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

For those of you who took medical transcription - training at a community college

Posted: Apr 18, 2013

I having been checking out various things lately with regards to where I would like to go job wise in the near future. I started out going to school for nursing and completed all the pre-reqs: Anatomy and Physiology I & II, biology, psychiatry, basic nutrition, algebra and English etc. Half-way through I hit a bump in the road and had to take a break from school and instead of sitting out a full year, I decided to do something less stressful, which is how I got into medical transcription. Long story short, I graduated with a certificate of completion from a community college and upon browsing through different options where I already had credits that applied I found that based upon my previous schooling and all other pre-reqs I only needed 3 classes to earn a coding certificate and of course after that take the state coding tests. I just thought I would share that bit of information, as Im sure there are many others out there educated in more than transcription who are looking at other avenues of work. I actually hired on with a big health network recently so if I go back and take those 3 classes, I have already got my foot in the door and I may can land a job doing coding for them. They also have their own nursing program, so that is another option I am considering as well; I would have to work for them for probably 2 to 4 as reimbursement, but I dont mind. Note worthy is that I use to work with a gal in our transcription department before being outsourced a couple years ago and I hear she is now working at another local hospital doing coding, as she went and took the coding classes and got a certificate and passed the required tests. It took her no time at all, as she apparently had already had most of the requirements out the way and only had a few classes to take in order to get her certificate and be eligible to take the required tests to work as a coder. Just food for thought, as I read so many posts on here about people looking to get out of MT. Thanks for reading.

What state has a "coding test"? - NewsToMe

[ In Reply To ..]
Could you please share what state has a "coding test"?

I have been in this field for more than 15 years, but have never heard of a state that required, or even offered, a coding test.

I have heard that one state, Texas, I think, requires coders to be certified, which requires testing, i.e., the CPC test, but that requires no courses and it is not a state test -- and I have never seen that alleged requirement anywhere but on one school's website -- so I am a little confused by what you are saying.

Could you please explain?

Excuse my wording - Im obviously still in the research phase. - but whatever tests there are

[ In Reply To ..]
that you have to take in order to work in coding is what I should have said.

I know that once you recieve a certificate or complete the classes that there is a test you have to take. Obviously "state test" was a poor choice of words, but I think you catch my drift. Point being, there may be more people out there closer than what they think to having the necessary education to complete a coding program (if you will - again maybe poor choice of wording, but you know what Im getting at).

And not only coding, but other options to transition into different lines of work for those who choose. So please lets not turn this into a coding thread; it was more less an FYI type of thing - Just me wanting to share, thats all.

Maybe I missed something - Wondering

[ In Reply To ..]
But how can you be 3 credits away from a coding certificate if you have not studied coding? I did not see that mentioned in any of the courses you said you had taken.

PLEASE SEE INSIDE FOR ANSWERS - Thanks.

[ In Reply To ..]
I copied and pasted this from the course catelog of one of my local community colleges. Many of these classes I have already taken for pre-reqs for nursing and the rest for MT. I am only missing the ones for coding, as it was not my intention to go into coding; I started out going to school for nursing and ended up taking a bunch of classes for medical transcription. Also, I did not say I was "3 credits away" I said I was "3 CLASSES AWAY."

Medical Coding Specialist
34 Semester Hours

The medical coding program is a one-year certificate designed
to prepare individuals to code medical documents in a variety of
healthcare settings (acute, long-term care, and outpatient). Medical
Coding is the process of reviewing medical information documented
in patient records to translate the documentation into codes that
are utilized for billing, statistics, research, and many other purposes.
Instruction regarding coding and reimbursement systems as well as
thorough understating of code sets, billing and fraudulent coding will be
emphasized

Program Prerequisite:

OTEC 101 (or proficiency) Keyboarding
OTEC 102 (or proficiency) Document Formatting
ACSM 120 (or proficiency) Microcomputers in
Office Management
General Education Requirements
BIOL 121 Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology
ENGL 101 Composition I
Total 7

Required Core
ACSM 155 Word Processing - MS Word
HIT 211 Classification & Indexing I
HIT 212 Classification & Indexing II
HIT 294 Medical Coding Specialist Practicum
HLTH 110 Medical Terminology.
HLTH 111 Diseases of the Human Body
HLTH 135 Pharmacology for Health Professionals
HLTH 202 Professional Issues in Health Care
HLTH 209 Advanced Medical Terminology
Total 27

*ACSM 155 requires prerequisite coursework in the use of computer
applications. That prerequisite can be satisfied by taking courses or by
passing ACSM placement tests.

Not enough to find a job in this market sm - coder

[ In Reply To ..]
My community college offers a course like this one, only with a couple more coding courses added. Their students cannot even pass the CCA, much less the CPC. This course might lead to an entry level job in medical records or a medical receptionist job, providing you could compete with all of the new grads (who may have credentials).

And, I'm sorry, but I think that an MT is better than that. Please at least consider going through the AAPC or AHIMA coding program and get a credential. Make them pay you what you are worth. I'd hate to see you end up like all of the other community college graduates out there. They can't find work.

Not all community colleges are the same - I took both CC and AAPC courses

[ In Reply To ..]
...and the community college courses were FAR better than the AAPC course. I considered the AAPC course to be a waste of money. Didn't even waste my time finishing it once I realized how useless it was, and I went ahead and passed the CPC entirely on the strength of the CC courses I had taken years before.

I don't know why I'm bothering, but here goes - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm glad that you had a good experience and have been so successful. You are the exception and not the rule. For the record, I didn't paint all community colleges to be the same.

Surely we can agree that the particular syllabus posted would not prepare a student adequately to pass board exams and to learn ICD-10? Why is passing board exams important? You can't get hired as a coder without credentials and experience. Period. Keep it real, please. No unicorn stories.

I think that a four-year degree with hard science courses (with labs) will soon be needed, if not already, for anything beyond entry-level coding. To not talk about the realities of this career is a disservice to people considering this path.

True coding is difficult to break into. Everyone wants experience and I don't care who you know. If an applicant doesn't have the credentials, no one is going to trust them with something as important as coding. Why would they risk the financial health of the organization in doing so?

It used to be more possible to work your way into a coding position in an outpatient setting, but providers are more financially-strapped than ever.

AGREE, AGREE, AGREE - Very realistic take on it (nm)

[ In Reply To ..]
Nm

Perhaps you should re-read my posts - see msg

[ In Reply To ..]
Again, one of my previous co-workers went through this college and she is now working for a local hospital doing coding, not as a medical records clerk and not a receptionist, but coding.

Also, I never said for a fact this is what I had planned on doing, only said it was an option since I was so close, its worth considering. I work for a large health network (very big in my state) and when positions open up, they consider internal employees first before they post the job opening to the public. So *IF* I decided to take this route, at least I would have a foot in the door.

Another thing worth mentioning is that the previous hospital I worked for as a transcriptionist had coders who did not have RHIT or RHIA, some of them had a 4 year degree with those credentials and some did not. Those that did not went through community colleges, took the tests CPC or whatever (not a coding expert) and they are working right along side the ones with 4 year degrees.

I should also mention, I have never heard of Andrews (the on-line school) other than on this board (seems to be talked about a lot here).

Most everyone I know obtain their education via a University or community college - The traditional way. And Im a bit baffled why "community colleges" seem frowned upon in your post?

Your post insinuated the education provided by a community college is not good enough? Since you said most people who go through a community college cannot pass the test? Where did you get those statistics? And now Im curious where did you go to school?

At any rate, all that aside, I am probably leaning more towards nursing. My job offers a really good RN program, and as I mentioned in my original post, that is what I started out going to school for. So I will probably stick with it.

My original post was like I said, food for thought. Many people are looking to get into other jobs and who knows, my post could have served as an encouragement to someone. There is more than one way to skin a cat, your way is not the only way. But thanks for the advice.

Whatever - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
The syllabus you posted is underwhelming for someone who wants a position in "coding". I thought my post was accurate and encouraging. I'm surprised at how rude and arrogant your response is to something I took the time to try to help you with. I'm done wasting my time.

Pass rates - Someone else

[ In Reply To ..]
I think you are the WWW who was on the coding board until someone suggested you should use the links provided to find information.

The pass rates for their exams are on the exam website. When 40-some-percent of first-time test takers fail the test, it tells you that programs are not preparing students well.

Sorry - Wondering

[ In Reply To ..]
That was my mistake, thank you for taking the time to clear up the confusion.

Similar Messages:

Jan 20, 2015

Has anybody left medical transcription at home to become a medical scribe? I have an opportunity to do so but there aren't any scribes currently in my area and I don't know anyone who has worked as a scribe before. The scribe position starting pay is almost double what I make as an MT per hour so it is very tempting, I just don't know much about it. ...

May 29, 2013

I have found a few things on these companies but was looking to find a little more in depth information from past or current employees. ...

Jun 25, 2014

Anyone hear from them yet? Over 1100 views, that means a billion resumes. ...

Oct 15, 2009

A legal contact was inquiring about the connection of medical mistakes related to off-shored transcription mistakes. I have told him to review these boards and hopefully he will benefit from the information here. While he did not discuss the exact case, I think that he will be able to use the off-shore transcription issue to his client's benefit or at least highlight that the provider in question does not have as rigorous control on processing records as other pr ...

Mar 06, 2010

I've been in the medical transcription industry for 16 years and dont have any clue what HB medical transcription is. There is a job posted which has been filled, but I for the life of me cannot figure that out, unless it is hispanic/bilingual. Can someone help me out! ...

Jul 24, 2010

Does anyone know if the Virtual Learning Center still exists? I am not getting any responses to emails to them. The website has changed since the last time I looked at it. Also, I thought they were supposed to be the third best of the top three medical transcription companies to learn from. If they are not, who is? ...

Sep 09, 2010

Any info on JLG pros/cons, pay would be greatly appreciated. ...

Jan 21, 2011

I have a certificate through Stratford Career Institute and have had a hard time trying to get employment. I don't have any prior experience in the medical transcription field and am very interested in getting pointed in the right direction on what to do from here on how I can further a career in this field. If anyone can be of some help please let me know. ...

Feb 02, 2011

I am an independent contractor. Have always charged per line count. Have an opportunity to transcribe 30 minute audio interviews. Any thoughts on what or how to charge for this? Thanks! ...

Apr 02, 2011

Has anyone ever tried taking the typing test for QED transcription? For some reason I am not getting into the testing site. '( ...

Sep 01, 2011

I answered an ad for U.S. Transcription posted on MT Jobs, was asked to test, and within an hour of submitting my test I was offered a job. After my heart came down from a happy dance at an actual job offer, I found I really have some things to think about before I say yes. This would be for 2nd shift, non-medical transcription at 0.06/cpl for straight transcription, 0.03/cpl if a company provided template is used. I suppose I need to ask what my expected production would be before ...

Nov 14, 2011

I am looking into the Medical Transcription field but wanted to get info about the field from those that are in it before I take the plunge. I'm not looking at earning a huge salary or medical benefits etc, just some extra to help the HH income. I'm looking at Career Step for my certificate. Any factual info or career experience would be appreciated. ...

Mar 24, 2012

Has anyone heard anything about this transcription company or done any work for them? What was your experience? Thanks. ...

Apr 20, 2012

I'm fairly new to medical transcription. I received my certification in 2010 and was a little discouraged when applying for jobs and they were all looking for experienced agents to work from home. I've recently decided to start back looking for work and decided to offer my services free of charge just to get the experience so I can apply in a year or two for actual paying work. Has anyone else done this or know how to get started? Or even know someone who needs a transcription intern? ...

May 03, 2012

Watch out for this company .... They seem a bit strange. ...

May 12, 2012

Has anyone heard of USA Medical Transcription, Inc?? I can't find a website for them although when I do a reverse (fax) number look-up, it says it's in Palm Beach, FL. Info is appreciated! ...

Sep 25, 2012

Anyone ever do non-medical transcription? I'm interested to know if you liked it. I tried it for a few days and just decided it wasn't for me. A lot of it was phone conversations and was very hard to understand and I ended up leaving lots of blanks. The pay was bad too and I gave it up today. It was like torture to me to sit and listen to this voice file and one was almost 2 hours long that I did not finish before I quit. Appreciate anyone's input into this. I am feeling ba ...

Dec 08, 2012

I'm a 2011 MT grad who posted not long ago looking for advice. While googling MT companies to apply to, I found some non-medical transcription services, namely one that transcribes dialogue from a video for production/entertainment companies. This site had instructions and a download to take the test. What the heck, I'm going to take it and see what happens. Since MT is practically a dead-end career, I've been trying to come up with ther ways to utilize my ...

Apr 29, 2013

I WANT out. I have applied for numerous jobs, what I do, I just want to hit a time cloc just to have something to get out. I don't carek. I am so tired of being stressed and the happy days, when I have tons of work, just to be hit the next day with zero work, and stress on my off days that maybe I should log in and "catch up". I WANT out. I have applied for numerous jobs, not even caring what I do, I just want to hit a time clock and KNOW what my schedule will be and KNOW how ...

Aug 23, 2013

I quit a job a dozen years ago to jump into the "Work At Home" dream. I had little money, was quite naive, worked from dark to dark with absolutely no help from the small MTSO, who later ripped me off $5,000. BUT, I learned. After my first experience with "running out of work", I just found more work. I got unusually lucky and found a job and was MTing again in a few days. That gig gave me nearly 10 years of working for another small MTSO. I got busy and made tons of mon ...

Nov 25, 2014

think I am in need of a change been doing this 40 years, so was considering non-medical transcription instead. Anyone know of any companies worth checking out. Also been looking outside of home but reaching retirement age anyway, so figure would not even have a chance in the outside world. TIA ...

Oct 21, 2009

Anyone out there work for New England Medical Transcription? I'm interested in them and hoping to get hired on their clinic accounts whenever they start hiring for them again... Are they good about keeping you in work during the time when you want to work? Any pros, cons, good or bad experiences will be appreciated! Thanks! ...

Oct 26, 2009

x ...

Nov 02, 2009

I am doing online school for MT and was told last night that there won't be any need for MT's after July 2010 as all the DRs are required to go electronic and they will be just speaking into a computer and the computer will do this for them. Is this true? I was so hoping to make a great career out of this. Any input appreciated. ...

Nov 12, 2009

Hello i want to study for Medical transcription.. course and want to know any suggestions for on-line school.. and is it possible to get a job after finishing the school right away... please advz thanks much ...

Nov 13, 2009

thanks ...

Feb 18, 2010

What is Winky-boc and what is the correct spelling for medical transcription? ...

Feb 22, 2010

I finally graduated from MT training and wonder if anyone is willing to give a new graduate a beginning chance. I have filled out many applications but the bottom line is that they want 3-5 years of experience. How does one get a foot in the door. Thanks celloman ...

Mar 06, 2010

In previous posts I mentioned that I was let go of a home medical transcription job because I didn't produce the "perfect" amount of work that was needed right away... Anyways, as I mentioned previously, I got this home medical transcription job only a month after I graduated from Rasmussen College and was let go just last month. The story was, when she first hired me she said it would take me 6 months to get perfect at my job, then after the first month she told me she needed me to be per ...

Mar 06, 2010

In 1972 we were clerk-typists paid by the hour. We used IBM typewriters, paper, carbon paper, and white out. We could ask the doctors any questions to help clarify their dictations. We could use the medical reference library to research topics we needed to learn about. We could request patient's chart from medical records to check out any reports we needed. If there was no work, we could go the observation area in the OR and watch procedures or view tapes of procedures to familiar ...