Newly graduated from MT course!

Hi, I'm new to all these boards. I am starting my wls journey and am researching everything. I just graduated from Molloy College in New York and received a certificate in Medical Transcription. Only problem is no one will hire you without experience and my logic is how do you get experience if no one will hire you. Sooooooo, who will give a 54 year old, overweight, eager to learn person a shot!

Hello Diane, I know exactly what you mean. This doesn't make any sense to me about having experience when you've just graduated college Did you do a INTERNSHIP somewhere? If so you could use that as expericne and a reference if you feel that you have done well there. Also try starting your own "HOME" based Medical Transcriptionist business. It's a good market for it here in Michigan. We have a shortage of Medical Transcriptionist here. I'm can't say how that kind of job is for you in New York. I wish you all the LUCK in the world to get started at your career choice. Alicia

Hi Alicia. Sorry I didn't answer you sooner. I still can't figure these posts out. I guess I have to check them everyday, duh. Anyway, I just got a call and I'm so excited and scared like hell. A company wants me to come in tomorrow for an interview and test (whatever that consists of) typing NYS Disability cases which involve medical. It's all done via a telephone and that's another thing I don't quite understand but will ask about tomorrow. I was going to put my job search on hold until and hopefully, after the surgery. This way a skinnier me would make a much better impression on prospective Employers. But, who knows, this job may pan out and I'll start getting the experience I need. NY is not knocking down doors for MT's. And I am really scared of that voice recognition thing they have. My only hope is that most of the doctors are too cheap to invest in one. My long term goal is to move to florida and from what I hear MT work is much more accessible. We'll see. Right now I want to get tomorrow over with and then concentrate on my 2/11 consult with the wls doctor. Thank you again for getting back to me. Diane

Hi Diane, I've been a transcriptionist for over 30 years. I understand your frustration in trying to start out in a field where they routinely require 3-5 years of experience. One of the suggestions I have for people just starting out is try approaching a clinic or hospital and see if you can work out a deal with them. Offer to work for cheap (consider it part of your education costs) if they will train you on the job. Set a time limit so you don't have to work at limited income forever though! Just an idea... Good luck - Judi H

Well I went for the interview and the test. Did great on the interview but when I took the test I f&*#%ed up royally. It was a report by a female doctor that spoke so fast and I literally could not hear her. It was done over a phone line and I swear that I was straining so hard to hear her. But when the woman proofed it she had no problem. She corrected my work and it looked like a road map. She was concerned that I had so much trouble because she said that doctor was their easiest and the one she trains on. THen I got the speech about well I have to meet with other people, blah, blah, blah. So we all know what that means. I got in my car and I was so drained. I know that the doctors only get worse due to accents so maybe I'm leaning towards the wrong line of work. After the surgery I'm going to send resumes to doctor's offices and such and see what happens. Thank you all for your support though!

Hi Diana, I've been a transcriptionist for what seems like forever. don't get discouraged. This field just requires a lot of determination. Those doctors that seemed hard to you in a few years will make you wonder why you thought they were hard. Just hang in there...there will be someone out there willing to give you a chance. Meanwhile, visit www.mtdaily.com, www.mtdesk.com, www.breakroom.com, etc. and see what jobs are posted there. Good luck, Teresa

Sorry, Diane, you don't think you did very well on the test. Like my pal Teresa S said, just keep practicing and one day you will look back and think, "I can't believe I once thought that was hard!" Something I suggest to people wanting to increase their typing speed is to put your radio next to your computer and turn it on to a news or a talk channel--then just let her rip! Just start typing as fast as you can trying to catch as many words as you can. See how fast you can go. Next try doing it but work on accuracy. The people on those news show also mumble too so that's some experience, and they certainly talk fast. Of course if you could find a medical talk show that would be the best! Another web site in addition to the ones that Teresa mentioned is Health Professions Institute at www.hpisum.com. They have a training program called the SUMS program that is outstanding. You get actual tapes of real dictation. It's expensive--something like $500 (??) but if you go on Ebay or look on the buy/sell boards on mtdaily.com or mtdesk.com sometimes you can find the program for a LOT cheaper. Good luck. Don't give up either. The need is out there but you need some determination to get enough experience to get through the door, and if you stick with it, you can do it!

Diane - I saw your post and just had to respond. Try Hypertype, Inc. They are located in Lake George NY and most of their transcriptionists work from home via the internet. Call and find out....Cyndy is always looking for help either part time or whatever......518-668-5752. Tell her Mary Ann Vidulich sent you!! Good Luck and let me know. Mary Ann