Advice Needed for NHS/Private Health Sector Admin Jobs

[alicewlm]

Hello, I am a SAHM for almost 8 years. During this time, I've completed a Diploma in Medical Secretary in 2013. Currently, I would like to find a part time or full time job as my 2 kids in full-time education (year 1 and year 7).

Just been to a NHS Staff Bank Job interview today, my very first interview since moved to UK. Applied for either Medical Typist (Band 2) job or Medical Secretary (Band 4) job. Fate determined by the 10 minutes audio typing test, didn't get the job as a result. Feeling a bit depressed, but not giving up :)

Must admit I need to refresh my knowledge in medical terminology as haven't touch or use it for 5 years since completing the course. I also found the test to be difficult, and having a hard time listening to the audio digital dictation. Not sure if it's my ability to understand the dictated English, but mainly all I heard was mumbling. Oops! I think the nervousness didn't help much either.

Just want some advice from anyone working in the NHS or private health sector as an admin/medical secretary or medical typist/transcriptionist how I can build up on this area in regards to audio transcription/typing. One thing learnt from the short interview (less than 5 mins) + test (10 mins) was the need for me to relearn all medical terminology.

Just googled up on some Medical transcription Course (distance learning), and came across this BSMSA Level 3 Certificate in Medical Audio Transcription. Has anyone done this course? Would it be worth doing it to help as I am really interested to work in the medical field in the admin/secretary or typist roles. I am also considering medical records jobs if can give me the opportunity to learn and use the medical terminology on a daily basis.

Really can't afford to spend more on expensive courses before even landing a job.

Thank you for all your kind attention in advance :) Really appreciate any advice I can get.

Hello,

I used to be an audio typist / med sec. I don’t think the roles are going to be around for much longer. The Trust I used to work in now uses digital dictation so all the secretary does is check the letter and print it off. At this Trust, med secs have also been downgraded to a band 3 and they have reduced the numbers.

Other Trusts have outsourced audio typing to India or the Philippines.

I used to like audio typing, I did it as a student as it paid twice what I would earn working retail! Sadly I can’t really recommend being a med sec as a long term role.

Thank you Polarbearflavour for your honest advice. I'll keep that in mind now when applying for the next admin jobs. Probably I need to consider admin jobs in other field to get the working experience since it had been almost 8 years not working.

It's interesting this Trust is still hiring Medical Typist and Medical Support Secretary and from following their job ads for the past few months, I realized they repeatedly re-posted the same job ads after several closing dates. I began to question, if it's the high requirement they set on the applicants.