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

Continuing education/Certifying - Brooke

Posted: Mar 18, 2013

I have been working as a Medical Assistant for about 12 yrs. I want to make myself more marketable, expand my education, and get certified in this area. I'm considering using Career Steps because they are the only one I found that offers an Editing program along with the MT certification. I feel that will open my realm of qualifications. Their tuition is between $2600 and $2700 and can be completed in about four months.

Is that a reasonable tuition/timeframe?

Any insight into Career Steps and/or do you have any references for me to accomplish this.

Thanks so much for any input!

There is a - school called

[ In Reply To ..]
Career Step that is fairly prominent in the medical transcription training arena. Is that the school you mean? I see many posters inquiring about Career Steps, though, so I have often wondered if there really is another school called Career Steps as well as the more well-known Career Step.

In any event, I think it is unlikely that anyone knowledgeable about the current state of the medical transcription field would recommend spending money for MT training, but if you are absolutely determined to do so, you might want to expand your school search to include Andrews.

Best of luck to you whatever you decide to do.

You would be better served if you...SM - Old Anon

[ In Reply To ..]
got advanced training in hands-on skills such as EKG, ultrasound, phlebotomy, things that are done in doctor's offices, clinics, and hospitals. I do not think having MT skills is going to make you more marketable as a medical assistant. You could probably go and take an 8-week course in medical terminology at your local adult learning center or community college if you need to brush up. Another important point is taking a course through any school does not mean you are certified. You will get a certificate of completion or a diploma. To become certified, you first have to take the RMT test and then the CMT test through AHDI at an additional cost. I do not think your return on investment will be what you hope. You will be putting out a lot of money for a dubious return. Don't throw your money away.

My view - Another opinion

[ In Reply To ..]
Career Step is the name of the school and they do offer an editing program. Four months is doable if you don't have a job. Otherwise, plan on needing more time, especially if you've never transcribed before and plan to do the entire program. As an MA, you might actually find having some MT skills helpful; your employer may use you as a scribe or you may want to get a part-time editing job. I agree with the others, though; I would not depend on MT as my sole source of income.

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