A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry
Choosing a school - sorry for any redundancy - AM
Posted: Nov 09, 2012
Hello, I have been thoroughly researching schools and it has been an interesting path.
First, I was looking at Career Step, but became nervous that there are apparently a good deal of unhappy people who took the course and regretted it.
Then I looked at M-Tec. They provide no info about MT on their website, so I emailed them. Turns out they are not accepting students until the spring and I was informed to check back then. When I asked when in the spring, they could not give an answer. They also said they could not give me info about course content since it was taken off the site. You mean they don't have access to that info themselves? Strange.
So now I'm looking at Andrews but based on their website, it doesn't seem like they cover voice recognition editing which I think is really important now that the field is changing so much.
Any advice? I would love to hear more recent words of wisdom about these schools. Thank you.
Schools - Anonymous
[ In Reply To ..]I have not heard of anyone from Career Step regretting their choice. At M-Tec, you probably spoke to a phone operator who would not know course content, not strange. Perhaps they are rethinking having an MT program at all. It may not "seem" that Andrews covers VR editing but perhaps the website does not contain the most up to date information. My advice would be to call and speak to an instructor or the owner. You probably need to learn the basics first anyway, no one just sits down and starts transcribing. My advice would be to look into other career choices. Regardless of school, you are going to have trouble finding decent employment as a transcriptionist.
Re: Schools - AM
[ In Reply To ..]Thank you for the advice.
schools - why
[ In Reply To ..]I assume you are looking at MT schools, maybe if the school has no MT information right now, that might be a hint.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE AN MT? Have you not read the posts about those in the business for years are looking to get out????
Re: why - AM
[ In Reply To ..]My goodness, such negativity.
I could guess they are not posting information because they do not want to train any more students right now, but of course I have no idea.
I see both good and bad posts--it's hard to decide what's valid.
schools - why - why
[ In Reply To ..]Why are you shouting at her?
M Tech - Anonymous
[ In Reply To ..]The first thing an MT needs are research skills. I just visited the M-Tech web site. There is plenty of MT info there and it looks like they offer some good CE classes (A and P, HIPAA, etc.), I suggest going back and reading what is actually there.
PS - Anonymous
[ In Reply To ..]The M-Tec course outline is on the web site. I found it without any trouble.
Website - AM
[ In Reply To ..]I'm not sure where you're looking because even the admissions counselor stated that the info is not on the website.
I only see info for CE courses.
schools - sn
[ In Reply To ..]I recently graduated from the Andrews School. I began by visiting the AHDI website and finding their list of approved schools. I narrowed it down to 2 or 3. I called Andrews and had a discussion with Linda Andrews, the owner. She was very nice but firm when I said I thought I could make it through the course in 6 or 6 months because I'm an x-ray tech and have been in the medical field for a VERY long time. I'm extremely glad I chose them, and I feel like I got an excellent education. It took a lot longer than 6 months. I had no idea all that was involved in learning to be a good MT! A lot of companies will consider recent Andrews grads simply because of their reputation in the industry. I have nothing but good things to say about them and would highly recommend them to anyone considering an MT course.
Look again - Anonymous
[ In Reply To ..]Look under "about us" and you will see a link to the course curriculum. They include VR and straight transcription in their program as well as some other things you will need to know.
Re: the "M-Tech" (sic) post by Anonymous - Daisy
[ In Reply To ..]I think you missed the whole point of her post.
I took the Career Step course - Maggie May
[ In Reply To ..]If I had it to do over, I would definitely choose Andrews School. It's a much better school and you learn a lot more. Although if I had to do it over, I wouldn't enter this field at all. Some MTs are still doing ok, but many are not. I have changed jobs several times in the last couple of years, and if I lose the job I currently have, I will be looking for something other than MT. And with all the experienced MTs scrambling for decent work, it's VERY difficult for a newbie trying to enter the field - even an Andrews grad.
I'm an M-TEC grad. I was a student way back when - Susan Francis was in
[ In Reply To ..]charge. I know it has changed a lot since then, but I still get emails fairly regularly for employers who want to hire M-TEC grads. That said, I do not think the problem in this business is getting a job. The problem is getting a job that pays very well. I would encourage you to think long and hard about your reasons for wanting to be an MT and what you really want to get out of it before starting any program. If you still decide MT is still right for you, then I do not think you could go wrong with Andrews.
VR Training - Old, Old MT
[ In Reply To ..]VR training depends on the software you are using at the company. It's not complicated, you just fix the work, as you would fix your own errors if you typed it yourself, only multiply that by 100 and factor in confusion because the sounds-like words are all in front of you and it messes up your brain.
That being said, and you seriously want to do this, do it right and go to Andrews. I would seriously encourage you to think REALLY HARD and decide if you should do this.
Check out the AHDI website. - link provided
[ In Reply To ..]AHDI, formerly AAMT
My advice about AHDI - Longtimer
[ In Reply To ..]is to AVOID them.
Longtimer - Old Pro
[ In Reply To ..]Better advice was never given. Avoid AHDI like the plague it is.
I Third That Motion! - Useless organization for MTs
[ In Reply To ..]That place means nothing in terms of being for MTs. If you just like to join organizations, join something useful that actually helps people for real.
MTEC grad - Leaving MT
[ In Reply To ..]I am an MTEC grad, graduated back in 2008. I still get regular e-mails about job openings, but I agree with the other poster - the real problem in MT is finding a decent-paying job or a job in which you consistently have work. MTEC has been bought out a few times since I went, so I no longer know what kind of MT training they provide. I would recommend Andrews. I do not think you can go wrong with Andrews. I would strongly urge you to consider very carefully going into the MT field. It is brutal. I'm currently training for something else.
Choosing a school - Andrews - Old Pro
[ In Reply To ..]My advice would be to call Ms. Andrews and speak to her personally. I have never met her nor corresponded with her, but I have seen the stellar grads her school produces and know that many of them have job offers before they even graduate! I think if you were to have an interview with someone at Andrews, it could clarify a lot for you. I know many MTSOs who would hire an Andrews grad right out of the box. The quality of its grads speaks for itself. And no, I am not affiliated with the school, never have been, but was a rather major MTSO in California before retirement.
Schools - AJ
[ In Reply To ..]As far as schools go my understanding is that Careerstep and Andrews both have good programs. As far as being a transcriptionist, if it is your sole source of income I would say choose a different career. The pay stinks and working conditions are very poor and getting worse. You can download a free copy of my book today about transcription at Amazon. You don't need a Kindle, you can download a free veiwer to your computer to read it. Just go to Amazon and search for "Inside Medical transcription" under kindle category and you should find it. It will tell you a lot of what you like to know before making this career decision.
AJ King
Similar Messages:
Redundancy Tags.
Mar 11, 2010
Does ASR ever learn, really? Ever ever ever ever EVER??? I'm always placing redundancy tags over the exact same phrases by the exact same dictators, over and over and over and over and over again. And again. Okay. I feel better now. ...
Doctors Love Redundancy...
Aug 15, 2010
...this could be lethal and even leading to death. ...
Need Help In Choosing The Certificate!
Jul 29, 2010
I have completed the medical transcription course with an excellent grade. I am asked to either choose a letter of completion from them, at no cost or a certificate from a list of colleges (with a nominal fee, I do not mind paying). I need suggestions please. Thanks! ...
Choosing An Online MT Course
Jun 08, 2011
Hi, I am considering an online MT course to get certified. I have been doing transcription for 6 1/2 years for a mental health agency. I have been doing some online research and there are so many schools/courses to choose from! Which are the best? Accredited? Financial aid or pay as you go? I want to work from home to supplement my income but find that most places you must be certified, have experience, etc.... I have the experience in psychiatry/p ...
Employer Picking And Choosing Which Bennies To Give Me
Mar 10, 2014
I've been working for these people for 7 months as a full-time employee. I have recently changed careers in the medical field and the administrator knows this and he knows i am searching for a job in my new career, which he supported me in. It's time to order uniforms for the office staff (they provide 4 sets) and he tells me he wants me to write a letter stating that I am not leaving or searching for another job before he orders my uniforms because he does not want to pay ...
Medtrans MT School? Anyone Heard Of This? Looking To Start MT School That Is Affordable.
Dec 21, 2011
:) ...
Has Anyone Ever Gone Through Allied School For Coding? Other School Recommendations?
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 ...
Coding School - Considering Going To A School
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 ...
MT School
Mar 08, 2010
Does anyone know a good MT school course? There are so many of them out, but not sure which ones are worth trying. TIA. ...
How Is School Going For Everyone?
May 22, 2010
I know a lot of MTs are back in school, how are you progressing? I'm waiting for my FAFSA at the moment and am taking 9 more credits this summer (if everything goes smoothly) We are living on my husband's income and have had to cut down on quite a bit. I plan on getting my MSW, hopefully within three to four years. Anyone else want to share? ...
School Help!
May 09, 2012
Hi there...I am wondering if anyone has any advice about which school might be a better idea and why for Medical Transcription: At Home Professions Career Step I live in Minnesota, want to work only from home, have 3 4 year college degrees, one a Master's. thanks! ...
Meditec School
Nov 30, 2009
I am looking into taking a course with Meditec. Unfortnately, I cannot find any information about this on the boards. If anyone has taken their billing/coding course, please let me know if you were prepared for employment when done. Thanks in advance. ...
Has Anyone Gone To Allied For MT School?
Dec 31, 2009
Just wondering if anyone went to Allied Medical Schooling for MT and how they liked it? How did you do and if you felt prepared for work after getting done with it? I just want to know how others done with it and how they liked it? ...
School Questions . . .
Jan 19, 2010
Okay, so I know there are recommended schools out there. But what about the local community college? If I were to take coding classes there, could I get certified? What about some of these online schools? Can you coders share your schooling/training experience please? ...
MT Course At ALLIED Med School
Jan 23, 2010
Has anyone heard anything about Allied Medical School's Medical Transcription course? They are approved by AHDI, the price is reasonable (not cheapest but not most expensive) and the course includes a laptop, CD materials and actual textbooks(unlike CareerStep that provides photo copies). I want to get started on my schooling but I want to make the best choice I can. Any info/feed back would be greatly appreciated. ...
Is 40 Too Old To Go Back To School?
Feb 02, 2010
Being an MT is not paying my bills. I am thinking about going back to school, but I am 40 and it has been so long since I was in high school. I have to google to help my son with his 4th grade homework let alone do college math. AND it will be 2 to 4 years before I will get a good job. I am leaning towards radiology tech, lab tech, or maybe nursing. Can't decide just yet but I know that EMR isn't going to be taking those jobs away!!! Any advice ...
To Those Back In School
Mar 01, 2010
How are you adjusting? Today is my first day and I want to pull my hair out, lol! I know I need to give myself a chance to adjust, but i'm the type I want to learn quickly so I don't stress over it or feel incompetent. I'm just rusty I guess, I hope I get into the groove of things, maybe get to the point where I enjoy it. Just wondering how you all are doing with the school or profession change. I've been an MT so long I feel like i'm c ...
Quitting School
Mar 06, 2010
I am taking MT at Career Step, but I am unable to understand these doctors even if I slow down or speed up. I think I am going to quit because how can you transcribe if you can not understand. Can anyone give me some input? ...
Picking The Right School
Mar 16, 2010
I am trying to find a school to get a medical transcription certification. There seem to be so many, but Penn Foster's seems the most affordable. To anyone with experience/knowledge is this a good school that will enable me to find work once completed? ...
Anyone Going Back To School
May 04, 2010
How do you get a loan to help pay bills while in school? I'm in the middle of a FAFSA loan for fall semester, but she told me it is for school only. Someone said they were using part of it to supplement the household income? What kind of loan would that be? TIA ...
Online Or At School
Jun 26, 2010
I am just curious. Is there a big difference between online coding classes and going into school? I feel (I am taking online course) that maybe going into the classroom would be most beneficial. ...
BACK TO SCHOOL
Jul 12, 2010
Like so many others at MQ and everywhere, I went back to school, spent 4 1/2 years and $40 K+. That was 1 1/2 years ago. I cannot get a job teaching nor subbing, not even in a clerical capacity. Student loan has come due and I'm back to struggling here at Q, making hardly enough to pay bills, much less take on the $350 a month student loan payment. I got a degree in education and in our city there are now problems in the major district, citing crooked administration ...
Who Is Going Back To School....
Sep 18, 2010
Just wondering who is going back to school, or planning to, and what you are studying. ...
Recommend MT School
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 ...
Getting Certified Without Going To School
Sep 29, 2010
Would it be possible to get certified if you have not attended school? I have a friend who has worked as a coder for almost 20 years and has never pursued her certification. Can she just take the test and become certified and still reap the same benefits as someone who completed a course and then became certified? I am trying to convince her to do it and have even offered to help her study but I wanted to make sure she doesn't have to attend school to do so. ...
Fresh Out Of School And In Need Of Help!
Oct 19, 2010
I just finished with schooling through Penn Foster and their idea of job placement was sending me to their "Alumni" website to look for job opening...in which all were still requiring experience. Are there any companies out there that will hire a newbie?! How are you supposed to get the experience, if no one is willing to give it to you? Does anyone know of any companies doing internships? I'm definitely in need of some help, so any suggestions that are given, I'm wi ...
Coding School????
Nov 04, 2010
Hi, I am looking into taking courses through a local community college for coding and wanted to know if this would be adequate enough to find a job once I have finished. It is a 32 credit hour program and stated that I would have a medical coding certificate once I completed the courses. I just don't want to spend money on a school/program that won't do me any good once I finish. I already feel I did this with my medical transcription course and don't want to waste any more money. ...
School Medworkshops
Nov 13, 2010
I wan'ted to know if anyone know if medworkshops is a good school? ...
Have Transcribed 30 Yrs, Been Away From It 4 Yrs, Almost Done With MT School To Get RMT, How Can I F
Dec 08, 2010
I was a transcriptionist for 30 years. I have been away from it the last 4 years, except I am a full time online MT student at an approved school through AHDI. I'm due to graduate in July and get my RMT, then I want to get my CMT. I can't find a job transcribing! Does anyone have any suggestions? Everyone seems to want someone with "recent" experience. I haven't forgotten much after transcribing 30 years and I need a job! Help, please! ...
Going Back To School?
Apr 20, 2011
I am almost 51. I have been in this profession as well as many other aspects from receptionist to office manager. I was doing transcription when it was considered "just typist". I have taken so many classes, for my own benefit of course, on terminology, anatomy, etc., and of course they were not count toward a degree because hey were all continuing ed courses. I wonder if it stupid for me to go back to school. Problem is, I could do most managemen ...