A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry


Coding Schools--online or local community college? Andrews or M-TEC? - aeades


Posted: Mar 24, 2013

Hi - I am struggling with what to do, somebody please help! I have read that Andrews and M-TEC are the best schools online.  I am just concerned that I won't do well without hands on learning in a classroom?  I could really use some advice from some people who have done the coding courses through these places? Which is the best, and how does it work exactly?  Thanks

Andrews School - Kat

[ In Reply To ..]
The Andrews School is an extensive program using all books and taking the tests/exams online. There are instructors which grade your Assignments and answer any questions you might have about your assignments or exam. The questions are answered through email. I am taking Coding and I find it to be interesting and challenging.

RE: - aeades

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you Kat! Do you enjoy doing it and are the instructors good and work with you and such??

Andrews School - kat

[ In Reply To ..]
Yes, I enjoy this program. There is a lot of work involved. The instructors answer any questions via email.
Kat how much time do you spend on it each week? - Are you working and doing you schooling part-time
[ In Reply To ..]
Just curious as you said there is alot of work involved, as to how much time you spend each day on it? I hope I can do it. I have heard it is extremely hard? Thanks for answering my questions. It is greatly appreciated :)
Andrews School - Kat
[ In Reply To ..]
I work full time. I average one to two hours each evening. I study four days a week and I do a large part of my studying on the weekends. The instructors grade your assignments and the tests/exams are completed online. I hope this helps.

M-Tec - Anonymous

[ In Reply To ..]
M-Tec does not teach coding, they are a medical transcription school. Andrews has a good reputation, as do AAPC and AHIMA. Attending a community college would depend on the curriculum, the instructors and your learning style. Some people like independent study at home, some people do better when they interact with other students. Only you can make the decision about what is best for you.

Do not assume that a community college - teaches classes in person

[ In Reply To ..]
Or that they have qualifed instructors.

Most of them now teach online anyway . . . the "teaching" is done by online teaching modules produced by book publishers. There are usually no in-person classes.

Instructors are hired based on having an RHIT or RHIA. Neither college I attended had anyone with coding experience for any coding-related classes. It was horrible.

Be aware that a lot of other "online" "schools" are teaching using those same teaching modules and without qualified instructors. It's the same situation we had in MT with matchbook schools. They're the same matchbook schools, in fact, with a lot more jumping on the bandwagon. That kind of preparation isn't going to get you much.

Andrews has qualified, experienced instructors who provide extensive support and personal attention. I recommend them.



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