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

CPC exam and Andrews - Samantha

Posted: May 15, 2015

How long does it take in the Andrews program to be able to test for the CPC credential? I would be working at it full time, at least 40 hours per week.

Probably about 5 months, but I'm sure that varies - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
If you stay right on schedule with the assignments and tests, you could probably do it in 5 months. You could do it sooner, but that wouldn't be smart, because you need the advanced part of the course for that final polish. The self-confidence part of it doesn't hurt either when you're at the test site with all those people who are under-prepared and terrified, some of them walking out because the test is too hard for them. There's a lot to be said for being very prepared.

Coding for Overly Prepared Persons - LOL!

[ In Reply To ..]
There is something to be said for that! I think that has always been Andrews' secret to success.

No joke about the people walking out, either. The first time I saw that, it unnerved me. I thought it meant the exam was impossible. After an hour, I still hadn't found the impossible part. It was hard, but not impossible.

Thanks. Another question... - Samantha

[ In Reply To ..]
Does Andrews have any sort of job placement assistance program for coders who successfully complete their course?

Be careful about using that as a way to select schools. - Coder

[ In Reply To ..]
I would not use that as a way to select a school. It depends on what you mean by that, though.

It is pretty much a myth that schools place students in jobs. It started as a kind of false advertising on the part of unscrupulous schools. That is why schools that take student loans are required to disclose statistics on the jobs students get. If you look closely at schools that claim to do so, you will see that students may not be placed in a good job or even in a job related to what they studied. Or, you may find out too late that job placement assistance meant a list of employers taken from the phone book or a sample resume.

Some schools claim to have agreements with certain employers, not mentioning that it is no assurance of placement, or that few students are placed, or that it is into a training program that pays little and is no guarantee of permanent employment, or that employment comes with a long period of indentured service during which you may be forced to remain in a relatively low-paying job or pay huge sums to get out of it. (Such as some indeterminate time at $10/hr, plus up to 18 months at $15/hr, or pay $15,000 back to the company for their "training." And they won't tell you that you will need to have that CCA and work for a year before you can even take the CCS.)

They may not not mention that graduates of other schools are also eligible or that those grads will not need to be placed in a training program.

That wasn't what you asked, though. You asked if Andrews offered job placement assistance. The answer is this ... THEIR grads never needed it. Not like that, anyway.

They offer something better. Training that goes beyond what other schools offer, so you don't need training positions to fill the gap, because you can take the CPC after 5 or 6 months and the CCS when you graduate. Without needing the CCA first.

Andrews will work with you to succeed. They will help you with resumes, they will advise, and if necessary, they will round up one of their group of very reputable industry experts to advise, mentor, whatever it takes. Not paid counselors in an office, but actual working directors, consultants, auditors, and supervisors. They rarely have to do that.

That being said, there are companies, even remote ones, that like Andrews students. And which give them real jobs.

To me, that is the sort of "placement assistance" that matters ... their excellent reputation with employers, an education that enables you to qualify for and pass even the CCS, and your ability to get the job and keep it on your own merits.

The best kind - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
They offer the best kind of job placement assistance. They teach at the level where you don't need anyone to find you a job or place you on one. You are capable of doing that yourself. They do help with resume preparation and guidance. You won't need more than that. Your credentials will speak volumes for you.

Similar Messages:

Nov 21, 2013

From what I've read, the CCS exam sounds difficult and I'm curious if any Andrews grads passed the exam as soon as they were finished with the course. I guess really what I'm wondering is if the Andrews course prepares you enough to pass the CCS or is the course more geared toward the CPC. I'm in the research phase right now, deciding which coding course is the best one for me. I'm also still trying to understand the differences between all of the coding credentials, bu ...

Sep 15, 2011

Doing a report for a counseling and recovery center. Dr. says.... AIIMS exam showed mild involuntary movement of upper extremities and t____ assessment. Is it AIMS exam or Ames exam. I am also unsure of the blank, it sounds like it starts with the letter T. Thank you Thank you in advance! ...

Jun 03, 2010

I am an LPN looking into the field of MT. I am tired of standing on my feet for 2-3 hour med passes and lifting and turning patients. I am ready to work hard from home. I understand that both M Tec and Andrews are great schools. Is one better then the other? How do experienced MT's feel about the two? Thanks!! ...

Oct 06, 2012

I'm considering Andrews coding, but would love some feedback for those who enrolled that had no medical or MT background. I have very little medical background and it seems the MT's are favored as they are more familiar with terminology. For those enrolled how do you like the course? Do you find the course interesting? I already know its challenging! Thanks for any info you can provide! ...

Feb 05, 2015

I'm trying to do as much research as possible into changing careers from MT to coding, and I've narrowed down my two choices of schools to Andrews and CCO (CodingCertificate.Org). According to CCO's website, they now offer courses that will prepare you to take the CCS exam. I've heard positive things about CCO, but I've also heard positive things about Andrews, and how thorough it is, but also that it's very difficult. I would love to hear either f ...

May 11, 2010

Okay, so after much debate and research, I enrolled in Andrews course for coding yesterday! :) Now I'm just waiting for my materials to arrive, reading over my 1st set of instructions, and trying to navigate my way through loads of information on the student forum. All I can say is WOW. I think this course is going to be wonderful and very challenging. I'm actually a bit overwhelmed at the moment! LOL! But I'm excited! ...

May 23, 2010

When this board first started up Linda was on here quite often but haven't seen her in a while. Oh well, just noticing. Wow, this board has taken off! ...

May 25, 2010

Per the request you sent via email, I have tried to call the number you provided four times but only get your voicemail. I did call during office hours. If you wish to communicate, email me again and let me know when I can reach you. I do not give out my number, which is unpublished for personal reasons, nor do I provide my email address to individuals I do not know personally. ...

Aug 27, 2010

Just wondering what the difference in price is? CS has a much more impressive website and they have been very good at answering my questions. Why would they be so much cheaper? ...

Feb 26, 2011

Coders: In a situation where a new graduate of a program has the CCS but not the RHIT, do you believe this would be an obstacle to finding employment? I notice some jobs say CCS or RHIT and some want both. I am weighing the pros and cons between attending a program that I know will prepare me to pass the CCS (Andrews) versus a program to earn a degree that will make me eligible to take the RHIT and, hopefully, pass the CCS. For background, I am a medical transcriptionist and also will graduate ...

Jan 19, 2012

Are any of you actually working as coders? ...

Feb 06, 2012

For those of you who are past or present Andrews students... how did you/are you paying for your course? I know you can either put a down payment or pay in full. Just curious, thanks. ...

Feb 26, 2012

I know Andrews does not give out any discounts on their $3,800 charge, but are there ways to get help lowering the cost through any organizations you are aware of? Thanks. ...

Mar 05, 2012

for medical coding. I'm excited and a little nervous. Looking forward to getting started. ...

Sep 04, 2012

Would like to know if any graduates of Andrews or M-Tec became employed shortly after completing course and how much I could be expected to earn on a part-time basis (20 hrs/wk)? ...

Sep 19, 2012

I am an MT who was laid off from my job and I am seriously considering coding school. So far, I am leaning towards Andrews, they sound the best. My question is, will I be able to find a job that pays well afterwards? I have looked at a few job postings online in my area and it looks like entry level coders are only 10 bucks an hour. This concerns me as I don't want to put out a lot of money for coding school if I am not going to be making much money. Also, ...

Nov 13, 2012

This may not be the right board, but I thought I would put it here. I have been interested in taking the coding course through Andrews for over a year now. I was just wondering if that is the way to go or if I should take a different course that they are now offering. They now offer billing and medical management. I know that medical transcription is out because I am already a transcriptionist and that is not going well. Any and all advice is welcome. Thank you. ...

Jul 01, 2013

I have been researching coding schools. I have a local community college which would prepare me for the CPC. I would have to pay out of state tuition, however, which would be substantial. For less money I could take courses with the Andrews School, which seems like it would prepare me for the CPC and the CCS. HOWEVER, when I was reading the requirements for the CCS, it sounds like there are certain education requirements -- are you eligible to take the CCS after you gradu ...

Jul 05, 2013

Has anyone here gotten Vocational Rehabilitation or WIA to pay for an Andrews course? If so, do they pay the whole thing? Thanks! ...

Jul 10, 2013

I just saw their ad on the other job site which says this: Recent graduates Openings for graduates within the last year from the following schools: Career Step (Honors/High Honors) MTEC, INC.Winter Park TechSeminole State College Everett College Not that I would encourage recent graduates or anyone else for that matter to work there. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. I guess I'm just surprised that Andrews isn't included in their stupid list. Of course, Nuance doesn� ...

Nov 08, 2013

I need financial aid. Andrews doesn't accept Pell grants. etc. Currently I'm on unemployment. Been unemployed for about 2 months now. Have been an MT for 37 years. I applied for WIA funds (workforce investiment act) and included info about Andrews and medical coding in general, i.e., what it is, etc. They won't pay for Andrews or coding for that matter because they say:(1) Its a work at home job. (2) Its an online program and they ca ...

Feb 12, 2014

I think I've decided on Andrews School for coding. My question is any recent graduates get jobs? How quickly? All openings I've browsed look like they want 3-5 years experience...... ...

Apr 02, 2014

not been able to find a coding position? It seems like the best option, but everyone around here locally wants 5 years experience, so I guess the only other way to get started is as a doctor's office receptionist/biller/coder, which is what they do around here & it doesn't pay well at all because most offices will just train you on the job. My 19-year-old daughter got on doing it but started at $8.50/hr, now up to $9. Five years as an office girl at a doctor's offi ...

Apr 29, 2014

Those who went through the Andrews School how long did it take to find a job? Thanks. ...

Apr 30, 2014

Hello. I was told by the student coordinator and Linda Andrews herself that people who have finished their course and gotten their credentials have gotten jobs from home. I think it was 1 in 4. Just wondering if any of you have been those 1 in 4? They also told me it may be more like 50% in a year or so. Thanks! ...

Feb 10, 2015

If I could choose a school right now for coding, Andrews would be first choice. I was hoping that someone could share some suggestions for paying for the course. Right now AAPC is having a "sale" on their course which is now 50% off. From my research, though, I think that would not be my first choice, but is muc more affordable than Andrews. Has anyone used any of the Andrews payment plans? How did that work out for you? The cost seems prohibitive to me, but I ...

Mar 02, 2015

I am seriously considering going into the coding program with Andrews soon. My main concern just lies in finding employment after I finish and become certified. Can any Andrews graduates share their experiences? Were you able to find employment quickly? Was anyone able to start working from home immediately? There are 2 hospitals in my town, but it is not a huge city, and I am afraid employment opportunities may be limited here locally. Anything you can tell me that might be useful would be much ...

Mar 21, 2015

I was wondering if anyone has taken the Andrews coding program and if so did you pass the exams? Did you land a job immediately after completing the course? How difficult are the exams and how long did it take to complete the course? I was an MT for years but now I am looking for other options as the MT field has changed way too much and is no longer financially doable for me. ...

Mar 21, 2015

Just curious if there are any new Andrews graduates (in the last 30 days) that are having success finding a job? I am looking to start this program soon and do not want to jump from the frying pan into the fire, so to speak...been an MT for MANY, MANY years.... Are there jobs out there? How hard are they to find/get? What is general starting pay? Feeling anxious/nervous/excited.... ...

Apr 09, 2015

Hello all. I am not a troll and am truly wondering if there is a coding course that is more economic than Andrews but still TEACHES you to code? I am an MT but have no experience with coding. Please help! Thanks so much. ...