questions do you have that you would like answered?

Please post them here, and I'll try to answer them; if I don't have the answers, I'll do the research to find the answers.

Thanks,

Mary Ruff-King

My greatest challenge is to trying to pass the employment test for these MT companies.

My biggest challenge is getting my foot in the door. Everyone wants 2 years experience.

Hey again, Sue:

Would you mind telling me what you have done specifically so far to try and get your foot in the door? It would help me to see what you have done/not done.

Thanks, Mary

Hi Ebony:

We communicated earlier in the week about English. Is there anything else besides English grammar with which you are having trouble when trying to pass the employment test? What have you been told by potential employers?

Regards,

Mary

Hi All:

I am toying around with the idea of developing a teleclinic on a monthly basis for newbie MTs for which I would be the moderator. I have never done anything like this before, just brainstorming here, but I know how easy it is to get discouraged and feel like you are all alone when you just start out in medical transcription.

I think it would be great if I have guest speakers to talk to newbies and take questions. I just get the feeling there is a need for this, but do others who are new to the profession feel this way? I cannot say; only you can.

Give me some feedback. I can also develop an e-book or whatever to go along with the teleclinic and then at the end of the year, send out CDs of the teleclinic seminar recordings. Again, just brainstorming here.

My feeling is this would be set up like a like a membership site with a flat rate monthly fee. I could also do one-on-one consultations.

I don't know if anyone would be interested in this, but if you are just let me know, and we'll all brainstorm together to create something you want and from which you would receive great benefit and support.

Thanks so much!

Mary Ruff-King

Right out of school in 2005 I sent out letters introducing myself and asking to be considered for any jobs available then or in the future. Mainly to local hospitals, doctors and dentist offices. The reply's I got in follow up was that they hire MT's with at least 2 years experience or I needed to be certified. Recently I have been applying online to jobs available through www.transcription.net. I've tested a couple times through jobs available there. I seem to need a refresher in grammer and punctuation as that is my weakness and also need to get my typing speed up. I'm also considering taking the RMT test. Do you think that would help? It is my understanding you have to be a RMT before you can become a CMT. What study materials would you suggest for preparing for these?

Hi.

I have only had one employer to respond. The employer just stated that there were small things that resulted in me not passing. I'm not sure from that answer, what I really need work on. I feel very comfortable as far as what I hear being dictated and I never guess. If there is something that I really can not make out what is being said, I will just flag it.

Hi Ebony:

Here is a site I thought you might like to peruse:

grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/

I took a quick look at some of the web pages, and it looks like it could be helpful to those who are interested in honing their English writing skills.

Tell me what you think of it, ok?

Thanks,

Mary R-K

Thanks Mary.

I'm going to check it out now and let you know. I also think that your ideas for the newbies would be wonderful and a great benefit.

This feels so crazy, starting something new when I have been in the medical field for as long as I can remember. I'm just so determined to make it work so, I'm willing to go the extra mile to make it happen.

Hi Ebony:

Here is another site for English grammar:

a4esl.org/q/j/

Regards,

Mary R-K

Hi Sue:

Have you been networking with MTs? Have you joined the AAMT and the local chapter of the AAMT in your area? It works so much better to have face-to-face contact with local members when seeking an MT job. There are a lot of unadvertised positions that are announced at local AAMT chapter meetings. That is how I got my start. Are you friends with a local seasoned MT with whom you could conduct an information interview?

English grammar and punctuation are a challenge for us all. I have posted a couple of sites that I found (see my posts to Ebony)

a4esl.org/q/j/ - this is a English grammar test site.

The following is a link to the book I used when taking my MT transcription courses. I really like this book; it covers a lot about English grammar and punctuation used in medical reports. You can buy a used copy of it for dirt cheap at Amazon.com.

www.amazon.ca/Diehl-Fordneys-Medical-Transcribing-Techniques/dp/072169568X

Regards, Mary

Sue in Grand Island, Nebraska said: Right out of school in 2005 I sent out letters introducing myself and asking to be considered for any jobs available then or in the future. Mainly to local hospitals, doctors and dentist offices. The reply's I got in follow up was that they hire MT's with at least 2 years experience or I needed to be certified. Recently I have been applying online to jobs available through www.transcription.net. I've tested a couple times through jobs available there. I seem to need a refresher in grammer and punctuation as that is my weakness and also need to get my typing speed up. I'm also considering taking the RMT test. Do you think that would help? It is my understanding you have to be a RMT before you can become a CMT. What study materials would you suggest for preparing for these?

Thanks again. The first one that you gave is good. It has some practice test to take, so I'm going to play around with them for awhile. This makes me feel dumber than a bag of rocks! I know I have been out of high school for a long time, but this is just stuff I should know like the back of my hand. :)

Hi Ebony:

You just keep that attitude. I like the expression: "You go, girl!" And keep on going, and going, and going....!!!

You will constantly get my encouragement. It seems you have the same attitude I had when I started out; bulldogged determination to succeed. Believe me, there were days when I would talk to myself, wondering what the heck I was doing, thinking I could get into medical transcription...some days were very overwhelming, even though I knew deep down I had the proper skills and that this profession was a good match for me.

So I know what you mean when you say it feels so crazy. After I got into medical transcription, life has never been the same, and I'm grateful for that!

Regards, Mary R-K

I'm going to keep at it. I haven't talked to anyone yet that states that they don't love the field. I love the medical field period. I feel like I have paid my dues with the other jobs in the medical field,and now I just want to sit down and let my fingers do the typing!

These sites and books sound wonderful. They will help me brush up. I know how Ebony feels as I have been out of highschool 30 years. I know I knew this at one time but it sure feels foreign. I will take a look. Unfortunately I do not have any friends I can mentor under. I have yet to find a local chapter for aamt but I am planning on joining one. Might just have to join through the website and then branch into a local when I find it.
Mary I want to thank you again for all the advice, encouragment and support you offer all of us. Since I joined this forum I have learned so much and it is such a relief to know I am not alone. You are a true inspiration.

Dear Sue:

Thank you so much! You have made MY day. I absolutely love to teach, and I am so very passionate about medical transcription. I just want to jump through the computer monitor screen to meet each and every one of you and give you hugs of encouragement. I mean that!

You all are an inspiration to me. :)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and keep the posts/comments coming!

Regards,

Mary Ruff-King

Hi All:

One more thing:

I've written articles on EzineArticles.com that may be of help to you.
Please visit the following links to see the articles I have written. These are not run-of-the-mill articles; they have great content and are geared to help new MTs in their quest to find medical transcription positions.

EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Ruff-King

EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Ruff_King

Mary, I just finished reading your articles. I have to say that you are a very good writer! You are just full of so much information. I'm so glad that I have got the chance to talk with you on this forum. I look forward to hearing everything that you have to say.

Note: When typing a response to you I feel like I'm typing a report. I keep reading over it! That is a good thing for me. It is making me cautious of what I type. See you are already helping me!

Hi Ebony:

Thank you so much for your input. Please study the way I write and the punctuation that I use in my articles. I use punctuation that I learned when studying medical transcription even when I write regular articles and in general correspondence because it is just second nature to me now.

And yes, it is wonderful that you are re-reading your posts. I do the same thing: I re-read my posts before I submit them. It is good form to do so and again, it becomes a habit (i.e., second nature) once you do it on a regular basis.

Tell me which articles you like the best. I have had a ball writing all of them. I have my personal favorites. I know the one that I wrote about a medical transcription resume has received hundreds of hits in a short period of time, so there are a lot of people who like that one.

Thanks again, for your positive response. It makes me want to work that much harder at giving you all rich content that you can apply and that will help you succeed.

Mary:
The midlife career change would have to be my favorite. I could relate to what it was talking about because that is what I'm going through right now.

Hi Ebony:

Thanks. That's a favorite of mine as well because I made the career change in my late 30s. There were times when I questioned that decision; but to tell you the truth, I never felt more alive, vibrant, and passionate as then. That is why I knew it was the right career move for me.

Do you see the second sentence I wrote? Study the punctuation. I used a semicolon after the word "decision" because there are two independent clauses, and the second independent clause has more than two commas in it.

There were times when I questioned that decision. (first independent clause)

But to tell you the truth, I never felt more alive, vibrant, and passionate as then. (second independent clause)

When one of the clauses has more than two commas in it, then separate them with a semicolon (not another comma).

Hope this helps; mini-punctuation lesson.

Regards, and thanks again for telling me which article has been your favorite so far! I hope to write many more favorites for you and other aspiring MTs.

God bless,

Mary R-K

Mary, thanks for breaking that down for me. It makes more since when you explain it that way. I probably would have just started another sentence. I guess that is just my thinking and not being sure of the proper way to do it or never really paying it any attention. (see just like that sentence that I just typed. When looking at it, it looks wrong. Missing commas? or can it stand alone.)

Hi Ebony:

You can start another sentence; I just chose not to.

Or: You can start another sentence. I just chose not to.

It's all a matter of writing style.

If there are two independent clauses (these are clauses that are complete sentences in and of themselves) then they can be connected with a semicolon OR they can stand alone as two separate sentences.

One more thing: In your second sentence "since" should be "sense." (See how you use a colon versus a semicolon?)

With regard to the sentence that you questioned, you can also write it this way: "I guess that is just my thinking, not being sure of the proper way to do it, or never really paying it any attention."

Regards,

Mary R-K
www.mtmasterycenter.com
www.medicaltranscriptionmasterycenter.com

I have 3 degrees in general studies, science and arts. I went to radiology school for 6 months but the commute was to much for my leg. I am now disabled and I cannot sit for long or stand for long periods of time. I've always wanted to do something in the medical field but now I am limited. I am considering medical transcription or medical billing and coding. I would like to work at home so I can get up and move around when ever I want too. I live out in the country and only have dial-up or sat. internet. I don't know if I am able to work at home with that. I've taken a lot of medical courses already and love to learn. What websites or books out there will help me decide which one to go into.

Mary, I see what your saying. Really it depends on the writing style of the person, whether to use the semicolon or not. I will use some of the websites that you gave me to try and brush up on that.

Hi Chanin:

I have websites that you may want to visit to get articles, resources, and information about medical transcription and medical billing.

My medical transcription websites:

www.mtmasterycenter.com (my blog about medical transcription)

www.medicaltranscriptionmasterycenter.com

www.medicalbillingmasterycenter.com

With regards to recommended books on medical transcription, I have some listed on my blog website. I only recommend the best; I'm VERY picky about anything I recommend to others.

If there is anything I can do to help you out, let me know.

Regards,

Mary Ruff-King

Hi Mary: Are you online?

Mary Ruff-King in Los Angeles, California said: Hi Ebony:

You can start another sentence; I just chose not to.

Or: You can start another sentence. I just chose not to.

It's all a matter of writing style.

If there are two independent clauses (these are clauses that are complete sentences in and of themselves) then they can be connected with a semicolon OR they can stand alone as two separate sentences.

One more thing: In your second sentence "since" should be "sense." (See how you use a colon versus a semicolon?)

With regard to the sentence that you questioned, you can also write it this way: "I guess that is just my thinking, not being sure of the proper way to do it, or never really paying it any attention."

Regards,

Mary R-K
www.mtmasterycenter.com
www.medicaltranscriptionmasterycenter.com

Hi Ebony:

I just got home from MD appointment. I am available now, if you have a question.

Regards, Mary

P.S. Are we allowed to give out our e-mail addresses on this forum? Is there any rule prohibiting it. I would think not. So if you want my e-mail, I'll send it to you; just let me know if you want it.

Hello Everyone:

This is not related to medical transcription, but I just have to post it:

As you all know, seven counties in California are experiencing major wildfires. Please keep our firefighters, police, EMS and other support staff in your prayers. I don't know how these wonderful folks handle temperatures over 100 degrees with severe wind and 5% humidity, wearing/carrying close to 100 pounds of gear/equipment.

I live in Orange County, CA, and am happy to report that there are no fires that are very close to me at present; however, I have not slept well at all the past two nights because of wind gusts and the uneasiness of being in a state that seems to be on fire. The wind has been wild here, and the smoke particles are everywhere. The inside of my residence smells like one huge campfire. I went to the doctor today because of difficulty breathing due to extremely poor air quality.

So please keep all of us in your prayers, especially those who have lost their homes. I saw one particularly painful segment; a local San Diego reporter was standing in front of home that was burning; it happened to be his own home, and he was reporting on it, trying not to break down.

Regards to you all....

Mary R-K

Hi Mary:

I just wanted to let you know that MRecord hired me today. This is a start for me. I feel so nervous. I'm going to continue to practice as well. They don't pay a lot for newbies, but it is a start for me. I just want to get some experience somewhere. My email address is taylormsb1@yahoo.com.

P.S. I was wondering where you were this morning.

Dear Ebony:

OMG! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I AM SOOOOOOO EXCITED FOR U!

WOW! SHEEEZAM!!

YOU HAVE MADE MY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

You go, girl!!!!!

See how much professional restraint I can exhibit when needed? LOL!

Mary