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So I'm trying to get out of MT and was considering coding - I checked out Andrews

Posted: May 19, 2015

based on reading here that they prepare you for the CCS, which is know is pretty much mandatory .

Anyway, what I read there about their coding program sounded really good, but then I read about their transcription program. I now have lost respect for this school. How can I believe what they say about coding when they tout medical transcription as still being a good career?

I know I work for the notoriously WORST of the worst company, Nuance, but I think all MT companies are just as bad.

I heard a lot of great things about Linda, but now I am not so sure.

Anyone have any opinions on this - I'd be glad to hear them. thx

From what I have been able to gather on this board, Andrews - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
steers students to Coding rather than MT, but still takes MT students who are in special situations. For example, one woman wanted to transcribe reports for her physician husband. You I would recommend contacting Linda yourself. She is very responsive to questions and a very public MT figure. I'm confident she will be very upfront with you.

Not sure I agree with your take on that. - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
I just read over what Andrews has about MT. I would not characterize what I read as "touting MT as a great career." On the contrary, I thought it presented it objectively.

How can you "believe" what they say? I don't think that should be necessary. You need to make this decision based on your knowledge of coding as a career field, gained from what professional association websites and individuals in that career field tell you. If you do your research on the AAPC and AHIMA websites, and listen to what experienced coders tell you, you will not need to "believe" what is on the Andrews website--you will simply recognize that it is accurate.

It is also not an absolute necessity to have a CCS. The CCS is just a highly desirable credential that helps you jump over the two-years-experience requirement. It opens doors in the facility setting, allowing you access to many more jobs than you would otherwise have as a new coder. There are many coders who are certified only through the AAPC--absolutely nothing wrong with them. But, as a new coder, both AAPC and CCS credentials give you an edge in the job market. A few extra months and more intense study can give you a better job sooner and at higher pay.

Fair enough. I did read back through and I guess - it was pretty objective, I guess

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm a little too skeptical, although I don't know why they just drop the MT program altogether. ??

Anyway, thank you for your reply..gave me something to think about. I guess what I'm really worried about is whether I can go from schooling to working from home right after I graduate. I have no choice but to telecommute right now and probably for a long while as my mother was recently diagnosed with dementia and I'm her sole caretaker. I don't think this dementia thing gets better sadly. She's relatively young at 70....anyway...I wonder if I were able to get both the AAPC and the CCS would that up my chances of finding a telecommuting position? I know I've seen a lot of jobs that say it's a remote job BUT they require experience. It gives me hope that you say the CCS might count for the experience required. Thanks again.

One reason is so people can decide for themselves I think - see message

[ In Reply To ..]
I know for a fact that some of the better MT employers will take just about every MT Andrews graduates. Not all MTSOs are as sleazy as some. It seems reasonable to let adults decide for themselves after they know the facts. It's a free country, right?

I didn't mean that in a cranky way - see message

[ In Reply To ..]
Sometimes things look cranky when you really didn't mean it that way.

Suggestion - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Please read through the posts on this board to find the ones that talk about Andrews students getting remote jobs. Also discuss this with Linda. I believe that students are having some success getting remote positions.

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