1 registered
(Asugar515)
and 9 anonymous users online.
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#100705 - 06/18/08 11:23 PM
Newbie here!
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Ashley84
New Member
Registered: 06/18/08
Posts: 6
Loc: Olathe, Kansas
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Ok, let me start by saying, I dont' like being labeled like a jar. I know I am new to being an MT, but I still don't like the term.
Other than that, my name is Ashley, I am a certified medical transcriptionist who just recieved my certificate. I love being an MT but as a new MT, it is hard to get my foot in the door anywhere. Alot of people are ready to shut you out, when they hear just graduated, before testing your abilities. I am in an internship now, but I am not sure where that is going. I would love to get on here and network with people and hopefully find a job, or help out other newbies as a support system.
On this MTChat, I am hoping to gain friends, and support. I am always willing to meet new people, learn new information, and help out people who help me.
If anyone knows of anyone willing to work with a new MT, or who is overloaded and needs a lending hand, or just some friednly advice I would love to hear from you!
Thank you for letting me become a part of this chat, I hope this helps me out!
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#100710 - 06/19/08 12:09 AM
Re: Newbie here!
[Re: Ashley84]
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HoosierFemme
Member
Registered: 09/28/05
Posts: 1156
Loc: Parisian suburbs, France
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Hello, Ashley, and welcome. I agree about labels when they restrict us without giving an accurate idea about our true capacities. However, I want to caution you about using the label "CMT" (certified medical transcriptionist). If I understood you correctly, you just finished schooling and received a certificate. If that is the case, you are not certified; do not use "CMT" behind your name. If you also sat for AHDI's certification exam (see HERE and click on the word "HERE") and passed, then you're a CMT. More specifically from that site are the eligibility requirements, which, if you are a new MT who hasn't yet been able to gain experience, you don't appear to meet: "Two years of transcription experience in the acute care (or equivalent) setting is required to take the CMT certification examination." There is actually a current thread about certification in another forum on this board, and there is a forum dedicated to preparing for the CMT.
Again, welcome. I think you'll find that it does matter very much what school you went to as far as finding a job. If you went to the Andrews School or to M-TEC, you'll have a much better time of it, for many employers waive the experience requirements because these schools have excellent reputations for the quality of their programs. Does your school have a program to assist you in finding a job? If you don't know, ask your instructor or head of the school. If that's a no-go, my advice is to send, send, send (resumes) and test, test, test. Even if you don't pass, the experience will be invaluable. And one day one of those companies may call you up, later if not sooner. If you live in an area near a hospital or a lot of doctors' offices, leave your information with the transcription or office manager. See if you can find someone there or in your area who is willing to mentor you.
You may also need to face the hard truth that your school did not prepare you to get a job and/or its reputation precedes it and that you may need to enroll in one of the schools I mentioned. It may seem like a "waste" of money or that you can't afford it, since you just came out of schooling. However, if you're not finding a job after completing a course, that was likely where your money was wasted and it'd be a mistake NOT to "upgrade" your training. You will earn the money back with your new job once you've graduated. Trust me, it is a worthy investment. I am about to graduate from M-TEC. I had been working as an MT for years, but I learned through a mentor and on-the-job and wanted to get all the training I could to open more doors to me. It's been tough, but I'm so glad I did it and I'm assured M-TEC will always be there for me should I search for a job other than the one I have now.
Best wishes, and welcome once again.
_________________________
For sin shall not be my master, for I am not under law but under grace. ~ The Bible, Romans 6:14
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#100717 - 06/19/08 12:49 AM
Re: Newbie here!
[Re: HoosierFemme]
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FarAwayDeb
Member
Registered: 03/15/02
Posts: 2917
Loc: just south of Rochester, NY
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Actually, she didn't use the "CMT" but she did say she is a "certified medical transcriptionist" so did need to be informed about that.
It's a very common mistake, but it will be seriously held against you job-wise if anyone thinks you are deliberately misrepresenting yourself.
_________________________
Good grammar ain't easy.
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#100733 - 06/19/08 03:57 AM
Re: Newbie here!
[Re: FarAwayDeb]
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HoosierFemme
Member
Registered: 09/28/05
Posts: 1156
Loc: Parisian suburbs, France
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You're right, that can lead to confusion. She may have a certificate, but unless she took the certification exam through AHDI, she is not a "CMT." Since she said she is a new MT and can't find a job, I am thinking she meant she has a certificate from a school she went to and she is not a certified medical transcriptionist. I doubt she meant to deceive, and it's good she came here first and learned this before putting it on a resume and getting called on it later.
_________________________
For sin shall not be my master, for I am not under law but under grace. ~ The Bible, Romans 6:14
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#100744 - 06/19/08 10:01 AM
Re: Newbie here!
[Re: HoosierFemme]
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Ashley84
New Member
Registered: 06/18/08
Posts: 6
Loc: Olathe, Kansas
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I recieved a certificate from school, so I have my certificate in medical transcribing. The school I attended is suppose to be one of the better schools in Kansas City, Missouri to go to for Medical Transcribing. I am glad you lended the advice about not calling myself a CMT, I do not want to mis-lead any possible employer. I have had 100 hours of clinicals, and I am in an internship now, so I am still gaining experience. But as time comes, bills are do, and loans for school need to be paid back, and I am just nervous about all that. But I am trying to put myself out there into every nook and cranny of the MT world so maybe someone can find me, or see I am trying to network. I appreciate all advice I can get in the MT world, it is invaluable to me. So thank you.
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#101172 - 06/22/08 12:19 AM
Re: Newbie here!
[Re: Ashley84]
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Quig
Junior Member
Registered: 06/21/08
Posts: 83
Loc: Rhode Island
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I'm new to this online world of transcription although I have 10 years of past experience. However, I'm still having some trouble as my experience although long and hospital experience was in the past, after which I practiced law for awhile.
I am now attempting to do this at home as our retirements are coming up and I wanted something portable. I had never heard of these certifications in the past and wonder, is it worth it to try to attain this???
Thanks
Pam
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#101215 - 06/22/08 03:43 PM
Re: Newbie here!
[Re: Quig]
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Redpen
Member
Registered: 12/31/69
Posts: 970
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I'm new to this online world of transcription although I have 10 years of past experience. However, I'm still having some trouble as my experience although long and hospital experience was in the past, after which I practiced law for awhile.
I am now attempting to do this at home as our retirements are coming up and I wanted something portable. I had never heard of these certifications in the past and wonder, is it worth it to try to attain this???
Thanks
Pam
It is possible to obtain good work without it. Whether it is worth it for you personally is a decision only you can make.
Certification is an indication that you meet performance standards set by a national organization. If an employer is looking for MTs who can meet those standards, then you'll have an advantage. If an employer pays extra for the certification, then you'll have another advantage. If an employer requires the certification, then you'll definitely have an advantage.
In my experience, I've encountered all three situations, so, yes, the certification has been and still is worthwhile for me.
_________________________
Redpen
(The Andrews School)
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