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

Career Step textbooks? - southview90

Posted: May 04, 2013

I have narrowed my choices down to Career Step or Andrews for coding. I know that Andrews provides all the necessary textbooks, but I cannot get a clear answer as to which textbooks actually are included with the Career Step program.

Are there any current or former students of the Career Step coding program who would be willing to tell me which textbooks they received?

Thanks much!

Not a student - but

[ In Reply To ..]
I did look into Career Step for transcription at one point. I don't think they send you any books. I think all their stuff, including the books, is only online and you have to buy whatever books you want separately.

What did they tell you? - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
When you asked Career Step about it, what did they tell you?

Their online course description says they use online materials and they send you "companion volumes." I saw a set of them not too long ago. They were booklets written and printed by the school. Definitely not textbooks. It appeared that they send you hard-copy code books, but I would ask which ones.

Former Career Step coding student - Anonymous

[ In Reply To ..]
When I did the Career Step program, they provided the coding books and nothing else. The program is entirely on-line. They do have "companion volumes," I think CS owns the copyright to their program. You can print anything you want if you have access to a printer. I purchased an anatomy textbook (through someone else) and did independent study because I wanted something more in depth. I also purchased some additional coding texts and workbooks when I was preparing for the certification exam.

CS textbooks - southview90

[ In Reply To ..]

I finally got a list sent to me and just as I expected--no standard textbooks other than actual coding books. For anyone else interested, here is the list:
Learning and Mastering Medical Terminology Block 1
Learning and Mastering Medical Terminology Block 2
Evolution of Coding in Healthcare Environment
Learning and Mastering Medical Terminology Block 3
Healthcare Structure and Organization
Anatomy, Pathophysiology, and disease process block 1
Anatomy, Pathophysiology, and disease process block 2
Exploring Healthcare Reimbursement
Plus you will Receive all the most up to date coding books.. HCPCS, ICD-9, CPT

Interesting - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
It appears that they do not use actual coding textbooks, i.e., the books giving instruction in coding, as opposed to the books that list the codes.

That fits with what a former student told me . . . that part of the course is online only. You would need to print the screens.

You only asked about books - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
You only asked about books, so you must not have been concerned about the instructor difference. Or, it might have seemed to you that it was worth saving money.

Just on the cost issue, the commercially published textbooks Andrews provides would be worth about 500-600 and some of them are the same references my facility gets for me each year or as new editions come out. Faye Brown, for instance..

Is the other 400-500 worth having instructors who are certified, who work in what you are learning, and who interact with you during each lesson and evaluate your coding on a case by case basis?

As a coder, I can tell you that coding is highly situation-dependent. It can be unnecessarily difficult for students to learn from rigidly-machine-graded material and other students in chat rooms.

On the other hand, you might feel those things don't matter. I am not trying to sell you one way or the other. Just pointing out some features you may have missed.

Books - southview90

[ In Reply To ..]

Yes, I only asked about books as that was the last unanswered question that I had about CS. I have contemplated coding for over a year now, and all my research has pointed me toward Andrews...I just have to research things to death before making a decision! :) I went to M-Tec for transcription 8 years ago and have now decided to take the leap and enroll in Andrews for the coding! I do appreciate everyone's comments and advice! Wish me luck!

Asking about books - Reading comp

[ In Reply To ..]
That's correct, she did only ask about textbooks. I guess Andrews doesn't teach reading comprehension.

Wow, really? - Some people

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

Reading comprehension -- no. - Good manners -- yes.

[ In Reply To ..]
What would possess someone to make a comment like that?

It is either an unbelievable level of hostility or we have a troll on board.

Similar Messages:

Apr 20, 2012

For anyone currently enrolled in Career Step's Coding program: Could you please let me know what books are included in the companion textbook package for this program. If I could purchase these for a lower price than what they are selling them for it would be great. Even though I believe the price is low compared to book costs for college programs, I would still like to comparison shop if possible. I am enrolled in a community college starting this summer that utilizes the career step progr ...

Mar 05, 2012

Anyone have problems passing Career Step MT testing. ...

May 12, 2010

wonder if anyone here, or if anyone knows of anyone who utilized Career Step for either their MT program or their coding program ...

Sep 13, 2010

Hi, I haven't enrolled yet, but I've pretty much decided on Career Step (mostly because of price!). I was wondering if anyone has any input as to whether it's better to take the MT course or the MTE course. Do you need the extra editing experience? I'm sure any extra is helpful, but is it necessary to have the editing training to get an MT job with an online company? Thanks in advance for any info! ...

Mar 04, 2011

Does anyone know if in-state tuition for career step is $350??? That's what they told me. ...

Jan 26, 2010

I am just curious if anyone knows good or bad about Career Step Medical Transcription and Medical Billing/Coding online courses. I would appreciate any opinoins about this particular online school. Thank you. ...

Feb 03, 2010

I was curious to hear if anybody failed the second part of the final? I got a 13% on the second part only because I was having serious trouble hearing the doctor clearly. I took that final last June, and I am wanting to take the final again in May. I am worried that I am going to come across the same problem even after practicing for so many months and getting helpful tips from the Career Step final. I am currently working part-time typing overflow reports and I am doing rather well with that. S ...

Apr 28, 2010

Fancy that! ...

May 11, 2010

I am going to enroll in Career step tomorow. I looked into Andrews, but if I had the 1000 to put down I would not be looking for a new career. LOL. Wish me luck! ...

May 29, 2010

I'm very disappointed regarding this medical editing course being offered by Career Step. In my opinion it's a terrible way to take advantage of newbies who are worried about the job market and willing to pay anything to upgrade their skills, when every employer I've ever heard of trains their MTs on VR. I can't imagine an employer requesting a course in medical editing in addition to the standard MT course. I myself am a Career Step grad, have been gai ...

Jun 09, 2010

Do you know if it is possible to take career step courses for coding and still collect unemployment. I do not qualify for the displaced worker program and they will not let me keep my benifits if I chose to go to a regular community college. I have no idea how the reporting is done, but I would really like to get into coding (currently an MT). I have enough in savings to pay for the course, and I am pretty sure I could get it over with fairly quicly, but I don't want to push myself to work ...

Oct 15, 2010

I am trying to decide which school to go with. I have read good and bad about both Career Step and TRS - does anyone have any additional considerations for me before I make my decision? Thanks! ...

Nov 05, 2010

I am very interested in a coding career. I have been doing medical transcription for the past 10 years and am tired of chasing after the money. I need stability. Coding has always seemed like a very interesting job. I want to choose a course that is the most detailed so that I have the best chance of passing the certification test(s) and be able to land a job. Can anyone advise on a great online medical coding course? Thanks guys!!!! ...

Jan 26, 2011

Hi everyone, I have been looking at both Andrews and Career Steps programs for coding. I am leaning more towards Andrews, but I am worried about the amount of writing assignments you have to do. Are these long assignments? What type of stuff do you have to write about for a coding course (without giving away too much info)? Career Step is completely online, and for some reason that just does not seem like the best way to go. I feel that you really do need hands on kind of work, and I don' ...

Jul 25, 2011

I don't know how it will work as far as "enrollment" actually goes, but I'm really looking to do more of a self-taught kind of thing anyway. I know that access to instructors is important, and I have already arranged for that through my local college. Worst case scenario, I'm out $25.. but for that price, I couldn't pass it up!! Thoughts? ...

Aug 25, 2011

I'm currently enrolled @ Career Step and stumbled across this forum tonight. This is the first time I've heard about this SUM program. Should I be nervous that Career Step doesn't use this program? I admit, I did not have the money for Andrews or M-tec and thought the AHDI certification was the important thing. Now I'm not so sure. Will I be passed over by recruiting agents without this knowledge? Thanks ...

Oct 10, 2011

What is the difference besides price on these two schools? Do companies hire based mostly on what school you graduate from or by how well you test? Does one school really prepare you better than the other, or are you paying for the name? ...

Jan 16, 2012

Okay, I know Andrews is the best, but has anyone taken Career Step and had any sucess? It is an approved school on the AHIMA web site, but I don't ever hear anyone say anything about going through them for coding. If anyone has, I would like to know if you were able to pass the CCS after completing the course? My parents want to help me pay for school, and I hate for them to think I went and found the most expensive one out there; although, I know it is the best. I just wondered abo ...

Apr 20, 2013

I am trying to decide between Andrews and Career Step for billing and coding. The only question I have left is how the learning is done. It looks like Career Step is study on your own. at your own pace. I can't find anything one way or the other on the Andrews site - are there interactive online classes or is it study on your own and then test? Also, Career Step says the tuition includes Complete set of industry codebooks (ICD-9-CM, CPT, HCPCS). Andrews ju ...

Jan 30, 2015

I have to be honest. I truly felt that Career Step's training was thorough and prepared me well for a career as an MT. I had an extensive background in terminology, but the transcribing was new for me. Nonetheless, I completed all transcription modules with over 98% accuracy. I can type over 100 WPM. So, when it came time to take the final, I felt confident. I mean, I passed the multiple choice questions with flying colors and only got one wrong. But, apparently, I did so poorly on the tr ...

Apr 17, 2015

Can anyone tell me the difference in the 2 programs? Will someone come out of CS ready to sit for the CCS/CPC? I know/hear on here that Andrews has the best, most comprehensive program but Career Step has a job placement program after graduation ...granted it is low-paying, but it is more like an internship for 13 weeks. After that you can get hired for $15-$17/hour or more.... However their program is almost half what Andrews is.... I just am trying to make the best decision for myself. I am re ...

Feb 26, 2010

I am looking to get some opinions on Career Step's MT program. Has anybody been able to find a job after completion? Any information would be greatly appreciated! ...

May 09, 2010

If anyone has taken Career Step, do you feel you are being challenged and that it is worth the money? Do they have payment plans? ...

May 25, 2010

Has anyone taken this course to learn speech editing? Is it worth the $? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks! ...

Mar 01, 2011

1. How long did it take you to complete the course? 2. Were you able to pass the certification exam? 3. Are you working as a coder? 4. Overall opinion on the career step coding course? Any info would be greatly appreciated. TIA ...

Apr 17, 2012

Hello. My wife just finised the Career Step course in March. She is already employed and doing great. My question is in regards to any 2011 tax credits/breaks we can claim as she studied full time at this program. Can we claim that she was a full time student for at least 5 months? Any thoughts? Have a great day... Jeff ...

Jun 09, 2012

Where to start? I was the top MT at the Dept. of Veterans Affairs Regional in Waco, TX. I have also been a proofreader for a top notch advertising agency in California and my first job was as an MT. I type 90 wpm. That said, I have not been able to find a position as an MT because I didn't have 'credentials'. So I researched the web and decided to spend my hard-earned money on Career Step. I passed the 1st portion of the test with 97% which actually more of a grammatical testing ...

Aug 11, 2012

Any graduates of Career Step that can recommend the course? Also, is it a licensed school. I am told that it is based in Provo, Utah. ...

Aug 07, 2014

Anyone out there a graduate of Career Step happy with their job? ...

Jan 17, 2015

feel you were adequately trained. How long did it take to complete? Any information would be appreciated. ...