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

Is Andrews the only school you recommend? - downtime

Posted: Sep 14, 2012

I was looking at Career Step. No?

Most of the people on here want CCS credentials, which is why they go with Andrews - nm

One reason is, Andrews isn't pushy and doesn't spam you - Still getting spam from 3 others

[ In Reply To ..]
I still get spam from several schools even though I've let them know I'm not interested. They don't go away. Andrews doesn't do that. You don't get an e-mail or phone call unless you ask for one.

Career Step versus Andrews - Inquiring minds

[ In Reply To ..]
I went to Career Step for coding. I never got spam from them and they are a decent school although if I had it to do again I'd probably go with Andrews as I think you would get a better education. I don't have proof, just basing it on what I have read.

Most of the spam has always come from the MT to Coding programs - which appear to be desperate

[ In Reply To ..]
There was a guy who did a lot of it, and then a woman from another course with some heavy promotion on that one. The guy hasn't sent any lately.

I went through Career Step 10 years ago - Highly recommend it

[ In Reply To ..]
I don't know why it gets badmouthed so much around here. It's a good school. I had ZERO medical knowledge when I did their program. I had 3 job offers within a month of completing the course. Every company I've worked for has been impressed with my abilities, so I feel comfortable that I got a good education from Career Step.

A friend graduated from Career Step and did well - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
I am currently enrolled in Andrews and I can recommend that; however, I have a friend who graduated 8 years ago from Career Step and she has her CCS and has been employed since shortly after graduating. She didn't take her CCS until recently, however.

Why did she wait so long to take the CCS? - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
To me it seems like a good idea to take the CCS exam as soon as you can, while everything you've learned is still fresh in your mind. Why did she decide to wait so many years, 8 years? I would have forgotten everything by then. Also, it's just easier to get your first job if you have your CCS already.

I'm sure your friend had a good reason for waiting. Did she tell you why?

waiting for CCS - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
She was hired as soon as she took the program from the hospital where she worked as a ward clerk. She learned on the job but she also did feel she was prepared, but the hospital did not require the certification until much later. She was doing well and being promoted, but at that point they required the certification. I think it was much easier to get jobs then, I think now we need to have the CCS first in order to get the job!

Agree that you really should have CCS now. - CCS, CPC

[ In Reply To ..]
You definitely need the CPC, but the CCS is a real help in getting a job. It says a lot about you that you were diligent and smart enough to pass the CCS, an exam that has a reputation for requiring 2 to 3 years of inpatient coding experience and which more than half of first-time test takers fail.

You can get a job with just a CPC and no experience, but it is easier to get a job with both a CPC and CCS. You look better to employers, you have a wider range of job options, and having a credential from both organizations makes you appealing to supporters of both professional organizations.

That's unfortunate and really unfair if you think about it - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
They didn't require the certification 8 years ago, which encouraged her not to do it, then they changed the rules on her and required it.

That's just not right.

Not unfair at all -- it just looks that way - What it is

[ In Reply To ..]
She would not have been able to pass the CCS after the program she took 8 years ago. Probably not after taking the same program now--they don't teach that far.

Was the employer unfair in not requiring it 8 years ago? No, the employer did not need to require it 8 years ago. Some things have changed in the last decade, among them the need for credentials. Industry-wide there has been a move toward requiring credentials.

Why? Because it enables a facility to demonstrate that they INTEND to comply with regulatory requirements. If they are found to be in error, they need to be able to point out that they did everything they could to ensure that things would be done correctly -- they required coders to be certified, they provided on the job training, they did internal audits, they brought in outside auditors, and so forth. This has become much more necessary in recent years.

Before, you could have slopped through your coding with impunity. Not anymore.

Big difference between certification in MT and certification in coding. BIIIIIG difference. If you look at coders' credentials, you will often see LISTS of credentials. They do pay off in jobs, money, and reputation.

I graduated from M-TEC in 2007 - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I think I received a very good MT education, but that was when the founding directors were still running the place. The school was sold a few years ago, and I haven't heard much about M-TEC since. I don't know if the new directors have managed to maintain the high standards of their predecessors.

I can tell you that I applied for my first job on a Wednesday afternoon and was hired (without having to test) the following morning, and I do believe it was due in large part to my having completed the M-TEC course. I'm still with that company.

Good luck with your decision.

The question was about CODING courses, not MT! - M-TEC does not teach coding

[ In Reply To ..]
Please read the posts before you answer! The discussion was about coding courses, not MT!

The OP is right though. The MT course was really great back when Susan was there - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

Sorry, I was responding to the OP's question - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
He/she did not specify coding, and I navigated to this thread while jumping around the whole site and did not notice that this post was in the Coding/Medical Billing section of the message board.

No problem! I've done that myself. - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

thanks for all this information! - downtime

[ In Reply To ..]
I learned a lot reading this.

Similar Messages:

Sep 28, 2010

Hi, I am interested in taking a MT online course and would like some recommendations on some online schools. I don't want to make the wrong decision and waste my money. Can anyone please telll about a few schools so I can make my decision? Thanks ...

Apr 30, 2010

I am researching MT schools, and would like input from current MT's on which schools they suggest, taking all factors into consideration; price, course outline, payment program, length of program, etc. I am also considering billing and coding. I am an LPN, 8 years now, I know all of the terminology, A&P, but prefer to refresh my memory on it all. You may email me at ******************* Thanks! iansmomm ...

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. ...

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 29, 2014

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

May 10, 2010

Does the Andrews School curriculum go beyond what the AHIMA teaches? I ask this question with the following (in quotations) in mind. "One common misunderstanding is that you will be ready to take the CCS exam once you complete your academic training and that is incorrect. You will be qualified to sit for the CCA exam upon completing your training program. The CCS and CCS-P are mastery credentials and reflect two to three years of full time coding experience beyond the academic preparatio ...

Jul 13, 2010

Hey everybody, I am having a problem getting onto the Andrews School website. Is anybody else having the same problem? I wanted to check into their coding courses, but every time I go to the website, I get a message telling me that internet explorer could not open the website. I 'm wondering if it's down, or is it something in my computer? Any help would be appreciated! TIA! ...

Nov 09, 2010

Does anyone know or can recommend the Andrews School? The cost seems to be high for the course. ...

Dec 19, 2010

Andrews School of Medical Coding and Transcription........... Just wanted to say a few words about Andrews School of Coding. 3 years ago I finished an AHIMA accredited program for Health Information, going through the program I realized there were some gaps that I needed to fill in on the coding end. I love AHIMA and being part of the organizaiton, and look forward to working in the field for a long time. What I am finding with Andrews is that they offer an indepth, hands on training spe ...

Apr 07, 2011

Looking at coding schools. I saw a few here went to Andrews. Seems to be a thorough course, albeit expensive. Did you get your money's worth? We you able to find a job after getting credentialed and did the course prepare you well for credential testing? Those of you who are MTs, could you opt out of certain classes? What made you choose Andrews? Would it be better to take the course through AHIMA or AAPC, why/why not? How long would it take to go thro ...

Aug 10, 2011

I am wondering if there are any current Andrews grads/students who would be willing to discuss their experiences in and out of the program. I have already spoken with Linda at length, and am now looking for an "in the trenches" perspective. Thanks! ...

May 26, 2012

I've read so much on this forum trying to get some good information on which school to go with, and all I can find is Andrews, Andrews, Andrews! How can it be the only school that anybody seems willing to recommend? Is the forum just overrun with Andrews students or is it truly the only school that anyone knows of that prepares you for the CCS exam upon graduation? How can that be? And believe me, I'm not criticizing the school or anyone for their opinion, I jus ...

Aug 03, 2013

I was wondering what the best coding school is, other than Andrews? ...

May 14, 2015

I am an MT. I really want to do the Andrews School, but probably from being an MT, I just feel beaten down and depressed and I am afraid to be taken advantage of. On this site, there are so many people who went to Andrews and got such wonderful jobs and it gets such great reviews. This makes me think, could this really be true???? Or are all these just Andrews School employees? I am so worried to spend the money on it, I am not even sure I can come up ...

Nov 15, 2011

I am looking into moving into Coding as a profession. I will be talking to Interface Computer School this afternoon as they have a billing/coding class (just asking questions right now), but I am hearing so much of Andrews. I know this is an online course. I feel a little nervous about not having a teacher in front of me. Can anyone tell me about Andrews, what to expect, how hard is it really (sounds pretty strict on grades, etc on the web page) how well communication is and if yo ...

Jul 29, 2012

Andrews School and Medical Coding. Is this a good program. ...

Nov 20, 2013

Okay -- I think I've made my decision to not go back to my local community college after I finish ICD-9 fall semester. I just don't feel it is giving me what I need, and it is not preparing me to pass anything. Most of the students in my class are taking coding as just another class they have to pass so they can move on to something else. I am paying a lot of money because I'm out of state, and I don't feel like I'm getting value. I've n ...

Jan 27, 2010

Anyone know if Career Step or Andrews is a good school? I'm trying to decide on which one to go to. ...

Sep 04, 2012

Hi. I am very interested in attending Andrews school for coding. The only problem is I may not be able to pay in full at the time of enrollment. Has anyone done the payment option and if so how did it work for you? Thanks. ...

May 09, 2010

For 3800.00 I would think they should be accredited most definitely. ...

May 11, 2010

do they include anatomy? ...

Dec 21, 2011

:) ...

Jun 24, 2014

I was wondering if anyone has ever gone through Allied School in California for billing & coding. If so, how was your experience? Were you able to find work in coding after finishing the course and getting your certification? I have been a medical transcriptionist for the past 10-11 years and am now looking at getting into coding. My best friend and I are going to take a course together. If you wouldn't recommend Allied as a school, who would you reco ...

Aug 10, 2010

A place to purchase the most recent book of style? Thanks! ...

Sep 30, 2012

For those of you that work full time in an employee position with benefits, would you recommend your current company? I am looking for some positive feedback on which companies to target for an employee MT position. Thanks in advance. ...

Sep 22, 2011

I am an MT who is considering going to school for coding. I am thinking about taking the course through Andrews and will probably start next year because I will have to save up some of the money. I am wondering if you think coding may eventually go the way of medical transcription and be outsourced to India. I do not think it will so I just wanted to get the opinions of other coders. I realize it will be a hard course but I think it will be worth the effort. Any thoughts would be appre ...

Feb 19, 2010

Hello all! I am new to this forum and would just like to share my thoughts with you as I have read through some of your postings about different MT companies out there, like "Should I work here?" So, as nicely as I can say it, in a matter of my opinion: My Top Ten Reasons why I would NOT recommend ATSI: 1. The pay. Straight CPL no matter if it's days, nights, weekends, holidays. 2. No raises, incentives, or bonuses. 3. NOT employee status...EVER...even after 90 days, you will ...